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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jarance" data-source="post: 191566" data-attributes="member: 21">Not sure about E46, but for E36, the problem could be due to faulty solenoids in the gearbox transmission. Faulty solenoids can be detected when the modic is plug in. The modic can also simulated or forced the solenoid to switch on to test it function.BTW, the alarm is recorded.As mentioned by ferry, there is also a possibility of worn out contact for the gear selection. This problem will cause your car to go a bit crazy as it does not know what is the selection of the gear shift if the contact is worn out.Another possibility is the alignment of the gearbox cable and shift position.Of course, if the ATF have not been changed after 100,000 km, please changed it along with the filter in the gearbox. (applied to E36 not sure about E46)BTW, check the ATF level in the gearbox. Sometime they are also the cause.FYI, I did have problem with solenoid and worn out contact before. Most of time it give the indication that the auto transmission is kaput but after changing the respective parts the problem disappered.So before you decide to overhaul the gearbox, do the above first. It small cost compared to a gearbox replacement.</blockquote>