Greydog

Hi Caroline Definitely start a conversation in writing with the selling garage and BMW UK stating the facts, how long have you owned the car? 1. The car was sold to you as an Approved Used BMW but no Service history? How and Why 2. The Consumer rights legislation is on your side particularly if you purchased within the last 6 months it is assumed the fault was present at the time of purchase. Gather all the information you can regarding other 2 series failures from the Internet doesn't matter which country as it will amount to demonstrating an inherent fault. If BMW (the selling Dealer) won't help or BMW UK write to the Motor Ombudsman sending all the information you could well get full costs plus some compensation for inconvenience Good Luck

Hi Malcolm Welcome to the Forum All Run Flat tyres tend to generate more noise as they approach end of life tyres also tend to be very personal choice. My X5 4.6is runs a staggered set up 20" rims 285/40/20 Front 315/35/20 to protect the drive train I change front and rear together, and I have run Bridgestone Michelin and Pirelli. My E70 X5 same size wheels is currently on Continental Of all the tyres the choice is difficult between Continental and Michelin for road noise wear and fuel consumption When I ran the AMG E55's and AMG CLS 63 tyres never lasted very long no matter what the make if rear tyres lasted 15 to 20k my son said I was driving like Miss Daisy 🤣 Dave

Hi Caroline Welcome to the Forum You don't say what engine and whether its Automatic or Manual I also hope that's 47000 miles not 470,000 First who has told you the gearbox is finished? What symptoms are you getting? BMW Dealers are notorious for telling customers the gearbox is "Sealed for Life" when in fact they are not, they are a fully serviceable item made by ZF (Both Manual and Automatic) 47k seems very low for a dead gearbox my X5 4.6is is at 165k the gearbox has been serviced twice in that time. I would enter a dialogue with BMW looking for at least a contribution towards repair, I would also find a reputable Gearbox specialist (Google ZF Specialists) and talk to them they should be able to check the gearbox software and read any faults and advise you properly. A freind of one of our sons owns a 2.0d 1 series his gearbox kept going into restricted performance mode, his car is around 150k the Dealer quoted a huge price to fit a new gearbox we carried out a fluid and filter change (all parts brought from ZF) problem fixed cost £220 and he still owes me the beer he promised!! I am not suggesting that is a fix for you as your gearbox is a complicated thing but a specialist would be my route Dave

Our Dealers are quite good at "selling" up (someone has to pay for the free coffee" but in the UK we have some great legislation to protect buyers (in all areas) the killer phrase in the legislation is "Item not suitable for purpose". So basically, if the Dealer can't supply a vehicle (0r whatever it is you brought) in tip top condition that meets the sales description it's money back time or a complete replacement. So while they can be just arrogant and just as much a PITA to deal with at times, they are careful with what they sell. My wife likes her Subaru Outback Estate on her 3rd when I got the first X5 we sold our Horse Lorry and brought a Horse Trailer which the X5 pulls with ease, so she is a fan of those as well now. Oh, the peaceful life Good luck with the car hunt I hope you find what you want, and don't be a stranger even if it isn't a Beemer Dave

Morning Tony Car Dealers can be so frustrating at times then they plead how hard life is for them, well they are here in the UK AMG are special my first two were E55 Estate (Wagon) the last was CLS 63 Estate loved them. Then we had some bad weather and the CLS was like driving a 500+ HP shopping trolley it went where it wanted too 🤣 every trip was an adventure that's when I brought the first X5 night and day. I looked at the Mercedes ML but by comparison it was ugly so was the Porsche Cayenne so BMW X5 it was. Sometimes these things happen for a reason good luck with convincing the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the need for an AMG 🤣 My trick was always to buy her a new car then a few months later tell her I was thinking of changing mine expensive but very peaceful Dave

Hi The 27e code could well be due to no communication with that solenoid, so if the internal solenoid connections are good check the external plug is seated correctly the loom from the plug is not unknown for causing issues if it is not seated correctly. The EGS fuse is in the Fuse box. But as the car has been driven with only high gear issue It would point more towards the solenoid or its connection. At this point I am assuming your gearbox is the GA6HP26Z so IIRC correctly you should have 3 yellow 3 blue and one black solenoid, depending on the version you have you may also have a Park lock solenoid I will have to dig out the ZF catalogue to check Dave

