BMW Transmission Problems

No Reverse: the reverse in my 2001 BMW 325i transmission stopped working just like everybody else. I'm the original owner of the car.

I purchased a 2000 323i new in Sept '99. At 60,000, I had to have the transmission rebuilt. At the time, I complained to BMW. Their answer was, "Nothing we can do." I paid $2500 to repair the car. Car now has 120,000 miles on it. Guess what, transmission lost reverse. When are they going to own up that there is a problem whit this transmission, since everyone that has owned one has had the same issue?

I am the 3rd owner of a 323i, and I just hit 130k miles today when the reverse transmission went out. I'm looking at about $4,000 in repairs. Such a shame for my once favorite car company.

I own a 2006 330I that has been meticulously maintained. The car has 54,000 and the transmission has gone bad. I have read hundreds of complaints about this problem. BMW needs to be held accountable. Has anyone started a class action suit? Email me to start one or let me know if one has been opened. Nobody should have to pay for their mistake!

This is an email I sent to the service manager. They won't help me. I have proof that this is a problem, since day one, and I spent more than $70,000 on this car, and they are robbing me of my money.

I brought my car in for service two days ago, due to the ongoing transmission malfunction, that I've been having since day one. Steven advised me to call my insurance company, because I would need a whole new transmission, which would cost $18,000. The reason I'm writing to you, is because this should be a warranty job, because I never hit any potholes, or anything with this car, for you guys to say it's damaged due to impact.The reason why he thinks it is so, is because a few months back, when I brought it in for the same transmission malfunction, he noticed some minor damage to the felt covers that are located on the underside of the front bumper (which are there to protect the front bumper from being scathed when coming down steep inclines, and also serves as an air scoop for the intake). I admit that mine had damage, but I explained to him it came from a drive-thru that I went through, which had a very steep incline, and I couldn't avoid scathing it.

The tech finally figured the transmission oil pan had a tiny hairline crack, and it was causing the fluid to leak out, but this is after I had brought the car in 3 times before, because it was leaking oil and also giving a transmission error, since I 1st drove the car home with only 32 miles on it (I saved pictures of the messages on the screen of every time it happened, including the millage on the car, and the time it happened). They diagnosed each time, and gave it back to me, saying nothing is wrong with the car, or doing minor fixes, such as topping off the oil, reprogramming the CPU, and changing the seal around the oil cap, not knowing that it's the pan leaking, and not the seal around the oil cap. After they noticed the crack on the oil pan, I was imminently blamed, and told to call my insurance company, because they are linking the damage on the front end, and saying that I must have hit something, causing the oil pan to crack, which is not possible because the damage on the front was very minor, and didn't hinder any functions of the car. I even pointed out that the metal shield that covers the transmission pan didn't have a single scratch, dent, or any sort of damage (it would be the 1st point of impact before any damage is done to the pan itself ). They were just assuming I hit something. I tried everything I could to tell them its not my fault, but in the end, no one listened, and I had to pay over $1,800 out of pocket to fix the oil pan myself.

I got the car back, and it drove okay for a few months, and then the problem came back, even worse this time. The transmission malfunction happens even more, also the car shuts down on its own, while I'm driving (it once happened in the middle of the belt parkway where cars are flying past me, while I'm stuck in the middle of the highway). After I came to a full stop , I waited 2 minutes, and restarted the car, and it was fixed. Most of the time, restarting the car fixes the problem, but it didn't really. Also, I would come to a red light, and make a full stop. When the light changes, the car sometimes has a 3-4 sec lag, and then it would kick in really hard, and then move. It feels like I was hit by another car from the back. All of these problems were explained to your guys every time I came in for service, and still no one fixed this problem. Right now, I'm here in this mess. My insurance company is coming down to look at the car, but they think shouldn't have to fall on them.

I was honest to them as I am to you, because they are asking questions that I didn't have answers to, like, where did the impact happen to the car and when. I said I never had any impact with the car. I told them I've been experiencing this problem since day one with the car, and it was completely neglected to be thoroughly looked over, and addressed by the dealership. They are advising me to contact BMWNA directly, and get in touch with corporate, to address this matter personally, because they aren't responsible for damages not caused by me either. They advised me to obtain all my previous service records, and send it to them, and they will get in touch with BMW as well, to see how to address this sort of problem. I'm really disappointed in the service, and driving experience I've had with BMW. It's my first BMW, and definitely my last , because I can't deal with this every other week, and every month having to coming down to the dealership, to fix so many problems on a brand new car. All I need from you is my service records, so I can send it to my insurance company, and I want to keep you in the loop, because you told me if I ever needed anything, to contact you.

I purchased a BMW 2011 528I that has a transmission that is defective, and is unsafe to drive.

Driving home, the car started making thud noise when trying to shift gears, severe lag when shifting, and the transmission warning light lit up on panel. This is a 325i 05 or 06. I liked my car before this. It only had a couple oil leaks and no major problems. I think this is major though. It looks like I'm not the only one with the problem. BMW should address this.

I recently bought a 2005 BMW 545I with 55,000 miles. I drove the car for about 2.5 weeks (600miles) and the transmission is toast according to the dealership. I did buy an extended 3yr /36k miles warranty (cost$3,000) from a third party insurer. I am hoping that they will cover the cost of the replacement7, but after doing research, they seem to have many complaints from past clients about finding ways not to cover such failures. But we will see how it works out, hopefully for the best.

But my real beef is with BMW. This car I bought for $23k, which was selling for $45K+ brand new, should not experience a major mechanical failure with such low miles. I bought with the Carfax report and it revealed the car was well maintained and serviced as recommended. I am so pissed and really have no confidence in this car since it has already this type of a major failure. I have yet to even make a car payment on it and it's already in the shop. From what I read, BMW should replace these faulty transmissions that are clearly defective at no charge without hassle.

I am hoping mine will be covered but even so what a bad experience! I have driven other cars for over 150k miles without any major problems. Too many complaints regarding transmission failures in BMW's that it has to be a defective design or product.

I joined the "no reverse" club today. I own a 2001 330ci. I went to the garage to go to the store and I had just enough reverse to get out of the garage. Granted, my car has 234,000 miles but I have maintained it well. I have even had the transmission filter and oil changed. This should be a very embarrassing issue for BMW, but they do not seem to care at all.

Is this what you call the "ultimate driving machine"?

I've had same problem. I've bought 2000 BMW 323ci convertible and after only three months I lost reverse. There was only 109k miles on the car. I've tried to contact BMW and see if there is a recall on the transmission but no luck. The dealership wanted $5200 for new transmission. I've contacted few local shops and nobody wanted to mess with BMW. I've finally got number from a guy that works at an transmission shop and he said he could try to rebuild my old one. Since I didn't have $5200, I let him try it. He took it apart and found out that a part called rear drum was broken. I've seen the broken part. He ordered the new parts for it and fixed it. Now my BMW shift like never before. After 6k miles still runs like a champ. It cost me only $1500. If you need help, email me and I'll try to help you. Thank you.

2000 BMW 323it with 144k - just without even a whisper lost reverse yesterday (1/13/12 - Fri the 13th no doubt). I had been aware of this death sentence possibility reverse several years ago and I had just "hoped" I'd not become one of the "unlucky ones", so to speak.

Yup, this is pretty lame that such a popular BMW car that is expected to drive and performs so well for many years and miles could have such an expensive problem that is lose to becoming a "routine maintenance" issue. Appears to me that this is a manufacturing defect, plain and simple. Just wanted to file my issue along with all the others on here. Thanks.

I have a vehicle with 144k, looks new, drives fine. But now I'm faced with a very expensive repair to return reverse back into operation. With this many owner's having the same issue, and based on repair cost - $4000 plus - all from a car company that has based it's reputation on building well engineered vehicles that will perform for many years and miles. I would think BMW would have to accept something had not been engineered as well as it should and could have been. Seems simple enough to me.

The blinker has a defect. I have had it replaced a number of times in the past months and it never lasts. My mechanic says it's a common complaint on this year model 2001 321i.

I have had the worse experience owning a BMW. I have a 2000 BMW 328 with 124,000 miles. I can't tell you the number of times I had to bring it in for service. Has had everything wrong with it. Now, my car does not go in reverse. I have put so much money into it already and now getting quotes for over $4,000 for a transmission. I thought BMWs were supposed to last forever. BMW dealerships are a total rip off. So quick to overcharge and bill but will not help anyone with any problems, considering the amount of money you already spent. I was stuck in a narrow parking space. I had to be pushed out because my car would not go in reverse on a cold, rainy day with my young child and dog in the car. Unbelievable!

I have a 2007 BMW 328i. Around 20,000 miles, I noticed a clicking sound when shifting out of lower gears. I brought it to BMW of San Francisco and the technicians returned the car to me in the same condition, stating that it is a normal sound. I noticed that the same problem still persists after driving a few thousand more miles. BMW of San Francisco now says that indeed something is wrong with it and it is a $1200 fix.

Transmission would not work. It seemed to stay on neutral and had to have it towed home. Had the transmission "repaired" and now when the transmission downshifts, it seems like the differential and transmission slam into each other.

Spend over $3000 to get transmission "repaired" and now it seems like the transmission or differential will break soon due to hard downshifting the automatic transmission is doing.

I have a 2000 BMW323iT for two years and today, the reverse gear does not work as many people mentioned here. I cannot afford the replacement of a new transmission which will cost around $5000. Consider me in if there is a class action suit.

I have my 2000 BMW 3231 for less than six months. The car has been treating me great, working as a vehicle should be working. On Christmas day I go to my friend's house to deliver some gifts. As I go to reverse to park, the car does not reverse. I thought it was going crazy. I went around the block and tried it again, but nothing. I had to push my car into a parking spot in the blistering cold. So much for being the ultimate driving machine. Not likely. I'm so disappointed in BMW. If there is a class action suit, I want in. I can't reverse. I can't afford to get it fixed right now. Just driving forward and hoping I don't have to reverse for an emergency.

We've joined the crowd of another failed BMW ZF auto transmission in our 2001 BMW 530i with only 73,000 miles. Being a dedicated BMW enthusiast and club member, this really is sad and embarrassing for BMW.

I have a 2000 BMW 323Ci, and all of a sudden, have no reverse. The car is well maintained, and has 126,000 miles. Its always been in a garage, and I have all maintenance paperwork available, since it was purchased new. With no warning, the car had no reverse. I called the dealership and they said they could not help, other than purchasing a new transmission for $7,000. I understand there are lots of similar problems out there for E46 model owners, and was wondering if there is a formal complaint going to BMW to issue a recall. The safety of the vehicle is compromised. The car looks new and has always been garaged, and all of a sudden with no warning, one cannot use the car reliably, due to a transmission defect.

My BMW Christmas: I was attempting to back out of my parking spot to go to Christmas dinner when I discovered that my BMW323i no longer had a reverse gear. This is a 2000 BMW with 105k miles; that's less than 10K miles per year and the car has been well-maintained. I purchased this car because I wanted a reliable vehicle. This is definitely a Christmas I will never forget.

I own a 2000 BMW 328ci. Since it's eleven years old, it's no longer under warranty. The car is well maintained and has not had any major problems until now. The check engine light came on. The diagnosis is a transmission problem. The car only has 127,501 miles on it, pretty good for an 11-year old bimmer. Is it true that there had been a lot of transmission related problems on BMWs causing trouble when reversing or backing out? The estimated cost is around $2,500. I called the dealership and the service person that I talked to said there's nothing they can do to help me and since it's out of warranty, I just have to get it fixed on my own.

As far as they are concerned, this is very common like a wear and tear and there is no recall regarding transmissions. I told him, well made BMWs when well maintained like mine are supposed to last long. If BMW knows the transmission is defective especially for low mileage ones, what can I do to hold BMW accountable? Please let me know if there is a recall on BMW transmission failure or a class action lawsuit among BMW owners regarding defective transmission issues.

My son's BMW, just over one hundred thousand miles, lost the ability to reverse. BMW North America just told me "we do not have knowledge of class action suits against us". I questioned if this was true just for this issue and she noted that they don't have any information on any class action suits based on any issue. This can not be true as their legal department must defend the company against them. I will be contacting a firm to determine interest regarding a class action suit for this issue.

I had the same problem everyone else seems to be having. I still owe on the car and do not want to put the money out to get it fixed. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of any class actions against BMW, since they know of the problem and will not do anything about it? Or, does anyone want to start one?

Went to the store and I tried to back out of the parking space and noticed the car had minimal reverse power. I eventually was able to back up. I got home and parked. The next day I tried to back out of my driveway and noticed I could not reverse my car. I did research and found out the d drum (reverse drum) has a defect that BMW knows about and hasn't recalled. Unfortunately, I, the dealer and independent techs went upwards of $7,000 to fix.

2001 BMW 325i. Yesterday I attempted to back out of a parking space; however, my car acted as if it was in neutral. It would not move backwards at all. The car functions fine when driving forward.

9/24/11 - Purchased 2006 BMW 750i from West Broad Honda with 85833 miles on it as-is. Drove car home and right angel eye was out. Dealer fixed it in shop for two days. 10/16/11 - in traffic jam in DC. Pulling out it sounded like I was hit. No visible damage. 10/27/11 - purchased extended warranty with 30 days and 1000 mile waiting period. 10/30/11 - at stop light when car shifts into park and goes into limp mode. I made it home and could no longer shift into drive. P, N, D4, D5, R were only modes available. Dealer and bank say that they are not responsible but dealer paid $500 toward repair cost and provided a loaner.

I have a 2002 BMW 325i series with dual-transmission (Step-Tronic). Out of nowhere, the reverse did not engage and would not work. After doing some research on the problem, this issue with BMW has been going on for years and they have been allowed to get away with not correcting the faulty device, costing consumers thousands of dollars in damages. The transmission control module has reverse in lockout mode.

I purchased a low-mile, used 2003 BMW X5 4.4 with approximately 32K miles on it. The transmission failed at 67K miles. When I called BMW to ask for support, they said there was nothing they could do because the car was out of warranty. If I paid that much for an SUV/truck, I expect a transmission to last at least 100K miles. I am very disappointed.

I bought my 2000 BMW 323i (with a 48,000 mileage) 18 months ago from my friend and dealer in State College, PA for 9G. I travel to NYC weekly so the car now has 77,000 miles. Now there seems to be a problem with its transmission, the reverse has malfunctioned. I have read online that there are thousands of people with the same problem. I have joined a petition for the recall of this car model. Please file at PortableSafetyComplaint@dot.gov.

I bought a 2002 X5 on May 2006. When the car had 160,000 miles, its transmission went dead, suddenly stopped on the middle of the freeway, rush hour, on the fast lane without any warning. I was extremely lucky of not getting into an accident. I thank God for that!

Had it towed into an independent shop for going to the dealer was out of the question due to the over charging for repairs. The transmission had to be replaced. I got a used one for $5,000. Also, the "transfer case" had gone dead. It cost me $2500 with the total fix of my car of $7500. Now 31,000 miles later, the transmission is acting up again. I am going to get rid of this car, it's not worth it. I have drained all my savings on this car. It has left me stranded on the freeway three times, also for other reasons, such as gas pump, and spark plugs, etc. It's the last time I'd get a BMW. From now on I will feel sorry for the innocent people driving one of this "ultimate money wasting machine".

The day before, my 2002 BMW325i cannot drive in reverse. It is only 100k miles so far. It works fine to drive forward. Is it because of the transmission fluid leak? I just had the car checked 1 month ago. No such issues were reported then. I heard from a shop that I need around $4k to get the transmission fixed!

I purchased a 2000 BMW 323i on 8/13/11. I returned it to the dealership on 09/20/11 because the reverse would not engage. They claimed it had been repaired and I took the car home. I have had it back for about 1 1/2 weeks and it is doing the same exact thing again. They want me to bring it back in. I am losing time from work and driving over an hour one way for repairs.

My 2000 328Ci will not engage in reverse. It drove fine on the way to work this morning. I went reverse into a parking spot and nothing! I put it back in drive and drove off. I had to push it into a spot backwards so that I can pull out. I'm really surprised to see so many people with the same problem and BMW is doing nothing to solve this issue.

All of a sudden, my 2000 BMW 323i has no reverse. I have read online that there are thousands of people with the same problem but received no help from BMW.

I own BMW 316 1.6 e46 model year 1999. It's still running fine. I service and diagnose it myself instead of official service. This saves me more than 50% costs. And this improves what's happening with my BMW. Some people here, I find them thinking a car is like a toy. Once it's broke, replace the whole car if under warranty, just for one ** piece like gas pump, for a flat tire etc. But once you own any object, you are the owner of it. It's just like if I eat sandwich and then decide I do not want it or I want another one that is not mine.

I have a 2001 BMW 330CI with 140,000mi. I experienced this same problem last night. I parked my car in the driveway, and when I tried to back out the next morning, the reverse gear was like neutral. I was shocked to read all these other complaints with the exact thing happened. Is there some defect with these transmissions? This should be looked into.

Without any warning, my automatic 2000 BMW 323i does not go in reverse. On the first occurrence, the car had less than 120k miles on it. Researching this issue, I realize many BMW owners with the same car are having the exact or very similar problem. I've lost my confidence in the long term quality and marksmanship of BMW cars.

I have a 2001 BMW 530i that is meticulously maintained. At 92000 miles, the transmission went out. They say that it has "lifetime fluid," lifetime fluid my **. These transmissions were designed to fail and BMW has turned their backs on loyal BMW owners.

This is my 3rd BMW, since 1987 and by far, the running gear in this car has been of the poorest quality, and the most expensive to maintain. Then recently, the lifters started making noise, so I ask about this at the dealership, and not a ** thing was said to me about the fact that there is a problem, due to poor design of the cylinder head. I had to find this out on the internet.

When this car is fixed, yet again at a very high cost, it's going down the road before the ** transmission goes out again. I will never own another BMW (black milk wagon), piece of **.

My 2000 BMW 328i wont go in reverse. There are transmission issues that are common in most three series models from 1999-2003. The car is not driveable, I'm stuck with a $7000 repair bill, and BMW is not honoring customers with recall of part. Totally pissed!

I got the following error code in my BMW 735i regarding the transmission -- "Solenoid1 or solenoid2 mechanically jammed". So, please help me out on how to remove this problem.

The problem is more apparent on a slight hill.. other than flat surfaces.. very frustrating when looking for parking!!!!!!!

2000 323i bmw

Reverse does not work but all other gears are fine. seems to be a common problem dealer wants 4000k to repair

This is regarding the 2000 BMW 323i that will not go in reverse. I have discovered that this type of transmission failure is extremely common in BMWs especially the 2000 BMW 323i series. Has there ever been a class-action lawsuit filed against BMW? I have listed just one online article below for your reference:

"My 90K mile 2000 323i automatic BMW does not go into reverse at times. All the other gears work, except sometimes it will not go into reverse. When put in reverse, it is like it's in neutral. I googled the problem and it seems that it's extremely common with this car. Has there been a class-action lawsuit filed? This is very frustrating as it costs at least $4K to change out the transmission and it is not due to wear and tear because hundreds of complaints have been filed. It looks to be a BMW defect in these models."

The cost to repair this problem can range from $3,000 to $8,000.

My 90K mile 2000 323i automatic BMW does not go into reverse at times. All the other gears work except sometimes, it will not go into reverse. When put in reverse, it is like it's in neutral. I googled the problem and it seems that it's extremely common with this car. Has there been a class action lawsuit filed?

This is very frustrating as it costs at least $4K to change out the transmission and it is not due to wear and tear because hundreds of complaints have been filed. It looks to be a BMW defect in these models. Please help. It's an incredible financial damage for a new transmission. The cost incurred for a new transmission would be more than if I sold this car, which puts me in a tough financial situation.

I had to have my 2002 325 convertible towed into my local BMW dealership because my car's transmission was acting strange. My car has 84,770 miles on it and it has been garaged kept, never goes out in the Winter and spoiled rotten! Maintenance has been taken care of on time every time.

The other morning, I went to move my car and it wouldn't even go into gear! Transmission light came on and my engine light came on. I just had it at the dealership 2 months ago to have it the alternator replaced and belts that had worn down. 2000.00 later, I picked up the car assuming that I should be able to get at least another 75K miles out of it and was extremely pleased with the service rep.

I received a call today from my service rep. and he told me the transmission has gone bad and that a rebuilt one would cost around 4400.00 and a new one would cost about 6000.00. And my engine light sensor would be about 550.00! The service rep said, in his 3 years employed at the dealership, he has never seen this happen with such low mileage and he has no idea why it would have gone bad. I am in disbelief that I am experiencing this kind of problem with this car. It gets better, my husband comes home from work and I have to tell him! My goal was a new BMW once my daughter graduates college - unless BMW finds it beneficial to themselves to look into why this happened and why so many other BMW owners are having this problem.

I called the North American Customer Service and tried to file a Customer Assistance Case (CAC) and explained my problem to the rep., he apologized numerous times and told me that since it has been out of warranty for 4 years there is nothing they can do to help. Then in closing, he told me he sure hopes this won't deter me from buying another BMW in the future. Well, it will. I come from a family and a large group of friends that have always been very keen and loyal to BMW. As soon as I can grasp what is happening, many of those friends and family members will be notified. It's funny that when my brother in law returns from overseas in three months, he was planning to purchase the X5 - the chances of this after my husband's conversation with him will likely result in no BMW!

This morning, after driving about a mile on my way to office, the transmission on my 2000 323i failed to engage. It won't go reverse or forward. Engine simply revs. I have almost 92K+ on the vehicle and have been meticulously maintaining it. As with other posts on this site, I concur that, it's not an ultimate driving machine; but rather ultimate defective machine. Before this latest incident, I have had all my window regulators fail in a sequence every so often; engine oil filter leak and subsequent replacement; sunroof-moon roof regulator breakage (estimated @ $1500 to repair, never got around it). The car spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, to my dismay.

Electronic Transmission Control Module - indicator lamp "trans failsafe prog" indicates a malfunctioning electronic shift control. When I drive the car, I let drive "D" off the accelerator lightly, put accelerator back on lightly, but transmission does not engage. It's almost like the transmission went into "N". I try different gears and can't get it to do the same thing in "3" and "2". Eventually the error "trans failsafe prog" symbol on dash came up and the transmission stays in "3" as to limp home. Buses do not pass through my office and I need to get a ride to work. Dealerships want to replace the whole transmission which does not make sense as it is happening in 3 out of the 4 gears so it must not be mechanical, but a sensor or something. So this is stressful as the cost can be 2500 dollars. I had to stay up late to troubleshoot and was very tired.

With no warning, my 2000 BMW 323i would not go in reverse. This car has less than 100k miles on it. Upon researching this issue, I found an enormous amount of people with the same car having the exact problem. Obviously, with all the complaints, there must be some common link. I feel BMW should recall these cars and put suitable transmissions in them.

I also learned that it was a GM built transmission, GM recalled the same transmission they put in their Cadilac's, but BMW has not, there has been Class Action Suits filed. My closest dealer above told me it would be over $750 for labor, and $4,700 for a re-manufactured transmission. How can I get this fixed, I sure cannot afford the repair cost, is there anything else I can do? [Damages:] almost $6k

New transmission was purchase. the same problem remained again within a few weeks. When I towed the car twice to BMW I was informed that it was the engine. I keep getting my car with the same problem, after spending over 10,000 and my car still cannot drive. In this process I complied with every instruction by BMW service adviser. I have tendered all monies which was demanded. I still have the same problem.

