new 328 ci owner

I just bought a 2000 328ci last week and already have an internittent reverse problem with the trans. The transmission is the automatic steptronic and apparently is a sealed system with no dipstick. At times, the reverse is just like another neutral. When the reverse works it pulls very well. All forward gears pull well and shift smoothly also. The car has 92K miles on it and I have read lots of accounts of owners with similar symptoms.

Any suggestions on this? I am an ex-aircraft mechanic and was hoping I could perform oil changes and periodic service myself. Am hoping I am not looking at a $5k trans replacement

I appreciate any advice

Mike

Reply to
mike
Loading thread data ...

Not one of BMWs better ideas! It DOES need a fluid change every 60k miles.

reverse

Does the display indicate that reverse is selected? If not it may be a selector issue.

Reply to
John Burns

yes, the indicator does change and displays 'R" properly.

One of the search results I read stated that there was a motion solenoid that locks out the torque converter in reverse. If I remember correctly it supposedly locks out the torque converter (and thus reverse) during forward motion of speeds over 3MPH. He went on to say something about testing the trans in safe mode to confirm this was what was causing the problem.

Other people describing the same symptoms report that reverse was restored after a transmission servicing. Maybe thats where I need to start? I probably need to get a manual on this car as I have factory manuals on all my vehicles. I just didnt think I was going to need one so soon.

With the exception of resetting the oil service light, can a guy change the oil and service the transmission on these cars in his own garage?

I appreciate the response

Mike

Reply to
mike

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.