E39 Drive problem can anyone help identify it?
Discussion
My wife has just reported back that the something definitely wrong with our trusty family and so far super reliable 520 E39.
The car was driving normally however after 30 minutes into her journey the car wouldn't pull away without dialling in 3500rpm and then it would only crawl away. The automatic creep action was also absent when she had her foot off the brake pedal also.
The engine is idling correctly and smoothly.
There are NO warning lights appearing on the dash apart from the power steering fluid light, which coincidently appeared as soon as this problem occurred.
She told me that the ABS and traction control lights flashed on and of right away when she had to brake firmly in her journey.
Anyway she has got the car back to her mums is east London. Unfortunately I don't know of any decent BMW mechanics out there and so am worried about taking to some dodgy firm who are just going to bung it on a generic diagnostic.
Does anyone recognise these symptoms? Any clues to what could be the problem?
Could it be the automatic transmission?
The car was driving normally however after 30 minutes into her journey the car wouldn't pull away without dialling in 3500rpm and then it would only crawl away. The automatic creep action was also absent when she had her foot off the brake pedal also.
The engine is idling correctly and smoothly.
There are NO warning lights appearing on the dash apart from the power steering fluid light, which coincidently appeared as soon as this problem occurred.
She told me that the ABS and traction control lights flashed on and of right away when she had to brake firmly in her journey.
Anyway she has got the car back to her mums is east London. Unfortunately I don't know of any decent BMW mechanics out there and so am worried about taking to some dodgy firm who are just going to bung it on a generic diagnostic.
Does anyone recognise these symptoms? Any clues to what could be the problem?
Could it be the automatic transmission?
Hi,
As far as I am aware there is no warning light for the power steering fluid level.
It sounds as if the car may have gone into "limp home mode". It will do this if there is a problem with the the auto box. In this case the auto transmission warning light (Yellow - in the shape of a circle with an exclaimation mark in the centre - located at the far right, bottom line of the cluster.) will be illuminated.
It may clear on a re-start, - worth a try but would still need to be checked for stored fault codes.
Hope this helps.
As far as I am aware there is no warning light for the power steering fluid level.
It sounds as if the car may have gone into "limp home mode". It will do this if there is a problem with the the auto box. In this case the auto transmission warning light (Yellow - in the shape of a circle with an exclaimation mark in the centre - located at the far right, bottom line of the cluster.) will be illuminated.
It may clear on a re-start, - worth a try but would still need to be checked for stored fault codes.
Hope this helps.
Sometimes it's the three solenoids too that go.
I'm not so sure about changing the fluid (although do do the filter). I've heard that the clutch packs rely on the old fluid (with the bits in!) to help bind on (as they get older) - the new oil sometimes means the clutches start to slip more.
Good luck
I'm not so sure about changing the fluid (although do do the filter). I've heard that the clutch packs rely on the old fluid (with the bits in!) to help bind on (as they get older) - the new oil sometimes means the clutches start to slip more.
Good luck
Thanks guys... I searched PH and found that there is a ZF specialist near me in Croyden. Alliance Automatic Company.
I called them and the guy on the other end of the phone sounded so dodgy... but what can I do they are a ZF authorised service and repair centre after all. Perhaps I am being a bit paranoid because I am in fear of being ripped off. No grounds for that feeling but I'm just narked.
I really didn't want to spend any money of the E39 as I was planning an upgrade for an X5 for the wife.
Sod law.
Anyway he told me they'll stick it on the diagnostic and go from there. I guess it might be something simple and I'll get the ATF and filter replaced or it might be something bigger.
Lets see what they say after its been on their machine.
Ho hum
I called them and the guy on the other end of the phone sounded so dodgy... but what can I do they are a ZF authorised service and repair centre after all. Perhaps I am being a bit paranoid because I am in fear of being ripped off. No grounds for that feeling but I'm just narked.
I really didn't want to spend any money of the E39 as I was planning an upgrade for an X5 for the wife.
Sod law.
Anyway he told me they'll stick it on the diagnostic and go from there. I guess it might be something simple and I'll get the ATF and filter replaced or it might be something bigger.
Lets see what they say after its been on their machine.
Ho hum
Hi Rennsport
I'm no mechanic either, however the symptoms description you've given do sound like something major - read expensive - has given up.You don't say the age of the car and gearbox etc. Hopefully it will be something 'relatively' cheap to fix!