MY 2002 BMW 325i ,Transmission Failed at 107k miles, just two weeks after leaving the BMW dealer for Scheduled maintenace. My maintenance on the vehicle was impecable. BMW should be held responsible. They continue to ignore the problem, a recall on the transmission is in order. The repair estimate was 5100.00 from BMW. I was able to repiar it for 4500.00

2000 323 ci, 81,000 miles. transmission wouldnt shift in reverse. $2000 repair from non bmw shop because BMW won't repair or rebuild only replace with new or used trans. trans works ok now but hear other rattles that non bmw guy may not have put back right

About 3 months ago, I bought a used 2002 BMW X5 4.4i with 65,xxx miles on it. I had the car fax and all the docs and showed that it was well taken care of. About a month ago, the check engine light was on so I brought it to a well qualified mechanic and they ran a test and showed that the transmission is having some torque converter issue. Three weeks later, here I am sit with an X5 with 73,xxx miles and a transmission that won't shift at all. It will cost me at least $4k to fix this problem.

I think BMW should do some serious research into this problem. Especially with an SUV transmission, they are built for heavier duty shifting due to it's capabilities of a vehicle. With a transmission failure at 73k miles is not normal in my opinion regardless of any conditions that the vehicle is in. I think these transmission that BMW is using are defective!!! I am a big fan of BMW cars, but this incident is making rethink of the company altogether.

I took my car to the BMW dealer for an inspection and was told that I need work done on my transmission and the total cost is $6500.00 I have came across alot of people that are having the same problem as me. I really think we should all come together and draw a class action law suit against BMW. They should recall all of their 300 series and pay for the damages. This car is a very expensive and luxurious car and I don't think we should have these problems with BMW.Obviously we chose BMW because we thought it was worth the money. I think they should own up to their name and help us their customers.

x5 brought in nov 07, tranny went 3 weeks after. Again in 08 at 30,000 miles after dealer said they put in new tranny. turns out replaced tranny was used. 5,600.00

2001 BMW 330i. Yesterday, May 3, 2010, my car would not go in reverse. I called the repair shop and have a May 17th date for service. I have also looked up information on the web about the BMW transmission problem. Is there a class action suit I can join and will BMW cover at least some of the cost for the repairs? This problem seems to be a manufacturer's defect and a design and specification of material problem. My employment is at risk. I don't have the money to pay and pay for a car that should run with no problems, My mortgage will be late and I will add to the national mortgage problem. I could default. I have to forgo the electric bill. The phone might be shut off and the most distressing item, I might not be able to pay for my son' continuing college year.

My BMW auto transmission failed, it does not go into reverse. The mechanic told me it is fried and that I needed a new transmission, the cost of which is $3500.00 for a re-built. I bought the car used, lasted 3 weeks before it broke. Consequence is $3-5000.00 out of my pocket with loss of work, finding a reputable mechanic and used transmission.

I own a 2000 BMW 328-I. I purchased the car in 2008 and as of 04/15/2010, I put on about 7000 miles on it. For about a year, on and off, the car will not go on reverse. I took it to BMW on Park Avenue several times and I was told nothing was wrong with the car. I finally found a transmission repair shop through referral who not only diagnosed the car but stated that the issue is very common with all BMW series, including the newest models.

I believe BMW is aware of the issues and instead of launching a recall to fix the problem, they are ignoring it. Please investigate this before it becomes a biggy like Toyota. There are thousands other BMW owners who are having the same problem. Thank you. I've maxed out on the $3500.00 extended warranty on the car in addition to a $1309.00 out of pocket. The humiliation to having to ask people to push your car to leave the supermarket, a parking lot because of failure to reverse the car in unbelievable.

Transmission reverse gear stopped working suddenly. I have read many blogs about this problem. Apparently a French division of General Motors built the defective transmissions and they fail unexpectedly. It's well known by BMW according to the techs that have been around a while! BMW is in denial since it would open the company up to years' worth of reimbursement that would need to be made!

I'm an owner of a BMW 540I 1997. This car is the worst. The trans fail system comes on every time I drive it and continues to disappoint me every time I drive it the ECU has to be replaced and BMW won't replace it because it's second hand. It's cost me to never ever buy a BMW product. I wouldn't spend a dime for a toothbrush if they were selling one.

I bought a new 2005 BMW 300i Dec. 2004. Within the first three or four years, the computer failed and my car died in the middle of the street. The car was still under warranty. Yesterday, the transmission signal came on as the car was not responding well to acceleration. The car needs a new transmission, $6500 plus more for "nuts and bolt, etc." I was told that it also needs some front end "control arm" at $650+. The car has only about 40,000 miles on it. Something is wrong with a company producing a car with two major problems in such a short time/miles. And the car cost about $43,000. The car can't be driven. I was told that BMW does not rebuild transmission. They put in new transmissions. So, $6500++ will to run about $7500/$8000, after about 40,000 miles. This is disgraceful.

Transmission failure (reverse gear failure) 2000 BMW 323 ci convertible at approximately 66,000 miles: I understand that this is BMW's "dirty little secret" that transmission failures, particularly reverse gear failures, are quite common to this model. This is an expensive fix. The car is obviously out of warranty. However, the car has always been serviced and is in excellent condition. A transmission failure at 66000 miles is ridiculous.

My transmission on my BMW keeps on failing on me, this is the second time I have to replace it and I'm extremely frustrated with this vehicle. The only reason why I'm putting up with this vehicle is because I don't have the money to pay for a new one. I'm just frustrated with it because it's too expensive to buy a new one and there's no point on repairing it because it will fail again. It's pretty embarrassing when your driving in the street or freeway and out of nowhere, your car does a loud roaring sound, it almost sounds like if it were to explode and then I have to accelerate it so it won't slow down on me and when that happens, I can't stop the car because if I do, it will literally take 5 minutes to speed up on a green light.

I own a 2000 323i which has less than 103 000 miles on it and just experienced the "no reverse" problem. My local repair shop wants about $4000 to rebuild the transmission.

The Reverse gear in my automatic 2000 BMW 323 went out. My car will not go into reverse at times, but will engage the forward gears. After researching this issue I have found that the problem is a very common occurrence for their vehicle. The issue should be part of a class action lawsuit or recall on part of BMW. The transmission has to be replaced, $4300 part!

I have a 2000 323i BMW and the reverse quit working. From what I can tell, this seems to be an ongoing problem with BMW. Is there anything that BMW can do?

I am the owner of 321 BMW and as with many others is experiencing transmission problems. The car will not shift into reverse. There are only 80,000 miles on my 2000. The company should at least offer a compensation of some sort for the replacement. It is a given that we are going to replace it. It may prevent me from purchasing another.

I purchased a 1999 BMW 323is. The transmission has gone bad twice on this car, first at 50,000 miles and second time at 100,000 miles. BMW avoided any responsibility for a faulty transmission. This car turned out to be a lemon.

Like others, my 2001 BMW 330i does not go in reverse. I have 146,000 miles on it and have only owned it for 1 1/2 years and have only put about 3,000 miles on it. I paid 8,000.00 for it and have put over 3500.00 into it. I have had an oil leak repaired, windshield washer motor replaced, window regulators replaced, front end suspension, control arms and bushings along with pads and rotors. Now this! I have a quote of 4000.00 plus labor to replace the transmission.

My 2003 X5 4.6 si with 70K miles only needs transmission replaced. All required maintenance and service was performed at the local BMW dealership in Pouighkeepsie, New York, 12601. Replacement cost for transmission was 8K.

It would seem I may be another statistic in the BMW reverse gear problem. Today, I found that my 2000 330i will not move in reverse when shifted into reverse gear. The car only has 80K miles on it and was recently serviced by BMW (3 weeks prior). I am hoping that they will address this issue, but having read the blogs, I'm beginning to worry.

2000 323i with a trans. warning bmw said there is no service for their trannys as they use a "lifetime" fluid. 7000$ to replace trans. from bmw. im stuck with the car due to i cannot sell it because of this issue.

Transmission Fault Code..notice what I thought was an oil had repaired now the oil leak is back. Now since the transmission fault code think the leak may have been the transmission. The car only has 59000 miles 20045 535 Series. Seldomly driven around town. I am shocked to have transmission problems on a car with only 59000 miles.

At approximately 65K miles on my 2003 mini cooper my engine began losing power, then would not shift into various gears, then made a very loud grinding noise, like metal parts being shredded. The engine block completely froze up, I was stranded in the rain at a stoplight unable to engage the gears, had to be pushed out of the intersection. My mechanic discovered that an end bearing fell apart, put a hole in my transfer case, the oil ran out and the transmission disintegrated.

My mechanic had never seen anything like it, said this was a very serious safety hazard, that the engine block could have seized up on me at high speed. He encouraged me to approach mini cooper about compensation due to the extreme prematurity of transmission failure. We also discovered on the internet, VOLUMES of mini cooper owners have the same experience and no safety recall by BMW Mini cooper.

The local dealer Brecht BMW refused to offer any replacement cost, rental car, partial goodwill assistance. The corporate office also refused to offer any assistance. Jim Thomas of BMW said "Does not fit our needs to offer goodwill assistance after examining the situation". I asked for the safety department and engineering department I could be referred to, he said there was not one.

I bought a 323i 2000 modal BMW and it have a No Reverse problem. This is a transmission related problem which occurs in all cars in that make an year.

2000 BMW 323i Touring. Automatic transmission reverse gear failure at 124,500 miles. This is evidently many more miles than some unfortunate owners, but is unacceptable nonetheless. Very dissapointed in BMW and their lack of action in this matter. It's a shame it takes lawsuits (ie. torn rear subframe mounts) for them to take any initiative. My 1995 Saab 900 has twice the miles and half the problems of my 3 Series.

Without warning, the transmission failed and the car has no reverse gear. I've seem references to a class action suit. Is anything like that pending? If so, sign me up. BMW wants $6,000+ for a new transmission and $4,500 if they rebuild it. It appears that local transmission shops can repair/rebuild it for $2,000.

I was the owner of a 2003 BMW 325i. I recently sold this to a dear friend and within two weeks of taking posession of the car the transmission had a complete failure. This car ONLY had 60,000 miles and it's unacceptable that he transmission would fail with such low miles and perfect service history.

I covered the cost of replacing the transmission and have reached out to BMW of North America and they acted like this "never happens" with BMW. It appears transmission failure is a HUGE problem. I've run accross countless complaints on the BMW transmission failing.

How is it that BMW of North America is not being forced to take some responsibility? They said the transmission was to last the life of the car. Had I know it's life was on 60,000 miles I never would have bought it and I certainly would have bought another one! I had to pay 6,000 for a new transmission on a car that should'nt have needed one for another 60,000 miles!

I own a automatic 1999 BMW 323i and the car does not go in the reverse gear. My mechanic says I have to replace the transmission. I have kept my car in schedule maintenance and have all my records. I have never abused the car or not have it maintained. It's a crime that BMW doesn't recall this problem. I have been stuck in a parking lot because the car won't go in reverse. I have lost time at work trying to deal with this problem. Now I have to find a mechanic to deal this transmission problem. My next car won't be a BMW. My sister's 1993 Honda Accord is still running smoothly.

I have a 2001 BMW 325ci with 71000 miles on it.We are currently trying to decide what to do about our third transmission failure. We purchaced the car used with about 45000 miles on it. We drove the car 11000 miles before the transmission failed. BMW offered no help other than to install a new transmission to the tune of eight thousand dollars.I declined and purchaced a used transmission out of an identical car (wrecked)with 31000 miles on it. I installed it along with a new filter and oil of the correct type purchased direct from BMW. When the transmission was removed I discovered it had already been replaced with another used unit.

Now 14000 miles later the transmission has given up again, it started with the warning ligt coming on then it would go into limp mode. We took it to the BMW dealer they scanned it told me I needed a transmission replacement. I declined, I didn't believe it could need another transmission. I took the car home and pulled the pan off and found that they were right it does in fact need to be replaced. The dealer tells me they are not aware of any unusual history of transmission problems.

Now I don't know what happened to the original transmission or where the unit that replaced it came from, but the unit I installed was a good low milage working part. This car is very well maintained and gently driven so I don't know exactly what to do short of trying to locate and install another transmission. With only 71000 miles on this car and three failed transmissons I think BMW has a history of problems with these transissions and should do something to increase the dependability and reliability of these cars. I can't even say I would be comfortable having BMW replace my transmission at seven to eight thousand dollars and what would happen if that unit failed after the warranty expired. A solution might be that if you experienced a failure and payed for a replacement out of pocket at a BMW dealer then it would come with lifetime replacement nationwide.

My 2000 323i 4 door sedan with 112,000 miles would not go into reverse and needs a new transmission. In addition this is the 2nd round of window regulators. This car is a lemon!

I have a 2002 BMW 325 CI Went to drive my car to work this morning, and it will not go into drive. I have spent too much money on this CPO car since the day I bought it. I love the car, but come on.. 5500.00+ for a new transmission. Something has to be done.. there is not even 95000 miles on the car, I barely drive 4 miles to work every day. BMW told me a month ago that the slipping was nothing to worry about. Guess what.. But they wont be doing the work..

We have a 2000 323i with 118k miles that has been meticulously cared for. Out of nowhere last week, we lost reverse. It was like it was in neutral. We immediately brought it to the local dealer, whose service advisor seemed puzzled by our complaint. He said it just may be a program issue. Well, no such luck. He said the transmission was "faulty" and we needed a new one that would cost $6,300. Floored, I googled "2000 bmw transmission" hoping to get an idea what the real world would charge.

To my complete surprise, I found so many stories EXACTLY like my own. No reverse, inferior GM transmission, lifetime transmission fluid that doesn't last a lifetime, BMW's lack of concern for the issue. I called the dealer and told him I was sure he knew about this, and to act as if my problem was unusual, insulted my intelligence. He offered to call BMW and see if they would off help. Of course, he called me back and said they said no. The car is too old with too many miles. I thought BMWs, when properly cared for, go forever.

I hope rumors of a class action suit are real, because I will be onboard. I would not have this attitude if BMW would have owned this issue and covered some of these costs. I would have even signed something saying I would not participate in any legal action. Not now.

I found someone to rebuild my transmission for $3,500. He is very familiar with the 2000 3 series transmission issues and says it wouldn't have happened if only the trans fluid was changed every 60k mi. But now that BMW pays for the maintenance for the first 50k mi, the car for some reason, needs less of it.

I haven't even had my BMW for one year and out of no where with no signs of any problems previously the car starts shaking as I accelerate. I took it to the BMW shop and they said the tranmission was done for and its going to cost 5800 to fix. I think thats ridiculous. The car is a 2000 323i and before I bought it I had a diagnostic done to make sure that there were no major problems with the car and the mechanic advised me that everything was good on the car.

At this point I have a toddler and a baby on the way this is my only means of transportation and I trusted BMW would make a reliable car, I just got layed off and 5800 is ridiculous to pay to fix a transmission problem. I honestly am not even sure if the BMW mechanic is being honest about the transmission problem.

No Reverse Transmission. My 2000 BMW 323i with only 21,500 miles on it and no prior problems, suddenly and with out any warning or indication failed to work when I put it in reverse two days ago. I was on a trip to the store, when I came back, loaded the trunk, got in the car, started the ignition, put my foot on the break, shifted into reverse, and...nothing. The car acted as if it were in neutral but both the gearbox and dashboard read "reverse."

The car did operate in drive (forward), so I had to wait for the parked cars in front of me to leave before I was able to drive to the BMW of San Francisco dealership a few blocks away. I am the original owner and got the car from there. Service personnel there told me that they would not give me any kind of estimate to fix or replace the transmission until I gave them $300 to do a "diagnostic test." I declined and took the car to an independent transmission shop that let me know a repair would cost $3000.

Astonished, I went home and started to do some research online and could hardly believe the number of people who experienced the very same problem in the very same manner, with the very same make, model, and even year as me! I called BMW of North America to try and resolve this but they refused to acknowledge that this was a problem, and just kept repeating over and over that there is no recall for this issue and therefore not a problem that they were responsible for dealing with. They told me the dealership was responsible for any "goodwill financial assistance" and that it was not up to them to pay for any repair damage expenses.

I immediately returned to the dealership, which I had to walk to of course since I had no car. Armed with a thick stack of hardcopy printouts of all the consumer complaints I found on the internet, along with published articles and testimony, I asked to see the Service Manager. I met Patrick D., who refused to acknowledge the widespread no-reverse problem, despite all my evidence to the contrary. He insisted that any repair expense was my responsibility since my car was no longer under warranty, and suggested that any transmission failure was to the age of my car (9 years). Apparently, the low mileage was of no importance.

Furthermore, he would not give me any kind of estimate or range of cost, even for a hypothetical total transmission replacement until I paid BMW of SF $200 for a "diagnostic test". (I was originally told such a required test was $300 when I first went to them the day before.) Moreover, he contradicted BMW of NA and told me that the dealership had no authority or ability to grant "goodwill financial assistance" and that only BMW of NA could do this.

I'm very angry that BMW will not take care of this problem at their expense, especially when it is obvious to me that they are well aware of the issue but chose to do nothing about it except wait for people to sue them. At the moment, my car is sitting in a transmission repair shop and I do not know what I'm going to do next, but need to get the car fixed. Calls to other repair shops suggest that my cost ranges from $2000 to 6000, and can either be a rebuild or a total replacement. The only thing I know is that I do not trust BMW of San Francisco or BMW of North America.

I am adding my complaint to the thousands already made all across the internet. BMW has knowingly and with total disregard to their existing customers ignored the transmission defect in their three series vehicles. BMW car owners are stuck with an "ultimate" driving machine that has a transmission that won't reverse.

BMW is blaming their customers for this problem even though they know the original transmission was so problematic that they redesigned it in their later vehicles. With only a small effort, it would be possible to see thousands of internet complaints about this problem. Many people have paid BMW for a new transmission, only to find that BMW has used the same defective transmission to effect repairs.

This is not a warranty issue, this is a design defect that has cost BMW owners thousands, and maybe even millions of dollars. At the end of the day, it is impossible to resell these cars with a clear conscience. There was a class action suit filed in New Jersey, but no information is available regarding the outcome. Please Help.

I have a 2004 645i BMW, I took it to the dealership to have the 100,000 mi servicing done. To this point I had not had any real problem with the car other than replacing tires my job requires that I drive a lot and this car makes it fun. the next day after the car was serviced I was on my way to work. As i pulled away from a stop sign the car surged forward with a hard shift from the trans mission as I have owened he car for three years accumulated 75000 mi on it and never had this problem before it surprised me.

As I continued to drive the transmission light came on. I took the car to the dealership where it had been serviced after an hour of diagnostics the service man told me that the electronis between thre computer and the transmission were not working right and that i was gouing to need to buy a new transmission. The cost, $6000- $7000.00. I was shocked as I had not had any problems with the car in this area prior to the 100,000 mi service. When I pointed this out to him he responded stating that there was no way that the servicing that had been done by the shop could have caused this type of problem in theb Transmission.

He informed me that there would have been a fluid leak all over my garage floor. I took the car home serveyed the garage floor where it was kept and saw no such leak. After viewing all of the information on this site about BMW transmissions I am sure that weather by design or in competence in manufacturing that BMW is aware of the problems that they have with their transmissions and they are ripping off their customers. A high end transmission should last at least 150,000- 200,000 mi before any major problems occur. And the fact that the problems appear to be occurring between 70,000- 100,000 mi when your transmission gets serviced at 100,000 mi. and is found defective is highly suspect.

I bought this car because they advertised it to be reliable and dependable unforunately this is not the case. Anyone and everyone knows that the drive train is the backbone and an unreliable drive train makes an unreliable car. I will never recommend BMW to anyone else and until this date I swore by them, have owned three, always traded before reaching 60,000 mi. I'm going to fix it, sell it! and buy an Audi!!! I can deal with Sluge but not these constant expensive repair bills.

I bought my 2001 BMW X5 from a private owner in November 2005. I have had nothing but trouble from the beginning. I have replaced 2 window regulators, a radiator, a host of other small problems and utltimately, I am being told that I need a new transmission. The car has 122,000 miles and is worth nothing at this point. I can not express how dissappointed I am with this vehicle. I What happened to the "Ultimate Driving Machine"? I am in total dispare. It is going to cost me a mint to either get the transmission rebuilt or replaced. I have been given estimates of $4600 to $6000 to rebuild or replace the transmission.

I have a 200 BMW X5 with 115,000 miles and its supposed to be the ultimate driving machine. Well i think not when all of a sudden out of no where BANG "NO REVERSE" I'm of the understanding there is a class action suit in process, please give me some info as I WANT TO BE PART OF IT

I found out that the transmission was shot at the last service and of course my fluid warranty won't cover this. I am the original owner with 70,000 miles. It was only been serviced at BMW and always on time. The estimate for replacement $6,900. This is definately NOT the ultimate driving machine.

I posted a complaint in regards to the BMW transmission problem on February 6, 2008 and will like to update you guys with information and how I got the deal I did on a new transmission. If anyone is having the same issue with the reverse problem please do the following.

First, take your BMW to a BMW service center. Second, let them tell you that you have a transmission problem. Third, print all the complaints on consumeraffairs.com documenting the same issue. Fourth, tell your service advisor to keep the car at the dealership because you are filing a complaint to BMW North America first. Fifth, call BMW NA and file a complaint. They will give you a complaint number and tell them that your car is at a BMW Service Center currently. They will ask you which one and be prepared to give them the name of your service advisor along with their phone number.

In addition, ask them where to mail a copy of all the complaints on the consumer affair website. Then mail the complaints and a letter detailing everything from the moment it experienced the issue to the moment you spoke to the BMW rep at BMW NA. Include the complaint number that the rep gave you and include their name in the letter as well. After doing all of this, I was able to get the transmission at warranty price. It took a week but instead of looking at 6,900 out of pocket I spent 3,000. Still a lot of money but not 6,900. PLEASE if you have the money do the following steps because with the new transmission, I also got a 3 year warranty on the transmission a warranty.

Also, please be aware that a Class Action Lawsuit has been filed in regards to this issue and the attorneys on file are Gina M. Tufaro, Horwitz, Horwitz & Paradis, New York, NY, James V. Bashian, Law Office of James V. Bashian, PC, Fairfield, NJ, for Plaintiffs. I do not know much more but if you want more information please go to noreverse.org a website dedicated to BMW owners with the same issue. I hope this will help and hopefully we can get our monies back!!!!

I own a 1994 740IL and have lost my transmission twice due to loss or reverse. I continued to drive the vehicle with no reverse and the transmission shop that caused it to wear out . The first rebuild lasted two years. The second time the same transmission failed I elected to buy a used transmission feeling the issue was something wrong in the original transmission. This transmission has been running for 2 1/2 years. In both failures I lost reverse and the repair shop indicated there was something of poor design that was causing the failures.

