2001 325i Orange Tranny light

[robz0082]

I was driving to work this morning and about ten minutes into my commute, the orange warning light for the automatic transmission cut on. I drove on it for about 5 -7 minutes (I was on the interstate) and then stopped, turned off the car, and turned it back on. The light was gone and I continued to work.

I think while the light was on, the car slipped into the "safe mode" where the car only operates in 3rd and 4th gear. The car has 104,500 miles. I just bought the car and am super paranoid that something is going to go wrong with the Tranny or engine. Any ideas on how worried I should be about this? Should I take it to the shop? If nothing else happens should I drive it the 350 miles home this weekend like I planned to or cancel the trip? Could this be an early warning sign that the fluid needs replaced?

 

[Big Daddy]

All of the above, seriously have you ever serviced the transmission? I am not a believer in "lifetime fluids" and have my transmissions serviced every 30k. I would have the code read, it could be something simple as low fluid or something bad like a slip. I would have it checked before a 350 mile trip.

On a side note I have a 97 Chevrolet pick up with 160k on her and the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on monthly, the code says the transmission "slipped". This has been going on since she had 80k on her and she still runs great!

 

[robz0082]

Orange Tranny light

I've never have had it serviced...I just got the car last week. I know it was properly maintaned at the most reputable Bimmer dealer in Charleston, SC. The guy that I bought it from said that a sensor had to be replaced b/c the same warning light had come on when he had it. I'm thinking that is what it is but the fact it went into that "safe mode" kinda freaks me out a little. If it does it again, it's going straight to the shop. Assuming it doesn't do it again, I will probably mention it when I get the oil changed in 500miles.

Thanks for the help. Also, I noticed that at high tachs, 1st gear makes a faint whining noise. The other 2001 325i that I test drove did the exact same thing. Could it be the rev limiter kicking in or something or is it a possible problem? Thanks again.