BMW Mini 1999 – 2006 R50 / R52 CVT Transmission Controller TCU / TCM Problems & Repairs

BMW Mini TCU / TCM Problems & Repairs
The BMW Mini from 1999 – 2006 (R50 / R52) was fitted with a Motorola TCU (Transmission Control Unit), also known as a TCM (Transmission Control Module). It is fitted to automatic models with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The TCU / TCM is a very common failing part and can be very expensive to replace. Replacement units will require coding to your vehicle and come with a limited warranty – typically between 30 days and 12 months.

There are many problems associated with this type of transmission control module but the most common fault is the vehicle “jumping” into gear or not selecting the right gear. This will occur more often on a cold morning or whilst the engine is still cold.

Common Transmission Control Module Faults:

Not selecting correct gear (especially when cold)
Not going into gear at all
Rough gear changes
Warning lights on dash
No communication faults

Our TCU / TCM Rebuild Service
We are able to fully test & repair all types of TCU / TCM units. When rebuilding the Mini transmission modules we use new genuine OEM components to ensure that each rebuilt part will meet & exceed OE specifications. A rebuilt transmission control module (Gearbox ECU) from us will come with a Lifetime warranty and will not require any programming when being fitted back to the vehicle. The unit will be fully plug & play. We’re offering a fast, efficient & affordable repair service as an alternative solution to having the module replaced for a new expensive part. We also offer a professional fitting service if required.

Ajaz

Ajaz is a seasoned automotive electronics engineer with deep expertise in remanufacturing vehicle electronics. He has developed skills in all areas of the automotive field, from rebuilding hydraulic steering components, and mechanical gearboxes and reworking intricate vehicle electronics. Ajaz also acquired Bodyteq, a London-based vehicle bodyshop where he has developed extensive knowledge in automotive refinishing.

Alongside his automotive career, Ajaz has built a career in the IT industry, gaining accredited certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Cloud Architect, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist.

64 thoughts on “BMW Mini 1999 – 2006 R50 / R52 CVT Transmission Controller TCU / TCM Problems & Repairs”

Carlos 17 Nov at 5:36 am

Reply

I have a 2006 Mini Coooper S and am being tols by the dea service center that ther may be a “short ” in the TranS Controller Module. Causing engine lights to turn on . Shifts ok up to 55MPH then stays stuck and doesnt shift. Revs hig at 400 RPM +. Can you help with possible solution. You say there is no need to program and have the to re learn? This is a plug N Play solution?
What is the price of replacement unit ?
thanks
Carlos
1. Jason 17 Nov at 12:00 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Carlos
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
John 02 Dec at 1:05 pm

Reply

HI,
DO YOU DO BMW 7 series 730 2008-10 TRANSMISSIONS CONTROL MODULE TCM WHILW MY HAVE HAVE TURBINE SPEED SENOSOR FAULTY.
1. Jason 04 Dec at 1:19 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi John
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing for the BMW TCM unit.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Brian Bernhardt 25 Jan at 7:27 pm

Reply

I have 2005 Mini Cooper 1.6 not a S model that is stuck in Limp Mode (6th GearOnly) error code comes up P1787 .

One Mechanic tells me its the Catalytic Convertor? Any suggestions
1. Jason 26 Jan at 2:01 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Brian
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Nik Xidakks 28 Jan at 5:25 pm

Reply

2011 Mini cooper Auto, R56, keeps sticking in park.( After a manual release limp mode.) It has been suggested control module.
1. Jason 29 Jan at 2:14 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Nik
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Joey 11 Apr at 12:00 am

Reply

02 mini cooper no communication with tcm will not go into drive will go in reverse.occasionally will go into drive and works good after key off no drive again all started after battery was replaced
1. Jason 12 Apr at 4:48 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Joey
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Jesse 24 Apr at 7:59 am

Reply

Hi i just bought an 04 mini cooper. It stays on 1st gear.i scanned the car And it has a code p1611 serial communic link transm control module
1. Jason 25 Apr at 1:45 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Jesse
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Jemal 24 Jan at 4:24 am

Reply

Hi, I have R50, sometimes vehicle doesn’t shift gear atall, can’t drive more than 30km, check engine and elm error comes up on dashboard, when I reset come it helps for a while than the error comes again. When diagnosed by obd can’t access gearbox computer parameters are showen 0. What could be the problem?
1. Jason 30 Jan at 5:55 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Jemal
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  This sounds like an intermittent TCM failure, it’s a very common fault, one which we have successfully tested & repaired many times before but it will need diagnosing to confirm the fault. I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
John 19 Feb at 3:55 am

Reply

Hi,

I have a 2007 Mini Cooper S Chile Convertible autotransmission. The car starts and revs but when shifted to dr forward or reverse drive, the car wont move. Is it a TCM problem?
1. Jason 21 Feb at 10:17 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi John
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  There are many reasons for the vehicle to not move when put into drive/reverse. It could be a mechanical fault i.e. driveshafts & gearbox or it could be an electrical fault i.e. wiring, sensor or module. If the fault is with the TCM, we should be able to find the fault when testing the unit as we do simulate them in all conditions, including moving into drive & reverse.
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing. If you have any questions, please reply to the email and we’ll be happy to assist you.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Rich Firth 04 Apr at 12:48 am

Reply

2004 R50; no comm with TCU, No obvious wire damage, Gear Selector Module is functional; Sport Mode Inoperative…Crawls up to speed in First, shifts into second. Step down switch functions, but leaves car stuck in one gear until roll down to a stop.
1. Jason 04 Apr at 1:31 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Rich
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED
Mahmuod kames 22 Apr at 3:35 am

Reply

لدي ميني كوبر .
ولقد عانيت من كود EP على لوحة القيادة إلى جانب ضوء محرك فحص ومراجعات RPM عالية جدًا.
يبدو أن جهاز ميني كوبر S الخاص بي لم يكن يتحول عن السرعة الأولى أو الثانية.
تعاني من زيادة الدورات في نطاق 5 إلى 6000.
يمكن حل مشاكل
1. Jason 24 Apr at 1:21 pm
  
  Reply
  
  Hi Mahmuod
  
  Thanks for the enquiry,
  
  I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Jason
  SINSPEED

BMW Mini 1999 – 2006 R50 / R52 CVT Transmission Controller TCU / TCM Problems & Repairs

64 thoughts on “BMW Mini 1999 – 2006 R50 / R52 CVT Transmission Controller TCU / TCM Problems & Repairs”

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