Transmission failsafe alarm 01 x5 4.4i HELP!!!

[RachaelsX5]

I have an 01 x5 4.4i 107,000 miles and just recently the transmission fail safe light came on. When this happens the transmission is usually warm and the car stops shifting remaining in 4th gear. The speedo stops working as well. I took it to a bmw shop and 3 they said the EGS control module needs to be replaced as well as the ABS control module. This is 2300 dollars just for parts! Has anyone had this happen to them before and if so is there recommended fix correct? Secondly are these modules something I can replace myself? I am somewhat handy at working on older cars but if this is way to technical or requires special tools then I may not be able to do it. PLEASE HELP!

[Monolith]

If you have the BMW transmission error codes, try posting those (usually on the bill receipt).

The TCU is not "coded" (for a specific car) like the DME is. Thus, if you match the same hardware part number AND software part number (some TCU hardware contain various different softwares), you can just plug in a new/used TCU. However, if the software was updated, you'd have to get the update from BMW.

[RachaelsX5]

found this useful walk-thru on how to remove the console for an x5

Console Removal Steps:

1. Locate carpeted front trim panels on each side of center console.

2. Remove Phillips head screw from front section of trim panel.

3. Starting from the lower portion of panel, Gently pull away from center
console

4. Locate rear trim panel and remove as you did the front panels.

5. Proceed to rear of console. On each side (where console meets floor)
you will find a series of screws. Remove the screws closest to the floor,
one on each side of console.

6. Move approximately half way up the console and remove two Phillips head
screws that secure console to vehicle.

7. Open center armrest to expose storage compartment. Remove plastic
insert by lifting straight up. Remove the two screws at the bottom which
secured console to vehicle floor.

8. Remove shift indicator bezel and boot, this will allow room to remove
the hazard warning switch. Once the switch has been removed, remove the
screw that was directly under the switch. NOTE, pay special attention to
connectors for hazard switch and shift indicator; they are keyed the same
and can be inadvertently switched during the reassembly process.

9. On the lower left side of console, approximately in the middle, are
three connectors. Ashtray cigar lighter and phone antenna coax cable with
18 pin ELO connector. Locate and disconnect all three. NOTE, make sure that the wooden shifter knob is protected prior to removal
of console. Wrap with a soft cloth, since during the actual removal of the
console it is very easy to damage the wooden surface of the selector knob.

10. Remove plastic air duct inside of storage compartment, under sliding
armrest.

11. Disconnect the connector for the rear center vents.

12. Remove two screws that secure rear vent assembly to console. These are located inside storage compartment, just ahead of vents. Remove rear vent assembly.

13. Remove parking brake boot and push through opening. Pull up on parking
brake. This will allow you room to lift console.

14. Place gear selector in "D" this will make it possible to maneuver
console out of vehicle.

15. With the exception of one connector for the control panel above front
ashtray, the console is ready for removal. If you have a sunroof, you
should open it at this time.

16. Raise rear section of console up while at the same time guiding the
front portion backwards.

17. Once you have exposed the connector for the front control panel,
disconnect it.

18. Continue raising rear of console until it is almost vertical, this
will ensure clearance and lessen the possibility of a damaged part.

19. Once you have removed console, use proper size small torx drivers to
unscrew wood trim.

20. Put it back together by reversing these instructions.

[RachaelsX5]

So I purchased a used transmission control module and airbag control module and put them in the car. Let me tell you taking out the console was no easy feat:thumbdwn:. I did find it easier once I took out the 2 front seats and boy the treasure trove my 9 year old has kicked under the seats :mad:. Anyway, the same problem is still happening the airbag light stays on, so does the brake and traction control and as soon as I put it into drive the transmission failsafe lite comes on. This is so frustrating. I know they are used parts but still they shouldn't exhibit the same error unless replacing those parts isn't the problem. I disconnected the battery over night to reset the system but alas still the same issue:cry:. Now I fear I am left with 2 choices. Take the transmission control module to BMW and have them update it with the latest and greatest in hopes that does something or take the car to an import mechanic and hope that my wallet can handle the lighter load. :dunno:

[RachaelsX5]

:cry: leaving the battery unplugged overnight had no effect. It looks like i need to take the console apart again and have the used transmission module and airbag module flashed by BMW maybe that will fix it........ otherwise I am lost on how to proceed from here.....:dunno:

[RachaelsX5]

Well I took the car to an independent shop today after the BMW dealership said you can't re-code the component to the car even though it was off an 01 x5 4.4i. The mechanic looked at it for an hour then said with the cam1 errors it was throwing he will have to disconnect all the control modules on the car and connect them 1 by 1 until the real culprit shows itself. This sounds rather expensive at 90 an hour but I don't see any other options.

[damas9963]

Well I took the car to an independent shop today after the BMW dealership said you can't re-code the component to the car even though it was off an 01 x5 4.4i. The mechanic looked at it for an hour then said with the cam1 errors it was throwing he will have to disconnect all the control modules on the car and connect them 1 by 1 until the real culprit shows itself. This sounds rather expensive at 90 an hour but I don't see any other options.

I'm having similar issue with my car ( 2001 x5 4.4i).. After reading many posts all over the net, I think it's the ABS module unit I'll be working on this later
How's your progress?