[BMWM.D.]

Any 6AT guys out there have any experience with this transmission fault? The BMW fault code is 4F53, or generic p-code P0741. It basically means that the speed sensors in the transmission are detecting that the torque converter lock-up clutch is not operating properly/slipping. It causes the "service engine soon" light to come on, but cannot be read by most generic code readers as it's a EGS (transmission) module fault code.

I'm suspecting it's the torque converter clutch lining itself slipping, but it could also be a problem with the control side of the system which lies in the Mechatronics module assembly. I haven't noticed any erratic transmission behavior, but the fault comes back pretty quickly, even with the stock software/boost.

Anybody? My car has just an intercooler upgrade and was running the AccessPort stage 1+ FMIC Sport map on 91 octane. Lots of guys making a lot more power than me with this 6AT, so I'm kind of surprised I'm having this issue. Could just be a fluke thing, but I've never seen this fault on an N54 car before -- and I work on a lot of N54s.

Anyone have experience with this on these cars?

[Wedge1967]

Hopefully you still have warranty. I pound on my car once in awhile and to date I haven't had any issues with the trans.

[sammy_0559]

I do have some tranny codes pics attached below i was gonna start a thread you beat me to it. when you get on it at lower speeds dose it throw the codes then?
i get some transmission codes in my Anitlock brakes for some reason.

LOL but i have every damn mod you can install haha I'm not surprised of myself but I'm surprised your having issues.

[BMWM.D.]

Originally Posted by sammy_0559

I do have some tranny codes pics attached below i was gonna start a thread you beat me to it. when you get on it at lower speeds dose it throw the codes then?
i get some transmission codes in my Anitlock brakes for some reason.

LOL but i have every damn mod you can install haha I'm not surprised of myself but I'm surprised your having issues.

Those faults don't look transmission-related to me. They mainly look like DSC faults related to torque monitoring or torque limiting. Looks like you might also have some DSC pump issues, but it's hard to say.

The first one almost looks like an over-rev fault. Have you bumped up the limited at all?

Originally Posted by Wedge1967

Hopefully you still have warranty. I pound on my car once in awhile and to date I haven't had any issues with the trans.

Well, kind of. Thankfully, the torque converter and Mechatronics are covered by the 7/70 Emissions warranty. The car only has 25k miles.

[BMWM.D.]

Just as an update, it seems the Mechatronics was the cause of this fault code. I'm not sure if it was electrical (control module itself) or hydraulic (converter clutch solenoid, etc.), as all these parts are in the Mechatronics and aren't serviceable by themselves.

I actually think my converter clutch wasn't activating at all when I was getting this code. The car felt down on power and I could notice the transmission acting more like an old-school automatic without any lockup clutch. These ZF 6-speeds activate the converter clutch in all 6 gears, and SHOULD be locked up any time you go WOT -- well, at least after the fluid warms up.

Hopefully this helps others that may have this issue in the future. Unfortunately, the Mechatronics is one expensive part. Retail is around $3k, plus the cost of fluid -- and I think it took around 9 quarts. If you're totally out of warranty, it might be a wiser idea to just find a good, low mileage, used transmission instead.

[GRLPWR]

Thought I'd add my story. I found this thread while searching for other victims of this part!!

I have an '07 335i w/around 99,3xx miles. I had it in the shop for something else but mentioned to the tech that the shifting was a little soft, not as crisp and clean as before. He called back and said he pulled a 5088 code, and after explaining to me what it was and meant, said there's only ONE module in the country and would take a week or so to get it. Well, that time passed, no part, so when they checked on the status, apparently someone else had snatched it from under our nose (like this part goes out that often to have had someone else's go out at the same time). Anyway, off to Germany they have to go to find another one.....another 2-3 weeks down.

I'm SOOOOOO grateful for my aftermarket warranty!!

[wacuna]

Originally Posted by BMWM.D.

Just as an update, it seems the Mechatronics was the cause of this fault code. I'm not sure if it was electrical (control module itself) or hydraulic (converter clutch solenoid, etc.), as all these parts are in the Mechatronics and aren't serviceable by themselves.

I actually think my converter clutch wasn't activating at all when I was getting this code. The car felt down on power and I could notice the transmission acting more like an old-school automatic without any lockup clutch. These ZF 6-speeds activate the converter clutch in all 6 gears, and SHOULD be locked up any time you go WOT -- well, at least after the fluid warms up.

Hopefully this helps others that may have this issue in the future. Unfortunately, the Mechatronics is one expensive part. Retail is around $3k, plus the cost of fluid -- and I think it took around 9 quarts. If you're totally out of warranty, it might be a wiser idea to just find a good, low mileage, used transmission instead.

I know this thread is old but my comment can help BMW owners. You are right the code means the TCC is not working. The first step to resolve the issue is to replace the solenoids inside the Mechatronic. The set (better to change all of them then just the TCC solenoid) goes around $300 and is easy DIY. If doesn't fix it then you need a new TCC.

[terryd5150]

Originally Posted by wacuna

I know this thread is old but my comment can help BMW owners. You are right the code means the TCC is not working. The first step to resolve the issue is to replace the solenoids inside the Mechatronic. The set (better to change all of them then just the TCC solenoid) goes around $300 and is easy DIY. If doesn't fix it then you need a new TCC.

What symptoms were you having?

[project335ibimmer]

i had issue at 77k miles where i was getting a 4F82 code i had then changed fluids and filter and still got same issue where in reverse it would go in gear but after a couple inches it hits neutral and gear sign with “!” pops up same when i hit 240F and come to a stop the sign comes and car doesn’t move and just revs until turned off and back on.

I am now at 79k miles this time its gotten worse now im in limp mode and get a 4F53 code saying “torque converter error” through xhp. I have a set of sleeves and solenoids that will be getting replaced this tuesday.

Does anyone possibly have any idea if its really my solenoids and sleeves that’s causing this? I wouldn’t want to go with a new transmission due to the price lol