How to reset limp mode on bmw e90

Question edited for clarity and add maker.
Question moved to model category.

Limp Mode is activated for the most serious faults that can REALLY damage your engine catastrophically. It gives you the opportunity to limp to a garage.

It can be reset with a pro grade scan tool which also tells you WHY Limp Mode was activated.

Limp mode is usually a sign there is something the vehicle electronics lists as possibly serious. A yellow light is generally a caution sign and means it needs looking at as soon as you possibly can, where a red light means it needs to be looked at there and then.
You will need to get the vehicle plugged into a diagnostic system or an OBD2 Scanner to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, (DTC's). If you have to pay for this service ask at 4 or 5 different garages as prices can be VERY different. Use the comment button below with these codes and I'll try to help you more.

Check and see will it move in low or reverse. If it wont move ONLY in drive and will move in other gears, your overdrive clutches are destroyed and the computer has placed the vehicle into "limp home" mode. meaning you cannot hurt it any more than you already have. If it wont move in ANY gear, put some tranny fluid in it. Start it and put in "N" with the e-brake on and check the fluid level with the dipstick.

Since you fixed the fault by scan advice and was ok and on testdrive another limp mode came up, just check again with your scan to see what is the possible cause for it. Probably the crank sensor.

To answer your question, yes it can cause permanent damage. please refer to the below information for more information on what happens during this process. Car Talk How much damage does starting an already running car do

year model and engine code will help

limp mode means something is broken, with
PCM or TCM. (bad sensors or actuators)
resetting PCM.
1: press reset on scan tool.
2: pull memory fuse to ECU.
3: pull battery neg lug and radio bricks and need to do relearn modes. on many things.

if the problem remains, resetting it does nothing, it come back fast.

Hi badboyf6,
Limp mode can be activated by many things to numerous to list here so, if possible can you get a local mechanic to hook up an OBD lead to the ECU (computer thingy!) of the car and read the fault code.

From this reading he/she will be able to determine what has caused limp mode activation and depending what it is reset/cancel limp mode.

Gettin a fault code reading is quick and cheap to do, (even from the dealership!) and at least you will have more information to determine what is best thing to do next...
Hope this helps and good luck.

NO, it has went into limp mode to prevent damage to the engine. Time to call you BMW dealer.

Any time the transmission goes into the limp mode, it generates an error code that tells what caused it to go into limp mode. It could be something as simple as a loose connection on a sensor for the transmission computer. The code would explain which sensor was sending the correct signal.
By restarting the car you are resetting the transmission computer, clearing the limp condition.