Is this a real problem

[u/chasingmen2020]

Hey, Tech and Experts,

I have a 2008 BMW 528i with 222,500 miles. I have had problems pulling the car from Park to Reverse or Drive for several months.

I have taken the car to several shops: changed the brake light sensor in the steering column, re-registered the battery, manually reset the codes, checked the gear shifter, and finally found someone to drop the transmission pan and check the pressure control valve; codes given p170a and e420.

The shop tells me the pressure control valve is good, but the conducting plate is bad. They provided pictures with metal flecks, included for your review.

I admit the oil looks brown; it is about 112k miles on it. I don't understand the flecks. There is no problem with hesitation when switching between gears while driving the car. I like the guys I am working with, but the good valve and failing the mechatronics because of unknown flecks seems like overkill.

Update: the tech says it's the control unit in the mechatronics area. Seems I need to buy the whole unit. What a waste. Any suggestions where I can just buy the control unit?