Something seems wrong with your X5? Let’s look at some of the most common BMW X5 transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your SUV back on the road.
What Transmission Do I Have?
BMW X5 Recalls
Recall ID – NHTSA: 05V504000 – 2005-2006 X5
Summary
Some automatic equipped 2005-2006 X5 SAV’s were built with an incorrectly manufactured parking prawl guide plate.
Consequence
This could cause the parking lock system not to engage Park when the shifter is placed in the ‘P’ position. If the vehicle is parked on an incline, it could roll away and cause serious damage or injuries.
Remedy
Dealers were instructed to replace the defective guide plate. Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269. Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 05V504000).
Recall ID – NHTSA: 04V409000 – 2004 X5
Summary
X5’s equipped with the 3.0L 6-cyl and a manual transmission, if the truck is slowly moving forward in first gear, with the throttle held in a constant position of low engine speed and the clutch partially released, the engine speed may suddenly increase.
Consequence
This condition could cause the X5 to accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash and/or injury.
Remedy
This recall was issued back in 2004, and dealers were instructed to reprogram the Engine Management Control Unit. Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 04V409000).
BMW X5 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2002-2009 X5 – TSB B24 02 10
Problem:
On X5 models equipped with the GM6 6-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle may not be able to engage a forward or reverse gear.
Solution:
This problem is likely due to a failed gear selector valve, if it has a serial number less than 593323
2004-2006 X5 – TSB B24 01 08
Problem:
On X5 models equipped with the ZF 6HP transmission, the transmission warning light will be illuminated as the transmission enters failsafe mode. Fault code 4F81 (Ratio monitoring, clutch A), in some cases combined with the subsequent faults 507B/507C (Parking gear sensor implausible signal) or 507D (Parking gear incorrectly disengaged), are stored in the EGS control module.
Solution:
Possible causes: a. Low transmission fluid level; or b. Internal transmission pressure leak caused by a defective adapter seal (rectangular) between the transmission housing and the Mechatronic.
X5 equipped with the GM6 transmission – TSB SI B24 04 11
Problem:
On BMW X5’s equipped with the 6-speed automatic, it’s not uncommon to hear a frequent whistling and/or buzzing-type noise coming from the transmission. This noise occurs as soon as the EGS (TEHCM) “wakes up” when the vehicle is unlocked. This noise is heard regardless of whether the engine is running or not. 2. A clicking noise is heard with the engine running and the either the “P” or “N” position is selected.
Solution:
This noise indicates a normal situation which occurs as soon as the EGS (TECHM) “wakes up”; for example, when the vehicle is unlocked. This noise is heard regardless of whether the engine is running or not. 2. To prevent the solenoid valves in the TECHM from jamming or air collecting in the oil passages, the valves are cycled in a frequent manner. This controlling behavior can be heard in some situations. Neither of these noises indicate evidence of a fault, nor are they a result of faulty transmission behavior. Additionally, there is no negative effect on transmission operation or service life.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How to Diagnose & Fix
- Check the OBD Codes
- Check the fluid level
- Test transmission pressure
- Drop the transmission pan
- Repair, replace or rebuild
What to Read Next
Over to You
[poll id=”28″] [poll id=”36″]What Problem Does Your X5 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too
2003bmw X5 4.6is drives fine but when coming to a stop feels like truck downshifts from 2to 1 gear and rough jerk what can this be? Changed tranny filter and fluid seems like it stopped for a day only
Not changing gears
Doesn’t move when in gear . before this I had to rev engine really high before car would move
My x5 won’t select lower gears and won’t go into sport box any advice would be appreciated 👍
My car stuck in park in suggestions
My 2003 bmw x5 4.4 won’t go into gear. Do i need transmission fluid?
My cars been stalling when i stop at light or stops signs like its not shifting right and sometimes have to push pedal all the way to get it goin then all of a sudden will jump and take off to quick. Rpms are going up to high like not shifting fast enough . sometimes if have to hit brakes or hit to hard amd start going again the transmission failsafe program will come on. Itll usaully go off within a few minutes theres beem a few times i had to put the e brake on and turn car off wait 30 seconds to reset it and seems to help it drive a lil better for a while then starts acting up again. I habe also had oil leaks and theres always spots under car where i park. Always had major coolant leak and found out there way a hole in the resoivor and had to get it replaced. Has a burning smell sometimes but could just be my power steering pump going out. Do you think the shifting could be low transmission fluid? Or a sensor going out or is it a defect transmisson???