Well, the BMW reverse "feature" has not gone away. 2000 323i BMW owner. Just today I was driving with my wife on my lunch hour. Drop her off back at work, put the car in reverse, and just start to back up... hmm... is it in neutral. Stop, put it in neutral, then back in reverse and no gear. Then I search the internet and find hundreds of others, if not thousands, that have the same problem. What do I do? Is there a class action law suit out there that I'm missing?

2000 323i no reverse problem came to me too. It happened last weekend. The car only has 82,000 miles on it and is well maintained. I have been doing many research, and contact BMW and Transmission Rebuild company. Most will charge the rang of 4500.And now I am driving without reverse gear to work. I think a class action against BMW for this Reverse gear should be file.

2000 323i no reverse. It finally happened to me this weekend. The car only has 78,000 miles on it and is well maintained. From what Ive been able to research, there is apparently a design flaw in the durability of the D-G clutch drum that is used for reverse. The transmission manufacturer has now redesigned that part to make it more durable. I think BMW should provide some compensation to the owners that are having this particular problem. This is widespread and not a matter of if it will happen but when it will happen.

Car had perfect service history but BMW has a policy of not servicing the transmission stating instead that it is supposed to last the "lifetime". Clearly not.

I have a 323I BMW 2000, I found out that car is losing the reverse, when the weather is cold, I took the car to BMW, and deal with different people and they did no find any solution for my car. this is known for them that is problem issue with the 323 model and they refuse to fix my car. Let's fight for a law suit and get them to fix our cars without any charge.

I purchased a 2004 BMW and an extended warranty that expires December 2009. I took my car to BMW of Manhattan on July 29th, 2209, got it back on August 4th only to have it break down on me on the way home with the same problem- transmission fault. I had my car towed in on August 5th, received it back on August 14th with the same tranmission problem that I took it in with on July 29th. BMW failed to fix the problem in over the two weeks they had my car, but they managed to find and fix other problems which are not covered by the warranty inorder to rack up a big bill. I am convinced that my car needs a new transmission and since that is a part which is covered by the warranty they don't want to fix it. Please assist; I am still paying for this car and the extended warranty but am not receiving the services promised.

Bought new 2008 535i when old one with 65000miles trans died. Contract salesman lied and sold us extra service for $2480. The contract was not readable, got readable contract few weeks later. it covered nothing mechanical that broke. immediately knew we had been had. Demanded cancell $2480 oil change contract. All BMW said sorry we got your money an you ain't. Then control display went out 4 times they couldn't find problem or fix. End of BMW story for me, got rid of bomb and bought new 2009 Lexus S350. When BMW screws heir own customers time to check out. There is absolutely NO comparison between bmw and Lexus. Loss of $20,000...but now have good car.

***All of the entries in this section are must reads for anyone considering to buy a new or used BMW. We would have never never bought a BMW had we read these entries. Please share your stories with friends, family, and co-workers*****

We have a 1999 BMW 328i with 110k miles and are now on the 3rd transmission. The 2nd transmission was installed a year and a half ago after eight (yes 8 separate visits over a year and a half) visits to BMW of Austin. On each occasion we had anywhere from a cup to a quart of transmission fluid in our driveway after a cold start in the morning and putting it in reverse. BMW ultimately replaced the transmission. A year and a half later (3 weeks ago) the automatic tranmission light came on and the transmission went into a limp mode and would only go in 3rd gear. We took it into BMW of Austin and they called their tranmission experts and looked at the fault codes and they said the tranmission had to be replaced. Now three weeks later we had an issue with a brake sensor and took it to our local BMW mechanic (not BMW Austin) and he said the flex disc was badly cracked. This is likely related to the transmission but has not yet confirmed. We'll share more when we learn more but we felt we should post above at this point.

1995 BMW 540I transmission failed. The transmission only works in reverse or manuel second gear. This is an automatic transmission. The car has 109,000 mi. Dealer said they don't work on this transmission they just install a new one to the tune of $6,000+

I will NEVER purchase a BMW again!!! I've been without my car for two weeks now and it's frustrating. Apparently the Transmission fluid was never changed during any of the scheduled services!

automatic transmission failure lost revers at 73000 miles there are many others with 3 series bmw with the same problem and bmw will not do anything about it. all they want to do is sell you a new one not even an option for rebuild

2000 323i BMW reverse failed. Purchased vehicle Sept. 10, 2008 - Carfax report showed one owner and records showed vehicle properly serviced. Had no major complaints with the vehicle at purchase - drove well and looked to be in good condition other than some liner issues around front window. However, my transmission problem sounds identical to others stated. Vehicle lost reverse without any warning signs.

2000 323csi transmission failure after 81,500 miles.

As others have reported the reverse gear suddenly and without warning suffers a complete breakdown. When placed in reverse gear the car appears to be in neutral, if the gas is applied the engine revs with no apparent effect on the transmission.

Repairs costs exceed the value of the car.

I guess I'm having the same issue as a lot of other BMW customers. I have a 2000 BMW 328 and my transmission also started having issues. One day I was parked and out of a sudden I was not able to go in reverse. I went online and realized that many other people have had the same issue.

My bmw 323i 2000 wouldn't reverse. I thought I had bad luck but after reading so many complaint I was able to understand the problem. Mechanic said its the transmission which would cost me about me 2500 to replace. What a shame?? BMW should replace or recall for free.

BMW cars have a well known defect in there transmissions and nothing is being done about it. The same problem with all of them. The reverse drum just breaks apart and therefore you have no reverse. It needs to be a recall on this problem. BMW needs to fess up by saying they produced a defective transmission and recall these things.

Windows breaking $350 electrical lights always going off. Senser breaking. I would never recommend BMW products to anyone. I tell everyone who will listen not to buy their cars.

I bought a 1999 323i convertible in Nashville and drove home to New Orleans. When I got home the trans would not shift into second gear without grinding, the sincrows were blown. Now I have to replace the trans. I have owned BMW's for many years and am disappointed that they don't address the trans problem in this fantastic car. Only 97,000 miles. Ya the cost to fix the car is more than what I paid for the car. Not able to handle this money problem at this time.

I have purchased an 2002 BMW X5, April, 2008 from Assael BMW Mini of Monrovia. At the time of purchase, I was told and shown information to sustain that this was a certified pre-owned vehicle. There was a sticker on the window that had this information listed. I was told at the time of sale that I would be able to see the inspection check list, and recieve a Consumer Information Statement. After several phone calls, I was told that they could not locate this information. I called BMW of North America, they said they did not have any records of an inspection ever being done, only an enrollment date.

The owners of the dealership at the time of purchase license was terminated 1 month prior of my purchase. I had purchased extra coverage for the engine and transmission at the time I had bought the vehicle. I noticed after really gettting the on the highway, it had several pre-existing problems. The transmission leaked, brakes were bad, controll arm bushings worn, service engine light came on and off, engine made whistle noise, and engine stalled. I took the vehicle back for service for these problems, dealer only fixed the obvious, which was the trans leak.

I had asked why they would not fix the other faults. They told me that these items were not covered under the CPO protection plan. I thought a CPO sale gave assurance that the vehicle is current on all safety and mechanical elements for the consumer. I have taken my car back 8 times for repair, and was told that they can not duplicate my concerns. Through this process I was yelled at by the Pre- Owned sale manager and told, "you keep comming back and the answer is still no, and now the warranty is expired, there is nothing we are going to do."

The last visit, I demanded that 2 mechanics take a ride with me to witness my problems. After the drive with them, they acknowledged my concerns that I had complained about initially. The service manager told me that because the warranties after a whole year of my attempts to have this car fixed were now expired and that I would have to pay to have my car fixed, because they have a hard time getting the warranty to repay them. I paid an extra $1500.00 on top of the pre-existing warranty, and they would not honor any of the two.

I am physically, and emotionally drained, lost days of work, paying on a car I can not drive, paying insurance on non-active vehicle, and paying money for other transportation.

7. The instrument cluster was changed without my permission.

I have forwarded all of this information to the maufacturer, BMW of North America, and have not been able to get any assistance with their reps.

BMW needs to adress this issue and stop ignoring it

My 2000 bmw 323 ci convertible lost reverse transmission with only 68,000 miles on the car, all my research indicates this is a common problem. BMW wants me to pay for half the repair cost.

had my 2002 bmw x5 serviced by bmw since new. when it hit 75,000 miles the auto transmission went suddenly. replacement cost $6500. this should not happen. i keep hearing about others having same problem

I pressed the accelerator and the engine rev'ed but did not move. I shifted to drive and the vehicle moved forward. I braked and again shifted to reverse, the vehicle would not move. The following day I had the vehicle checked with my mechanic, he informed me that I needed a new transmission. He said the reverse gear was 'shot'. How could a high end vehicle like a BMW that never got mis-treated, always service and with ONLY 62,000 miles blow the transmission just by simply placing the vehicle in reverse and traveling about 7 mph. The vehicle has been in need of a new transmission for 2.5 months now. I will eventually fix/replace the transmission. Then I will sell the vehicle. I truly must say "I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER BMW". I always thought I person could not go wrong when purchasing a BMW, I WAS WRONG. Many unhappy BMW owners have experienced the problem with the transmission.

I purchased a certified used 2000 BMW 323i back 2002. My vehicle is in mint condition. The vehicle is up to date with the service requirements. I never drive the vehicle in the winter, it is garaged. Others have seen my vehicle on the street and can't believe it's 10 yrs old. I was driving my vehicle and simply made a full stop, shifted the vehicle to reverse. I then traveled approximately 15' when I heard a thump sound, I braked thinking maybe I ran over something. I looked around and didn't see anything. I pressed the accelerator and the engine rev'ed but did not move. I shifted to drive and the vehicle moved forward. I braked and again shifted to reverse, the vehicle would not move.

The following day I had the vehicle checked with my mechanic, he informed me that I needed a new transmission. He said the reverse gear was 'shot'. How could a high end vehicle like a BMW that never got mis-treated, always service and with ONLY 62,000 miles blow the transmission just by simply placing the vehicle in reverse and traveling about 7 mph.

The vehicle has been in need of a new transmission for 2.5 months now. I will eventually fix/replace the transmission. Then I will sell the vehicle. I truly must say "I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER BMW". I always thought I person could not go wrong when purchasing a BMW, I WAS WRONG. Many unhappy BMW owners have experience the small problem with the transmission. Now I must spend at least 4 to 5 thousand dollars to repair my vehicle.

Well I guess I can join the crowd. My daughter has a 2000 325 and at 75,000 and the tran. went. Then I found out they are mad by GM. Now I know why.

I am surprise to see so many BMW owners had so much problems with the transmission. I am the ONE-OWNER OF a BMW 325I 2003.

This car has a constantly problem of electrical light indication on, but thats the least of the problem.

My transmission went out at 58,000 miles, a few month slightly over warranty (58K Miles, warranty at 50K. After a few days of rigid correspondance, BMW finally agreed to pay for the new transmission (not a rebuilt), and I paid for the labor. The total cost was about $6000. The price tag came with a 2 year or 30K miles warranty, which should leave me till 88K miles.

Last week while was driving (at 91K miles), my car started loosing power suddenly and stalling after making a stop (RMP rises but does not drive). I towed it BMW dealer and was told that a new transmission needed. What?! Another $6000, though the service advisor was nice enough to discount to $5100. I don't have any money to fix it for a while, probably having to resolve into other alternative.

If anyone out there has any ideas or cheaper alternative to rebuild or purchase another transmission, pls kindly post 'em here. I do appreciate and can really use your help.

After already spent almost all my savings fixing other little engines and parts, I can't afford another engine. I can't sell the car neither since it's not running at all. Pls help.

Based on all the complaints here, I do think BMW is seriously having issues with their transmissions and do not build to last. Engine seems to die shortly after warranty. NO TRANSMISSION should break at 33K miles, especially when it's so costly.

In short, I will not ever buy any cars from BMW again, unless have money lying around and only plan to drive until its warranty expired.

I own a BMW 323CI and have kept it in phenomenal condition for 9 years,i have brought the car for every scheduled maintance and for a 9 year old car it only has 39,400 miles. Yesterday i went to back out of a parking space in reverse and the car would not engage.It will go forward in drive but not reverse. I took the car to the same dealership where i purchased and had all scheduled maintenances and John in customer service called me to notify me that the car needed a new transmission and that the cost would be about $6,400

Purchased my 2004 BMW X3 in 2007 with 36K miles on it. Have had many issues with the car. As long as it was under warranty the dealer was very helpful. The transmission has been very sluggish the entire time I've owned the car. Every time I take it in the answer is the same, we can't find any issues with the car. Now that the warranty is out, there is transmission codes indicating that: Transmission Control System Fault and Gear 5 Ratio incorrect. The car goes into limp mode now and is almost impossible to drive. I have been told that I need a new transmission, quotes between $4500 and $6200 for the fix. DON'T BUY BMW!!!

I just purchased a 2000 BMW 323i. It seemed to be a very nice car. I have driven it for a week. Today I backed the car into my driveway. Then I took the car when I went to lunch. When I came back I tried to back it back into the driveway, but the car just sat there like it was in neutral. It started slightly coasting forward. I tried many different manuvers but still no reverse. I checked the fluid level and things look good. Its been fine though its only been a week. No warning or nothing just poof. I thought I was buying a quality car it being a BMW and all.

I guess I'm now part of the club. My 2000 323i at 66,000 miles just gave up "reversing".We was looking for a parking around a hospital in San Francisco. found one but could not back up because the "R" gear doesn't work. Took it to a shop. Cost estimated at $2800.00. The point is 66,000 miles only and its a BMW. What's up with that!!! Recall !!!

I like many others who bought a 2000 BMW 323i had the transmission reverse gear fail. To see what happens to these transmissions (actually General Motors transmissions intalled by BMW), go to: www.noreverse.org. It's a site for those of us who have experienced the transmission defect in the 323 and the refusal of BMW corporate to take responsibility. The documents section of the site includes photos of the defective drum and an internal BMW document sent to their service people about the discontinuation of the defective transmission. I unfortunately bought a 323 with the defective transmission just before BMW stopped installing it.

I own a 1999 BMW 323i - transmission went out at 100,000, i have had all 4 window regulators replaced, the expansion tank and hoses replaced and bunch of other miscellaneous parts. i was tired of having my cars break down on me so i dished out some extra dollars and bought BMW because they have the reputation of selling reliable vehicles. looks like their reputation might be changing. just buy American made.

It has occurred a second time as well.

There is no way for the car which is still under warranty to be fixed because there is no software to fix the problem. This is a transmission problem that cannot be resolved until software becomes available. Therefore, they told me that the car is being released to me. I explained that I would not accept a car that could injure me or my passenger. Furthermore, if this car suddenly or unexpectedly performs the way it did last weekend, I am very concerned for a child, dog, adult pedestrian cyclist who could dart out of nowhere and beome injured!

I feel deeply disappointed that after owning different BMW's since 1978 that my loyality means very little to BMW . Even less, my safety and the safety of others means absolutely nothing !

The current BMW 750Li which I am complaining about has low mileage and is still under warranty! I am leaving this car at the Bob Smith BMW Dealership. This car was a gift from my parents. On a sad note, my mom passed away only three weeks ago. The car has much sentimentality to me for this reason. I do not have the emotional resources to fight with BMW at this point in time other to say keep my car until it can be fixed. At the very least, they could have offered to rent me a car which they refuse to do as a courtesy . What ever happened to the old saying "The customer is always right."

No reverse. at 126k, suddenly car has no reverse. Although very seldom, it will randomly go into reverse when demanded. After reading several articles about this BMW issue, I think BMW needs a recall. For the price paid and all the complaints posted, you would think BMW will fess-up and take care of their reputation. I certainly will not buy BMW or trade up until BMW does the right thing.

My Forign mechanic says minimum $1800.00. I'm hoping to find someone less expensive. just can't afford it at this time and plan to drive without reverse. Hopefully it's not a danger to myself or others. I hope BMW is listening!

I had a mechanic I trusted remove the module and sent it to a guy in Florida that rebuilds the unit. He tells me that when he opened it up, the motherboard was fried. The tech is in the process of getting a usable motherboard and rebuilding the module. He said that this should fix the problem. Evidentally, this is a common problem and hopefully this will fix it. Due to the rarity of the boards, it has taken 5 months to find one. Cost to rebuild is under $500.

Loss of funds and the car has sat idle for 5+ months. Had to purchase another vehicle to go to appointments. Battery went dead and I had to buy another one. It was about $100.

i have a 2001 bmw 330ci. the revers gave out the same day my 30 day tags expired. no lie same day. now its going to cost $5000 to fix. just my luck i got a bmw because i thought they were built to last. so much for being a luxury car. ill never buy a bmw AGAIN!

Just like the thousands of others complaining about transmission problems with all types of BMW's this is ridiculous. There needs to be someone with legal experience or someone this happened to as well that can point us in the direction of some sort of class action, a way to show BMW we will boycott them from now on , there is defiantly enough complaints to easily make an impact on the future purchasing of BMW's especially with the economy the way it is now.

Loss of my vehicle for extended period and costly to repair. Everything that comes along with that type unexpected expense.

I purchased a 2000 323i CPO from Chris Motors in Decatur in January 2001. The car has been nothing but TROUBLE since I drove off the lot with it. I have now replaced 6 or 7 window regulators, the sunroof, the radiator, a power steering leak and now I'm having the same issues as it seems a lot of other's are having...the car won't go into reverse. Oh and did I mention my car oNLY HAS 67,000 miles on it?? This is completely inexcusable for a car that costs as much money as a BMW does and supposedly prides itself on it's reputation as a luxury performance vehicle. What a joke.

I have spent untold hours (days) dealing with all of these problems as well as who knows how much money..I'm afraid to add it up.

Transmission Problems: Like many others have reported, my car will no longer go in reverse. I have a 2000 323i which I have owned for 8-1/2 years.

I brought the car to a transmission specialist and he estimated that to rebuild the transmission, it will cost between $4K-$5K. I'm now debating over whether to buy a new car or get the repairs.

The car has been my biggest nightmare. I would never buy a BMW again. There are many consumers complaining about these and similar issues with the BMW 3 series cars and BMW will not do anything!

I owe over $6,000 on a car that I cannot drive. I am hurting very bad financially because I have to pay for alternate transportation to get to and from work everyday while still paying my auto loan. I can't even focus at work anymore because I am so stressed out and my job as a flight attendant is a safety sensitive position that requires me full attention. This is a nightmare!

For no reason the transmission (ZF5HP19) BMW 2003 330CI malfunction with serious repairs.Cost ($4000.00)

BMW=POS

I cant get to work and I dont want to fix this if its BMWs fault

I was driving on I80 interstate in my BMW 328i (2000) and suddenly it gave a transmission sign. I pulled off and waited for a while. Re-started and tried putting in REVERSE gear and it wouldn't go. Had to call the towing company. there are so many complaints of the problems of Reverse gear failing in BMW 3 serios which BMW should seriously look into and recall or fix all these cars with reverse transmission problems

My daughter drives this car to her college and now she is stuck without a car as fixing this transmission would be extremely expensive.

I recently purchased a used 323i with only 112k miles on it. The car sounded great and had no issues when I took it for a test drive. Not too long after purchasing the car, the transmission suddenly would not go into reverse. The car was towed to my local BMW dealership. I was shocking to find their only solution was a quoted repair on a car at almost the same amount I paid for the car.

I was able to find a local transmission shop that specialized on German transmissions. The work was fast and the price was reasonable, relatively to what the dealership wanted.

I Own a 2001 BMW X5 4.4 sport, back out of the drive way got to a friends hous went to back up, no reverse only 72,000 miles. I see by doing a little research this is a comon problem, if their is a lawsuit pending please notify me of the case number I would like to get involved. Thank you

the estimated price for replacement will be around $6000.00

My 2000 323I BMW has lost reverse gear with no apparent warning. The car has been faithfully maintained and had no prior transmission problems.

My mechanic checked out the car and told me that that the transmission probably needs to be replaced. After researching the problem online, I come to find out that thousands of BMW owners with the same year and model are experiencing the exact same problem. It also looks like BMW wants to take no responsibility. This is my only car and I need it to get to work. I don't know what to do as I am a single working mom and can't afford the expense of replacing the transmission. Please look into this matter as it sounds like it's been going on for quite a while. Thank you.

2000 BMW 323i suddenly would not reve rse. Had no warning light or noise. Took the vehicle to the BMW dealership in Winter Park (Orlando), Florida. They told me that I need a new transmission and that it would cost $7000. I asked what checked they did on the car, they told me that they had no trained transmission technician to check the car. They said that if it cannot go in reverse that it needed a new transmission. Then they charged me $123.00 for the advise.

My 2000 328 Ci failed the reverse gear failed. no apparent reason. The car was towed to BMW authorized Dealer from which I had bought this car. They diagnosed a worn transmission...quoted over $10,000 to fix (new transmission); I said no thanks. This no-reverse fault has been experienced by hundreds of BMW owners. It was known to BMW for more than a year. Why not honor the reputation of BMW, why not provide rebuilt transmission at a lower cost.

I faced the shame that these people just thought in new parts for replacing this transmission..stating that the whole transmission on my car was very worn out. This is not true!! I had to tow away my car to an independent transmission mechanic who quoted to fix the reverse for less than $2800. BMW representatives should stand behind the car's reputation and not offer (take-it-or-leave-it) solutions which are really overheaded.

I owned a 2001 BMW 330I and without any warning, reverse on the automatic transmission failed completely. There were no symptoms of transmission trouble leading up to the failure. Start the car put it in reverse and nothing. The engine would just rev. The car had approximately 88,500 miles and contained the ZF5HP19 transmission.

My cost to have the transmission (ZF5HP19) repaired was $2116.34. The fact there is a website, noreverse.org and it is dedicated to nothing but reverse gear failures without warning on the ZF5HP19 transmission on BMW vehicles, tells me that BMW should have liability when it comes to these transmissions.

I have a 2000 BMW 323 ci and I was on a date with a girl and I went to put my car in reverse (112,000 miles) and the car wouldn't go! I had to get out and push it. I brought my car in to my mechanic and they replaced the trans for $5,500. 2 weeks later, my Power Steering goes out! I am finding blogs all over the web complaining about this reverse problem with BMW 323's around the year 2000. I love BMW's, but this is really disappointing.

I was embarrassed as hell having to push my car on a date! Then it cost me $5,500, plus I had to take 2 days off of work to deal with the car issues.

I purchased a 2000 BMW 323CI and at 60K miles my transmission will not go into reverse. By reading this web page I see that I am not alone. BMW has a defect for sure. My mechanic says he never sees transmissions go out at such a low mileage.

I am installing a rebuilt transmission for $4-5K.

I bought a 1999 323i this January (2009) with about 120,000 miles on it. The car is in near perfect condition, all service records, etc. (paint chips - negligible).. I was just going to look at some rooms for rent closer to work, as I have to move next weekend, and stopped at a coffee shop on the way to my first interview.. When attempting to leave the coffee shop, the reverse gear would not engage, and has yet to engage since. It was extremely embarrassing to say the least.

