BMW X5 Won't Start in Park, Transmission Mystery

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2014 BMW X3 3.0i last month. The symptoms match what you're describing, especially the rough shifting and starting problems. In my case, it turned out to be the transmission control module that was acting up. Got it diagnosed at the shop, and they found several stored fault codes. Initially, they suspected the parking lock mechanism too, but after a thorough check, the main culprit was the control unit. Had to get the control module replaced and reprogrammed. It was definitely a serious repair since the transmission control unit is a critical component that manages all shifting operations. Without fixing it, the problem would've gotten worse and could've potentially damaged other transmission components. I'd suggest getting it checked by a certified BMW specialist who can properly diagnose the control module. These symptoms aren't something to ignore, and they likely won't resolve themselves.

Hey! I can totally relate. Had almost exactly the same issues with my X5 last year, the starting trouble and rough shifting were giving me nightmares. The transmission control module replacement fixed it completely for me. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? And has everything been running smoothly since the fix? I know these transmission issues can sometimes come back, but mine's been perfect since the repair.

Hey again! Glad to hear you had similar issues fixed, it's always reassuring when someone else has been through the same thing. Since you asked, I paid exactly 1000 € for the control unit replacement and reprogramming work, and I'm happy to report it was worth every penny. The best news is that everything has been running perfectly since I got it fixed. The transmission is smooth as butter now, and that annoying problem with the parking position is completely gone. No more struggling to start the car or dealing with rough shifts, it's like having a new vehicle! I was pretty nervous about the repair at first, but the mechanic really knew what they were doing with these BMW systems. It's been about a month now, and I haven't had a single problem. The car starts normally every time, shifts perfectly, and there's no more check engine light to worry about. Honestly, it's such a relief to have it sorted properly. These high-tech transmissions can be tricky, but once you get the right fix, they're incredibly reliable. Sounds like both of us got lucky finding the root cause before any serious damage happened!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I totally get what you mean about the repair costs, that's pretty much in line with what I paid too. Really glad to hear your car's running smoothly now. Speaking of mechanics, I actually just got back from getting my regular maintenance done at a new shop today. What a difference compared to my last guy! This mechanic actually took the time to explain everything they were checking, and even showed me some preventive measures to avoid future transmission issues. They did a thorough inspection of the control module and updated some software too. The funny part was, while I was waiting in their shop, another BMW pulled in with almost identical symptoms to what we had! I ended up chatting with the owner and sharing our experiences. It's crazy how common these transmission module issues are with our cars. Anyway, thanks again for the feedback. It's really reassuring to know I'm not the only one who went through this and got it sorted properly. Here's to hoping our BMWs keep running smoothly!