Having BMW transmission problems and complaints such as slipping or gear changes not working?  We discuss some of the most common transmission problems in this article including the BMW transmission recall notice and service bulletin.

The BMW brand is regarded as one of the best luxury vehicles on the market. While BMW claims to be at the forefront of innovative engineering and advanced technology, many BMW owners often return to the dealership for non-stop transmission problems and powertrain malfunctions.

Most Common BMW Transmission Warning Signs

BMW transmissions must deliver the right amount of power to the wheels at the right time.  However, BMW owners are reporting transmission problems, including hesitation between gears and shudders and other powertrain malfunctions.

Here are the Top 5 Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Failing BMW Transmission:

• Grinding Or Shaking In Gears

The transmission is designed to shift smoothly between gears. Switching gears may cause grinding or shaking at times. A worsening shifting problem causes the shaking to become more jarring. This could be caused by a failing BMW transmission.

• Delayed or No Response When Shifting Gears

In addition to grinding or shaking gears, you may experience a long delay when attempting to switch gears. You could also get no response from the BMW transmission, with it not engaging at all when you try to go into drive or reverse.

• Slipping Gears

The transmission of your vehicle is controlled by the computer that controls gear shifting. A malfunctioning computer can cause your BMW transmission to slip out of gear.

• Transmission Noise

Noises such as whining, humming, or clunking could indicate transmission problems with your BMW. These noises may be caused by the transmission fluid breaking down. Fluids are designed to lubricate and cool transmission components. Dirty fluid can cause parts to grind against one another, resulting in unusual transmission noises and transmission failures.

• Burning Smell from under the BMW

We reported above, the transmission fluid keeps all those moving parts lubricated and cool. In time, friction will cause parts to breakdown, and debris and sludge will build up, resulting in a burning odor.  A burning odor is a warning sign the BMW transmission may be failing.

Transmission Recall Notice and Potential Fixes.

BMW Transmission Safety Recall 

Many BMW owners have experienced transmission problems and have reported BMW transmission complaints online.  BMW is aware of the problems with its transmission and issued a safety recall due to a defective transmission mechatronic unit.

According the the BMW Transmission Recall #22V-070.:

On January 13, 2022, BMW was notified by the transmission supplier of a possibility that certain transmissions may not have been assembled according to specifications. The supplier had recently noticed that on one of the mechatronics units, all of the required bolts necessary to assemble the unit were not present. It was found that, due to a supplier control system error, mechatronic units which may have been misassembled were nevertheless moved along in the production sequence.  BMW Owners are planned to be notified by phone and, if necessary, will be notified by First Class mail and instructed to take their vehicle to an authorized BMW dealer to have the remedy performed for free.

BMW Transmission Service Bulletin

Apart from possible mechatronic unit defects as reported above, BMW has also informed its dealers about transmission problems that cause shudders and jerks.

Transmission Service Bulletin #SI B27 02 20, notified all BMW dealers of the following transmission defect:

There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following: Cornering or accelerating from low speeds; Driving with low to medium loads. There are no warning lights or Check Control messages.

BMW blames the shuddering or jerking condition in the transmission to the following defects:

• Unevenly worn or incorrect fitment tires are installed on the vehicle
• Factory-filled transfer case oil does not meet BMW specifications, or
• Defective power control unit.

The BMW vehicles subject to the Transmission TSB are:

• 2019-2020 330i xDrive
• 2018-2020 530e xDrive iPerformance
• 2017-2020 530i xDrive
• 2018 540d xDrive
• 2017-2020 540i xDrive
• 2018-2019 640i GT xDrive
• 2017-2019 740e xDrive iPerformance
• 2017-2020 740i xDrive
• 2020 745e xDrive
• 2016-2020 750i xDrive
• 2020 840i
• 2020 840i Gran Coupe xDrive
• 2020 840i xDrive
• 2017-2020 Alpina B7 xDrive
• 2020 M340i xDrive
• 2018-2020 M5
• 2019-2020 M5 Competition
• 2020 M5 Edition 35 Years
• 2018-2020 M550i xDrive
• 2017-2020 M760i xDrive
• 2020 M8
• 2020 M8 Competition
• 2020 M850i Gran Coupe xDrive
• 2019-2020 M850i xDrive
• 2020 X3 M
• 2020 X3 M Competition
• 2018-2020 X3 M40i
• 2019-2020 X3 sDrive30i
• 2020 X3 xDrive30e
• 2018-2020 X3 xDrive30i
• 2020 X4 M
• 2020 X4 M Competition
• 2019-2020 X4 M40i
• 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i
• 2020 X5 M
• 2020 X5 M Competition
• 2020 X5 M50i
• 2020 X5 sDrive40i
• 2019-2020 X5 xDrive40i
• 2019-2020 X5 xDrive50i
• 2020 X6 M
• 2020 X6 M Competition
• 2020 X6 M50i
• 2020 X6 sDrive40i
• 2020 X6 xDrive40i
• 2020 X7 M50i
• 2019-2020 X7 xDrive40i
• 2019-2020 X7 xDrive50i

Owners are directed to service their car with defective transmission at their local BMW dealer.

BMW Transmission Problems – Getting Help

If your BMW has transmission issues, such as shuddering, hesitation and complete failure, you don’t have to give up and pay for them out of pocket or live with non-stop warranty repairs.

Car companies like BMW will only face accountability for their transmission problems  and defects if drivers use the lemon law for help.  A lemon law attorney can help you get a new car or full refund for your BMW transmission and powertrain problems.

Fortunately the PA Lemon Law, NJ Lemon Law, NY Lemon Law and Hawaii Lemon Law can help you.

Contacting a lemon law firm is the first step towards getting you the compensation you deserve.