Up until today this car has not given me a single problem and the transmission feels just as strong and new as my neighbors 330xi with 20k miles on it.. There were no signs, the transmission has not suffered any abuse. I know cars well enough to be confident in one that I buy - this problem is not the consequence of anything, but a horrible defect.

This is my first BMW and honestly I thought I would never buy another make of car again after this - but today has changed that severely. If BMW refuses to acknowledge their defects and show some consumer appreciation ESPECIALLY in these hard times - then not only will I never be caught in another BMW, but I will never shut up about it. All of my friends have been so impressed with it; how solid everything feels, how you can't even feel the transmission shifting.. 2 of them were ready to sell their other cars (Audi and Jaguar) because they had to get in on this great thing - but I'm sure now they will rethink this.

I bought a 2000 Bmw 328i used about 8 months ago. They swore up and down it was a good dependable car. That was a funny joke. It would have to be one of the worst cars i've bought to date.The problem is One day got I got in my car to take my kids to school and no reverse. Ive also changed the power steering pump ,alternator and starter and just about everything else on my car.

BMW is asking about $6000 to fix the transmission. But if i buy a used one about $2500.

My wife and purchased a used 2003 BMW 745li two years ago. It had 42,000 miles on it. Since then it's been in to the dealership a dozen times for the same reason. Transmission Failsafe Mode, that will just shut off the car while driving! Everytime we take it to the shop it's always something different to whats the cause, but the problem resurfaces now every 3-4 times a week the card will go into Failsafe mode and just shut off. Sometimes its starts back up, sometimes its takes a few minutes to startup. No one has given use any real answers.

Now the car has 105,000 miles on it, no warranty and we are kinda stuck on what to do. I can't afford to keep taking it to the shop and fork over $200+ just for them to look at. It's too late for the Lemon law. I assume its a sofware problem, but owning the flagship of the company, a car shouldn't just cutoff on you. We have 3 small children and no longer will put them in the car for these reasons..it's just not safe. I have owned two BMW's, both 7 series and both of them have left a bad taste in my mouth. Even if my wife and I were well off financely, why would want to go through this? BMW = Overpriced Trash

Having my wife drive with our 3 children, and to have the car suddenly shut off, is a horrifying experience to say the least. Luckily no accidents have happened. Other than paying the dealership $200+ just to tell us they can't find anything wrong with it, we or no one else should have to go through with this.

2001 330 CIC, BMW Transmission failed at 114,000 miles with no reverse. P&W told me this was the first time this had been an issue and BMW had no technical reports of failures in the USA. I AM SIMPLY ASTOUNDED AT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THIS LIST WITH THIS PROBLEM.

Paid $5000 for a BMW rebuilt transmission. P&W told me they gave me a 20% discount. Actually, this is the published price within BMW dealers for this repair. P&W simply lied to me. Called BMW NA and they said they had no control over dealers and emailed me $500 coupons for BMW store. BMW NA would not give me cash.

1999 BMW 740i model. Transmission went out at 126,000 miles all of a sudden. A BMW auto repair shop tells me a new transmission is needed at an est of $7,200. Now I check the internet and find hundreds of similar complaints and on much newer and lower mileage cars and BMW Corp even refusing to acknowledge there is a problem. The only solace I have is that I bought it used 3 or 4 years ago and didn't have to pay the new price. Well back to Mercedes now.

I own a 2000 328I under 100000 miles and the reverse does not work. BMW is aware of the defective transmissions in these cars and fails to recall transmission and replace them. These transmissions are defective. What can a consumer do when they are defrauded by a big car company? Help

I was on a hill in the snow and almost was killed when I was unable to move out of the way of another car because the car could not go in reverse.

My 2000 BMW 323ci wouldn't consistently go into reverse during my vacation to South Carolina in Sep 2008. I called Kelly Motors and explained problem to them, they weren't sure and told me to take it to Fowler Motors in Conway, S.C. which I did. Fowler checked it over and said there were no faults, car went into reverse and they didn't see any problem with transmission fluid, leakage, etc. Since then I've only driven car sporatically because sometimes it goes into reverse and other times it doesn't.

I took it to a local foreign car dealer, who told me that he couldn't find problem without getting into transmission, which would cost several thousand dollars. He recommended I drive it at this time and not get it fixed until car won't go into reverse at all. I called Kelly Motors again and they said they hadn't heard of any problem of such to 323 ci's. They said it was just wear and tear since the car has 92K miles and is a 2000. Told me they'd replace it for $6K.

Took it again today to Aamco Transmission. I was told that they weren't sure what it was and they didn't want to get into transmission without knowing for sure what it was. Said it would be costly and couldn't gurantee it was the transmission. I called BMW National, got called back and was told that there weren't any recalls and that this problem was the car being a 2000 with 92K miles, nothing else. I then went into this site and behold, I'm not alone.

I'm afraid to drive the car, because I'm not sure if and when it's going to go into reverse. Very sporatic. I'm trying to get to the bottom of this problem to understand what exactly is wrong with my car. BMW seems to be keeping quiet. You would think that they'd take care of their customers. I would like to know if there is a class action suit and would like to jump aboard.

Same problem- my 2000 323i will not go into reverse. Brought it to the mechanic who tried to replace the sensor but said I need a new transmission. Quoted me at $6250.

My car has 72,000 miles on it. This is ridiculous. This should be a recall as my car should have at least 50,000 more miles to it. Also- need to replace my 3rd window regulator- another part that should be recalled.

Four days ago i bought a used 2005 BMW 325i Executive model from Budget Car Sales. This morning I was making my usual turn by entering a driveway and then reversing in order to turn around. I drove very slowly, as usual, into the driveway and attempted to put the car into reverse - as per usual - instead to my shock it uncontrollably lurched forward and into a retaining wall. I could not stop it - the wall stopped it! This is not drive error - I have been driving for more than 40 years and have a Safe Driver designation for my insurance - with never even one cliam being made! The car simply took off on its own steam. This is a driveway which I regularly use as a turnaround and nothing like this ever occurred with my previous car, a Honda Accord.

The driver side front lights were smashed, also the front bumper and guard, the hood buckled, and the front side was badly damaged. The car cannot be driven because of the bumper entangled in the wheel. I am awaiting a Claims Adjustor to review the damage and costs, but people who have observed it say it will probably be in the realm of $6-8K!!!!!

The reverse gear on my 2000 BMW 323i just went out at 85,000 miles. I am amazed at the number of 2000 323i's reported on this site with the same problem

Manufacturer defect on Transmission.. 2000 Model 328I E-46.. WILL NOT GO IN TO REVERSE... Just got it out of a $3200.00 Service and they gave my car flying color pass.. BMW needs to repair or replace these Transmissions as this is not a normal issue...

Work loss and financial loss.. Kindest regards,

Original owner of a 2002 BMW 330 cic with 73,000 miles. Mechanic just informed me that I need a new transmission at a cost of $6,000 - $6,500. I thought you could grow old with your BMW, not go broke!

I was 20 years old when i bought my first car. It was a 2000 323i it only had 45,000 miles on it. After a year or so driving it now having about 55,000 60,000 my reverse goes one night. Its like putting my car in neutral. So i go to BMW they want like 5 to 6 thousand for a new transmission. Other transmission places want like 3 to 4 thousand. I hear its the reverse linkage in the tranny or this or that. But it cannot be fixed only replaced.

So now 5 years later i have learned to park my car where i dont have to back up. And not only have i had problems with the tranny but also ALL of the door regulators ,water pump, fuel pump, bushings ,struts, heater and more i cant even think of. When i turned 16 years old i got a 1992 geo storm for my birthday. Years later when i bought my first car. Do you know how many problems i had with my geo? NOTHING!!!!! Its crazy how BMW makes there cars like crap!!! Yesterday someone told me that there is a sensor in the tranny that is causing it not to go into reverse.. Yeah we shall see... I WILL NEVER EVER EVER BUY BMW again. And btw i know many people who have bought a bmw and they also have NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!!!!!

I cant even explain.... TO MUCH

2007 335i manual transmission failed after 1 month in Dec 2007, after 27 days in the shop, they replaced the friction pad. Ran ok until July 2008, when I unhaled the bad smoke again from the transmission while driving. They had not changed the air filter on the car either the first time.

Unbeknownst to me, on the first failure, I developed an allergy to the smoke that was emitted from the transmission, so when it happened again in July 2008 I got very severe asthma, and something called Vocal Cord Dysfunction with which I am still dealing with 8 months later.

MY husband bought a BRAND NEW BMW 335i in SEP 2008. THIS car has ONLY 9700 miles. The car just stoped in the middle of the road and showing the transmission warning. The car got to tow to the BMW shop. We were descrubing the stitution to the people in BMW, they said it might be just computer setting problem. After inspection the BMW technician told us the The transmission has failed. we are lucky just becasue the car still under warranty, but I cannot imagine to keep this car after the warranty expired.

My Bmw 540i went into Trans Failsafe Mode this seems to happen alot with the e39 class everyone wants to change the trans but that seems to never work its electrical and after trouble shooting and alot of money later I still have not car.

I still have not car and its hart to get to work and I keep paying to fix stuff that is not fixing it.

I purchased a 1992 BMW 735i from a private seller in 2007. The car is in mint condition.The seller pampered this car like a baby. After two year of everything going perfect, I was picking my daughter up from school and parked right in front. I turned the car off while I waited. My daughter gets in the car and when I started it up to back out of the tight space because other cars were parked in front and in the back of me the car would NOT go into reverse. Talk about the embarassment!

Well, I tried to sell it for something else, but other dealerships don't want the headache. Plus I refuse to put alot of money into this old car. I found place that will give me a good price on a rebuilt transmission. The bright side to this dark story is I don't have a car note the car is paid for and I have a suv as my other means of transpotation. I luv my vintage car, but I refuse to put another dime into it!

I can't sell it, not many can fix it, and with today's economic situation who has money to simply put give away. By the way my car has ONLY 100,000 miles @ the time it happened.

I own a BMW 323i Station Wagon (2000 model) which has given me all sort of problems after warranty expired. The last one the well-known transmission issue having a delayed engaged of the first gear. Cost to fix the problem $6,500. of course I have replaced many other parts in my car (all window regulators have been changed; power steering pump with a factory defect (they helped with this); leaks and leaks and more expensive and onerous leaks.

There is no principle of quality and customer respect from the manufacturer! The vehicle is stopped at home and I must rush to look for something else. A non-planned expense that is affecting our household budget enormously.

I am the owner of a BMW 2000 323i. about 5 months ago, the reverse gear in the transmission failed. the car drvies in forward and all gears except for reverse. The consequences have been that i am currently paying for a car I can not drive, as well as putting added hardship with one less working car in the family. Not only has it become a huge inconvenience at the personal, and family level, it is also hurtting me financially having to save the thousdans to fix this car.

I own a 2002 BMW X5 with 89,000 miles. One week ago I started experiencing problems with the reverse (transmission)The dealer will charge me $ 6,000.00 to fixed> There is a class action lawsuit against BMW for this problem please tell me what shuld I do.

I Bought a 1999 BMW 328i about 4 months ago it has 128000 miles on it. The transmisson on it wont shift into 3rd until the car gets up to about 60mph. from what i read next reverse is going to go out and i will be responsible for the cost of a new transmisson. i bought the car for 8000 and a rebuilt transmisson and labor while cost 4000 this is not fair and i would be willing to join a class action law suit or find a lawyer of my own, if BMW does not issue a recall.

My 2000 323 steptronic BMW with approximately 121,000 miles would not engage the reverse gear. This transmision failure happened suddenly.

The BMW dealer had the car for two days and developed repair estimate of $5800.00 for a new transmission. They did not acknowledge any knowledge about this type of failure with BMWs. I took the car to a transmission repair facility. My car was diagnosed with a broken D cylinder. My understanding is that this is a recurring problem with BMW's steptronic transmission in 3 and 5 series cars built between 1999 and 2005. Two days and $3500.00 later, my car is back on the road. I should note that after my car was fixed at the transmission shop, BMW wanted to fix it for less than the original $5800.00 quote. The final $ amount was never specified, so I cannot provide it. It was too late anyway, my car was fine by then.

My reverse went out in my car for no reason. This seems to be a very common occurance in this model and very expensive to get fixed. About $5000.

i own 2005 x3. i have about 130k on it, 3 days ago i heard some noise coming from the bottom of the car. so i got it check up at the BMW dealership and they had told me that it's my tranny and it's going to coast me $3900 for rebuilt tranny.. i was so angry because the car is only 3 years old. i drove my infinity qx4 since 1999 i never had any problem, here i am sold the infinity for the x3 and i know that was the biggest mistake i made... i just think that BMW should improve their transmission, i mean it's not really fair for us, we spend so much money to get the car and you can only used it for a few years...

i own 2005 x3. i have about 130k on it, 3 days ago i heard some noise coming from the bottom of the car. so i got it check up at the BMW dealership and they had told me that it's my tranny and it's going to coast me $3900 for rebuilt tranny.. i was so angry because the car is only 3 years old. i drove my infinity qx4 since 1999 i never had any problem, here i am sold the infinity for the x3 and i know that was the biggest mistake i made... i just think that BMW should improve their transmission, i mean it's not really fair for us, we spend so much money to get the car and you can only used it for a few years...

My daughter was driving her BMW i323 to school and she had to get someone to help push her car out of a parking space because she could not get reverse. She drove it home but the car just idle as if it was in Neutral when she putted it in reverse. Mechanic said that it will cost $3,000 to get it fixed. But we need to check to see if there was a class action against this car because he had heard that there was a lot of complaints about this problem. The car has over 100,500 miles on it. C

Same transmission problems. Mine is a 1999 323i and the transmission fails to engage on reverse. I took it to a couple of mechanics and they tell me that I need to replace the entire transmission. Cost= $5000 to $6000. I am looking for new transportation means and staying away from BMWs.

What recourse do I have?

My transmission lost reverse gear on my 2000 BWW 323I with 78,000 miles on it. I purchased the used car 3 months ago from Busam Subaru in Fairfield, Ohio with a 6 month / 6,000 mile warranty. I added 5,100 miles to the odometer when the transmission failed. Busam wants to replace it with a USED transmission with 60,000 miles on it. Knowing that these transmissions have the same inherint problem I do not want the used transmission that will likely fail. I want the transmission rebuilt and they don't want to rebuild.

Tried to back out of garage. Car would not operate in reverse. Pushed out of garage and drove in forward to BMW service to check out. I was charged $100 dollars to be told that I needed a new transmission that would cost me $6000. After reading other Blogs I can see that this is a common problem with the 3 and 5 Series that is NOT being addressed by BMW.

This car was faithfully serviced at the local Dealer and all repairs that were needed/suggested were completed at a not insignificant cost. I have not decided what to do with this Lemon of a Transmission at this time other than refuse to invest another $6000.

I have purchased another car until I decide what to do with my 2000 BMW 323i. I would like to be informed of any class action suit filed against BMW.

2000 BMW 323it lost reverse and it never came back. As many of you have found they are doing nothing for us... The half price offers are bogus. Anyone can replace them for under $4,000. My question is will driving it forward do more damage to it and has anyone found a way to repair rather than replace them?

I have an $8500 car that needs $4000 put into it. Cant even sell it this way.

Just like these folks, my 2000 BMW 328i with under 100k miles wouldn't go in reverse. It would go in & out of reverse, but most of the time, the transmission would not engage.

I took it to BMW & traded it in for an M3. Thought it wasn't a common problem.

My 2000 323i 5spd shakes rattles and rolls in 1st and 2nd gear. Slipping terribly with 138k miles. Don't even want to think of what the repair cost is going to be.

2001 BMW 330i automatic transmission will not reverse. Revs like it's in neutral. Mechanic says can rebuild for $4500. 72,000 miles. I have recently been considering buying a wagon, but will not even look at another BMW because of this problem which should not occur with so little miles.

$4500 repair bill.

Same issue with BMW 525i Transmission. I took the car in for service at 46K miles and mentioned the sluggish and delayed transmission response. BMW of Dallas checked the car and said there was no identified issue. At 78K miles and after the warranty was off, they did a similar check and said that there was a fault in the transmission that would require a rebuild transmission $8200.

When I complained about the low mileage and the extent of the required repair, I was offered a reduced repair cost of $4200. This is not acceptable after reviewing that BMW is well aware of this issue. This should be a recall and I definitely think that consumer protection requires at a minimum making public this vehicle defect.

I have expended additional money to provide for alternative transportation as I cannot afford to invest in a potential lemon. I'd be interested in a class action suit requiring repair.

I drove and parked my 2000 BMW 323i with 70K miles and this morning I tried to take out the garage but when switch into reverse it doesn't run, has no power....looks like it's on neutral. It does drive forward but doesn't reverse.

Automatic transmission issue. 2000 BMW 323i has 90K miles, followed maintenance schedule, overall well maintained. Transmission began slipping when placed into drive this morning and blew o-ring on transmission, leaking transmission fluid over driveway. According to mechanic, this slippage is indicative a nearing transmission failure with the common reverse issue just over the horizon.

This is not a result of normal wear and tear as 90 - 100K miles should be just over half of automatic transmission life. This is an OEM engineering flaw and the frequency of these issues constitutes a recall or CA lawsuit!

Transmission rebuild est. at $4,200.

Have 2000 Dinan 323i with 120k miles. Transmission wont go into reverse. Transmission slipping. All scheduled maintenance. I have put an additional 6k in Dinan upgrades just for a common failure or design flaw. Rebult tranny 6k with install

My 2001 BMW X5 4.4 with 88,000 miles stopped going in reverse. I can move the shifter to reverse, but it may as well be another neutral. Was quoted $6300 for a replacement transmission from the dealership, who offered no sympathy or apologies for this dilemma. I am probably going to end up paying $3,000 for repairs using DOSE BMW in San Diego. BMW lost even more customers over this issue. My boss decided not to buy a new BMW after hearing about their horrible response, or lack thereof, to this issue. I was in the market for a wagon, but will no longer be considering BMW.

$3,000 to $6,300.

Transmission went on my 2000 323i bmw.My mechanic says it will cost about ($5000)for a rebuilt transmission.The car has 140,000 miles on it.On saturday evening i put my car in reverse and all i hear is as if it is in neutral. Please contact me if there is class action law suite.

Reverse stoped working in my 2000 323i just like everyone else!!

RE: 2007 x3 transmission. I'm having the same hesitation, lurching, surging etc etc problem with my transmission. BMW service centers (yes, more than one) state this is a big problem with the 2007 X3. That's also clear by reading about the same problems on the web. I've been lucky so far. I've avoided numerous accidents that this vehicle has almost caused...the car almost ran me into the side of a building one day.

After complaining about it and servicing the problem for a year and a half there is good news...BMWNA has inspected it and says The vehicle is operating as designed. That says it all! I've learned the hard way twice. NEVER DEAL WITH CAR COMPANIES WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY!!!!!! Yes, go to an attorney first then deal with the car company.

Our 2000 323series BMW with no warning could not go into reverse. The other gears in this automatic transmission were working fine. We have only 83,000 miles on the car and have to get a complete transmission - Perillo BMW is where we purchased the car in Chicago. After reading online on your sight and other blogs we have come to realize that this unexpected loss of reverse is a defect of many of the 3 and 5 series models starting from 1999. The failure rate is extremely high. Is there any kind of class action lawsuit that we could be part of? As of this writing the dealer has not responded to my call.

We had to buy a rebuilt transmission for $3600.

I've got the 1994 BMW 525i with the GM 4L30E transmission. Reverse went out first, then I noticed the TRANS PROGRAM error. I'm looking for a reman kit or a replacement transmission now.

This is going to cost me around $2000 unless I find another way around it.

Reverse transmission problems with my 323i 2000 BMW. It has 65,000 miles and the car won't reverse. When I shift it into reverse it goes into neutral instead. Apparently I'm not the only one with this problem. When I called BMW of North America, they said that had never heard of the problem. I plan to take it to a BMW dealership today to find out. I'm afraid they are going to say that I need a new transmission. One that I will have to buy. It's not fair to sell consumers lemon transmissions and then not take any responsibility for it.

BMW- how come no one is doing anything about this? is there anything anyone can do? i have a 2000 323i with the same issue and BMW won't take responsability. i can understand if we were many people with different trany problems but the issue here is consistant which means that it is a manufacture issue.

I NEED 4000 to fix the problem

I have a year 2000 3-Series BMW wagon. The transmission is broken and the car won't go in reverse. I realize the problem is common and I'm appalled that BMW's response is to say that they are unaware that there is a widespread fault with their bestselling series. If they were to be aware, then I'm not sure what responsibilities or liabilities. In fact, I would probably argue on their behalf that they are not obligated to replace parts or reimburse people. However, their current response is absolutely unacceptable. I promise I will never buy a BMW for the rest of my life, and I will give poor reviews of their vehicles to others. I

I promise I will never buy a BMW for the rest of my life, and I will give poor reviews of their vehicles to others. I think this will more than offset the profit they made from the original purchase of my ultimate driving machine.

BMW 3 series 00...failes to move when put in reverse. 75,000 miles.

I bought a Bmw from a privet party, and shortly after buying it, approx. 6 months. The trainsmission revers faild on me. i can drive it but there is no revers. I contacted bmw, and they stated that it is not a commen problem and that there has been no recall on that model. I did some resurch and found that it is a common problem with Bmw. Not only with the 323I, but also with the 323it, 330 and even some of the 700 series. Most of the trainsmissions that went out, where from Bmw's with less than 100,000 miles.

Bmw has told me that the fluid has a lifetime warrenty, but recommend service at 100,000 miles. If Bmw trainsmission are going bad this often under 100,000 miles, shouldent there be a recall? I am stuck with an unpayed car that i cant drive. Is there any advice you can give besides not to buy Bmw ever again?

I took my Bmw 323I down to the delership aswell as an independent mechanic, and it wil cost me a min. of $3300 for a USED trainsmission with install. Not even a rebuilt. The dealer wants to charge me $5500, for a used one plus labor. I beleave that this could be a danger to commuters, if a Bmw trainsmission should go bad on the highway. Any helpful information would be great. Thanks

I purchased my 2001 325i BMW about 6 months ago with 103,000k and like everyone else on this site my car without warning today at lunch would barely go into reverse. After driving it today seems to be getting worse. I'm suppose to take it tp the shop tommorrow....why bother???? After reading all of the complaints I'M LITERALLY DISGUSTED, FURIOUS, AND SICK TO SAY THE LEAST. I WILL NEVER EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER BMW. PLEASE.... PLEASE... EVERYONE PITCH IN THIS CALLS FOR A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

We bought a brand new 2002 BMW 330i in Nov 2002. The car now has 50K miles and been kept in strict maintenance schedule. A few months ago, the gear shifted down irregularly, it jerked the car. This happened a couple times then it went away. The car was fine until last week when the problem came back much more often. It happens more often when the car is accelerating or slowing down, but sometimes while cruising too.

We brought the car back to the dealer. After keeping the car for 3 days without fiding out what is the cause, we called and they told us that the car need a NEW TRANMISSION which will cost over $4000. I just could not believe a well-known BMW, 6 year-old with only 50K miles has a broken transmission? Our 2000 Toyota Camry has 120K miles and still running smoothly and faithfully.

Dealer told that car need new tranmission which costs over $4000.