Morning Diffs normally whine and moan which gets louder with speed, knocking is unusual as if something in a diff is broken it will normally go with a bang. Drive shafts can cause knocking if the CV joints are failing. However, a garage would see that or should The Transfer case and front prop shaft are other abused components. So basic stuff first Tyres, does your car have a staggered set up (wider rear tyres) ? Check the sizes carefully, are they correct for your car ? Are they all the same make correct sizes and are they wearing at the same rate. Any incorrect tyres will cause transmission wind up which could be the cause of your problem If your car has a staggered set up tyre sizes would normally be 235x50x18 Front 255x45x18 Rear or 235x45x19 Front and 255x40x19 Rear Check them carefully and make sure they are all the same brand, or it could cause expensive damage far mor expensive than a set of correct tyres Dave

Morning Dave Welcome to the Forum Your 4e89 I have seen when the Clutch pack seals were letting pressure leak by the code was also a so and so to clear then a friend suggested disconnecting the battery (neg first) then touch the 2 terminals together which discharges any static in the system. After that the code cleared. The fact you have identified what appears to be a faulty solenoid that may well fix your shift issue. Your 27ec code normally is no communication between the EGS and the DME/DDE check carefully the loom internally if it has been pinched or damaged also check the external connector and loom as it would appear the EGS is not getting information from the mechatronic unit to process to the DME/DDE. Have you checked the EGS fuses? Dave

That is a worry A BMW specialist saying that ?? The gearbox is made by ZF not BMW and ZF recommend service EVERY 60k depending on use. So my question would be why do BMW sell the fluid? if its sealed how do they put it in??? The scan may have shown nothing and hopefully he cleared the memory, and it was only a glitch but if it returns find someone who actually knows these gearboxes to help you Your gearbox is a ZF GA6HP19Z Google it or watch this ZF video

Hi Tony A BMW Dealer will sort the Recall no problem if the car has a solid history a Warranty should be no issue I would push for a minimum 12mnths. For a dealer getting a paint man in again shouldn't be a big deal Good Luck with the negotiations Dave

Morning Tony The E70 is a manufacturing designation that identity's the Generation and type for example 1st Generation X5 was designated E53 manufactured from 1999 until 2006 (the X stands for AWD) 2nd Generation X5 designated E70 manufactured from 2006 until 2013 3rd Generation X5 designated F15 manufactured from 2013 until 2018+ (still available in some markets) 4th Generation X5 designated G05 manufactured from 2018 on (current model) Engines available 3.0i 4.4 and 4.8i 4.4 twin turbo for the M petrol engines and a 3.0d. The 3.0d is available as 3.0d, 35d, 4.0d, and the 5,0d M. As far as trim is concerned BMW tend to have a base model and then the Customer decides on trim and equipment A quick look at the add you attached your car seems well equipped with most of the Bells and Whistles

Hi Mike There is a Register of BMW Specialists try a Google search you should find one close to you, generally they will be around half the Main Dealer costs in terms of hourly rate and most of them are ex BMW Technicians who have the knowledge and the kit to do the job. Dave

So, you have a car that seems to think there is an issue, and a Diagnostic result which says there isn't? The best Diagnostic would be BMW ISTA/INPA which is BMW Dealer level access. Autologic is very good as are iCarsoft for BMW and some Foxwell systems though I have no experience of them other than what I have read. If I had a Fault showing with the transmission I would investigate and find the cause (i do have the software on a laptop) When a fault occurs the ECU records it, and it is held in the memory so a diagnostic should show "Fault Not Present" even if it is clear at the time of the scan. A dealer would record the fault for reference then clear it, if the fault was a spurious fault (caused by low voltage for example) once cleared from the memory it shouldn't return. If it does, then more investigation is needed to determine why. It could be low fluid level, or dirty fluid due to lack of service. Dave

When they did the scan did they clear the fault? Or has it returned? Or since your Diagnostic is it all clear ? Was the scan carried out using a BMW specific system that was capable of reading the Transmission ECU? Dave

Morning Tony I have owned 3 AMG estate cars and you don't need snow just some wintery rain and they can become an "entertaining" drive Here in the UK most of the X5's have the staggered set up, my own X5's an E53 4.6is and the E70 3.0d are both on 20" staggered rims 9j Front 10j Rear. Pictures of the car in the add, the wheels look like Type 212 Alloys which could/should be 9j x 19" all round that makes tyres less of an issue regarding rolling radius. Plus your chosen Michelins are an OEM fitment. Oh by the way that is definitely an E70 X5 in the pictures ENJOY Dave

Hi Mike It depends on whether you can DIY or whether you use a transmission specialist or a trusted garage I would think the correct ZF fluid and filter would be between £150 and £200 depending on where you buy if your DIY skills are up to it a Couple hours maybe 3 of your time. If you're paying someone, I would expect around £400 + VAT all in, by comparison a Box rebuild could be £2k + Or you could do nothing, and it may just not get any worse. In your position I would get a Diagnostic Scan done then you would have better information. Dave

