ZF6 transmission error

Good day Fanatics

Wondering if anyone on here has experienced any transmission errors or something similar (09 E82 120D auto);

Whilst on a gentle Sunday cruise, in auto mode, when shifting from 4th to 5th, the car did a weird double jerk/shift. It had done something similar once or twice previously on a positive gradient and about 30% throttle input (almost like she wasn't sure whether or not to shift) but never this violent.

A few kms later, it throws up a transmission error, and refuses to switch into manual mode (kind of switched into a limp mode of sorts). I think the message was "transmission - drive carefully".

After turning the car off and on, things appear to have gone back to normal for now. To my knowledge I don't believe a gearbox service was ever done

BMW E82 120d
270 xxx km

Potentially one or more of your clutches are slipping. Quite common on this generation 6hp. Services are very important on any box but especially on these in particular.

ZF Recommends that gearbox services are done every 80 000 - 100 000km which if what you think is correct that it's never been done, it's about three services overdue.

Plugging the car into diagnostics will tell you exactly why the transmission threw the car into limp mode, more than likely it will show a clutch slip code. This is usually terrible news as it requires a complete transmission rebuild which is to the tune of R50 000. You might be lucky that perhaps it's a little low on fluid but given that you suspect it's never been serviced, I doubt this is the case.

Thanks for the advice Vitamin5. Just to add to the above, this was the error code the vehicle threw up; "4F8A - EGS Ratio monitoring, gear shift 4 - 5"

You can go to ZF gearbox for them to assess your gearbox, but that is a clear indicator that it is pretty much toast. It will need to be rebuilt.
I would recommend Jaco, he used to be the master technician at ZF and now does this privately. His number is 0824969615.

Drive it till it lets go and then just get a replacement box. The cost to repair is not justified given the value of the car.