Experiencing transmission issues with your 2004 BMW M3 can be frustrating, especially when accompanied by cryptic OBD2 codes. If you’ve encountered the P1717 code on your 2004 BMW M3, you’re likely facing a specific challenge within your Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) system. This guide aims to shed light on this code, drawing from real-world experiences and expert knowledge to help you understand and potentially resolve the issue.
This article is crafted for BMW enthusiasts and DIY mechanics looking to diagnose and address the P1717 code in their 2004 BMW M3 SMG system. We’ll break down the code, explore potential causes, and outline troubleshooting steps based on community experiences.
Understanding OBD2 Code P1717 in a 2004 BMW M3
The OBD2 code P1717 is generally defined as “Shift Solenoid ‘E’ Circuit Low”. In the context of a 2004 BMW M3 equipped with the SMG transmission, this code points towards a potential electrical issue within the SMG system’s shift solenoids. These solenoids are crucial components that control the hydraulic pressure to engage different gears within the SMG.
A “Circuit Low” indication typically suggests:
- Low voltage: Insufficient electrical power reaching the solenoid.
- Wiring issue: A break, short, or corrosion in the wiring leading to the solenoid.
- Faulty solenoid: The solenoid itself may be defective or failing.
- SMG control unit issue: In rarer cases, the SMG control unit (ECU) might be malfunctioning, causing incorrect signals.
Real-World Symptoms and Initial Diagnosis
Before diving deep into diagnostics, it’s helpful to understand the symptoms that might accompany the P1717 code in your 2004 BMW M3. Owners have reported a range of issues, including:
- SMG Cog Light: Illumination of the SMG warning light on the dashboard is a common indicator.
- Check Engine Light (CEL): The P1717 code will typically trigger the CEL.
- Gear Selection Problems: Difficulty shifting gears, refusal to engage gears, or unexpected shifts to neutral.
- Unusual SMG Pump Noises: Loud or prolonged SMG pump priming noises when opening the driver’s door, or whirring sounds from the engine bay at startup.
- Rough Shifting: Jerky or less smooth gear changes than usual.
One BMW owner’s experience, shared across enthusiast forums, highlights a practical approach to troubleshooting SMG issues and related OBD2 codes:
“I bought this M3 as a project… Initially, the SMG seemed to be behaving, but I soon noted the following issues after driving a hundred miles or so:
- The priming of the SMG sounded loud… and sometimes would last close to 10 seconds…
- Upon initial start up, it sounded like there was a whirring noise coming from the engine bay… the car would not go into gear… Once the noise from the engine bay stopped, the car would go into gear.
- When driving, shifting wasn’t the smoothest but was okay.
- At stop lights, the car would shift out of gear and into neutral without my input…”
These symptoms, combined with OBD2 codes like P1717 (although in this case, the owner initially got generic codes P1717, P0944, and P0901), point towards potential SMG hydraulic or electrical system malfunctions.
Image showing the logo of e46fanatics.com, a popular online forum for BMW E46 enthusiasts, relevant to the discussion of community-based troubleshooting for BMW issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for P1717 on a 2004 BMW M3 SMG
Based on community knowledge and practical diagnostics, here’s a structured approach to troubleshooting the P1717 code on your 2004 BMW M3 SMG system:
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Initial OBD2 Scan: Confirm the P1717 code using a standard OBD2 scanner. Note down any other accompanying codes, as they can provide further clues.
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Check SMG Fluid Level: Inspect the SMG fluid reservoir level. Low fluid can sometimes cause erratic SMG behavior and trigger fault codes. However, in the referenced case, the owner noted the fluid level was high, suggesting a different issue, potentially air in the system.
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Inspect SMG Fluid Reservoir Connector: A loose connector at the bottom of the SMG fluid reservoir can disrupt the pump’s ability to draw fluid. Ensure it’s securely connected. As the previously mentioned owner discovered:
“After checking my SMG reservoir, I felt that the connector was lose that lead to the pump. I tightened it up and ran the clutch and actuator bleed sequences. After this, my fluid level in the SMG reservoir was back to normal. Therefore I can deduce that air had gotten into the system and the loose connector was preventing the pump from drawing from the reservoir.”