I have a 525I sedan with 82000K. I have the same probleme with my car going on reverse. BMW should consider recalling this problem. I would definitely never recommend anyone buying a BMW with this kind of problems. Especially when I am sure BMW's knows about this common problem and not taking care of their customers.

I own a 1999 bmw 323i I had to have the transmission replace as well as the engine. The replacements were made before the car hit 100,000 miles. These are very pricey repairs. In all I have receipts totallying more than $20,000 For things that I would have never found in a Honda. I am now taking my car into yet another mechanic because I am having problems again with the transmiision. This is now 3 years into the replaced tranny.

I have had so many problems with this car, I had o fix it I owed money on it, I could not sell or trade it in so I was forced to charge credit cards to keep it running.

I own a 2000 323i that i have had since 2001 know i have no 5th gear in it (Failsafe Mode) fuild changed and was burnt and brown (Lifetime my a@#) The more i read the more i find that this is a common prob. with these cars among others now i have tried to call and email bmw with no responce. If dont hear anything soon ill no longer purchase these car

All BMW wants to do is charge me 6000+ for an (Remaned) one if this is such a common issue there should be a recall

I jus recently purchased a BMW 530I with only 60,000 milles and it has a manual transmision. while driving for a few days it seems like the trasmision is starting to slip a bit while changing speeds.it is incomprensible how a luxury car and as expensive it is will have such a poor components installed on their engines/transmisions and dying with little millage recorded.

by reading all the complaints on this site is obvius that I'm going to have a problem coming soon that will have to be resolved; it is unaceptable for us as consumers that a company with a such of reputation as BMW and their expensive high class vehicles has not been able to resolve its hick ups and come forward acepting their mistake. with the economy as it is and affecting our pockets is not fair to us that a billonarie company such as BMW does not help their own consumers and make their pain go away... it is their responsability in selling quality vehicles that will last more than 150,000 milles for what we pay for the purchased vehicle. We implore to BMW not to ignore our problems caused by their poor desisions as a company.

the complaint above will result at leats in $4000 expenses on coming days.

I have just had the auto transmission fail in my 2002 330ci. The car has just over 81000 miles on it and it was slipping and surging. Upon inspection, the famous D drum had sheared off where the snap ring attaches. It looks like a shop bill of $2900 is coming due for the repair. I am disappointed in BMW for letting this get as out of control as it is, with so many customers that have suffered this problem.

This is a design flaw if I ever saw one. Such a critical and costly component failing and BMW disavowing any knowledge of the issue is WRONG! $2900 repair bill and loss of comfidence in the car and BMW.

I own a 2000 323Ci and like everyone else on this site, was recently told that I need a completely new transmission. Mine intermittently goes into reverse, while driving will get stuck in gear and go into limp mode. Weirdly enough, I can turn off the car, take the key out for 10 seconds and the problem resets. I'm pretty sure it has to do with fluid pressures, but can't do anything about it as this is a sealed system (and, supposedly, lifetime) and now NO ONE will touch it. I've been told it's only a matter of time before it's undrivable. Also, like everyone else, to replace the transmission costs more than the total value of the car. What to do, what to do...

I have it taken it countless shops and dealerships, only finally get an answer yesterday that I need a new transmission. The dealership just kept replacing parts. First I was told that I needed a software update, then a new solenoid, third gear switch...etc. I'm already in the thousands and now can't even get rid of it! This is a disgusting display of business ethics and I expected SO much more from such a reputable company. Please contact me if there is a class action suit. This product was far from lifetime as they advertised.

Own a 2000 740il BMW. 87,500 miles on it and the transmission failed...reverse would not engage. Called BMW and they said out of warranty but they would call a dealer to see if they can assist. Dealer failed to return calls. Finally had it repaired. Seems the top of the line BMW cannot make the transmission work for at least 100,000 miles

Cost $3,000 to fix and was out of a car for nearly 2 weeks

Last week my 2000 BMW 323iT wagon suddenly quit going in reverse. This car has 85,000 miles and has been extremely well maintained. I talked to my mechanic, but he hadn't had any experience with this problem. Once I got online, I learned that it is a common problem.

I was guided to a transmission shop that specializes in European cars, and they were knowledgeable about the different BMW transmissions & their problems. They had a failed drum out of another ZF5HP19 transmission to show me as they explained what happens. They said the transmission has to be completely rebuilt, and it will be a smarter option than buying a used transmission because the same failure is likely to occur.

It will take 3 days & cost over $3000 to rebuild this one. Ouch.

Ignorance is bliss.

If you would take your vehicle to an independent repair facility they would tell you the truth about proper maintenance.
You wanted free servicing for 3 years, well you got what you paid for. Nothing.

All of your bellyaching and moronic suggestions are not valid.

2002 x5 3.0i, with 75,000 miles. Reverse barely functional - engages but only barely and slips badly on even very slight incline. Have been carefully parking so I don't have to back up! Knew this was trouble, and finally got the assessment today from an independent mechanic - new transmission needed.

Cheapest rebuilt transmission I've been able to find online is $2500. Add at least $1000 for install. This is really outrageous. BMW clearly knows they have a major quality issue, but won't admit to it because it will cost them too much $$. It's a repair racket - dealerships and mechanics can count on this work, all timed nicely to occur just beyond factory warranty. And this is the last BMW I will ever buy.

I drove to work this morning and upon leaving work my car just wouldn't go into reverse. I thought I would take my car to BMW tomorrow and have them check it. After getting home I did some research and found out there are numerous complaints about this same problem and that BMW has done nothing about it. It will cost as much as the car worth to replace the transmission.

I lost my full-time job recently because of the bad economy and there is no way I can afford to pay for this repair at this moment. I demand from BMW to put a recall on this defected part and take full responsibility. Customer satisfaction should be their utmost priority.

The car only has 50,000 miles on it how could the transmission be bad along with the windows that don't work. I spent $4,000 on it in January 2008 to replace 3 the window relays. The car is not worth paying another $6000 to get it fixed. I can't pay for these fixes, so I'm going to have to get rid of the car. The dealership was not nice at all and wanted just to get rid of me when I said I couldn't afford the repairs. Ther is no way that a car with so few miles on and very well maintained should have this happend. I will never by another BMW again!

$4,000 to start, which I paid. Then another $6,000 now to fix it. The car is only work $10,000. It was very scary to have the car lose steering and end up in the middle of a busy intersection dead.

I may be wrong but it's a known fact that an automatic transmission lifespan is around 80K anything over that is a bonus. by the way I hope we're talking automatic transmissions here. If your transmission is manual then it becomes a different story. See what the manufacturer or the stealership fail to inform you is that you automatic transmission could go out at about 80K, on the other hand a manual transmission most probably will outlive your car. it's nice and easy to drive with an automatic transmission but when time comes to replace that baby it's gonna cost a pretty penny, penny you may not have when replacement tome comes. Don't take my word for it go and ask an honest transmission mechanic.

I own a 2003 BMW 330i with 75,000 miles on it and the transmission died. I was sitting in line at an expresso stand and when I went to move forward the car moved very slowly - Odd. I looked down at the dash board to see a transmission warning light was on. I took the car to the dealer and paid them $230.00 to diagnose the problem. An hour later they call me back to tell me that I needed a new transmission and it would cost around $6,000.00.

Now I had purchased an extended warranty just after the manufacturers warranty had expired. Of course that warranty will only kick in for the repair of the transmission - which BMW does not do. They only replace the whole transmission with a 'refurbished' one. Now I am in a fight between the dealer and the extended warranty service and no car. BMW has an inferior product and they do not want to step up to the plate to admit it.

There are alot of people that seem to have the same problem as I do - low miles on a luxury vehicle with transmission issues.

I have a 2000 323i that I love more than anything and late last week I drove my car all day and then I put the car in reverse and it was acting like the car was in neutral and there was a burning smell and the engine starting making crazy noises! I took it to a repair shop and the only thing they can do it replace the transmission for $5000 and seriously the car has just over 100,000 miles. I haven't even decided if I am going to fix it, it seems pointless...ANY ADVICE?

A $5000 tranmission on a car worth $7000 dollars and hundreds of other people have the same problem.

2000 BMW 323 wagon--at 91,000 miles, won't go into reverse and the dealer has quoted $7,500 to replace the transmission.

The repair cost is almost as much as the value of the car I was planning to drive for another 100,000 miles.

As with many BMW owners, specifically but not limited to BMW 2000 year 323i wagon automatic transmissions. The reverse gear does not work. History from consumeraffairs shows a large number and increasing number of more recent complaints of the problem. A recall notice needs to be issued by BMW recall department representing all BMW owners with the problem.

I am being quoted $4468 to repair the transmission. Not a small dollar amount but small or not, the issue needs attention and for BMW recall department to admit of the problem then repair the problem and absorb the expense to repair the problem.

BMW- 740i - Transmission stopped going in reverse. Came out put car in reverse - NOTHING- I then took the vehicle to the repair shop. They advised me that they see this often inthe BMW and offered to sell me anew transmission for roughly $6k.

Upon doing research it is evident that BMW knows of this issue and it is rampant in their vehicles. There is even a website dedicated to the issue for BMW owners that have the same problem. For Myself and ALL BMW owners that have had their transmission go out with no warning it is terrifying - Truck coming and can't get out of the way... scary!

$6,000 for a new transmission which BMW knows is defective and is in THOUSANDS of BMW's.

I have a 2000 BMW 740i with 120000 miles. Like so many others here my Reverse stopped working. BMW should be listening to all these complaints. This is a MALFUNCTION of their transmission. I used to love Bimmers now I will never even consider one.

The Dealer is asking $5k-$7k to fix the problem. With the current economic situation I can't afford to spend this much so the car is sitting on my drive way and I'm just paying insurance on it for nothing. Maybe one day I save engouh to pay for a problem that SHOULD have never been occured in first place. BMW should be ashamed of themsleves. I will never fall into the Bimmer Trap again!

I have a 2003 BMW 325i with about 80k miles on it. Recently the transmission has been acting very erratic. Even though I rountinely take my car in for service, there has never been one time that a bmw technician has told me about a problem with my transmission.

I have spent over $500 getting a full transmission flush and also a DME update on the transmission to help give it more power in reverse gear. The car still is doing the same thing and it is looking as if I will need a new transmission. But why should a car made by a company which claims to make the Ultimate Driving Machine need a new transmission before even reaching 100k miles?

Economically, I cant afford a new transmission. I'm a law student and I am on a very tight budget. I had no idea that this was going to happen so I have had to charge the extra service expenses to my credit card. I really do not know how I am going to pay for a new transmission and with winter coming very soon, I am going to need to find a way. I dont think that BMW consumers should have to be punished for driving their vehicles.

Wow!! I am amazed to see so many of the same complaints. Today same issue as the rest. I have a 99 BMW 323i with 136K on it and what happened, that's right.... no reverse! No problems ever with the transmission before. It acts like it's in neutral, similar to others who have complained. Also, like many others, it drives in every other gear just fine, luckily I was able to drive it home and park it in the garage. The sad thing is that up to this point it had been a really great car with minimal maintenance. I thought I would always own a BMW but after this experience and the complaints I've read, I doubt I'll ever own one again..WTF!!

2000 BMW 323Ci Transmission failure at 80,000 miles. No reverse. Without any prior problem or warning the car acts like it's in neutral. Dealer says $4,800.00 to replace the transmission. I'm now seeing an alarming number of complaints for the same problem.

My 2001 740i transmission went out at 138,000. I bought the car with an extended warranty and had it serviced regularly. I inquired about getting the transmission serviced and was told it could not be serviced. It seemed odd to me at the time (being an ex-mechanic). The service manager swore to me that since it was a seal tranmission it did not require service.

At first, reverse went out, then the bearings and torque coverter along with the valve body. BMW thinks they are untouchable. This is worst than their crappy brakes!!!

I have a 323 BMW CI and the Transmission stopped working with no indication of a problem. I was at work and tried to back up and my reverse would not work. BMW should be hit with a class action suite for this defect.

I am now faced with a $3,000 to $8,000 dollar transmission issue. I will be be sure to have all my friends who drive BMW's to sell before they catch hell; like me.

Wow! I can't believe how many people have transmition failure on their BMW's. Mine is a 2000 540i, and like so many others, it stopped going in reverse just after 100K miles. I'm just now looking into repair costs, but from what I'm reading on this site, it's going to be painful. This problem is ridiculous for a so-called high-end vehicle. BMW should definitely take responsibility for this obvious product defect.

I bought a used 1999 with 80,000 once it got to 100,000 miles my transmission started acting up. Just stopped reversing. Every one in awhile i will be so lucky for it to work. But as of right now its sitting on my driveway.

I have a second hand 1999 bwm 528i with 63k with transmission that refuse to engage after one or less milage driving. Transmission goes to a sleep mode after getting warm and car will die. I have to wait for 30 to 40 minutes before i can drive the car for another mile or less and the same thing will happen again. I will support any efforts for group complaints.

Today my 2000 323i BMW (82,000 miles) stopped going in reverse. Just like that, gone. Everything else is just fine. I went to the dealership to drop it off and they say it is likely the transmission will need replaced and the cost is approx $8k. Since they won't look at it until Monday we started doing research today and came across hundreds and hundreds of others with the same issue. We're planning to contact BMW NA on Monday and if they take no action our next step is creating a dedicated website and some nice little google ads that come up whenever anyone searches for BMW to link them to this site and any other sites that highlight all of the complaints. BMW really needs to address this issue with a recall or hopefully someone does start a class action and does contact us to be included.

My 2001 BMW 540i transmission died after 92000 miles due to fluid breakdown. Service Manager told me 2 years ago I didn't need to have it serviced, there's no Transmission Fluid check in the Owners Service Booklet, it's not part of scheduled maint. (other than visual inpection for leaks), theres' No Transmission Dipstick for me to check the fluid myself,

The BMW Parts Counter does not sell the fluid to the Consumer, and there's a Big Green Sticker on the bottom of the Transmission that says No Oil Change/Top-Off neccessary: LIFETIME Transmission Oil Fill. I now have to pay $5000 for a new transmission.

Anyone interested in a Class Action suit for this mess?

I bought a used 2000 BMW 323 with 73,000 miles. The transmission was replaced at 44,000 miles and now with only 76,000 miles, the transmission fails again. Please contact me to be part of the class action law suite. I want to drive the car again.

.

I have less than 68K miles on my well maintained BMW 323it and the reverse went out. Research so far indicates that BMW is not stepping up to repair of cost-share in the repair.

$3500-$6,000 for new transmission

My 2001 BMW 740i has had a transmission failure. Like so many of your responders, reverse has completely failed while all forward gears remain just fine.

I own a 2000 323i BMW that has been well maintianed. Yesterday without warning the car would not shift into reverse. Today I researched this online and found that this is a common occourence and seems to be an engineering error or deffective product on the part of BMW. These transmission failures are occouring at a much higher than normal rate especially in the 2000 323 series There are numerous stories online about this same scenario playing out for hundereds of BMW owners.

The result of this is that the vehichle will need a new transmission with an estimated cost of at least $7500. BMW does not want to stand behind there products and and does not seem to aknowledge this is a defective transmission problem.

My reverse gear failed in my car which from what I'm finding out is a common problem. Otherwise the car is maintained at the highest standards. My complaint is BMW will not fix a known problem and would rather pass the cost of their defective problem to the customer.

$3700 to $6000 to repair.

I was trying to back out of a parking spot the other morning and my 2000 328i bmw wouldd not go into reverse. No lights came on to warn me that there was any problem. The transmissions in thess cars are obviously defective and are bound to fail so why should bmw not take responsibility for this problem!?!?! I am so mad and cannot afford thousands of dollars to repair this!

My 2006 BMW 325i at 95000 miles has an automatic transmission problem. The red transmission light had come on and the car would not shift up through the gears. It would stay in one gear. Technician report from BMW San Francisco states that their appears to be no obvious signs of failure, fluid was clear, no burning, etc. Appears to be a gear ratio monitoring issue. The solution was to replace transmission with remanufactured one at a cost of $7000. A case was made by BMW San Francisco and myself, urging them to support there product with a warranty repair. The denied the case of basis of high mileage. I stated that the car is less than 3 years old and with every other make of car I've ever owned the the transmission was good beyond a 100k miles. They said sorry I was out of warranty and they could not help. It seems like BMW transmissions are inferior products since reading the rest of the board here it seems widespread.

I have a 2003 BMW 530i with only 64K miles on it. Automatic transmission started slipping one day and got progressively worse. Obviously took it in to have it looked at right away. I'm a German car fan and have always owned BMWs and Mercedes and have maintained them meticulously and ask specified. I don't mind spending the money - because I knew it would payoff in the long run for the life of my car. Anyways, I spent $500 for a full transmission service. Even though I just had my 60K mile mtc service done. But, no big deal, the dealer said that would solve the problem. Though I couldn't understand why I had to pay for it again since the 60K mile mtc included the transmission service. But, again, whatever it takes to fix my baby. Not more than 30 miles later; it started slipping even worse; and can't go up hills. And than it just simply refused to budge. Paid $230 to have the BMW dealer diagnose it again for me just 2 days later after it left there for them to tell me that the torque converter is shot and I would need a new transmission!! WTF!!! So, here I am not more than 30 miles from the initial start of the problem, 4 days later, $730 in the hole, $286 towing bill.......and all I got from BMW on my brand new (60K is still pretty new) car was! Sorry, your warranty ran out 4K miles ago!! WTF?!! Now they want $6000 for a new transmission!! WTF??!! Mind you; I've spend thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands with all the cars I own and currently own with BMW. Now, I find this, and low and behold - I'm absolutely appalled by BMW's reaction. Independent extended warranty companies; won't sell me their warranties once they found out I own a BMW; they flat out ask me and either I lie to them or tell them the truth and then they won't sell me the warranty. BMW will say their vehicles will go over 200K - really?!! HOW?!! When half their cars, as I've read here, have transmission problems. BMW should step up to the plate and stand by their product; if not, then make it known what problems theirs cars will most likely encounter. Mercedes admitted some of their electrical heat flaws on a few certain models - and though I stay clear from those - I respect them for that; of which, they do stand by their product & is on recall. At this moment in time, I would never by a Ford; but at least the are a company that is not afraid to make mistakes and pay for it with recalls. For the $100s of $1000s with pay for BMWs - you would think you're getting your money's worth from a reputable and socially responsible company. Guess, they're like the tobacco's companies - say anything to get money in hand - and kick you to the curb. Knowledge is power!! Purchase is action!! We need to do something!!

I have a 2001 330ci conv. to my suprize I go to back up no reverse like 1000's of overs. BMW should step up to the plate . By doing so people will feel more confident and will buy the cars .

Concerning the 5L40E Transmission made by GM and used in several BMW automobiles. There are a couple of problems that this transmission has that can be fixed with a repair to the valve body that BMW is ignoring. BMW's service department chooses to only replace the transmission thereby making it a huge expense to fix the vehicles. Please BMW owners who have this transmission in their vehicle who are having this reverse problem, there is a company called Sonnax that makes a kit to repair the valve body to fix this problem. The kit is several hundred dollars and the valve body can be removed and worked on without having to remove the entire transmission.

2000 BMW 328i with approx 120K miles. Reverse started working intermittently. Took it to a shop and they replaced a shifitng solenoid that fixed the problem for a bout a week. Now have found the transmission is bad and needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Saw othetr estimates, mine was at least lower, $1900-$2400. BMW shouldn't be afraid to stand behind their cars as none of them seem to work in reverse.

i have always loved bmw's and i recently purchased my 3rd beamer its a 98 740i i am the second owner before i purchased the car i checked its history and it has been dealer serviced the whole time the first owner had it. 130k when i got it only 7 months later and my transmission its gone. i have no 1st 2nd or 3rd. i have reverse and 4th it has that famous trans. failsafe prog. on the dash. the last two beamers i had i sold before the 100k mile. so i never really had to deal with any trany issues.now am so so upset to find out that other bmw owners included myself heard that line from bmw dealers -''no dont worry your trany its sealed for life no need to service '' yea right BS.. now i need a new transmission and am furious .. should of bought a honda or lexus

the transmission went out on my 3 series 323i. With no warning it would not go into reverse. Forward gears were ok but not reverse. Took it to a transmission shop and they are looking into the problem. They told me they have seen this problem on BMW's already. So why isnt BMW stepping up to the plate to fix this. if this would have happened to the plane i fly they would have grounded the fleet already.

i have a 2000 323i and my reverse stopped working out of the blue. it is a very costly repair and seems to be because of bad design. i always had my preventive maintenance done and whamo one day it just stops working. I will get in touch with someone and i am very upset.

i have a 2003 BMW 530I after paying the dealer $1000.00 for an inspection II the service indicator light came on within a week. Now it turns out I need a new transmission with only 56,000 miles. No notice of the tranmission promblem during the inspection

I have a 2000 323I.I ve had the car since 2001 and have been the only driver. On 08-08-08 I brought my car to a certified Bmw Mechanic to change my starter which was acting up and my valve cover gasket which was on its way out. I picked up my car on 08-09-08 at around 6pm. The next day I tried to pull out of my garage and the car would not go into reverse. It felt as if reverse was netural. I called the BMW guy and he advised that my transmission had probably gone. I was very upset as i have never had an issue with the tranny in the past. he told me that a used tranny would cost me around $1800.00 plus labor and said he could not do it. He also explained that this is a common bmw 323 issue.

2001 BMW 530i. My transmission went bad at 77,500 miles. I was told it will cost me about $5000 to rebuild the transmission. I am very disappointed with BMW, and I will never buy one again...never.

2001 BMW 530i. My transmission went bad at 77,500 miles. I was told it will cost me about $5000 to rebuild the transmission. I am very disappointed with BMW, and I will never buy one again...never.

2001 BMW 530i. My transmission went bad at 77,500 miles. I was told it will cost me about $5000 to rebuild the transmission. I am very disappointed with BMW, and I will never buy one again...never.

I have a 2000 323ci convertable and at only 60,000 miles the reverse stopped working. I went to my dealer in Brossard and they only install new transmissions at a cost of $8,800! That is more than half the car is worth. With all the complaints on this site they should do something if they want us to continue to buy their product.

In April of 2008, I purchased a 2000 323i BMW, just after having it for only 3 months the transmition malfuctioned. Now, I'm left with having to replace the transmition at a lofty cost($5000-$3000). Other then the transimtion failing, I had been pleased with my purchase.

I have a 2000 BMW 323 Wagon. I am sure you've heard about the problems people are having with reverse. Well, mine went out and definitely DO NOT have the $5k needed to fix my car. I guess BMW is not planning a recall.

2001 BMW 325i 97,000 miles. Reverse issues. When backing out of a parking spot, my car makes a shifting noise as if it doesn't have power to go in reverse. I'm having the issue diagnosed this afternoon but did some research on my own to find many people are experiencing the same problem. I've also had to replace two window regulators as well. I will be very disappointed if I have to spend $5,000 on a new transmission as the other folks have reported.

My 2002 Mini Cooper experienced a massive transmission failure at 70K miles. I had purchased the extended warranty, which ended at 50K. Since paying over $8,000 to replace the CVT transmission (which I understand BMW no longer uses), I have learned that many other owners of relatively new Mini Coopers have had the same experience with their transmissions.

