M4 Transmission Crisis: Owner Seeks Expert Help Fast

Let me share my experience with a similar issue on my 2016 BMW M2. Last month, I dealt with almost identical symptoms, transmission warning lights, rough shifts, and that dreaded limp mode. The torque converter was indeed the problem. My previous experience with another garage led nowhere, but I finally got it sorted at a proper transmission specialist. They confirmed the torque converter was defective and needed replacement. It was quite serious since metal particles from the failing converter had started contaminating the transmission fluid. The job took three days total, they had to remove the transmission, replace the converter, flush the system, and recalibrate everything. While they were in there, they also replaced some worn solenoids and did a transmission fluid change. It wasn't a cheap fix, but the car runs like new now, smooth shifts, proper acceleration, and no more warning lights. If you're seeing similar symptoms, I'd strongly recommend getting it checked soon before it causes more damage to the transmission.

Thanks for sharing your experience! It's really helpful to hear from someone who went through the same nightmare. I'm currently dealing with these exact issues on my M4, the limp mode and grinding are driving me crazy. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the whole repair set you back? And has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks pop up? Just trying to get an idea of what I'm in for cost-wise and whether this is likely to be a long-term solution. Really appreciate the detailed info about the repair process. Sounds like going to a transmission specialist is definitely the way to go rather than a general mechanic.

Hey there! Happy to give you an update. After my earlier post, I got the car fixed and can tell you exactly what it cost. The total bill came to 2120 € for fixing the torque converter issue, and I'm glad to say it was worth every penny. It's been running absolutely perfectly since the repair, no more grinding, no warning lights, and the transmission shifts like butter now. Such a relief after dealing with all those problems! The acceleration is back to being properly responsive too, which really reminds me why I fell in love with this car in the first place. Honestly, once the specialist sorted out that defective torque converter lock-up clutch, it was like getting a new car. Haven't had a single quirk or issue since the repair, and it's been several months now. Going to a transmission specialist was definitely the right call, they knew exactly what they were dealing with and had it all sorted within a few days. If you're still shopping around for repairs, I'd say just bite the bullet and go straight to a specialist. Sure, it's not cheap, but it's better than risking more damage with someone who might not know these transmissions inside and out. Let me know if you need any other details about the repair. Happy to share more about my experience if it helps!

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! Just got back from the mechanic today actually, and boy do I have a story to tell. They found the exact same issue you mentioned, torque converter was totally shot. Ended up biting the bullet and getting it fixed at a transmission specialist. The whole ordeal took four days, but honestly, it was worth the wait. They did a complete overhaul, new torque converter, fresh fluid, the works. Bill came to about 2400 €, which stung a bit, but what can you do? Took it for a test drive afterward and wow, what a difference! No more grinding, shifting is butter-smooth, and that awful limp mode is history. The acceleration is back to being properly punchy too. Actually caught myself grinning like an idiot on the drive home. Really glad I followed your advice about going to a specialist. Sure beats my last experience with that general mechanic who just kept scratching his head and charging me for "diagnostics." Fingers crossed it stays running this smoothly! Thanks again for all your help. Really helped calm my nerves about getting this sorted.