However, I've posted about my experience with my Auto on my 2003 530d - Mine is ex police, so probably led a very busy and active life, if not relatively gruelling compared to a privately owned car. I bought it at 150K miles and it failed at 172K miles. When I started ringing around I spoke to quite a few people and also a few contacts in the trade. They told me what I later learnt in various internet posts/forums etc.
As my car was a late E39 on a 2003, the gearbox was also present in X5's etc. Quite a few of the rebuilder's said it was common for these gearboxes to let go at around 150K miles, as they'd done plenty with that mileage on E39's and X5's. I was thrown figures like 1800, 1850, 2000 and 2200 +VAT (circa april 2007) I then took it to Automatic Man in Acton, West London and they did a full rebuild using BMW parts for £1250+VAT. That's the one I went for - and been fine ever since and I'm now showing 201K miles.
if it is things like the connectors/solenoids etc then perhaps it won't be like the above - if your car is older, and the miles are creeping up then it might be the above. Some owners have reported failures of their gearboxes with low miles like 70K and other's still running past 250K miles on their original. Overall, consensus is 'around' 150K miles and it's 'possible' it's 'likely' to give up!
You could save a bit and go for a breaking E39 with a 2nd hand gearbox, which I'd say you'd probably pickup for around £200 or so. No idea on cost of fitting. However, if you reply and tell me which model and year your car is, I do know of a breaking E39 right now which may help you.
Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
I'm no mechanic either, however the symptoms description you've given do sound like something major - read expensive - has given up.You don't say the age of the car and gearbox etc. Hopefully it will be something 'relatively' cheap to fix!
However, I've posted about my experience with my Auto on my 2003 530d - Mine is ex police, so probably led a very busy and active life, if not relatively gruelling compared to a privately owned car. I bought it at 150K miles and it failed at 172K miles. When I started ringing around I spoke to quite a few people and also a few contacts in the trade. They told me what I later learnt in various internet posts/forums etc.
As my car was a late E39 on a 2003, the gearbox was also present in X5's etc. Quite a few of the rebuilder's said it was common for these gearboxes to let go at around 150K miles, as they'd done plenty with that mileage on E39's and X5's. I was thrown figures like 1800, 1850, 2000 and 2200 +VAT (circa april 2007) I then took it to Automatic Man in Acton, West London and they did a full rebuild using BMW parts for £1250+VAT. That's the one I went for - and been fine ever since and I'm now showing 201K miles.
if it is things like the connectors/solenoids etc then perhaps it won't be like the above - if your car is older, and the miles are creeping up then it might be the above. Some owners have reported failures of their gearboxes with low miles like 70K and other's still running past 250K miles on their original. Overall, consensus is 'around' 150K miles and it's 'possible' it's 'likely' to give up!
You could save a bit and go for a breaking E39 with a 2nd hand gearbox, which I'd say you'd probably pickup for around £200 or so. No idea on cost of fitting. However, if you reply and tell me which model and year your car is, I do know of a breaking E39 right now which may help you.
Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
Hi Dennis,
My (wife's) car is listed in my profile but you are right it would have helpful to list it for information purposes.
2002 BMW E39 520 SE Auto
111,000 miles with full independent history from about 40k.
2 Owners from new.
It doesn't get driven very hard at all really and I surprised the box has had a fault. Still who knows I or a previous owner may have too enthusiatic with it.
I have now arranged for the car to be collected from East London and delivered to Alliance Automatic Company in Croyden to diagnose. I am praying they are straight with me. They are one of the few ZF authorised dealers and technicians for repairs and servicing in the UK. I called ZF and they recommended me to them confirming what I had read on Piston Heads.
I guess the best thing for me to do is wait until they diagnose the issue by plugging the car in. I'll await the news and hopeful report back tomorrow. I am hoping a repair and flush with new filter will be the worst case.
I realise I may have to buy a rebuilt unit and I am bracing myself for a bill similar to that you have paid.
Straight after this I have to shell out for a full inspection 2 service with my local. I usually do all this myself but am away up North due to work. I am having to do all this by remote.
Can I say I really appreciate you informative post. Cheers!
Al
My (wife's) car is listed in my profile but you are right it would have helpful to list it for information purposes.
2002 BMW E39 520 SE Auto
111,000 miles with full independent history from about 40k.
