There's a trend developing....
I'm noticing a trend with the TFSP issue I'm having. When I start the car up in the morning and drive to work (40 miles) absolutely no problems. The car sits at work for 12 hours then I drive home, no problems, you'd never know anything is wrong. Car starts, shifts and drives perfectly. If I stop close to home on the drive home at a store or whatever, the TFSP ingages when I leave the store for the last few miles home. Car still starts normal, but the TFSP kicks in. If I stop off in the morning a the store just a few miles into my drive, it starts back up and no problems all the way to work. So I guess as long as the car sits for an extended period of time there are no problems, it's only if I stop off AFTER driving 38-39 miles that it kicks in when I re-start it.
Any ideas?


So here's the deal...I brought it in to the Indy and after them telling me 2 or 3 things the problem was, they finally decided that they think the Trans is bad due to a lack of PSI failure from the controller. That the controller may be clogged. I would think if I was getting no pressure, it wouldn't shift, and the only time it doesn't shift is when it goes to TFSM. If that is the problem, why can't the controller be replaced? They're saying I need a new trans.
What I can't get past is the trans shifts real smooth with absolutely no hint of problems as long as it's not gone to TFSM.
If I have to get a new trans anyway, is there no way to bypass the sensor that puts it into the TransFailSafeMode and keep driving it till the trans starts acting up to the point it has trouble shifting or not going into gear? The only reason I say this is because as long as the TFSM doesn't kick in, it runs great.
Anyway they charged me $90 for the diagnostic, but I'm taking it in on Wed. for a 2nd opinion to another Indy that comes highly recomended here in S.A.

If in fact I have to replace the trans, whats the best route? New or rebuilt? Is there somewhere I can send it to have it repaired or rebuilt? Buy one online? ebay, etc...?

Get a second opinion from another shop that specializes in BMWs. There may be a TSB and a valve/controller replacement procedure. Or you may even be able to call/go by a local large BMW dealer and see what the parts department guys have to say. They give parts to techs all day long, so they may know of a common replacement part and/or TSB that will take care of your issue.

If you need a new trans, I'd opt for a ZF reman unit from your dealer or authorized ZF retailer.

Have the trans mechanic pull the code from the trans controller. If they can't or don't know how to find yourself another shop to work on the trans.

I picked it up today from my Indy and will have to have the local BMW finish the job.
The Indy said they traced the problem to the ECU Control Module. So I'll take the car to BMW with that info.
I don't know if it can be repaired, but am hearing that these cost upwards of $1000 and then the car specific info needs to be downloaded.
Can I purchase one of these aftermarket or do I need to pony up to BMW?

Should be able to find one on Craigslist for @ $100. Same year and same engine type.

Hi, newbie here. Just acquired a 94 530i automatic cheap, with symptom of no go forward, no go reverse. (Well, maybe a few inches.) Swapped in used trans replacement, same model. BUT put old torque conveter back in after visual exam, because the old t.q. & flywheel had 4 bolts, the replacement tranny's had 3. After backing out of shop in reverse, symptoms are virtually same. Unplugged all electronics in attempt to go in "failsafe" mode, still no go. Could the t.q. be a)wrong? b)faulty? How likely? I think best course of action is to thoroughly disagnose electronics for tranny first. Dealer claims car won't move if electronics (wiring, EGC) are bad. Others claim it still will. Puzzled. Help!