BMW of San Francisco never returned my calls. MINIUSA.com informed me that they had conducted a thorough investigation into my issue and concluded that there was nothing they were going to do. I paid over $8,000.00 at an independent BMW repair shop to replace the transission; BMW of San Francisco told me the repair would cost $12,000 at their shop. For a $25,000 car, this is outrageous.

I own a 1996 BMW 328i convertible. After dealing with seemingly constant electrical problems (top, windows, stereo, dash lights,the list goes on...), my transmission is now failing. My dealer tells me it will cost $5000 to fix the problem. Lee Myles is estimating $1500-2000 for a rebuild.

My local BMW dealer tells me that my 2000 BMW X5 with 70,000 miles needs a new transmission. The car performs normally except for some slipping in reverse gear on an incline. Given that my car only has had normal personal use, I would consider that this is a premature transmission failure, and I plan to report this to BMW and other parties in the hope that others will be aware of this problem before a potential purchase.

I am the owner of a 1997 BMW 328i. I have been seeing a lot of problems growing lately with the transmission. The car bumps when first pressing the gas when driving it. Also, it hesitates for a few seconds until completely moving into reverse. I fear that very soon the reverse will go out like on all these other complaints I am reading about. I think that this is a shame and not something I would expect from a company like BMW

I own a 2000 323i BMW sedan with 90,000 miles, it is well maintained and last week with out any warning or noise (no clunk, grinding or clinking) reverse just simply stopped working. Forward is fine.

BMW quoted in excess of $5,000 to repair. Our local shop quoted around $3,000 to repair. One of the mechanics told me aside that this is a common ptoblem and to make a stink at the dealer since it is a defect. I then checked your site and was very upset to see that BMW is ignoring this. I also have a 2001 3 series BMW with 70,000 miles that my daughter drives. So I can look forward to that transmission going in the near future. This is shameful for BMW.

failure of automatic transmission on my 2001 BMW 330i. This is a very commom defect with this transmission for thousands of BMW owners. There should be an industry recall for this issue.

Hi i have a 2008 730LD and got it brand new, i have covered 4000miles in 3 months and have broken down twice with low pressure fuel problems.I was driving at 99.6KMH when the transmission light came on and within 3 seconds the car cam to a halt, causing near carnage by being hit from all sides on a motorway. I had it recovered on a friday morning and received a replacement 5 series on Monday 9pm. Which i was not happy about. BMW do NOT have a like for like replacement for the 7 Series and will not offer the competitors vehicle Mercedes s class or a audi a8 as they feel they will loose clients. They sure lost me! I received a phone call Tuesday evening to say my car was fixed and ready for collection, went to pick it up, no explanation what was done, was totally assured the fault was rectified and i could be on my way. Got the car took it out of the garage and what happened! YES it BROKE down right outside the garage BMW HOLLAND PARK LONDON! Called them to let them know as i was very upset and one of the service guys told me DO YOU MIND PUSHING IT IN At this stage i was not amused and was given a 3 series to get me home. My car is still in the garage, communications is so slack and i dont know what to do! My first time owning a BMW and possibly the last! Ive called many people and not having any joy as my problem is not being dealt with.

bought a 2000 323i last year, got to 100k miles, everything was working fine, went to get into the car this morning to go to work and the car would not go into reverse..read about this..on here..and im really upset! who has an extra 6 grand laying around these days?

BMW no reverse issue 2000 BMW300 series. Working fine. I went to run errands, drove here and there all day. Stopped for a while, came back in the car, Started as usual, went to back it out of the parking spot and it wouldn't go in reverse. No problems, no warnings. I talked on shop which told me that it would take 15 hours of labor to remove the transmission and put it back in, in addition to the part. Estimated 5to6,000.00 dollars. I was so surprised that this would happened I research the internet for problems of this sort and found that BMW has had this problem many many times over, lots and lots of people have contacted BMW and apparently they just don't care. Their customer base is not that important to them. In all fairness to BMW I will contact them as well to what my experience is. What a disappointment!! I thought BMW was reputable company who stood behind its product.

Like so many other BMW owners,I experinced transmission problems with my '95 525i automatic trans. Around 58,000 miles the forward gears started shifting down to 3rd gear while in 4th gear, or overdrive on the highway. then while I was trying to back out of my parking space at my Apt.I had no reverse. I gave the car more gas and it went into reverse hard, as if it was in neutral first.I have no warrenty,but I have always serviced my car religiously.Later on,the Park position became 1st gear and Neutral became Reverse,then it pops in and out of gear.I was looking for a transmission on the internet,when I happened upon this site,about all these BMW owners having trans problems.I had no idea.I have no other car,and I can't afford another one either.I don't want to invest in another Trans.and have the same problem all over again.I also think that BMW needs to take responibility for this wide spread Trans.problem that also exist in the 5 series BMW's.Count me in with all the other unfortunate owners.

I recently took my 1999 BMW 328i to the dealership because the transmission indicator light was illuminated. I thought perhaps there was just a problem with a sensor. Much to my surprise I was told that the transmission would have to be replaced at a cost of ~$5,000. I was told this problem was common when the care reached around 150K miles. A big surprise to me since I thought I was buying a car I could use alot longer as long as I had regular maintenance performed. I am truly disappointed in BMW and was surprised to find that I was not the only one with this issue. I would definitely support a class action suit against BMW.

Owner of BMW 323. Reverse abruptly stopped working with only 78000 miles on it. Vehicle was well maitained by the dealer and cautiously driven.

I have a 1999 BMW 323i with only 80k miles on it that recently began to experience transmission issues when in 5th gear. The transm automatically defaults to 4th because there is apparently a well-known and documented issue w/ the GM transmission that was used in the 1999 & 2000 3-series cars. BMW says they'll replace it for $5-6k. There should be a recall on this type of defective part. I'm not sure who's more to blame, GM for making it, or BMW for trying to pass a bad transmission off as part of their excellent German engineering. I will never buy another BMW again.

I pulled into a gas station to fill up, when I put the car in reverse, nothing happened. I tried a number of times, but was unsuccessfull, it would not go into reverse. My car only has 77,000 miles on it, I have always taken great care of the car, never missing regularly scheduled maintanence, and always taking it to the dealer that I bought it from. I've had problems with the window regulators, like a lot of people, but this is serious. Reverse going out & not working at 77,000 miles?

I called to dealership that I always go to, they checked it out and came back with the news that my transmission was going to have to be replaced, at $6,000.00!
I did some research on the internet & found out that a lot of other people have had this exact same problem. This should be a recall item from BMW before someone gets hurt. I filed a complaint with the National Transportation Safety Administration. Everyone that is having the same problem should also file a complaint.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

If the above link doesn't work, just do a search for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. I've read thay some people are talking about a class action law suit.

The only way anything is going to happen is if everyone speaks out, because someone is going to get hurt. The recall should happen immediately!

I have a great relationship with my dealership, they have agreed to split the cost. But I feel that I shouldn't have to pay anything.

The transmission on my 110k miles, 2000 323i BMW, is faulty. I always serviced my vehicle with the BMW dealer. I was surprised to see I am not the only one with the same issue. I purchased my vehicle based on the Ultimate Driving Machine quality claim.... Not so much!!... We are talking about a high end luxury vehicle having issues with transmission at 110 K miles or sometimes a lot less than that, this is unacceptable. There was no warning or help from the dealer nor the company about how to proceed or resolve the issue. I'm selling mine and buying another brand. I was extremely happy with BMW's performance until now, until this little $6K issue. I will definately support a general complaint to BMW to make them recall the vehicle. Maybe a class action is needed.

2000 323i , 118000 miles , took a short 30 mile trip on business. Returned 1 hour later and no reverse? This is a manufactures defect in my opinion. I never had any issue prior to this date with the car except the window regulators.

I purchased a Previously owned 2000 323 black BMW convertable with 48,000 miles on it in November of 2002. Today, June 20 at only 66,000 out of no where the reverse stopped working. I took the car into Perillo BMW in Chicago, and they said I need a new transmission at $6,000! This is ridiculous. After researching, I found 95 pasges of compaints on the same make, model and year. This warrants a class-action suit and these cars mneed to be recalled and have the transmission replaced FREE OF CHARGE.

I got in my car to leave for work and it wouldn't operate in reverse. No warning, no symptons. I've keep this car in service condition meeting all the inspection dates no problems. It operates in forward just not in reverse. The dealer says there is no warranty nor recalls. $6000.00 to repair. This is a GM built transmission! One repair shop that specializes in BMW says there are no parts availabel to rebuild the reverse hub and I should buy a remanufactured transmission. I was furious when I read the blogs on this transmission failure in BMW's. This has got to be a manufacturer's defaut....what a crock.

My BMW 2000 323i reverse gear stopped working. The car was fine showing no problems at all. Went out to dinner parked the car and their it stayed, because the car is not going into the reverse gear. After a little research I came across this site and it sounds like I am not the only one with this problem. Why is it taking so long for something to be done about this problem? It sounds like this is going to cost around 2k to 6k to get the problem fixed.please help.

I wrote in a couple days ago and since then the dealership has agreed to replace the transmission. They are covering the cost of the parts and I am paying for labor. The service manager was responsive to the problem and acknowledged that this 2000 323 series had a problem.

The labor for this will be $1100. Expensive, but less than the $6000-$7000 I thought I might have to pay.

June 2007: I took my husband on a surprise anniversary trip to Charleston and on the way home the car began to shift sluggishly on take-off. I thought it was the extreme heat. (in excess of 100 degrees). Then the transmission fault light came on. The car became increasingly slow shifting. I went straight to the dealership and dropped the car off for them to check it out. They first said there was no problem, but that their diagnostic system detected a fault when the car would shift from 4th to 5th. I told him that I believed it was more than that. They kept it overnight. He called me the next morning and said that the transmission was going bad and that it would be $7500 for a new one. My car has 140,000 miles. They told me it would be great for at least 200,000. I find this regretful and disheartening. I think that BMW should stand behind their product and own up to the less than stellar transmissions they chose to use. I would advise against the purchase of another BMW. I would be happy to see some action taken against them for their negligent product.

I have a BMW 740i 2001 which has 147,000 kilometers on it. The reverse gear sometimes would not engage especially when on a steep incline. From what I have seen (Complaints) on this website it is evident that this transmission problem is not related to just one model or year but encompasses many different BMW models. The Transmissions of BMW's are faulty and dangerous and the company should be held accountable. Why can't the Consumer affairs department HELP the owners by going after the manufacturer to rectify this situation. I would be very interested in joining a Class action lawsuit against BMW.

Like thousands of others, no reverse in my 2000 323 BMW. Remember when you would hear people talk of German quality? We know that was all in the past.

It would be interesting to know the millions of dollars that the American cosumer has had to pay for BMW's mistake.

Our 2001 BMW 740i transmission suddenly stopped working in reverse yesterday. We purchased this car as a certified used vehicle and the warranty ran out about 6 months ago. We have always had it serviced at a BMW dealership and don't feel that at 70,000 miles the transmission should break down on a top of the line luxury vehicle. It seems that this is a consistant problem with BMW especially with 2000-2001 models...

2000 BMW 323i no reverse. I readed about this problem months after I purchase mine and thought this would never happen to me. Well, needless to say I was wrong and now my wife and I fight about paying for a lemon. Will I ever purchasing another BMW, mind you I owned a 1984 325i w/no problems, 1998 740i no problem, currently own a 1992 325i w/198,000 miles still going strong. Also I own a 1984 Porsche 944 w/ almost 450,000 miles on it; starts and runs like a dream. Back to my question, probally, because you know, I am stupid like that. One thing would have to change if I do and that is get a new WIFE because mommy aint having it!

My BMW 325 with 92,000 miles left me stranded today due to transmission problems. When I brought this to the attention of the BMW dealership I was told, unfortunately cars will have problems. Cost to repair over $6000. So much for the Ultimate Driving Machine. I am appalled how many people have experienced this problem and BMW will not do anything about it. Interesting when you purchase the car they tell you, this car should get over 200,000 miles without any issues. Maybe they are getting their car confused with a Japanese car.

I have a 2001 BMW 525i with 73K miles on it. The car will not reverse anymore. Transmission is out. This is a common problem with this car, I wish BMW would do a recall.

BMW late model 2000 323i, purchased new, well maintained, 118,000 miles. Transmission failure in reverse. Reverse worked perfectly in the morning, and by the afternoon it was completely shot.

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Reverse stopped working on my BMW 328i (1999) at 75K miles. BMW will not fix the problem without a $6000 new transmission. BMW should do a recall on this problem. Thousands of BMW's have the same problem

Took in my 2001 525i wagon to the Santa Barbara Auto Group in Santa Barbara. For nearly a year, strange problems have been happening--weird thudding of brakes and losing brake ability. The braking problem always seems to happen at the same time as other problems. Now it won't go into reverse. The car has 75,000 miles on it, has been driven with tender care, and SB Auto Group says the transmission is gone on it. After an Internet search, I see this is a common problem. Time for a class action lawsuit if BMW doesn't have the courtesy and good business sense to implement a recall.

Well, I guess Im not alone on this issue with BMW 3 series with low mileage losing reverse gear. In the shop now...Not holding my breath on this one.

I have a 2000 BMW 323i with 68,000 miles on it. When I tried to put in reverse it would not move. After reading this site it seems like a frequent occurrence among this model. It is a shame that BMW is not doing anything to fix this and sticking me with a $5,100 bill. I will not be buying another BMW now.

I own a used 1999 BMW 323i, 4 door sedan. Suddenly the reverse gear is no longer operational, acts as if it is still in nuetral, engine just revs. I am one among thousands of BMW owners who have had, or still have the same costly problem (new trans. costs $6,000). If so many people having the same product are experiencing this problem, why is BMW not being forced to take any responsability for selling faulty transmissions? Shouldn't there be a re-call??

I own a 1999 BMW 328I that I purchased brand new. It has been meticulously maintained by the local BMW Dealer. At 102,994 miles the automatic transmission (5L40E) failsafe light came on while driving the car. As you accelerate and the rpms go up the vehicle speed does not respond accordingly. It then drops into 3rd gear & will not go any further than 3rd. Immediately took the car into the local BMW Dealer for diagnosis. They ran a diagnostic test/checked bullitons/Re-programed EGS control unit/Cleared Adaptations. Test drove on hills & inclines and stated all shift features are normal at this time. (Charge was $180.00 - 3/18/08) Picked up vehicle after BMW told me they could not find anything wrong with transmission. Took a trip to the beach and again the transmission failsafe light came on again. The vehicle dropped into 3rd gear and would not go to 4th. Pulled over and cut car off. Started vehicle back up and the light went out. It did this crazy stuff 6 or 7 times on the trip. Well, cut beach trip short & headed back to the BMW dealer for 2nd diagnosis on this problem transmission. Delivered car back at (104,054 miles - 3/24/08) They recommended changing the lifetime transmission fluid - as quoted on page 4 - in the technical guide for the new 3 Series Sedan enclosed in the original 1999 BMW 3 Series Brochure that I received prior to purchase of the vehicle. They also set the transmission filter. They told me that when the fluid was drained they could look for metal shavings - that may be present if damage is internal. Of course now metal shavings were found. (Charge was $307.70 - 4/22/08) Now I have 487.70 and the problem with the transmision still exists. Well the local BMW shop now recommends- NEEDS TRANSMISSION @ Approximately $ 6000.00 I spoke with service advisor to request the phone number for BMW North America. The service advisor told me he would hold the car until I could get with BMW North America to see if they would provide any assistance on the cost of a new transmission. It took BMW North America a week to get back with me on the results of my request. They called back and left a message on my voicemail that they would not provide any assistance on the cost of the transmission. Well, so much for my experience with BMW. Car is now in an independent transmission shop for a tranny rebuild. Cost of $ 3100.00 w/ 12 Month or 12,000 mile warranty. I had a 1992 Subaru SVX that had a transmission failure at 60,000 miles. It was out of warranty but Subaru was very helpful & provided some assistance with a newly rebuilt transmission.I am very disappointed in the way BMW handles requests. I would never buy another BMW or recommend anyone to the BMW Experience.

I bought a BMW with less than 100,000 to be accurate 99425. the car was fine for about a week, all of a sudden a check engine light comes out, fine took it to BMW service department. paid the first trip $1527.00. took the car out for me to find out that the service engine is on again after driving about 15 miles. Took it back in again, for them to inform me that the transmission needs to be replaced and it will cost 5000-6000.

Now, I've read so many people wish for a class action suit. and from the total people complaining here, I believe that we have enough people to file such a class action, the only thing we need is one of you guys to take the initiative to take action, and take signatures along to a detailed letter of your complain. This car had cleaned me out because so far I've paid $3000.00 and for me to spend another 5000.00. I will give it to be scrapped first.

I own a 2000 323i. 100,000 miles. All of the sudden my car doesn't reverse! I've heard this is a huge problem amongst many BMW owners!

I purchased a 2000 323i bmw in august of 2007. I previously owned a 1994 32i which I absolutely loved driving but need to upgrade or so I thought. I wish after reading all the complaints about the 2000 323i model's transmission I would have kept my 1994 325i. We are from colorado and recently moved to west texas. I went to pick up some dinner after work. When I tried to back out of my parking spot, no reverse. The manager of the restaurant and two other workers had to push me out. My husband and I took our car to aamco in odessa two weeks ago. Still no idea when I am going to get my car fixed. The aamco dealer has tried to get a rebuilt transmission which he ordered but now they will not answer his phone calls. I was going to get my car tomorrow from Aamco and take to the BMW dealer in Midland, but after reading all the complaints about BMW, I have no desire to deal with them. I just want to get my car fixed and will probably be trading it in. I have always loved BMW's and have loved driving their cars, but I am appalled at the service or should I say the lack of service they are providing to the people who keep them in business. A business can only jerk people around for so long and then it will catch up with them.

2000 323ci with 71000 miles. Car totally maintained by dealer. Suddenly no reverse! Dealer and BMW of North America deny there's a problem.Cost to rebuild=$3500! BMW has no corporate integrity.There should be a recall or class action against BMW for their negligence I would advise consumers to keep away from BMW

America were completely unhelpful and denied any problem with the transmission. There haughty attitude and lack of corporate integrity is appalling.There aught to be a recall or a class action suite.

If there is ever a petition signed to get BMW to admit to a recall with their faulty transmissions (no reverse) add my name to it.

I'll be sure to stay away from BMW's in the future and I'll be passing this information along to everyone I know.

I'm in the Navy and will be talking with Navy Legal next week. I haven't spoken to BMW yet and plan on waiting to contact them after I speak with my lawyer.

My 2000 BMW 328i with 95,600 miles recently developed transmission problems. Dealer repair shop advised that a new transmission is needed. I have diligently followed the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and am surprised that this should have happened. Please advise if I have any good options.

BMW M3 2004 Transmission failure. Delivered to the dealership for repairs no less than 8 days before they informed me we need a new gear box and that we are out of warrenty. I refused to accept that the car was not covered and investigated what could have lead to the gearbox failure. What I fould is that they do not check the transmission until 100,000 miles anyway. They only check for leaks. if no leaks are detected no furthur check is done. The question is, if a leak excists and is not detected does low fluid in the gearbox lead to irrevercible dammage of the unit. The pressure in my gear box is noted to be lower than normal. So Pressure in a hydrolic unit is important, how important, they still don't know how to answere that question. Back pedal, don't commit, don't admit, never confirm seems to be the policy on this topic. My opinion is that the unit fails because it is not checked or maintained properly. The undetected leak leads to low fluid levels and that leads to low internal pressure that leads to failure which seems to happen at just past the warrenty point. Once the unit fails I think that they are refilling the fluids and not charging for it so there is no way to state that there could have been a undetected leak which would be a technissions error. When the fluids are replaced the problem continues because the damage is done. BMW dirrects you to the dealership service department with both fingers and the dealership service department responds with both hands up towards BMW. The ball should be held in the court of the dealership and there service department. There failure to properly inspect the car for leaks leads to them overlooking the possibily of low fluid levels and so the dominos go. BMW is getting a bad reputation quickly maby they should just check the fluid levels sooner.

Add me to the list of those who bought a 2000 BMW 323i and who, at 130,000 miles, had the rear gear fail. BMW wanted $5,000 for a new transmission. I leased a Honda Accord for reliability.

2000 BMW 323i will not shift in to reverse. I found information suggesting this may be a problem many other owners are having.

After only 86K miles, my 2004 BMW X3 is having major manual-transmission issues. The engine jerks and shakes in between gears. I took it in and was charged $125 just to look at it to determine where the problem was coming from. Apparently, that wasn't enough. They called after 3hrs and said they did not find the root cause. They now needed to drain the transmission fluid to look for 'metal shavings.' That brought up the total price to $475 'just to find the problem.; BMW claims that their manual transmission fluid is a lifetime quality and never needs to be flushed. Why then after only 86K miles and only 4yrs old, are they having to flush it and look for metal???? So now the transmission fluid is flushed and refilled and I get a call that the problem has not yet been found; no metal shavings afterall. They are now requesting authority for more labor hours to be charged to continue this looking for the cause of the transmisison skakeing-jerky-popping behavior. It was at this point that I realized they were trying to reach at least $1000 JUST TO FIND the problem. I declined further investigation. $475 later, my car was returned to me exactly the way I turned it in with absolutley know idea of why the tranny was faulting. Oh wait, I did leave there with fresh transmisison fluid. But it was suppossed to be good for life in the first place! Now I have to start the lifetime clock again after only 4yrs and 86K miles!! AND they did warn me taht the problem would get worse and that I was looking at thousands of dollars to fix; BUT HOW DID THEY KNOW THAT IF THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER DIAGNOSED?!!?

My BMW has been very reliable, a few things here and there that were not major issues, the sunroof panel that closes the moonroof would not move anymore and would make loud snapping noises, the windows would stop working, I had to replace the lifter mechanism, well the reverse gear failed one morning on my way to work, so I had to push my car out of my driveway, since it is a bit of an incline, I had to ask my nieghbor to pull me with his car, he has a Mercedes and would always joke with me about my casr being the poor mans benz i would never tell him about my other problems, because I was trying to prove him wrong, the pull out of the driveway was embarrasing to say the least. I took my car in and was told it would cost 5-6k for a new trans, I could not do that as I just made a big investment and so I had to put the car in the street at night so I would not have to get a tow out of my garage every morning. I'm finding out that this is a frequent problem with other owners, very sad. My car is a 03-2000 and I have taken amazing care of the car. I hope ,y nieghbor does not find this site, LOL he would never let me hear the end of it.

Drove junky cars for 10 years while saving money to buy my dream car. Finally had enough to pay cash for a used but pristine BMW 300xi. Have been really enjoying it as I expected I would until trying to leave the parking lot at a local store. You guessed it; same transmission problems as so many others have reported. No reverse. I can't afford to have it replaced; it took me 10 years to save for this one!I know it's buyer beware, but I always believed buying a BMW would be a safe bet. My old Taurus went nearly 300,000 before I sold it, and it was still going strong when the buyer drove it away. Maybe I should have bought a Ford.

