Transmission light on, manual transmission

Hi, I just bought last week a 96 328 with a 5 speed. The auto trans warning light is on. Does this have a meaning for the manual trans? Could it just be a short in a vestigial sensor wire?, how can I turn it off? Thanx for your input-james

Must be a converted auto car. A 5-speed car wouldn't even have an active socket for that warning light.....


or the cluster's been swapped.

Sounds like your car was originally an auto and was swapped.

Go here: http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/acc...catalogue.html and click the link to the right of the instructions (under related topics).

Login with the login info in that link, then click Start by WebETK. Enter the last 7 of the VIN and click the arrows, then along the top grey car select Options. This brings up your cars original build sheet. Click the + by Vehicle Information, if transmission shows AUT it was originally an auto, MECH was manual.

Each window is a new popup, so turn off your pop up blocker and be prepared for a ton of windows or tabs.

Sent from my LG Revolution 4G using BimmerApp

Ok, ive checked my cars build sheet. Its a manual originally so the cluster has been changed. Is it difficult to pull the cluster and remove the led for this warning light?

Best way is to code cluster to car, then tell the required modules the car is a manual. This is the only real way to deal with the issue. I would not pull the cluster and do it the hack way.

It's not an LED, it's an incandescent bulb. Just pull it out. That's hardly a "hack".

Seems like putting tape over a CEL to me.

No, he's getting an automatic transmission warning light for something that isn't there. Just remove the bulb, since it's purpose is moot in a manual transmission car.

I would never put tape over a CEL or suggest someone else do that. Fix the problem to get rid of the light. In this case, it's a false positive, so eliminate the warning.

right, so why not just code the COMBI to the car?

Fine, whatever.

Remove the bulb: free

Code the cluster: $$$$

Advantage to coded cluster: none.

Ha Ha-- no offense, just a difference in opinions. coding = free for me; I have a diag. laptop. Also, I couldn't sleep at night knowing my car had a bulb pulled. But you're certainly right on the cost factor. If I did not have access to code it myself, I'd strongly consider just pulling the bulb

I really appreciate the info! I think i'll pull the light for now
However, I was a bit concerned about the milage shown, so I did a little research. After looking up my production code, I learned my car was a manual with lsd (limited slip diff) which. is awesome because I live in the rockies above 10000 feet. (i also have a jeep gr cherokee). I then found bimmerinfo.com and got good info on the obc. Should I try to reset my odometer or has this likely been done? I do not show a tamper light, like it says it should. By the way, how much for a diagnostic tool for these cars and where to buy? Again my thanx - james

Hmm. Probably not mileage adjusted, but you could check the title history and see if there are any obvious discrepancies. I know there is an easy way to code that, but I've never done it myself. The mileage is stored in (I believe) two different modules in your car. As far as purchase, I would not want to step on any toes here-- but I make them available on a limited basis-- normally for local friends or enthusiasts. I primarily set up the machine for OBDI, but OBDII is just a cable and a few settings away. Regardless, in your car, you would want to use the underhood port. If you're interested shoot me a PM once you are able to do so (low post count might prevent).