Diagnosis and Troubleshooting: Notes

Due to the cost and complexity of today's electronic transmissions, BMW recommends that the technical hotline be contacted before any repairs are performed. It is important that the technician perform some basic diagnostic procedures before contacting technical assistance. The following procedures should be followed:

• Always Verify customer complaint, make sure the complaint is not related to normal operation. (i.e. Warm Up Phase, AGS operation etc.)
• Survey Fault Memory - Perform complete  quick test. There may be other systems that interface with EGS that could cause faults. (i.e DME, ASC/DSC, IKE/Kombi etc.)
• Print out all fault code with fault conditions. Also print out copy of Identification page and diagnostic report.
• CHECK TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY SERVICE BULLETINS THAT APPLY TO YOUR SPECIFIC COMPLAINT. THIS INCLUDES THE SERVICE ROUND TABLE.
• Ensure that battery voltage is sufficient. Battery voltage must be greater than 12.5 with ignition switched off. Check battery connections for tightness and condition.
• Check ground connections. (chassis to engine, grounds to bulkhead and shock tower.)
• Check over vehicle to look for transmission leaks, physical damage, loose connections etc.
• If necessary, check fluid level and condition using DISplus or GT-1.
• Check to see if any aftermarket or performance components have been installed that could effect transmission operation. (DME or EGS software as well as any engine modifications).
• Check repair history to see if there were any recent repairs that could effect the proper operation of the transmission (i.e. Engine replacement with damaged dowel pin etc.).
• Check DCS for any open campaigns or recalls pertaining to drivetrain.
• Check and record chassis number, production date and transmission serial # before contacting technical assistance.