I have 2006 BMW 325i (129000) mile bought a new and i have this issue My cars been stalling when i stop at light or stops signs like its not shifting right and sometimes have to push pedal all the way to get it goin then all of a sudden will jump and take off to quick. Rpms are going up to high like not shifting fast enough . sometimes if have to hit brakes or hit to hard amd start going again the transmission failsafe program will come on. Itll usaully go off within a few minutes theres beem a few times i had to put the e brake on and turn car off wait 30 seconds to reset it and seems to help it drive a lil better for a while then starts acting up again. I habe also had oil leaks and theres always spots under car where i park. Always had major coolant leak and found out there way a hole in the resoivor and had to get it replaced. Has a burning smell sometimes but could just be my power steering pump going out. Do you think the shifting could be low transmission fluid? Or a sensor going out or is it a defect transmisson???
Fail safe code
Hi there. My X5 (E53) 2005, automatic (ZF 6speed) gearbox is stuck in 3rd gear. On two occasions, it lost drive altogether whilst overtaking. The first time after safely pulling over and restarting, it returned to normal. The second time it only engages into 3rd gear. (Reverse still works fine.) There is also a thermostat issue and the temperature never goes much over a ¹/4. I don’t know it this is related in any way. Also sport mode won’t engage. Not that I’m looking to use it but just hoped it would engage another gear.
I’d appreciate any advice please.
I have a 2002 bmw x5 4.4i with 230000 miles the transmission fail safe light came on now it won’t pick up speed and gets stuck in 1st gear
I have a 2010 X5 diesel with less than 200,000 kilometers. Just had the transmission wiring harness fail/melt. BMW offers no explanation and wants $5000 to repair with no guarantee it won’t happen again.
Any suggestions?
I’m have a 2000 BMW X5 with 144,000 miles on it and I’m having a problem with 1st gear. When I put it in drive I have to give it gas so it builds up enough pressure (this is what it seems like to me) then it will “pop” in gear then goes in limp mode. I can still drive it but I think it stays in one gear the whole time. I’ve have read codes, transmission over temp , throttle angle position sensor, implausible gear (I believe is what it was) speed sensor, and something about pin 15 it told me to look at. I’ve only done a fluid and filter change as well as changing the wiring harness in the transfer and I still have the same issue. I don’t know which way to next without spending a bunch of money that is a simple fix hopefully. I hope you can lead me in the right direction as to where I should go next. Thank you
my gear stuck in D not move to R or N .WHEN I TRY TO MOVED TO D car asked me to push the break bade my car x5 e70 2008 3.osi I NEED HELP
What was wrong with it
Bmwx5 e53 2004 changed transmission oil and filter now it has no pull or go like before sometimes it will and then don’t gutted as it was fine before
2007 x5 take off feels slow if i punch it it jumps quick and fast but slight hesitation sometimes or a bit rough. My biggest concern is that 1st gear take off drive fine just feels like something sluggish or bou d up. Could it just be tranny fluid/filter? 112000 miles.
Won’t go into gear electronicly
I have the same problem. Will drive in manual mode only.
Mine was doing that too now it goes into transmission failure trying to get into fourth and fifth gear
bad grinding noise when put in gear
It have an error cide of EGS temperature sensors plausibilisation nd its permanent
Transmission malfunction .BMW x5 year 09.I had already change transmission oil but problem remain the same.
I have a 2002 X5 4.4. When you start the car it makes a loud whining noise and the transmission shifts up and down
I have a 2019 BMW 2019 X5. While the SUV is running and I THINK in Park, it makes a noise like it is shifting into another gear and starts moving! The BMW technicians say that this is impossible. That the SUV can not shift gears while it is in Park. It has happened 3 times. Does anyone know what could be causing this?