2 Owners from new.
It doesn't get driven very hard at all really and I surprised the box has had a fault. Still who knows I or a previous owner may have too enthusiatic with it.
I have now arranged for the car to be collected from East London and delivered to Alliance Automatic Company in Croyden to diagnose. I am praying they are straight with me. They are one of the few ZF authorised dealers and technicians for repairs and servicing in the UK. I called ZF and they recommended me to them confirming what I had read on Piston Heads.
I guess the best thing for me to do is wait until they diagnose the issue by plugging the car in. I'll await the news and hopeful report back tomorrow. I am hoping a repair and flush with new filter will be the worst case.
I realise I may have to buy a rebuilt unit and I am bracing myself for a bill similar to that you have paid.
Straight after this I have to shell out for a full inspection 2 service with my local. I usually do all this myself but am away up North due to work. I am having to do all this by remote.
Can I say I really appreciate you informative post. Cheers!
Al
Renn Sport said:
I feel sick about it. I'm going to lose thousands on the car. Sh8t happens though.
I am looking into different options like other transmission builders or a 2nd hand box and trading it in.
Any pointers on Transmision builders would be very welcome.
If you are getting rid of it any time soon, put a 2nd hand box in!!I am looking into different options like other transmission builders or a 2nd hand box and trading it in.
Any pointers on Transmision builders would be very welcome.
My wife's 535i has been due for another :rollseyes: fault for a while now and she reported to me today that TRANS FAILSAFE PROG has popped up on the dash. The airbag light has recently illuminated too, which is nice.
I've taken it out for a spin tonight and the fault message pops up when you start it, then disappears, the car drives fine and gearchanges seem pretty normal, turn it off and the message pops up again.
b
d thing, hopefully it's nothing too serious (I've read that a faulty alternator/battery can cause this 
)
It'll be getting a second hand gearbox worst case scenario. I'd rather be spending the hard earned on the TVR than the BMW!
Good luck with getting it sorted.
I've taken it out for a spin tonight and the fault message pops up when you start it, then disappears, the car drives fine and gearchanges seem pretty normal, turn it off and the message pops up again.
b
d thing, hopefully it's nothing too serious (I've read that a faulty alternator/battery can cause this )It'll be getting a second hand gearbox worst case scenario. I'd rather be spending the hard earned on the TVR than the BMW!
Good luck with getting it sorted.
I feel the same as you, I'd rather be spending on the 911 or putting the cash toward upgrading the car for the wife.
She deserves a better car seeing how many toys I bloody well have. She understands my affliction when it comes to all things automotive.
I have some leads on the gearbox rebuilders now and have come to a figure of £1500 for a rebuild.
Now I need to look at getting a second hand box. I need to find a BMW breaker with a box that not already kippered!
Purchase and to have it fitted is going to do me £700, which is half of the rebuild cost effectively.
???
She deserves a better car seeing how many toys I bloody well have. She understands my affliction when it comes to all things automotive.
I have some leads on the gearbox rebuilders now and have come to a figure of £1500 for a rebuild.
Now I need to look at getting a second hand box. I need to find a BMW breaker with a box that not already kippered!
Purchase and to have it fitted is going to do me £700, which is half of the rebuild cost effectively.
???
I have E39 520i ES Auto 52 plate. I noticed a problem with the car while driving to work. The car wouldnt pull away without high rev and then it will crawl and gear wouldnt change. Reverse engages and moves. The orange gear warning light on dashboard was on. I drove straight to BMW approved dealer and they diagnosed that its gearbox failure needing replacement. They said gear oil is burnt with some metal fragment noted. Repairs was estimated at £3600. I reported to dealer as car was only 10 days old with me. Dealer did his checks and claims the car is fine only low gear oil causing the problem. Independent BMW dealer also tested and confirmed the car is fine only low gear oil level. Im now confused as im not sure if dealer have succedded in masking the problem so no one will found it easily. Also, im not sure wether to believe the last report from BMW dealer or stick with the first one i did. Dealer wouldnt refund me and take his car as he insists that car is fine.
Anyone ever had such problem? Please can you let me know how it was resolved? Im knackered and dont wanna spend £3600 on this car.
Anyone ever had such problem? Please can you let me know how it was resolved? Im knackered and dont wanna spend £3600 on this car.
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