alright let me tell you that the fault you have is for the 3rd gear shift solenoid. i find it unlikely that the solenoid on both cars you own, have the same problem. i would be more likely to think and look at the mechatronic sleeve, which is a fancy name for a plastic transmission connector. these ARE very problematic on all of the later model bmw's. i would have someone, or you look at this. you need to get the car in the air, and there is about a 27mm plastic sleeve coming out of the front passenger side of the transmission, that has a bunch of little electrical connections going through it. if you unplug the connector, you can tell if any transmission fluid is leaking out of it. if so you need to replace the mechatronic sleeve. part number is XXXXXXXXXXX and list price is $19.24. when doing this you need to catch any fluid that drains out of the transmission and KEEP it. when finished pump that fluid back into the transmission, and top off the transmission with new fluid, which is bmw number 83220142516 and list price is $31.76 per liter. this fluid is shell m1375.4 oil and is special to the vehicle. hopefully this information is helpful to you. thanks in advance ed.

yes, i will unfortunately have to get back to you in the am with more info on zf. thanks again ed.

hey again sorry but i couldn't find anything in print that bmw has about that fault. unfortunately bmw doesn't allow us much in the automatic transmission rebuild/repair procedures, as we usually do not go into the transmissions too often. sorry i couldn't be of more assistance. thanks again ed