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BMW Specific Diagnostic Scan with INPA (or similar): Generic OBD2 scanners provide limited information for complex systems like BMW SMG. Utilizing BMW-specific diagnostic tools like INPA, ISTA-D, or similar software is crucial. These tools can read BMW-specific fault codes and allow for deeper system analysis and actuation tests. In the example case, using INPA revealed BMW SMG codes 57 and 23, which were more specific than the generic OBD2 codes.
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Check Salmon Relay (SMG Relay): The Salmon relay is a known potential point of failure in the SMG system. It’s inexpensive and easy to replace, making it a worthwhile step in initial troubleshooting. While the owner in the example replaced it, it didn’t resolve the core issue in their case, but it’s a good preventative measure.
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Bleed SMG Actuator and Clutch Hydraulics: Air in the SMG hydraulic system can cause a variety of issues, including gear selection problems and fault codes. Using INPA or similar software, perform the SMG actuator and clutch bleed procedures. This process helps remove air from the system and ensure proper hydraulic function. This step proved to be the solution in the referenced case after addressing the loose connector.
“I tightened it up and ran the clutch and actuator bleed sequences. After this, my fluid level in the SMG reservoir was back to normal. Therefore I can deduce that air had gotten into the system and the loose connector was preventing the pump from drawing from the reservoir. My SMG has been behaving very well ever since!”
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Inspect Wiring and Connectors: If the above steps don’t resolve the P1717 code, carefully inspect the wiring and connectors leading to the SMG shift solenoids. Look for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Refer to a BMW E46 M3 wiring diagram for specific solenoid locations and wiring paths.
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Test Shift Solenoid Resistance: Using a multimeter, you can test the resistance of the shift solenoids. Compare your readings to the specifications in the BMW repair manual for your 2004 M3. Significant deviations may indicate a faulty solenoid.
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SMG Control Unit (ECU) Diagnosis: If all other components check out, the SMG control unit itself could be the source of the problem. However, ECU failures are less common. This would typically be a diagnosis of last resort, often requiring professional BMW technician expertise.
forums m3cutters logo
Image displaying the logo for forums.m3cutters.co.uk, another valuable online community for BMW M3 owners, emphasizing the collaborative nature of diagnosing and resolving car issues.
Community Resources and Further Research
Online BMW forums are invaluable resources for troubleshooting issues like the P1717 code on a 2004 BMW M3 SMG. Platforms like:
- E46fanatics.com: A vast forum dedicated to the BMW E46 platform, with numerous threads discussing SMG issues.
- M3cutters.co.uk: A UK-based forum focused on BMW M3 models, offering a wealth of technical knowledge and owner experiences.
- Bimmerforums.com: A broader BMW forum with sections dedicated to various models, including the E46 M3.
These forums (links to relevant threads are included in the original article and below for your convenience) provide a space to search for similar issues, learn from others’ experiences, and potentially find solutions specific to your situation.
- M3 SMG won’t go into gear, whirring sound when car… – e46fanatics.com
- SMG issues – will motor and new temp sensor fix? – e46fanatics.com
- SMG Error Code 23 – m3cutters.co.uk
- How to bleed SMG pump with INPA – bimmerforums.com
Conclusion: Addressing 2004 BMW M3 OBD2 Code P1717
The OBD2 code P1717 in a 2004 BMW M3 signals a potential electrical circuit issue within the SMG transmission’s shift solenoid system. By systematically following a troubleshooting process, starting with basic checks and progressing to more advanced diagnostics with BMW-specific tools, you can effectively pinpoint the root cause.
Often, as demonstrated in the real-world example, seemingly complex SMG issues can stem from relatively simple problems like a loose connector or air in the hydraulic system. By leveraging community knowledge, utilizing diagnostic tools, and approaching the problem methodically, you can increase your chances of successfully resolving the P1717 code and restoring the smooth performance of your 2004 BMW M3 SMG transmission. Remember to always consult a qualified BMW technician if you are unsure about any diagnostic or repair procedures.