Reverse gear went out almost exactly at 100,000 miles. This BMW 740iL was the top model of theirs and to have this happen to so many other owners of this make of vehicle disapoints me greatly. I truly love this car but having to pour such large amounts of money into its continued upkeep is just too much. This is especially so when the American and Japanese luxury cars require so much less to maintain and give you a great driving experience as well. Sorry to say this will be my last BMW purchase. I didn't want this to be but their arrogance and snubbing of consumers who would have been loyal for years and many more cars may be catching up to them soon.

Same transmission story as an owner of a a 2000 BMW 323i and the reverse went out. Unfortunately, several months prior, I had complained to BMW (while my car was under warranty) that I had a weird thing happen when I put my car in reverse, in that it wouldn't engage. They looked over my car/transmission and said that they couldn't duplicate the problem. Several months later my reverse goes out and my car in no longer under warranty. If I had know of the transmission problems with BMW, I would have demanded that they replace the transmission. Instead, they're going to get another $6k out of me to fix the problem.

I bought a 1999 BMW 323I last month, I drove the car 800 mile home. The car ran great, two weeks later the reverse goes out. It will go into every other gear but reverse. The shifter knob seems like it sticks, and will not let it ingage into reverse. Its like some safty feature that wont allow you to put your car into reverse while driving down the road. The tranny seems to be just fine, But the shifter button is not releasing on the shifter knob to let it go into reverse. I will be madd if it is the tranny or like the gear box. This is a big issue and we are all paying for it one way or another.

I own a 2000 BMW 2 door. We bought new and have done all required service. Got in one day and had no reverse. $5000 for repair. Found out after the fact that they installed a rebuilt transmission. I should of gone to someone other than a certified BMW dealer and saved myself a lot of money.

I have a 2000 323i with only 41000 miles on it. I just spent $2700.00 at the BMW dealer for a service a month ago. Well, last week on my way to work, I put the car in gear in order to back out of my garage and NO Reverse. The dealer told me it would cost around 6000.00 to replace transmission. This is a travesty!! I have owned other BMWs autos, motorcycles, and Saabs 5speed manuals which have run past the 100k mile mark with out problems. But, and automatic on a pricey car like a BMW quitting at 41000 miles is ridiculous. Why should I pay a premium over a Honda or Toyota, which I suspect would never allow this poor a transmission to be used in any of their products. This should be a recall item...BOOO BMW, You are writing off a lot of current and future customers over the lack of support for these flawed gearboxes.

I want to update my post of March 23. I picked my car up that Monday at the dealer and drove it back and forth to work for two days and did not try to use the reverse at all. I brought it to the transmission shop Tuesday afternoon, and they called and said that the reverse was working! They said I have the GM transmission, not the ZF one that has the faulty drum. Mine however, sometimes has problems with the cellanoid (there is a technical service report about it), so they suggested that they change the fluid and possibly the cellanoid. They did this and found that the tip of the cellanoid was broken off. This all cost me $700 which to me was a bargain and I am so glad I did not do as the dealer advised - donate the car or get a new transmission. Don't they ever offer the third option - go to a transmission specialist? I never did hear back from BMW.

I have a BMW 525I it is 99 model and 99000 miles on it,My car was perfectly running and one day boom!!! my car started to make abnormal sound. I took my car a dealer,they said there was a problem but they didnt find it, Come onnn , I was so mad.. You are a Dealer if u can not find who should find i.., They offered me trade my car. Can u imagine they are asking for transmision 6000 dolar. I am so upset I dont know what to do. i bought this car beacuse I was thinking that It would be run long time , but I am just very dissapointed. Help me for this please.

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I traded in a 1980 caddilac with 115,000 miles drove it for 3 years never had a major problem with it. The dealer only gave me a $1000.00 for it. The car I got was a 2001IL BMW paid $20,000 for it, drove it 3 months and now revears does not work. I wish I had my caddy back.

I am here to say that I also lost my reverse on a 2000 BMW 323i. The thing that upsets me is that the car has been very well mantained with approx. 75,000 miles on it. I have to admit I like Bimmers, but the quality of the components suck for an expensive automobile. I will also say that I have a 2000 BMW x5 4.4 SUV with 76,000 with many many issues. Just to point out some area is the driver window will not roll up or down, the driver door opens from the outside but not the inside, the passenger door opens from the inside but not the outside. It is very emabarassing to have to crawl over to the passenger side every morning to get out. I believe for the doors to not open is a safety concern and BMW needs to admit that they have poor/ defective components in their lineup. 03/25/2008

I have a 2000 323ci. I just lost my reverse gear. I read its common problem with this year and make. I just wanted to report I'm just another victim of this design failure.

I bought a 2000 328i when it was one year old and had 14,000 miles on it. It came with the 6 year/100,000 mile warranty. I paid $31,000 for this car, and I've still put $6,200 into it. Now the no reverse problem has hit me too. After reading the complaints below, I feel lucky to have gotten 122,000 miles! But I'm not. I expected to drive this car way past the 150,000 mark. My sister has had her BMW for more than twenty years! That is why I bought one. The dealer, although nice enough to give me a brand new BMW to drive for this Easter weekend, only gave me one option - replace it for $6,000! They also said the left front control arm is shot. This is the third time for that! They suggested that maybe it's time to retire it or donate it to the Salvation Army. Geez, my friend bought a Honda Accord three years ago and hasn't had it in the shop once! I know what my next car is going to be.

I purchased my 2002 CPO BMW X5 4.4 December 2005 and the CPO warranty expires March 25, 2008. For several months, I experienced some slight jerking when I put the car in reverse. I took the car in for service in February 08 but dealer claims that computer diagnostic showed no problem. They also said the the head foremen took the car for test drive and found nothing wrong. Service advisor said if problem persists bring it back in. This past Monday (morning), March 17, vehicle began to shift while in drive. Not kool. Made appointment early afternoon for service. Then Monday late afternoon, the trans sys failed light flashed. Yikes! Called roadside assistance to bring car to bmw manhattan dealer first thing in the morning. Today, the service advisor said they need to contact Headquarters before they take out transmission as job is major. The mechanics discovered burnt fluid and may have internal damage. I will not be a happy camper if this transmission problem is not covered under my warranty. Will keep you posted.

I Purchased A BMW 2000, 323i 4 Door. It Has Now 115,000 Miles. The 5 Speed Transmission When Out On Me After 3 Months Of Having The Car. Every Where I Go. Mechanics Tell Me The Same Thing. That BMW's Always Have This problems. Every Time A BMW Comes In They Say. Is Always Mostly For Transmission Problems.

I own a 2000 BMW 323I and experienced the same reverse failure as so many people (www.noreverse.org) with the same transmission. I am the only owner of the car and have always taken exceptional care of the vehicle. You can see my invoice ($3752.50) for the rebuild and a picture of the failed parts. When I contacted BMW about the problem, here was their response:

Dear Mr. Grinstead:

Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2000 BMW 323i. We were sorry to read of the concerns you have with your vehicle's transmission. We do not have the ability to advise you in a technical matter via e-mail. I suggest contacting the service team at your authorized BMW center directly, so they can review your concerns in person and provide technical support. Should you need it, you will find a complete listing of authorized centers, categorized by name, state, or ZIP code, on our website at www.bmwusa.com. We are sorry we could not answer your question directly. If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW. Sincerely, Karie Picciano Customer Relations and Services Representative

MY transmission would not go in reverse on my 2001 740i. the car had 45,000 miles when this occured.

My 2004 Mini Cooper Manual Transmission needed replacement at 59K miles. The warrenty expired at 50K. The problem has to be systemmic and existed for many miles prior to 59K. The new transmission does not act or sound any differently then the old one. The dealer never informed me that the warrenty could be extended. I suspect that I am one of many who have had the same problems with this make of car.

I had so much respect for BMW products until I bought an x-5 2002, with a bad transmission. After I left from the lot, which was less then an hour, I called to return the car, I was told I could not return it.It was bought as it is. To replace the transmission, it will cause me 7000.00

i cant get my car to go into reverse it only have 117,000 miles on it it is a bmw 330i 2001 i thought these cars were reliable apperently not.can you contact them and have them contact me need help car has been well tooken care of thanks

I bought a 323Ci in January of 2006, in January of 2007 the transmission became faulty (no reverse), so I traded in January of 2007 for a 323i, which one year later, yet again, the transmission is now missing gears. Upon calling BMW they've said every time that I've called that they've never received such complaints before and that they are sorry for my inconvenience. Sorry is ok for my bad luck the first time, but my 2nd BMW is NOT acceptable.

2000 BMW, 323i, 62,000 miles, reverse doesn't work all of a sudden. Can somebody contact a lawyer to sue BMW for this obvious defect, given the large number of consumers who experience the exact same problem?

I have a 2000 BMW 323CI in great condition. In September 2007, at about 83,000 miles I tried to back out of a driveway - nothing happened - no reverse. There was no prior indication of any problem. Upon calling Capital Cities BMW, I was told it was not under warranty and transmission problem was estimated to be about $6000.00 to repair.

2000 BMW 323i - Had the car since 8K miles now has 75K miles, light went on on dash with geer and ! mark in middle. I noticed a lag at about 15 mph. Called indy mechanic and he tells me that last week he just replaced 3 trannys from 2000 to 01 BMW 3 series. Well it is a good car otherwise so I think it will just have to be added to the cost of owning a BMW. Perhaps BMW should be a bit more honest with their planned obsolecence. Some of the parts like the power steering pump is made of metal and plastic and I did have a small crack in the plastic coupling. I had to replace the entire pump $500. just because they made the coupling out of plastic not metal. Also have you ever noticed how uptight and snooty the service guys are if you don't have a brand new BMW. It seems it's best to lease one and turn it in BEFORE it has problems. They will then sell it to a poor slup who can't afford to fix the planned atrophy. I'm in for a belated recall. I do think it should be a mandate for Dealers to disclose the potential for these transmission problems.

After only 64,000 miles , my transmission stopped working in reverse!

528i BMW, babied, always garaged with 75,000 miles. In the past 6 months have replaced the entire suspension and now have to replace the torque converter! Was astounded to find all the complaints about BMW transmissions and suspension and appalled at BMW's lack of response. Will fix the transmission = $6000 over the past six months. Time for a new car. Will not be looking at BMWs - are thinking of Acura or Lexus.

I have a 2000 323i 77000 miles on Feb 12, 2008, my wife puts the car into reverse in a parking lot... nothing! After we had the car towed 45 miles home I get on the internet and find www.noreverse.org .. I seem to have a black cloud that follows me. BMW needs to step up and take some resonsibility and/or liability for this. There are way to many people with the same problems. Also I have had the common water pump problem, elctrical switch problems and the air-conditioner pack problem, for a car with supposed German quality my car seems to see as much time in the garage as on the highway. If I were to actually let BMW fix the transmission, I think I would have as much invested in repairs for the car as I had in the purchase the lemon .

I have a 2000 323i 77000 miles on Feb 12, 2008, my wife puts the car into reverse in a parking lot... nothing! After we had the car towed 45 miles home I get on the internet and find www.noreverse.org .. I seem to have a black cloud that follows me. BMW needs to step up and take some resonsibility and/or liability for this. There are way to many people with the same problems. Also I have had the common water pump problem and the air-conditioner pack problem, for a car with supposed German quality my car seems to see as much time in the garage as on the highway. If I were to actually let BMW fix the transmission, I think I would have as much invested in repairs for the car as I had purchased the lemon for. I will get a Dodge next time.

i have a 93 bmw 325i with 230,000 miles and reverse gear has always worked, just wanted to comment on all of those with transmission problems. if the transmission has a problem why does it not happen to all bmw 3 series cars, they only produce about 100,000 each year.

BMW 323i won't go in reverse. I have had this car for about 5 years now. This past weekend I went to parallel park and my reverse turned into neutral. From the reading of all the similar complaints on the web, it seems I am screwed like the rest of them. The car is only worth about 6K.

I found this website and to my surprise........I also have problems with my BMW. Car was in for repair numerous times for overheating. finally fixed. They actually, after one month of owning my car, told me a mouse ate my brake line and it was not under warranty, NOW, MY REVERSE GEAR IN MY TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND THE DEALER DEEMED MY TRANSMISSION GONE!!!!! i AM AT A LOSE FOR WORDS. tHEY DID TELL ME I COULD TRADE IN THE CAR AND BUY ANOTHER ONE!!! WHAT A DEAL WHEN THIS ONE IS NOT PAID FOR YET !!!!

I have a 2000 323i BMW that has stopped to go into reverse. I was informed by my dealership that it will cost $6,900 to repair the transmission. I am a little upset to find out that others have experienced the same issues that I am experiencing. I take good care of my vehicle and give it dealership maintenance and upset that BMW has not made me aware of the issue.

I have the 328 i, and I like everyone else went to back out of my garage when I noticed that the reverse would not engage. After all this time I am shocked that BMW has not or continues to do nothing to fix what is apparently a major defect in their product. There is still no report of anyone getting BMW to do something?

Just as thousands of others have experienced, I no longer have reverse on my 2000 323i.

I recently purchased a BMW 323i(1999)from a dealer(broker) in Ohio-I am mortgaged to the max r/e loan-I do have a limited warranty purchased @ selling dealer-500 miles into my driving the ultimate machine the reverse gear randomly does not work(no previous warning)-much to my current research/horror this appears to be a HUGE issue for many owners & BMW is turning a deaf ear on the subject...this definitely appears to be a DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION

I just bought this car 2 months ago from someone I know well and I know he cared for it like a baby. He replaced the back brakes and rear, passenger side power window part before I took possession of it. Last week I put $450 into it for new front brakes and rotors. Now I have to replace 3 hoses that are leaking power steering fluid onto my alternator. My mechanic (independent) advised me to have the transmission flushed because he's seen and had to repair/replace so many transmissions!! He says that BMW tells their customers (after bringing up the warranty) oh well, I guess that was the life of your transmission Apparently this is a huge problem and they think we're too stupid to investigate it?? I can't afford to buy this car twice. If this continues (having to replace a transmission) I will have spent almost as much on service as I did to buy it. Sorry but I'm used to Honda. Put gas in them, change the oil and run them hard. Very little maintenance required. BMW should be embarassed and yes, they should have their butts sued! They are completely aware that these transmission problems are widespread. BMW should be responsible for a great portion of the cost of a new/repaired transmission!! Very bad business, IMO.

BMW 325IT 2001 steptronic transmission failure @114k I guess I am a lucky one given the mileage before failure. Investigated and was surprised to find these failures to be a common occurance. So much for superior engineering. The accountants won this one. until the recall!

Transmission went out on my 2001 325CI two days ago. I'm stationed in Iraq. I called my wife who dropped the awful news. The car wont go in reverse, she says. The dealer quoted her at $5000 for a new transmison. The car only has 87,000 miles on it. I'm an American Soldier, maybe its time to buy an American car. I'm fed up with BMW.

2000 323i wagon with approx 64k miles lost reverse a couple of days ago. Our mechanic says it needs a completely rebuilt transmission ($4500). He pointed to a BMW memo put out in 2007 regarding year 2000 3 series. The memo description is customer complains that the car won't go in reverse. It advises to check the transmission fluid levels, check the switches, and if that doesn't solve yr problem, then you need a new transmission. He said that it's a common problem, otherwise it wouldn't merit a memo. I'm furious. I think we've all been defrauded. If there's a legal basis for a class action lawsuit, count me in.

I own a 2000 BMW 323ci convertible with 87,000 miles. I have maintained it well. Last week, the BMW transmission started slipping in reverse. I had full use of forward gears. I took it to a reputable BMW mechanic, and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced at a cost of over $5,000.00. If I knew BMW's had terrible short lifespanned transmissions, I would never have bought one. I will have the transmission replaced, and drive it until the next major event, then no more BMW's for me!

2001 BMW 330CI at 86k won't go into reverse need to replace the whole transmission at a cost of $3,000.

Purchased a 2000 BMW 323 ci October, 2006. After owning the car for about a year, the reverse gear stopped working! Car only has 51,000 miles and is in very good shape - has been maintained regularly. Local BMW dealer said that this is typical of BMWs when they hit 50,000 miles & that you have to let the car warm up 30-45 seconds. Even after warming up for several minutes, there still isn't a reverse gear.

T

Today the reverse on the 2000 323i went out. Although I reached 93,000 mile mark. I changed my transmission fluid every 30k. My repair cost thus far for a rebuilt transmission installed, $3900. This should not have happened; I have taken exceptional care of this car. Ill drive this transmission until it quits, and that will be it for BMWs and me.

At 110,000 miles my 2001 330i BMW wouldn't back out of the garage one day. After taking it to the dealership I was informed that my transmission was bad and would cost $6,100 to replace. It seems that this is a common problem with these cars. I am very disappointed, I had expected this to be a very reliable and well made car.

My 2000 323iT wagon transmission stopped working at about 59k miles. BMW option was replace with new. Warranty company said repair, so it was repaird at an independent shop. The tech seemed to feel that this transmission wasn't very good. Needless to say, I am concerned it will happen again- only this time, my independent extended warranty will be expired. $4000.00 is a LOT of money. BMW won't even repair the transmission themselves, they will only replace them.

week ago.i bought a 2000 x5 from a dealer ...i put 4000 dollars down and drove the car..next morning ..i tried to back up...the car would not move as if it was in neutral...i took it to a certified bmw shop..they said it may need new transmission... ..

As of 1/16/08, 2000 328ci w/ 95k very well taken care of. I drove my car to work and everything seemed fine. Come out of work and to my surprised the reverse gear wasn't working properly. It was as if I was in Neutral. I am extremely ****** off at the fact that BMW is not taking responsible for their products. As far as their life time warranty on their ATF fluid is BS, if their ATF fluid is life time then their transmissions should be the same. There has to be a recall on these vechiles w/ these kind of transmissions, I am outraged that we have to pay for these very expensive cars and have to end up with a poor transmission. Count me in!!!!!

2004 BMW 745Li transmission failure and had to be replaced at 84k miles.

On 12/30/06 my 2000 323ci would not go into reverse gear. Mileage: 59,500. My repair shop and 2 dealerships concurred that a new transmission was needed. I called BMW-NA and was told they had received no such complaints, and they would not prorate or compensate for the cost in any way. I questioned another dealership as to ever having seen this problem; the answer was no. On the Consumer Affairs automotive website, one can find 22 pages of the exact complaint regarding the 300 series since 2000! (This does not count most who haven't posted a complaint.) Across the board--denial of the problem and no compensation. One man had only 34,000 mi. on his. It seems there is evidence of a common defect not due to ordinary wear and tear. I and the others feel there should be a recall--at least a proration. The transmission is apparently designed for planned obsolescence. My repair shop said they've installed 6 BMW transmissions (relatively low mileage)in the last few months. (new engines at 90,000 mi. I can't wait!)

It appears that the number of miles driven is not the main factor of the BMW sealed transmission to go south. My car still smells new inside. 96 BMW 530. 18,400 Miles. Sealed Transmission. Purchased New 1995. 3rd BMW purchased. Every 10 years I buy new and pay cash. Have always loved brand. Love this car. Now transmission needs repair. Sometimes jurks in D3 so I drive in S3. Sealed transmission is really a problem with German products. Now I am shopping for a car and I don't know what to buy. I don't want a new car because repair shops cannot fix them. Too bad about BMW I had been very loyal.

I merely need to know if it is worth buying a 5 or 3 series bmw from 1999-2002, given the amount of steptronic transmission problems I have read about here. Did BMW change the ZF transmission in 2002 or 2003? When did they start using the 6-speed auto transmission. Which 90's years had the best tranny for the 5 and 3 series?

2000 BMW 323i Automatic with 70000 miles suddenly stopped engaging in reverse. Forward works fine but reverse does not function at all..seems like its in neutral. No signs whatsoever...just like that one fine morning. Showed it to the BMW Manhattan and they have quoted a price of $7000 to replace the transmission.

I have a 2000 white 323i wagon with the same problem lost reverse for no reason. The car was babied the whole time. No reason for the problem. I toke it to a trans shop and the the trans guy said the reverse clutch drum has a c clip that holds the clutches together under pressure. The clip breaks off of these in such a way that it cant be replace. The metal around the clip is weak. BMW said right away we can sell you the same new trans with the same defective parts. I found a guy that sold me a completely rebuilt trans for these with all upgraded parts heavy duty internal parts that wont have the same problem ever. I paid $3500 for the Trans and put it in myself. You can get the trans too at imcuban2@yahoo.com. They ship anywhere in the USA.

Got a 2000 BMW 740il. Same complain as the countless number of unsatisfied owners of 2000 models BMW, my car lost it's reverse. Engine runs fine but the reverse shift wouldn't engage. Foward shifts was working perfectly at first but then I droved it for a couple of days then all of the sudden the forward shifts wouldn't engage as well. My bimmer mileage is at 65,960 miles when it stopped working. My mechanic told me it needs a new transmission and that it will cost me around $5,000 - $6,000. This is very frustrating. Judging from the great number of people having the same transmission problem happening when their bimmer is between 60,000 - 75,000 miles there should be enough individual to file a class action suit versus BMW of North America (who chose to play dumb about the transmission problem of these cars). Count me in.

My 2000 BMW 323i transmission reverse gear failed at 114,000 miles. Judging from the myriad of complaints I'm a very lucky man as my failure occurred later than most others. I called BMW North America customer service at the advice of my local BMW dealer and place of purchase and was told like so many others, it is out of warranty and BMW cannot compensate me or assist with the repairs.

On 01-01-08 my 2000 323i w/100k, reverse gear failed, without warning. No check engine or transmission lite to warm of any pending problem. I'm the original owner. THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE has a car ultimate defect, LOW MILAGE transmission failure. Google- reveal that premature reverse failure is a problem with BMW 3 SERIES.

This may help many of you with 2000 BMW 323i's that are experiencing the no-reverse problem. BMW will not repair the car and many transmission places are not familiar enought with this transmission to diagnose the problem. I have a 2000 323i which lost reverse. The car ran fine in forward gears but when put in reverse about 50% of the time would rev and go nowhere. My car has the GM made 5L40E transmission. I took the car to a local transmission shop and hopefully the problem was a TCC & PWM solenoid. The solenoid can be changed through the pan. Total cost of the repair was $225. It has only been 2 days since the repair but so far no problems it has gone backward every time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this was the solution. I'm sure several 5L40E transmissions are having the same problem or total failure. He showed me in a repair manual where this was a problem area with this transmission. Hopefully this will help some of you. Charlie

Brand new 2006 BMW X3 repeatedly fails to properly shift from 1st to 2nd gear from a dead stop to entering traffic. The hesitation in 1st to 2nd gear shifting is serious and is a life and limb safety issue. My X3 was serviced more than 4 times and received a completely new transmission the 3rd time after a complete transmission failer on the road computer-locked out the gear shift and had to be towed. The new transmission still had the same hesitation failures. Eventually BMW refused to continue accepting the car for service and refused to acknowledge the transmission still had a hesitation that rises above the level of customer preference dissatisfaction. they specifically tod me I could not use the Illinois Lemon law beause they will not acknowledge the car still has a defect. I got rid of the car 3 months after leasing it (and right after that conversation) and with almost no use of my own on the car. I fear for the poor soul that got it next. Upon asking in a puzzled manner why in the world the smartest engineers on the planet could allow this problem to exist, I was told face to face by the regional field service manager of BMW NA itslf (during a road test) that the trans shifting had to be adjusted against engineering design in order for the car to meet EPA fuel mileage targets. It was one of many modifications made for EPA not engineering reasons for the US market. I believe it was a frank answer. It also means that ALL X3's are a danger to life and limb. How many have died when trying to enter an intersection or traffic from a dead stop and then the car hesitates and causes the accident??? I fear for the answer - it could be tens of thousands! I wish I had the power to save those lives -forget my ongoing silly money fight with BMW over the early lease termination. I now drive a Lexus and am very happy with it. I will never ever own lease rent from an airport nor recommend a BMW to anyone - not in my lifetime.

