Can't shift to Reverse with Automatic transmission

[bmwfreak]

Can't shift to Reverse with Automatic transmission. Please Help


Couple days back, at lunch I try to backup my car from the parking spot at work and the car would do nothing when shifted to Reverse!!!
No alerts, no lights and just won't backup.. had to push it manually and drive and then other gears just shifts normal!!!

The car is 2000 323i, and has automatic transmission, less than 52K miles.

Took it down to a local BMW certified shop, the guy says that I may need a new transmission and quoted $4,200/-- ( I bet the dealer will have a higher quote)

My questions are
1. Is it normal to have to have a transmission failure with such low mileage??
2. Is there any power train warranty on this model that can cover this issue??
3. Has anybody experienced something like this??

I am taking it to the dealer tomorrow to what they have to say!

Any help/advise you can provide will be helpful.
Thank you

 

[Kirby]

Read the sticky at the top of this forum. It is a known problem with some 2003/2004 auto trannies, yours is somewhat older, but maybe the sticky info can help?

 

[codex57]

I think the powertrain warranty is only 4yr/50,000 miles. Your're likely out of warranty on this one.

 

[jrt67ss350]

52K is awfully young to lose a gear, but I can almost guarantee you'll be needing a new transmission.

I've always wondered why the automatics that BMW uses seem to have so many problems, and why they don't last very long. Shoot, the GM TH-350 in my Camaro is 30 some years old with an equally old torque convertor, has a a high performance automatic/manual valvebody and shift kit in it, God knows how many miles on it, is completely mechanical, and it shifts better and more appropriately than most modern day electronically-controlled automatics. Why can't BMW design a transmission that has that kind of performance and longevity?

 

[BartG]

I have a 1999 328i which I think has the same trasmission as the 2000's (non-steptronic). I just had to replace my transmission about 2 weeks ago with 85K on my car. Luckly mine was still under warranty since it was a Certified used BMW. The price the dealer gave you doesn't sound all that bad. My dealer told me that if I had to pay for it myself it would have totaled somewhere around $6,000.
Mine actully gave me some warning though. The check engine light came on and then the transmission error light came on. It was still driving ok but shifting real hard.

 

[bmwfreak]

I have a 1999 328i which I think has the same trasmission as the 2000's (non-steptronic). I just had to replace my transmission about 2 weeks ago with 85K on my car. Luckly mine was still under warranty since it was a Certified used BMW. The price the dealer gave you doesn't sound all that bad. My dealer told me that if I had to pay for it myself it would have totaled somewhere around $6,000.
Mine actully gave me some warning though. The check engine light came on and then the transmission error light came on. It was still driving ok but shifting real hard.

Thank you for your replies. I am taking it to the dealer today, so let's see what feedback I get. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Should it help calling the BMWNA , as there is something wrong with the car, if it fails at this age and doesn't even alert the driver??

 

[bmwfreak]

I researched the web and found that there is a technical bulletin for 323i Power train - automatic transmission.

NHSTA item number 613552 and Servive Bulleting number is 247500.

The summary of the bulletin is
Make: BMW
Model: 323I
Year: 2000
Service Bulletin Number: 247500
NHTSA Item Number: 613552
Summary Description:
INFORMATION REGARDING E46 M52TU / B25 WITH ZF 5HP19 AS OF 3/2000 PRODUCTION. **MR

Does anybody understand what this means or have details on this Service bulletin. If yes, can you please post it on your reply...


Thank you