I've been having a strange problem with my 2000 323i and I was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience. Usually on cold mornings after the car hasn't been driven for a while (say, 12 hours), when you turn it on and shift into reverse, it won't budge. The rear of the car will rise up (literally higher off the ground) as if there is a wedge stuck under the tires (which there is not), and it won't move. If you then shift into drive, the car makes a loud clanking noise. And if you then shift from drive to reverse, the car behaves normally and it is drivable. Any input?
Problem with Reverse in 3 Transmission?
- Thread starter hmb613
- Start date
Sounds like someone transplanted a sliptronic transmission into your 323i... The loud clanking sound shifting into park or drive sounded familiar to what my 325i did, all I can say is it's a transmission problem for sure. You can either sell the car, replace the transmission ($$$) or take it to a dealer or independent mechanic for a (if they will) FREE estimate on whats wrong. Since it's still driveable you can just ignore it for now, how many miles are on it?
Actually this sounds different from the sliptronic problem - the sliptronic problem doesn't send any power out of the transmission for a second or two, and then starts working.
I think the fact that the rear of the car rises up means that power is being transferred to the rear but it is not turning. Do you put the Emergency Brake on when you park it? I'm thinking that maybe the parking brake is hanging? Going to forward then frees it up. Or else something is wrong in the diff.
I think the fact that the rear of the car rises up means that power is being transferred to the rear but it is not turning. Do you put the Emergency Brake on when you park it? I'm thinking that maybe the parking brake is hanging? Going to forward then frees it up. Or else something is wrong in the diff.
I agree with Kirby - if you use the parking brake when you park your car, try parking it without setting the brake (if it is safe to do so where you park it) and see if it still does this upon later startup. Plus, automatic transmissions usually don't make "loud clanking noises" when they go kaput - they just start slipping.
Elaboration of the Problem
Thanks so much for all the input, everyone. This is my first time using the discussion forums and I'm impressed.
I wanted to add one thing--I do NOT set the emergency brake when I park the car in my garage, where I've noticed this problem. And if it were the emergency brake, how could that explain the clanking noise when I shift into drive? Is that the sound of the brake freeing up? Thanks again to all of you.
Thanks so much for all the input, everyone. This is my first time using the discussion forums and I'm impressed.
I wanted to add one thing--I do NOT set the emergency brake when I park the car in my garage, where I've noticed this problem. And if it were the emergency brake, how could that explain the clanking noise when I shift into drive? Is that the sound of the brake freeing up? Thanks again to all of you.
The presumption would be that the clank was the sticky brake releasing. Since you are not using the parking brake, that is probably eliminated.
I still feel that power is getting out of the transmission to the drive train, that's the only thing that could cause that body rise. I can think of a few other possibilities, but these would/should be noticeable all the time or in other situations:
- bad guibo flex disk)
- bad or loose drive shaft hanger/bearing
- bad U joint
Can you tell if both sides rise equally, or one side rises noticeably more than the other?
I still feel that power is getting out of the transmission to the drive train, that's the only thing that could cause that body rise. I can think of a few other possibilities, but these would/should be noticeable all the time or in other situations:
- bad guibo flex disk)
- bad or loose drive shaft hanger/bearing
- bad U joint
Can you tell if both sides rise equally, or one side rises noticeably more than the other?
I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read of your concern about your transmission. If you and your BMW center would like our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117 or email us at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com, and mention Reference #200503300281 so that we can help you more efficiently.
DrivingTopless said:
This does raise a question I've always had of mine as well as other steptronic 3ers I've test driven... why does the ass of the car rise up when put in reverse? ![[confused]](/images/smilies/confused.png "Confused [confused]")
It's also becuase of the way the suspension is set up.
![[}:)]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_evil.gif "Evil [}:)]"){kind=icon}
Oooh yea you're right. If you think of a front wheel drive car, put the ebrake on, and put it into drive, the front picks up.
PS don't feel you have to remove your title unless a mod contacts you about it. Unfortunately the world is too politically correct, and you can't do shit without offending someone.
PS don't feel you have to remove your title unless a mod contacts you about it. Unfortunately the world is too politically correct, and you can't do shit without offending someone.
DrivingTopless said:
Ok, I've just never had a car do that before. I guess it's just so ready to hit the road it's an anticipatory response. 
lol
And I'm not sure of the inquiry about my sig. It wasn't made to offend. Besides, it's not as though I said I was an alter boy or something! [target]
lolAnd I'm not sure of the inquiry about my sig. It wasn't made to offend. Besides, it's not as though I said I was an alter boy or something! [target]
Well since I came from a '98 Sebring convertible that makes sense. I still remember the first 3 cabrio I test drove. The sales guy went back inside to grab something and left me sitting in the car. I kept popping it in and out of reverse thinking that something was wrong w/ the car. I was gonna ask him about it, however I got the impression that he'd just make up an answer anyway.