SMG Failure on CSL

[Billy83]

Hi there,

I've owned a 2004 CSL for about 6 months now and have had no problems with it for all those 6 months until now. I was on my way down to Bornemouth to get hold of the Pagid RS19s, Goodrich hoses and race brake fluid that was recommended to me by many of you pistonheads and thankyou for the advice, very excited about being able to do more than 3 laps at a time before the brakes melt!

Anyway on the way down the SMG decided randomly that it wanted to select N while i was doing 77mph ;) down the motorway and i had to coast into the hard shoulder swerving in front of traffic. The box then recovered after i turned the car off and on again but the warning light stayed on. Made it to Bomo and then on the way back it happened again, twice. The second time the car refused to start and/or select any gear and i had to call the excellent BMW assistance to come and tow me home as the box is now totally screwed. BMW are picking it up tomorrow to try and fix it at the garage but i was just wondering if anyone else has experienced problems like these?

Thanks

Billy

[ChrisW.]

Dear Billy,

I had a one-off SMG moment at 5000 miles which cured itself and hasn't returned to 13,500 miles.

BMW warranty is in my experience as good as any, so I hope they look after you too.

I hope you weren't too screwed, -- I had to practice deep breathing even though it sorted itself !!!

[Billy83]

Sounds like everyone else's seem to sort themselves out! Went on bm3w site and apparently no-one's ever had the same problem... Lucky me!

Its in the garage as we speak so i'll get back to you after i know what the problem was, until now it's practising the deep breathing you were talking about until they give me back my baby

Billy

[DoctorD]

Billy83 said:

Sounds like everyone else's seem to sort themselves out! Went on bm3w site and apparently no-one's ever had the same problem... Lucky me! Its in the garage as we speak so i'll get back to you after i know what the problem was, until now it's practising the deep breathing you were talking about until they give me back my baby Billy

Billy, has your car had the SMG actuator replaced, that was a warranty recall carried out on all CSLs late last year? If it hadn't then that would explain your woes. BMW spoke about the possibility of a complete SMG failure in their PUMA bulletin that went with the recall and unless the previous owner had this done, it most likely will have been the cause.

[billy83]

Just had the problem fixed and the guy said it was a hydraulic part of the gearbox which had blown resulting in the complete SMG failure you mentioned.

Would've though BMW GB would've fixed the problem seeing as they were the previous owners??

Anyway problem fixed now and my engine bay's looking better than ever, glistening in all its carbonfibre majesty!

Billy

p.s cheers for the brake advice Doctor D, RS19s goodrich hoses and Race fluid's sorted the problems!

[DoctorD]

billy83 said:

Just had the problem fixed and the guy said it was a hydraulic part of the gearbox which had blown resulting in the complete SMG failure you mentioned.

That was what the recall was meant to prevent, looks like a few cars have slipped through the net then.

Glad you've got it sorted and can enjoy CSL ownership to the full now..