E38 two position Transmission program switch (auto-Manual Switch)

I am experiencing problems with my transmission stuck in manual mode. I think fluid may have been spilled on the switch. If i hold the switch in the A position the transmission shifts as it should but the M re-appears once i let go of the stitch. Does anyone know how difficult it is to change this switch? I found one on ebay for $30. I think the switch is no longer grounding.

Just pop it out of the console, open it up and clean it with a Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol. Probably takes a good 15-20 minutes to take out, clean, put back in.

If a drink was spilt on the console...you're on the right track as to the reason the switch is acting up. The residue from the spilt drink is gumming up the switch. It's unbelievable how deep & far a liquid can go inside a switch that you miss when you're trying to clean up a spill. You can only get the surface area, whereas the liquid seeps deep into the lowest level it can go...far from where a towel or rag can get.

Pop out the the "skirt" from around your gear shift lever (should be able to squeeze it & it should release from around the opening in the console), then reach your fingers underneath and pop out the tranny switch. Then take a small screw driver an open up the switch. You'll see all the gummy residue that was left over from the original spillage.

Save your money to buy a half a tank of gas.

If you have some electronic contact cleaner in a spray can...you may not even have to open the switch...but I'd do it anyway if it was me.:

(here some old pics from the ol' e32 7 series days...some things never change )

Been there done that! Cleaner didn't work for me. I replaced the switch. It's easy.

You have to take the switch to bits first, usually.

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

You have to take the switch to bits first, usually.

DITTO, again!!

Originally Posted by QSilver7

... the spilt drink is gumming up the switch. It's unbelievable how deep & far a liquid can go inside a switch that you miss when you're trying to clean up a spill. You can only get the surface area, whereas the liquid seeps deep into the lowest level it can go...far from where a towel or rag can get. ...

I have one for sale on E-bay for $12.50 + shipping. My e-bay id is azyankee7.