Hello all...

I picked up my 1994 530it today and began to look it over, to see what work it might need. Not a perfect day for it...it was HOT out.

I am getting a Trans Program message and the trans locks into I guess 3rd gear. I have it set to S4 and that makes it a bit more drivable, however it has to get fixed. Also, I get coolant low and brake light circuit messages.

It seems that there is no way to check fluid on the trans.

In the case of the coolant level, it is fine. In the case of brake lights, the right and left brake lights work, I did however notice a couple of the small lights in the center (3rd) brake light.

I have searched the threads at this site and others and am left in a lurch as the threads just end without a concluding result.

I would prefer to do the work myself, but might need to get it to an indie as there is also a shimmy from the front end and a slight vibration with just mild/moderate acceleration.

Being that I have read that it could be a battery, alternator, speed control and or half a dozen other issues.....where should I start? OR is it a computer on the fritz.
It really feels like an electrical / computer issue.

Adding to the previous list is........... 1 Brake light, tail light. Also when opening a door, it says hatch is open (think it was hatch, might have been tailgate) Open tailgate... same message as the doors.

On my 4th drive and 2 starts after, no messages at all. Next start-up and it came back.


If there a way to reboot this mess?
Or if you have any suggestions...it is appreciated!!


Thanks
Don