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BMW "Transmission malfunction" warning
The gearbox is in an emergency mode with limited gears. Drive gently to a shop; stop if it overheats.
Last updated
At a glance
| Can I keep driving? | Gently, to a shop. Overheating: stop and let it cool |
|---|---|
| Warning color | Yellow; overheating "stop carefully" versions |
| Wording you may see | Transmission malfunction! Drive carefully Gearbox temperature! (overheating) Transmission emergency program Transmission temperature |
| Usual causes | Fluid leaks or old fluid (ZF 8-speed) Software and adaptations Communication faults with the engine computer |
What it means
The transmission computer (EGS) has a fault and switched to an emergency program. BMW's E90 wording: "Transmission malfunction. Emergency program active." Depending on the fault, only some gears are available, reverse may not engage, or acceleration is reduced. A separate "Gearbox temperature!" message warns of overheating.
Can I keep driving?
Gently, to a shop. Overheating: stop and let it cool. In the emergency program the car can usually be driven carefully. If "Gearbox temperature! Stop carefully" appears, BMW's instruction is to stop, select Park and let it cool before continuing with moderation.
This is general guidance. Your owner's manual has the exact instruction for your car, and any red warning means stop as soon as it is safe.
Usual causes
| Cause | Cars most affected | What you notice | BMW bulletins | Repair prices (national average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid leaks or old fluid (ZF 8-speed) | Most 2011+ automatics | Fluid seeping from the plastic pan, harsh or slow shifts. See our transmission service page for what the job includes and costs. | — | ZF 8-speed automatic transmission fluid and pan/filter service Indie $535–$789 Dealer $1,080–$1,515 |
| Software and adaptations | F15 X5, 330e and others | Clutch plausibility codes. BMW's instruction for some is clearing faults and following the diagnostic steps rather than replacing the gearbox. | SI B24 06 16 (PDF) | — |
| Communication faults with the engine computer | N20/N26 automatic F-series built to 10/2015 | Transmission failsafe with "Transmission temperature", "Drivetrain fault" and "Chassis stabilization" messages and communication faults. | SIB 12 04 17 (PDF) | — |
Bulletins are BMW service information filed with NHTSA; open one for the exact models, build dates and repair. A bulletin isn't a recall and doesn't mean your car has the problem. Estimates are national averages built from BMW warranty labor time, regional shop rates and parts prices; open a repair for your ZIP. "Owners paid" is the middle half of sourced prices, shown where we have at least 3.
What to do
- Note when it happens (cold, hot, after a long drive) and which gears still work.
- Check for fluid under the car near the middle.
- Have the transmission fault memory read before agreeing to major work.
Other BMW bulletins that mention it
- SI B24 01 25 Emissions recall 25e-a05: electronic transmission control unit G06, G07, G05 · Jul 2025
- SI B12 08 17 Powertrain faults due to chafing of engine wiring harness F15 · May 2017
- SI B24 02 19 Transmission shifting faults at cold temperatures G30, G31 · Jan 2019
- SI B24 01 17 Automatic transmission driveability complaints G11, G12, F15, F30 · Feb 2017
- SI B28 01 25 U10 U11 double clutch transmission (dkg) maintenance task - oil change interval U10, U11 · Jan 2026
- SI B24 03 23 Service action: program the transmisison control unit (EGS) G05, G06, G07, G11, G12 and others · Aug 2023
- SI B24 05 16 Transmission overheating G11, G12 · Sep 2017
- SI B12 03 17 MIL is on with fault cf0486 stored in the EGS module F48 · Mar 2017
11 of the BMW bulletins we hold mention this warning in their text; these are the closest matches.
Related warnings
Drivetrain malfunction Chassis stabilization All warning lights
Sources
- BMW E90 Driver Information Systems (BMW technical training manual): Check Control message list
- BMW USA: digital owner's manual for your VIN
- NHTSA: BMW technical service bulletins and recalls by VIN
Message wording in quotes is BMW's own, from the Check Control list in BMW's E90 training manual or from the bulletins linked above; newer cars word some messages differently. The explanations are ours.