Driving car, and got trans program

So, I was driving my 1995 540i
M60B40
with 5HP30 tranny..

Was driving along nicely, next thing you know it, puts me in 3rd gear and tells me "trans program, owner's manual"
Before I bought it, the car sat for a year, is it possible over time the car lost tranny fluid? I see slight fluid at the bottom of the vehicle, but I have what I believe to be a power steering leak as well?

yes could be low fluid, check level of that first, that gearbox usually has a dipstick in the engine bay against the firewall on the right hand side of the car (or left as you look at the car front on) with a yellow handle.

check that first

Originally Posted by _Ethrty-Andy_

yes could be low fluid, check level of that first, that gearbox usually has a dipstick in the engine bay against the firewall on the right hand side of the car (or left as you look at the car front on) with a yellow handle.

check that first

The 95 540 has a dipstick ??? I thought that was only on the very early E34's.

I learn something new every day.

Originally Posted by BMR_LVR

The 95 540 has a dipstick ??? I thought that was only on the very early E34's.

I learn something new every day.

not always, but the 5HP30 usually does. unless I'm confusing it for a different box. the 5HP22 doesn't.

Originally Posted by _Ethrty-Andy_

not always, but the 5HP30 usually does. unless I'm confusing it for a different box. the 5HP22 doesn't.

Well that will certainly make it a lot easier for OP to check

But I must say that I am terribly confused. I took a quick peak at Bentley page 240-1 and it indicates that the 94 and 95 540 should have the A5S 560Z transmission. I don't even see the 5HP30 listed for any E34

Edit: Wiki lists the 5HP30 as the transmission for the 92-95 E34 540. Obviously OP has looked at his transmission and knows what he has. I guess it may be another Bentley error.

OP, here's a good resource I found for your transmission in case you don't have it:

5HP30

It does not have a dipstick.

Originally Posted by zfxpE34

It does not have a dipstick.

Didn't think so, but wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.

Originally Posted by BMR_LVR

Didn't think so, but wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.

It wouldn't? Must've been before my time.

OP you'll have to check it the old fashioned way. Trans program is not an uncommon issue with E34s

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Another e34 member informed me to jam two pennies where the A/M switch is, I did this two hours ago, the tranny is shifting PERFECT.
I'[m still going to change the tranny fluid.

Originally Posted by zfxpE34

Another e34 member informed me to jam two pennies where the A/M switch is, I did this two hours ago, the tranny is shifting PERFECT.
I'[m still going to change the tranny fluid.

What does that do? Could you post a pic of that?

Originally Posted by zfxpE34

jam two pennies where the A/M switch

lolwut

The A/M switch must be dirty. Due to coffee or soda spills .. I know it sucks LOL

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What happens it it drops the tranny to manual and if ur shifter is in drive it drops you to 3rd gear

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I believe the sunroof switch is the same except for the push function .

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He stated that his transmission would slip, and once he disabled the switch that it no longer slipped (it would go in to sport mode).
Knowing nothing about these cars, I will try anything lol.

Originally Posted by zfxpE34

Knowing nothing about these cars, I will try anything lol.

that wont always work, i'd consult us or bentley first. soon you'll know all you need to about the car.
You got my number bro...

Originally Posted by Monsignor

that wont always work, i'd consult us or bentley first. soon you'll know all you need to about the car.
You got my number bro...

could you send me another text I actually had to go to apple and have my phone replaced! if you need it again I'll pm it
and I don't want to bother you constantly lol (although I appreciate all of your help that you gave me, you steered me in the right direction in to my idle)

Go radical and get a professional trans service.