P0740 code, bad or not?

So a couple of weeks ago the CEL popped up on my automatic '96 328i (138k miles). Drove it home the 50 miles I needed to and parked it. Sat in my driveway for two weeks until I could bring it to my mechanic, wasn't taking any chances. Mechanic runs codes and comes up with P0740 (111) code. Car is running fine. He couldn't find anything wrong with it. The tranny fluid was changed 8,000 miles ago and was metal free (mechanic dropped the pan and everything). He cleared the code and sent me on my way. Should I be worried? I was going to drop about $5,000 into it this spring for upgraded springs, shocks, struts, and some bodywork, but now I'm having second thoughts. First time in 5 years of ownership (bought at 77k miles) that a CEL came on. Only major repair has been the cooling system 2 summers ago. Thoughts? Advice?

Check out some of the common causes of this code:

http://repairpal.com/OBD-II-Code-P0740

If you search around by using E36 and P0740 as keywords, you'll get some more info on it.

Originally Posted by ZeGerman

Check out some of the common causes of this code:

http://repairpal.com/OBD-II-Code-P0740

If you search around by using E36 and P0740 as keywords, you'll get some more info on it.

Great link! Thank you. I tried searching earlier today but only came up with similar posts and answers ranging from "ignore it" to "it's the solenoid" to "replace the whole tranny". But most posts were on the E39 forums. I was starting to think the mechanic misread the codes. Guess I'll watch it more closely for the next few weeks and see what happens. Thanks again!

If I'm reading the code summary properly, it means you probably need some transmission work done. The torque converter needs to lockup so you can drive the car properly. Without lockup (or if it gets stuck locked up) bad things may happen. The latter being worse than the former, I imagine.

Originally Posted by petriej

If I'm reading the code summary properly, it means you probably need some transmission work done. The torque converter needs to lockup so you can drive the car properly. Without lockup (or if it gets stuck locked up) bad things may happen. The latter being worse than the former, I imagine.

Yeah, that's what I'm guessing. If the light pops up again it's going to have to be fully diagnosed. Could be anything from the solenoid to a full rebuild, and anything in between. Debating if it;s even worth it. The car came with a salvaged title, has 138k miles on it, needs some minor bodywork (rust and dings), and some suspension maintenance work. If the tranny goes it may not be worth saving. I might be better off finding another E36 or even an E39 and spending the $5,000 I was setting aside on that. Mind you, this is my first BMW and I absolutely love the reliability I've gotten from it, but you have to cut your losses somewhere.

A sensible man is in our presence.

PO740 torque converter clutch circut malfuntion. try and see if the connectors are making agood contact and check your wires for chaffing. hope it works out well!