Are there any symptoms to go along with the trifecta lights ? As covered here many times, there are several causes for this 3 lights to be lit at the same time and many of which are not real expensive or difficult to repair. I'd DEFINITELY run it across the forum members here before taking the word of a dealer mechanic. Not that they're not capable, but they're there to make as much money in the shortest time. So something that may be cheap to fix, but take time to diagnose is not their forte.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Bimmer App

 

What? More than the value of the car? Was it a BMW dealer? I call that total BS. In any case you got the trifecta, so the issue is with the ABS module not the EGS. Besides replacing EGS wouldn't be even third of the value of the car even, if it was done at the dealer.. This is definately DIY stuff. To solve this issue read this http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4205801&postcount=48 . That post covers everything you need to know to fix your issue. The cost of fixing this issue will run you ~£80-500, depending what the issue is.

 

EGS Transmission module

Hi - thanks for your suggestion. I'm fairly confident that the EGS is the problem, as it does affect the rear lights, ABS etc also the radio intermittently.
Does anyone have experience in changing the EGS and how to do so?
Callum

 

Hi - thanks for your suggestion. I'm fairly confident that the EGS is the problem, as it does affect the rear lights, ABS etc also the radio intermittently.
Does anyone have experience in changing the EGS and how to do so?
Callum

How did you determine the EGS is the issue? The ABS and brake lights are caused by the ABS unit/wheel speed sensors. When you got ABS module/sensor issues you get trans failsafe program. Warning about rear brake lights isin't caused by the EGS, they are caused by the LCM, which monitors all lights and gives you warnings about them. I've replaced and coded modules on BMW, but before throwing parts at it you need to diagnose the issue. If you got too much money then go ahead and start throwing random parts at it.

Since you got a lot of electrical issues start by checking the alternator and battery first. Either one of those can cause trans fail safe. I had trans fail safe due to failing battery.

 

The EGS is in the engine compartment next to the engine control unit it will come out easy. but you have to program the new unit to your car, even a used one.

 

EGS Trans failsafe prog

It was diagnosed by a BMW expert in USA, having given him all info. I have also been given diagnoses - ABS, wheel sensors, EGS need programming & another said it was interchangeable! I don't know who to believe, now!!

 

So the expert diagnosed the issue without ever seeing the car?

 

Egs

Yes - of course, as I am based in France! Having explained the situation in detail, I need a definitive answer; what I am getting is a number of differing opinions.

I took the car into a BMW dealer who told me that there was a problem with the EMS and it woulld take possibly 2 days to fix @ €90 per hour! More than the car is worth!

 

How do you remotely diagnose the issues is beyond me. As I said start by having the battery & alternator tested. Usually car parts stores/battery specialist stores offer this service for free. If you can't find this kind of service, then check them yourself. You'll need a multimeter. Check the voltage at idle, at 1000 rpm and in the morning before starting the car. These voltages will tell you if there is an issue with either alternator or battery. If you don't find any issue with those the next step would be checking the OBD codes and doing the diode test on the wheel speed sensors. The link that is in my first post (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...1&postcount=48 ) tells you how to do that test. That test will tell you is the issue is with wheel speed sensor(s) or the ABS module. Once you got the ABS issue sorted most likely the trans failsafe program will also be gone. This is well documented on this forum. If you want to DIY this forum has all the information on diagnosing & fixing the issue.

 

I would be careful here. Leisureman22, go to a reputable BMW independent mechanic or BMW dealership in France, and hook up the GT1 to read the codes. Go from there. Once you have the codes read, try to remember the correct sequence of events of the car's misbehavior, then start crossing the t's and dot the i's.
This is NOT an issue to diagnose over the net, especially if don't have the codes read. As an example: the rear lights not working could be totally coincidental and a different issue altogether.

Bonne chance mon ami.

 

ive got the same problem over here in Florida . Have you found any answers since?

 

So, forget the BMW expert technician or dealerships for now. They are out to make money, not to find the best fix for your car….

1. “Transmission fail safe mode” is often caused by a bad or low battery/alternator. So, do your car a favor and recharge or replace the car’s battery. Check test the alternator, and replace it if defective.

2. The trifecta errors lights (ABS/DSC/Brakes) have many possible causes. Read bimmerfest's Bmwblue’s priceless thread about this problem.

Most often it is a dirty frail or bad speed sensor or connector. Again, check it, clean it or replace it with an oem BMW speed sensors.
Yes, it could be a bad ABS module, but that is rarely the case. Diagnose it first.