BMW users abeg oh. This issue based on my research happens to many e46 owners. The transmission shifts well but as soon as it enters the 5th gear, it enters limp (safe) mode and stays stuck on the 4th gear hence I can't travel. Online users have stated a myriad of reasons like the MAF sensor, transmission harness, transmission filter etc.

I handed the car to a BMW tech in Ib here but the same issues have come up almost immediately I got it back from him. I'm going to get the car scanned monday but anyone else experienced this same issue. Help me save my time on repairs.

Cc Uboma, Yungboss again. Abeg respond.

Thanks

A sample picture added below for reference

I remember this cog light alright.


it happened to me about two years ago. my car will drag and won't go uphill.


I replaced th gear oil on two separate occasions as advised by my "Kazeem" at the time, to no avail.


I finally met a rewire who doubles as a BMW user too. He sorted this issue for me and I haven't had it since then.


It is an electrical problem. I wish you are around the FCT....


Go ahead with the scan and post the codes that come up.

Run a scan first

I use an e46 and am also in Ibadan, it's an electrical fault. Two things for sure fuse or transmission module.

I had this same problem with my E46 about two years back. I changed the transmission oil yet, it was still on limp mode. I was advised to change the gear box's ECU which is located in a compartment close to the brake fluid reservoir. I bought a new one for 10k, it worked for three months then the problem resurfaces. An electrician fixed it, I've been driving the Car for over two years now without any problem from the gear. Get a good electrician.

benefitzte:
I use an e46 and am also in Ibadan, it's an electrical fault. Two things for sure fuse or transmission module.

Thanks. Have you fixed it. Which mech can you recommend as the technician I planned to meet today for scanning has travelled.

laivwire:

Thanks. Have you fixed it. Which mech can you recommend as the technician I planned to meet today for scanning has travelled.

Sorry. Have not been here but u can call me on 080...5560.50..99

Not alleging that it's the answer but if it were my car then I would be haunting this thread:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1727736-e46-auto-transmission-warning-light!

1) Are your break lights working?

2) Have you checked under the car near the trans to see if there are any dangly bits?

3) Are your gear indicators lights illuminating?

4) How's your battery voltage?

EgunMogaji:
Not alleging that it's the answer but if it were my car then I would be haunting this thread:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1727736-e46-auto-transmission-warning-light!

1) Are your break lights working?

2) Have you checked under the car near the trans to see if there are any dangly bits?

3) Are your gear indicators lights illuminating?

4) How's your battery voltage?

Wow, many thanks sir. I'll run a check on the above. Gear lights are illuminating and the battery is a new 75amp.

I'm out of town but I'll scan as soon as I return.

I guess you finally got yourself an E46. How did you resolve the gear issue?

uboma:
I remember this cog light alright.


it happened to me about two years ago. my car will drag and won't go uphill.


I replaced th gear oil on two separate occasions as advised by my "Kazeem" at the time, to no avail.


I finally met a rewire who doubles as a BMW user too. He sorted this issue for me and I haven't had it since then.


It is an electrical problem. I wish you are around the FCT....


Go ahead with the scan and post the codes that come up.

Hi
Am experiencing the same problem with my BMW e46. It's now a year. I wish I was near that side so that you can connect me to the electrician you used. Please help me with your contact number so that I can get in touch.
Mine is +260966768455

Rafferty2000:




Hi
Am experiencing the same problem with my BMW e46. It's now a year. I wish I was near that side so that you can connect me to the electrician you used. Please help me with your contact number so that I can get in touch.
Mine is +260966768455

Good morning Sir,

You should state your location as other BMW users are reading too and may have contacts of competent car Electricians in your location.

My phone number is on my signature.

uboma:



Good morning Sir,

You should state your location as other BMW users are reading too and may have contacts of competent car Electricians in your location.

My phone number is on my signature.

Thanks for the quick response
Am in Lusaka, Zambia

Dear nairaland,i have the gear cog light on my '98 e46,please who has had this same issue and was it fixed?thanks!

That's what I m experiencing right now. I changed my screen clock and the cog light came up. I couldn't see it before in the previous screen clock. So, I'm still looking for a way out.

uboma:
I remember this cog light alright.


it happened to me about two years ago. my car will drag and won't go uphill.


I replaced th gear oil on two separate occasions as advised by my "Kazeem" at the time, to no avail.


I finally met a rewire who doubles as a BMW user too. He sorted this issue for me and I haven't had it since then.


It is an electrical problem. I wish you are around the FCT....


Go ahead with the scan and post the codes that come up.

You are right. I noticed some stuff as well o the car. I will see a rewire today

Hi guys,
Please I need solution as the Cog light on gear of my e46 bmw remains on, making the selections difficult, it's an automatic transmission system, I have been advised to change transmission oil, ecu ,brainbox and I'm fed up, please anyone with likely problem in the past should assist.
I reside in lagos

You’ll be surprised that your MAF sensor could cause that cog light to show.

cheneochis:
Hi guys,
Please I need solution as the Cog light on gear of my e46 bmw remains on, making the selections difficult, it's an automatic transmission system, I have been advised to change transmission oil, ecu ,brainbox and I'm fed up, please anyone with likely problem in the past should assist.
I reside in lagos

You’ll be surprised that a faulty MAF sensor could cause that light to show.