BMW X5 Transmission Problems & Overview

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.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

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.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

How to Diagnose & Fix

  1. Check the OBD Codes
  2. Check the fluid level
  3. Test transmission pressure
  4. Drop the transmission pan
  5. Repair, replace or rebuild

What to Read Next

Over to You

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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

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Stephen Connor
6 months ago

When I put the car in gear it makes a grinding noise and the car doesn’t move in drive or reverse,2001 BMW sport edition x5 around 205,000 miles

Anonymous
11 months ago

No reverse

Cody W.
1 year ago

When accelerating fast it enters fail safe mode but does not always get stuck in gear it will switch back to normal after about a minute and loss of power with heaitation

Rick
1 year ago

2004 X5 404i has a 5f42 code but runs great

Keith Taylor
1 year ago

2006 x5 3.0i rolls forward in drive an nutral freely and goes into gear in reverse but will not roll backwards even in nutral. All breaks are fine fluid levels are good no leaks nowhere. The dsc and 4×4 light is stuck on also. It tries to back up the breaks are free but it acts like something is in a bind any suggestions?

Paul
1 year ago

I have a code in the instrument cluster that says communication with the component transmission control unit open circuit in wiring it’s a bmw e53 2005 3.0diesel it also won’t start you get dash lights but no crank

Last edited 1 year ago by Paul
Kendra
1 year ago

2002 BMW X5 4.4 automatic, check engine light , Trans cooling failure light, service engine soon, throws PO6OO. Also has had brake abs, but may be unrelated.

Sam Bourne
1 year ago

2002 x5 e53 3.0d. 5 speed GM 5L40-E auto… Vehicle suddenly lost all drive, nothing worked. Changed oil, oil filter, flushed and changed the 3 main solinoids. Vehicle drove but no reverse. Changed the box out for a known running box. Same service as thr old box. Still got the same problem. The Vehicle will drive so far in neutral (N) and wants to pull in park (P) when (R) is selected, the vehicle now engages but revs like its in neutral. Any help would be appreciated… 🤷‍♂️

Anonymous
1 year ago
Reply to  Sam Bourne

Also got this problem did you get it fixed?

Stephen Hawes
1 year ago

Hi I’m not sure if it’s transmission related but from the rear left I can hear a grinding noise and like a whir whir whir sound when constantly driving is this Differential

Adam Maben
2 years ago

E53 x5 3.0d sport 6speed auto trouble selecting gears especially lower gears even in manual mode and sport once a gear has been selected and you stay in that gear its fine I’ve replaced the gearbox filter and obviously put new oil in and it’s made no difference I have purchased but not installed a new actuator gear for the transfer box I do get the 4×4 light on occasionally but no other lights. It’s a 2005 right hand drive with 135000mls

Last edited 2 years ago by Adam Maben
John ward
2 years ago

2005 x5 3.0d 6 speed auto fz No forward drive after transmission service but reverse drive is perfect

Last edited 2 years ago by John ward
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