BMW Repair: Code 55 - 99 E46 328i auto transmission, bmw expert, 5th gear

Question
My 1999 328i occasionally pops up with a gear & exclamation mark on the dash.   My local BMW expert downloads a code 55, but doesn't know what it means. Do you know?

Answer
Hello David,
The checklight means the EGS (transmission control module) detected a fault. BMW fault 55 is DTC PO735 which means
incorrect 5th gear ratio. The EGS may have to be re-programmed. Ask your mechanic also to check fluid level and condition( it should be translucent gray and not dark and smelling burnt). Your car has basically a gear monitoring problem which aside from the possible need for programming, could mean slippage, or a need for a shift selector switch, or a transmission (probably sometime later).
Have a nice weekend.
Tino