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BMW Serie 5 E60 (2003–2010)Faults with the automatic gearbox

Automatic gearbox of the BMW Serie 5 E60: problems and faults

In the BMW Serie 5 E60 there are 4 documented faults with the automatic gearbox; the most important: valve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox (ZF 6HP gearbox), wear of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox and of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel assembly (rest of the car) and jerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oil (ZF 6HP gearbox).

Most serious fault: High severity

6 sourcesHow we work

Problems with the automatic gearbox on the the ZF 6HP gearbox

From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

Faults on the rest of the car

Documented on this model, from most to least important.

Symptoms these faults cause

How much the repair costs

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €150[4][5] (jerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oil) to €600[6] (oil leaks from the sump or the gearbox seals), including VAT. If the fault is caught in time, the repair is usually much cheaper.

Parts for the BMW Serie 5 E60 for faults with the automatic gearbox

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the automatic gearbox does the BMW Serie 5 E60 have?

In the BMW Serie 5 E60 there are 4 documented faults with the automatic gearbox; the most important: valve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox (ZF 6HP gearbox), wear of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox and of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel assembly (rest of the car) and jerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oil (ZF 6HP gearbox). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.

Automatic gearbox of the BMW Serie 5 E60: how much does the repair cost?

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €150 (jerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oil) to €600 (oil leaks from the sump or the gearbox seals), including VAT.

Which engines of the BMW Serie 5 E60 have faults with the automatic gearbox?

The documented faults affect the ZF 6HP, and 1 fault is to the rest of the car. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.

Have you had a fault with the automatic gearbox on your BMW Serie 5 E60? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Audi A8 (2002-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2003-2010): pannes et avis de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. El aceite de la caja de cambios automática que el fabricante no cambia: evita una avería de 3.000 eurosMotor16 · Motoring press · published 26 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. El mantenimiento de la caja de cambios que evita una avería de más de 2.000 eurosMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Fiabilité BMW X5 (2000-2007), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French