Transmission Warning -> SMG Pump Replacement

Impulse · 30th May 2012, 22:13

Posting this info mostly for historical reference if anyone else is looking thought posts.

Two weeks ago I had a blip of an error on start up that resulted in the car not starting and and red transmission error (reduced power) warning show up. Seconds later I restarted the car no problem no warnings. 2 times later that same day the car didn't start but then started the very next try (yellow light as if it wasn't in neutral but it was) on the second try is started. Since then it has been fine...

I just took the car in for the Recall battery fix today (no problems there), and told them about this issue so they could see if anything was up. I'm a bit surprised but the results are in they are going to replace the SMG pump... I drove the car between the two weeks on a long road trip no issues glad I didn't run into any problems. I'm only about 20 days away from my original warranty being up...

B767capt · 31st May 2012, 01:11

Make sure you replace the relay too.

CatsFan · 31st May 2012, 01:21

Mine is in for the same problem, but I wasn't as lucky as you. I was driving down the road in D and P400 as I had a few calls to make and didn't want to have to shift gears while on the phone and the car was still cold. About a mile into my journey I came to a stop at a red light and the car went into neutral. The light turned green and I was unable to get the car to shift back into D. A few transmission errors popped up on the screen, but to be honest I wasn't paying much attention to them as it was rush hour and cars were flying by me on both sides.

After trying to start the car a few times I gave up and dialed 911 to get some assistance moving the car off the road as it was a danger to myself and fellow motorist. While I was doing this I kept trying to start the car, and luckily it came back after about five minutes. I was able to drive it about a quarter of a mile to a gas station. The car would not leave first gear and wouldn't go over 20MPH.

When I got to the gas station I shut the car down and called my SA. I tried for a few more minutes to start it and finally gave up and called a tow truck. Of course they didn't send a flat bed, even though I requested one and told them what kind of car it was, so I had to send the guy off and wait another thirty minutes.

The gentleman that came with the flatbed did an excellent job of loading and unloading my car. He used 2x6 planks to ensure that the bumper did not scrape, and he fastened each wheel to the truck. I of course let him know how much I appreciated his work and kindly tipped him $20.

I called my SA today and he said that it would most likely be ready to pick up tomorrow, Friday at the latest. It will be a week tomorrow, and to be honest I have never missed a car this bad. On the bright side it should feel like a new car again since I have only had it for a month, and of course the repairs were covered under my factory warranty that is intact until 2/2/13.

Impulse · 31st May 2012, 03:18

Is it just me or is EVERYONE getting their SMG Pump replaced? I think the count is at 5 or 6 board members in the past 2 months. I only had 41k miles on my car, Dan's is a few thousand less. How about yours?

CatsFan · 31st May 2012, 03:25

Damn, I'm only a few hundred miles away from hitting 41,000!

GIFF · 31st May 2012, 03:47

29600 miles on mine and keeping my fingers crossed .....
Matt did they give you any insight as to the reason why they were willing to replace the SMG pump? I'm wondering if BMW is being somewhat lenient given the resent outbreak of failed pumps at such a young age.

Impulse · 31st May 2012, 04:01

I was in the middle of something when I took the call, now that you bring it up I'm not 100% on the part they are replacing. I remember it going "recall stuff fixed no problem ---looked into the error and was traced to the SMG Pump --- part on order will be here tomorrow --- keep the loaner car"

I sware it was the pump needing replacement but maybe I should check back

either way SMG pump related and just in time for the warranty. Still not happy about the problem regardless but glad to get a fix on something that is know to ware over the lifetime

GIFF · 31st May 2012, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impulse

I was in the middle of something when I took the call, now that you bring it up I'm not 100% on the part they are replacing. I remember it going "recall stuff fixed no problem ---looked into the error and was traced to the SMG Pump --- part on order will be here tomorrow --- keep the loaner car"

I sware it was the pump needing replacement but maybe I should check back

either way SMG pump related and just in time for the warranty. Still not happy about the problem regardless but glad to get a fix on something that is know to ware over the lifetime

No doubt, it's always nice to take advantage of the warranty while it's available.

kendall993 · 31st May 2012, 04:15

Dang Matt, Im knocking on wood right now. You are correct there seem to be a lot of SMG issues lately. Im out of warranty and dont want to come out of pocket that kind of money.

This is one reason Im considering buying a used Mini Cooper S for a daily driver. Itll save me gas and wear n tear on the beast.

Good luck on the repairs and Ill see you soon. Mines in the body shop now getting painted. You and Dan will have fresh SMG pumps, Gary will have new wheels and Ill have new paint. Sounds like a good run will be due in a few weeks!!!

iroquis_pliskin · 31st May 2012, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impulse

Is it just me or is EVERYONE getting their SMG Pump replaced? I think the count is at 5 or 6 board members in the past 2 months. I only had 41k miles on my car, Dan's is a few thousand less. How about yours?

Matt,

I got mine replace at 56k miles (keep note that i did launch control quite often on my car)

I hope the dealer replace your whole transmission before you are out of warranty.