Morning Tony Welcome to the Forum As you're in the States which engine 3.0i or V8 4.4 or 4.8 The E70 is a great car are you buying privately or from a Dealer? Obvious things to check are first the service history carefully often Gearbox and Diffs are missed on service as BMW used to claim they were sealed for life (that translates as the end of their Warranty responsibility) ZF who make the Box say service fluid and filters every 60 to 80k. Suspension bushes have a life of around 80k in my experience causing uneven tyre wear. So check tyres carefully, on the subject of tyres make sure they are same manufacturer and correct sizes like most all-wheel drives a difference in rolling radius front to rear will cause transmission damage (Transfer box) very quickly. Don't be put off if you are a DIY capable guy all these are recoverable for a very reasonable cost and these are good negotiation points. All engines should be smooth and quiet with plenty of power the V8s cold start clatter can be a sign of chain guide wear (big job so run away) When you test it make sure absolutely everything works as it should so push every button at least a couple of times and ensure it all works. My 2003 4.6is has 164k on the clock and everything works as it should I also have an E70 2007 3.0d which is the same everything works. To drive they are smooth on the road and capable off road and in adverse conditions I tow a horse trailer occasionally plus am of the beaten track often during the winter due to my hobby. So if the car is what you're looking for ENJOY it Dave

Hi Mike I would still test the battery even a new one can fail or if there is a charging issue be low on charge. BMW always used to say Gearbox is sealed for life what that actually means is 3 years or 60k the end of their warranty responsibility, so I very much doubt it has been done. ZF who make the box state change Fluid and Filters every 60 to 80k dependent on use. Dave

Morning Michael Welcome to the Forum You say a New Battery was fitted so a couple of questions first 1. Is the battery correct for the car ? 2. Was the battery correctly registered to the car. If the battery is incorrect or not registered correctly it may not be charging correctly and low voltage is a possible trigger for the message, you are seeing. Another could be lots of short journeys where the battery can't recover. After start it needs at least 20 mins driving to bring it back to full charge. Test the battery at the charging points under the bonnet you should see 12.5v to 12.8v with the engine off 14.5v to 14.8v withe engine running. If all is OK with the battery, what miles have you covered and when if ever was the gearbox serviced. Good Luck Dave

Hi Kevlar Welcome to the Forum If you are not aware take a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin in the search box it will call up your Model then search the sections for what you need. When you have the part number then you have 2 choices BMW through your local Dealer or the used market from one of the Specialist dismantlers like Quarry Motors (Google is your friend) and Ebay Good Luck with the hunt Dave

Morning Chris Welcome to the Forum Take a look at www.realoem.com if you aren't already aware it is a BMW online parts list. Just put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model the search the body and trim sections to see if there were any as OEM If not you're at the mercy of the aftermarket suppliers. My personal feeling is they will mask a problem does not fix it, a good body shop will probably repair for not much more than the cost of a good arch kit. Dave

Morning Sounds as though you either need the help of a Garage or you're on a steep learning curve 😁 If you are serious about keeping the car, get a copy of BMW 1.4.0 (only about £25) get it loaded on a laptop and then you will be able to run Diagnostics on the car and know what is happening. A Check Engine Light is just that a good reason to get diagnostics run. Brake lights a common problem is corrosion around the bulb mounting and holder, a good clean and a smear of electrical contact paste often sorts it. The folding top needs investigation to identify what is sticking and repair it (it won't get better on its own) Climate control it could be the FSR (Final Stage Resistor) or simply the Air Con needing re-charging Did you get the grinding noise sorted ? and the cracked air hose ? Dave

Afternoon Peter Welcome to the Forum I am not really up to speed with the later systems but if I recall from my brother inlaws 540 touring you should have some Icons at the bottom of the screen I thinks the clock one let him choose route information and colours. Have you tried selecting them and seeing what they do? Dave

Fingers and toes let us know how it goes Dave

Morning Atto Not come across this one before Sadly, it seems BMW (and their lamp designer/suppliers) have surpassed themselves I am told by a contact in BMW that the way to fix it is a new headlamp unit???? Which is Bonkers BMW can you seriously be suggesting a failed bulb should cost many hundreds of pounds to replace I think I would be tempted to see if the headlamp unit can be dismantled or not. More internet searching called for me thinks. I would also be talking to BMW UK to see if they will offer any help/solution plus a letter to Angela Rippon at Rip Off Britain. I don't know how an MOT examiner may view it ? some can be fussy about bulbs out on marker lights. Good Luck Dave