I bought a 1998 BMW 740i as a used car in early 2003. The car had approximately 70k miles on it at that point in time. I immediately took the car into the dealer in Beverly Hills to have a check and tune/oil services, etc. I asked about transmission service and was told that the unit was sealed and never required service. This mantra was often repeated at every BMW dealer I've ever visited from NYC to Los Angeles and points inbetween. After paying dealer rates for the routine services and repeatedly asking about transmission service on the car - my transmission has failed completely at 130k miles. The cost of the new transmission varies between 2900 for a rebuild to over $5000 for a new part installed by the dealer. Subsequently to the failure I've learned that indeed the sealed transmission does indeed require service at regular intervals and doing so can extend the life of the unit many hundreds of thousands of miles. While servicing the unit is not easily accomplished it is done every day at independent BMW shops across the country and is in fact recommended by the manufacturer of the transmission (ZF of North America LLC.) Bottom line is that BMW lies about the transmission in these cars in an attempt to lull the owner into neglecting this service item, until the unit fails when the car is well out of any possible basic or extended warranty. Then the choice is buy a new one or fix the old one at a hideous cost. A cost that could have been avoided if they (the BMW Dealer Network and BMW North America) had simply told the truth and allowed the units to be serviced by the dealers all along! This is not some Ford or Chevy econobox car = this is BMW's top of the line Luxury Class vehicle for heaven's sake! Do they assume that because one can afford such a car that they have the right to lie and rip off their customers? I'm appalled! This is something that should be addressed in a class action suit. BMW falsely telling owners that the transmission needs no service when in fact it does, sets the unit up for premature failure and a huge bill to repair or replace it. Last time I heard of such a thing it was called consumer fraud and cost the perpetrators many millions of dollars to settle. Any other BMW owners of the E-38 series having or have had this same problem? I have the smoking gun reports from ZF Manufacturing to BMW telling them that in fact the unit should be serviced at regular intervals of about 30 to 45k miles, and fluid and filters changed more often than that!

The transmission on our 2001 BMW x5 with 102k miles on it just went out last night. My in-laws purchased this vehicle new and we bought it from them 12/05 with 82K miles on it. We have had nothing but problems with it since. All services since original purchase have been done. A month after having it we put new brakes and rotors on it plus a service, about $2,000...chalk that up to normal wear and tear. Last year there was a leak which happen to land directly on the stereo amplifier ruining it. $1,500 parts and labor just for the amplifier (no aftermarket one will fit per 2 stereo shops). The dealer could not find the wear the leak was even after doing special water tests. They replaced the amplifier and about 2 months later it happened again. This time it would be about $3,500 to fix the leak because they had to take apart the sunroof since they determined this is where the leak was coming from. I could not justify the money basically just to have a functioning radio. After checking the internet I found that the leak problem was not just a freak thing...it has happened to many others. AND NOW, the transmission craps out, or at least that's what it has to be after reading all the previous posts knowing my experience was just the same. Driving along on cruise control and I go to accelerate and it redlines. Just high revs...fortunately I was able to safely pull off the road with my wife and two young girls in the car. It would not move forward or in reverse. Going on the assumption it will be at least $5k to replace, we will be getting rid of it somehow (once I have it towed to my house from where we left it last night). We also had another BMW 1997 328i that had its own issues, but that's a story for another day. I would never even think of purchasing another BMW. The Ultimate Defective Machine

2000 bmw 528i no reverse or nuetral. Revese is now park. Nuetral is now low. This seems to be a widespread problem! noreverse.org

2000 BMW 323CI Transmission wont go into reverse. Has 74,000 miles and very well maintained car. 2nd owner.

I parked my 2000 323i 105k miles this morning in the parking garage and I tried to adjust my car by putting it into reverse. And to my surprise the reverse doesnt work anymore. I called the dealership today and I was quoted a fee of ~$4500 for repair. This is insane, I think Ive had this problem all along and no one really ever took the time at the dealership to investigate properly. I am very disheartened about the whole situation because I am now waiting to get my car towed home. The BMW manufacturers should have recalled this vehicle model several years ago. This is been a problem with all the 2000 models and I am outraged by the reponse of BMW. Why the hell would you pay the premium price for BMW when they are using cheap GM tranmsissions. I would rather call them the ULTIMATE FAILING MACHINE. We need a class action law suit or some kind os a legal actions taken against BMW NA. If there is something already in process please let me know. Thanx

I recently bought a 2001 330ci w/ 99k miles, the first day I experienced the reverse problem. I bought it so cheap $8000 I figured whatever. Well now the AAMCO guy says it's $3800. The story goes like this; I first get a quote from a BMW only shop and they say I've got xmission problems and it'll cost $4600. They also said..don't go to AAMCO because it'll just be back in here to be fixed later. Well I went to AAMCO and they said they'd drive it long enough for the problem to occur (my problem showed up when the car had been driven for awhile and heated up). They sent my car home with one of the mechanics because he lived 25 miles away. The problem showed up and they had to tow it back. Then they call and say they're going to have to go in and diagnose (min. cost $1300). Well now I'm kindof stuck with a car that isn't working. So I tell them to go ahead. The next phone call it's the xmission pump leaked and got water in the xmission, blah blah.. all these things have to be replaced costing me $3800

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My 2002 X5 BMW 4.4i has been diagnosed with a faulty transmission after 74,000 miles.

My 2000 BMW 323i lost reverse. It will not engage and acts like it is in neutral. Everything else on the car works fine. I am very concerned about what repairs are ahead on this. BMW US should recall these cars and fix the problem.

2001 X5, purchased extended warranty to 100K never used it. AT 104K on Christmas Day whole transmission blows driving in the backwoods between Dallas Tx and Texarkana Ark. $3.50/mile to be towed to nearest BMW dealer in Little Rock, Ark (162miles) you do the math!!!.Little Rock was very nice but Transmission Replaced, cost was probably 1/2-1/3 value of vehicle at that point.

My 2000 bmw 323i reverse stopped working all of sudden. I needed to take it in to the mechanic to find out that this is a specific problem with 2000 323i bmw transmissions. I think this is wrong and there should be legal action taken against bmw for denying problematic issues with its vehicles.

Same problem as Mark in Tulsa. My 2002 BMW X5 suddenly went into transmission failsafe program. 84,000 miles on it right now. Dealership said it is cheaper to replace the entire transmission rather than try and diagnose the issue. Only $5-6000. Still in the early stages of doing research. What a beautiful Christmas gift.

Reporting the failure of the transmission on my 2006 325i. My car had only 56,000 miles when the transmision began failing. The dealership stated that the transmission needed to be replaced and would cost me $8,500. I could not understand at first why a car with relatively low mileage and only 2 years old would need a new transmission, until I got on the computer and did some research. I did not know there were so many people having trouble with this. When I tried to approach the managers at the dealership of BMW of Montgomery, they basically told me that it was my responsibilty because the car was no longer under warranty. The dealership failed to tell me that these cars have so many problems with the transmissions. Something should be done to correct this problem during the manufactoring phase. Consumers that have had to pay out thousands of dollars for transmissions that are apparently faulty on BMW cars should also be compensated.

Reporting the failure of the transmission on my 2006 325i. My car had only 56,000 miles when the transmission began failing. The dealership stated that the transmission needed to be replaced and would cost me $8,500. I could not understand at first why a car with relatively low mileage and only 2 years old would need a new transmission, until I got on the computer and did some research. I did not know there were so many people having trouble with this. When I tried to approach the managers at the dealership of BMW of Montgomery, they basically told me that it was my responsibilty because the car was no longer under warranty. The dealership failed to tell me that these cars have so many problems with the transmissions. Something should be done to correct this problem during the manufacturing phase. Consumers that have had to pay out thousands of dollars for transmissions that are apparently faulty on BMW cars should also be compensated.

One of hundreds with the same problem - E46 with no reverse. Only answer from dealer is sorry, need a new transmission. BMW should help when they know they have a problem and ignore their customers.

My 2000 BMW 323I suddenly decides out of no where to not go in reverse. It is as if it is in neutral. I understand there are countless consumers with the same problem with this exact model with the Steptronic Transmission. My Beemer was running fine at 86,000 miles. Now it looks like it needs a new transmission.

I have a 2000 BMW 323ci with 70K miles. This past weekend I backed out of the driveway and drove the car for a 100 miles or so. I parked it for a couple of hours; then drove it 200 yards,parked and turned it off briefly. When I returned, I started the car and put it into reverse and it rolled back a little because it was on a slight incline but when I tapped the gas it reved up like it was in neutral and would not go. After driving forward and then putting it into reverse again the same thing happend. I turned the car off and tried everything again. Nothing worked. I had the car towed to a local certified BMW repair center. They said the reverse drum had decentigrated and they could not repair it. The cost for them to put in a new transmission would be $5,100. After the shock, I went on line and came across this website. I could not believe the number of people having the same issue. The local BMW center was aware of the the transmission problems people were having but there is apparently no recall.

Transmission failed on BMW 740i

BMW 323i touring model with 74K miles on it lost reverse. Same as many many complaints all over the internet. The touring model is supposed to have the more robust ZF parts in the transmission, but the failure is nearly identical to those described with the GM components.

Sounds like a classic BMW transmission problem. Went to the store for a quick trip, come out and it won't reverse; felt like it was in neutral. It's a 2000 300 series with 90,000 miles. I've had Fords (Maverick, Pinto), Chevys, Toyotas, Nissans, and Buicks and never had one less than 120,000 miles, usually about 170,000 and I have never had a transmission replaced. It's pretty clear that these BMWs have a transmission problem.

I own a 2000 323i (third owner) and bought the car with 28,000 miles in August of 2004. My reverse gear failed at 49,006 miles. At first I didn't know why but a search on the web reveiled that there were many more folks with the same issue on the same model year. My car is a daily driver that is used for about 4-5 miles a day. Since my car was technically out of the dealer warranty 4yr/50K, I took it to an independent BMW shop that uses the same computer diagnosis equipment as the dealer. They hooked the car up to determine if it was a software or mechanical issue which didn't take long to tell me that it was a mechanical issue and it would cost me $4300 for a rebuilt transmission from BMW. Since I needed the car for commuting and I couldn't beleived the expensive replacement costs, I asked my local BMW dealer if this could be fixed and they said once the warranty expires, you are out of luck. The price to replace was much more than the local indenpendent shop. I still searched around and found a local transmission shop that did the work for $3000 (parts and labor)and it came with a two year warranty from BMW. The local transmission shop could not beleive that this was a low mileage luxuary car with this type of a problem. When they opened the transmission they showed me the broken reverse gears and they even stated that the components were not as strong as some other manufacture transmissions that they deal with. I learned after the replacement that I should call BMW of North America to ask for help. They stated that there was nothing they could do even though I had a receipt of the work done and the receipt of the transmission purchase from a BMW dealer. I was hoping they would at least cover the cost of the parts and I was willing to pay for the labor. They didn't offer any help even though I told them that this seems to occur in this model year. If it wasn't for reading a comment in my monthly BMW members magazine (Roundel) about this site, I wouldn't be able to share my bad experience about a major powertrain component failing in a brand that prides themselves of being called the Utlimate Driving Machine. Repairs of cars are expected but enjoy the drive and prestige since you will utlimately pay for fixing this machines powertrain. I had bought another BMW (2003 X5) in 2004 and now I am worried that this is another ticking expense bomb. Unfortunately I don't lease so I'll get stuck with the problems these cars exhibit. I think I will have to rethink what I drive before its too late. For now I have the a broken gear as a momento of my $3000 (ZF made)transmission purchase. Even Bimmer-Mag.com (Dec 07 issue with the Concept X6 and X6 Hybrid on the cover) stated in article that the transmission of the early e46 series was very smooth in shifting but are having mechanical issues that are widely known. Why doesn't BMW know and do something about it? Why can't BMW own up to this manufacture defect and do the right thing for its customers?

I recently purchased a 2001 530I and it has 83000 mile on it. I already have my Service Engine Soon light on and when diagnosed, it needs a Troque Converter (transmission). If a complaint is filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) against BMW North America, that might have an impact. Looking at all the testimonies of bad transmissions, the public needs to know that BMW is not the ultimate driving machine, it is the Ultimate Transmission Repair.

My 2000 BMW 323Ci, that has about 75,000 miles and that has been driven less than a 1000 miles in the last year lost revferse. One day it had it the next day it was like I was in neutral.

2000 BMW 323 wagon, with 68000 miles, maintained regularly. The reverse gear stopped working. BMW said there was no known issue, so we bought a new transmission from BMW, and fitted it ourselves to save labor costs.

BMW 2000 323I - 65 000 miles Out of nowhere it suddenly stopped going into reverse. Garage kept, dealership serviced and repaired all the time. Autombile only used for pleasue as owner is a retiree and didnt't work at the time of purchase and ownership. BMW dealership said $7,000 to replace the transmission and fix the problem...last time I purchase BMW say hello Mercedez!

I paid $3833.89 for a rebuilt transmission because the car wasn't under warranty. The transmission problem was first diagnosed when the car was under warranty. I should not have had to pay for the transmission. I can prove my case with the computer diagnosis printouts. I will take this into the courts if necessary.

transmission problems...2001 323i bmw 70000 miles, reverse just went all of the sudden...no warning...This is a major problem, BMW must take responsibility for.

1994 BMW 525i, 190,000. Bought Sunday. Transmission blew Wednesday night going up a hill in San Francisco. 103 miles between dealership and said fateful hill. This is my only BMW experience. I feel like I'm joining a support-group. This sickens me- I spent my resources getting the car, and I have none left to pay for a fix. It's in the shop and I barely have the money to pay for a diagnosis of the problem. The good news is that I coaxed the thing to get to the BMW specialist repair shop without a tow. Where do BMW gutless wonders go to die?

Transmission Failure on 2002 BMW X5 4.4i. My X5 has 83k miles. It has been driven very gently and was never used to haul a trailer or anything like that. The transmission failed suddenly and without warning. The reverse gear works fine unlike a lot of the cars I've read about on this site. My transmission slips and then throws a trans failsafe prog message.

My dealer, BMW of Tulsa, examined the X5 and informed me that the transmission was throwing slip codes and had burnt fluid. They came to the conclusion that the transmission would need to be replaced at a cost of $6500. I contacted BMW North America regarding the issue. They informed me that they were aware of no known issues with this transmission, and that I would be liable for 100% of the cost of repair. That is an interesting response considering that I have found literally hundreds of cases of early failed X5 transmissions manufactered by ZF pre 2004 searching the roadfly and X5 World message boards. Some of these were replaced under warranty and some were not. If I found a few hundred so easily, there must certainly be thousands of them out there, since a majority of people out there won't complain on the internet.

I know my vehicle is not new. I know it is out of warranty without an extended warranty. However, I paid over $70,000 for this X5. I have had many cars in my life, all of them much less expensive than this X5. I have NEVER had a transmission suddenly fail like this. In fact I've never had a transmission fail period, even in cars costing 5 times less. This transmission should NOT be dead at 83K miles.

After doing some research I have found from an ironclad reliable source that the transmission in the X5, the ZF 5HP24, has a known issue with early metal fatigue failure of the drum assembly. When this happens the clutches get fouled leading to a quick failure of the transmission. Since August of 2007, ZF has redesigned the drum assembly because of an UNUSUALLY HIGH NUMBER OF FAILURES with the original design.

Given all of this damning data, BMW still flatly denies that there has been any problems with the ZF 5HP24 transmission in the pre 2004 X5. This transmission was manufactured with a design defect. ZF admits it, many many people know it and I suspect BMW knows it as well. Given the circumstances of the issue, I believe that BMW does have a fiduciary responsibility to cover the losses incurred by owners who have been burdened by this obviously defective product.

My 2000 BMW 323 has had nothing but problems. The window regulators have been replaced more than 5 times in different windows (driver door 3x), the brakes have gone out twice, it has had countless electrical problems-and now I find out about the famous NO REVERSE $6,000 repair (it has just happened to me). When I contacted BMW about all the problems, I was informed that the problem is people like you want these cars, so BMW makes the 300 series (The car cost around $40,000 new). He said I wouldn't be having those problems if I had been able to afford a 500 or 700 series. Somehow, I really doubt the Ford would tell a customer too bad, you bought the cheap Focus-and you actually expect the windows to roll up, huh? Looking online, I am seeing this is a chronic problem and that I seem to be simply out of luck. I will never, ever buy a BMW again, and will tell everyone I know they should avoid these cars at all costs.

I cant beleive that BMW wont do anything about it! I was looking to buy one and ran across this and almost it the floor. BMW is a neet car. Looks like it is going to be a MERCEDES.

I own a 1999 BMW 750IL with 120,000 miles on it. The car has been maintained in excellent condition thoughout my ownership. BMW replaced the original transmission at 25,000 miles which resulted in the car being classified as a lemon and the replacement transmission failed again at 120,000 miles. Loss of forward gears, reverse, and park are the symptoms of the most recent failure. The car is now at a local dealership and I awaiting the diagnosis. I believe this transmission is on a recall list although the original was replaced on 25,000.

I own a 1999 BMW 750IL with 120,000 miles on it. The car has been maintained in excellent condition thoughout my ownership. BMW replaced the original transmission at 25,000 miles which resulted in the car being classified as a lemon and the replacement transmission failed again at 120,000 miles. Loss of forward gears, reverse, and park are the symptoms of the most recent failure. The car is now at a local dealership and I awaiting the diagnosis. I believe this transmission is on a recall list although the original was replaced on 25,000.

i am the owner of bmw e46 , year 2001 with 74,000 miles on it. i am second owner of this car, me and the previous owner take care of well of this vehicle. i have had the car now for less then 3 month, and the reverse went out on it. the car would not wanna go backwared. and that is realy imberesing when someone drive by and see you pushing your new bmw to back it up from yoru driveway or the bank or your work . i am realy desappointed from this car. i owned mercedes all my life and i never had any problems with trans before.

I should feel better after reading these posts. My BMW last week also lost reverse -- an intermittent problem. But it's not a 323i, it's a 1990 525i with 168,000 miles. Fortunately, the car has worked very well for 19 years, so well, that this issue came as a shock. I'm disappointed to read the fix doesn't seem to be a simple parts replacement but a full and expensive transmission replacement. Thank you for your contributions to consumeraffairs.com.

Recently, i was told that my BMW 330ci needed a new transmission! Its only a 2003, and only has 40k miles on it!!! Last week, the transmission light came on and I later found out that it was stuck in only 3rd or 4th gear. BMW told me i have to buy a new transmission, costing me $5,000! I enraged and very disappointed about the whole thing. I'd like to demand justice!

I own a immaculate 2001 BMW 330ci. 135,000 miles on it be driven very cautiously. All of a sudden the car wont reverse and this forum states alot of people have this issue. I still owe alot on the car and cannot affor another $5,000.00 repair on an already expensive car.

Went out this morning, put it in reverse and the car would not move. From reading on this site people all over the country are having problems with their E46 BMW transmissons and reverse. BMW should do something.

I own a 2000 323ci bmw with 97000 miles...and like everybody else on this site I lost reverse. The car is in perfect condition and well maintained. I am very disappointed in BMW...

After owning my 2001 325i for one year now, the reverse has recently stopped working. I am extremely upset at the matter due to the fact that I now know it's a common problem Bimmer owners all over America are having.

My car just hit 64,000 miles the other day and I'm only the second owner. Both the previous owner and I took very good care of the car and there's no excuse that the transmission needs to be replaced this early in my cars life. Even more frustrating is the fact that I'm a soon-to-be college grad in the midst of job searching and now I have to deal with this stressful situation as well. I've worked all throughout college and spent every cent I had saved up to buy this so-called dream car? last January when my old 88' Honda stopped working.

I thought I was buying a reliable car, one that would last me forever but apparently that is not the case. When I contacted BMW Northwest (Fife, WA) they were absolutely no help as they were when I initially approached them last year telling them I was interested in buying a BMW for the first time. They want to charge me $104.00 to bring it in the shop where they'll diagnose the problem which will be a transmission replacement the service guy told me. The total for the new transmission was estimated at $5,200!!!

I would have never searched the internet for such a problem, nor placed this message but felt compelled after reading very similar stories about our BMW 323i. It's a 2000 with only 56Kmi on it, garage kept, profesionally serviced at the dealership. We never had a single problem nor a symptom until - literally all of the sudden, the car simply would not go into reverse. We too went back to the local dealership only to be told that this is not typical. After reading all of the similar stories about reverse going out on these cars with the approx: mileage, I hope that something can be done because this should be a re-called item regardless of age..as it appears not to be age nor extreme mileage.

I bought my daughter a 2000 323ci with 79,000 miles on it off of a friend. I knew she had taken very good care of it and always had it serviced at the dealer. We have had it six months, she went out in it a couple of nights ago, and called me and said my car won't go in reverse. She was pushed out of the parking lot and drove it home and it hasn't worked since. The reverse light comes on but the mirrors don't go down. I was hoping it was something simple like electrical or a fuse or something. So I was searching to see if anyone had any ideas. I am in total shock at so many people have had this same problem there is no way bmw can deny they are at fault, and should do something for the people who have spent there hard earn money on there vehicles that are not worth it. And no I will not buy another bmw.

I just got a 2003 BMW 330cic and has 107K miles on it Less than three months of using it suddenly transmission problem light went on and seems to be stuck in 3rd or 4th gear.After reading all these problems with the transmission of BMW, I think I need help.

As I am leaving Target after picking up some items, my 2000 BMW 323i simply would not go in reverse. It has 106k and has been well-maintained. The BMW dealer tells me it is the transmission and has to be replaced, as they do not rebuild transmissions. Little did I know that this is huge problem with this model car. The whole reason I bought a BMW in the first place was because it is supposedly a luxury vehicle. This is not the case, and BMW should take care of its customers if it is aware of this issue.

I bought a used BMW 323i with 130K miles. I thought that I was buying a good car based on BMW's reputation. Two days after I got my car, the transmission would not go on reverse, it was very frustrating because I had my 4 months old baby crying in the rear seat.

I didn't know what to do.

The next day the transmission worked fine, 3 days later the car would not go on reverse again. I searched on the internet for answers to this issue. I was shocked after I read some of the horror stories from so many people going through the same problem. I was even more shocked when I found out that the transmissions on these luxury? vehicles are from GM. The worse thing of all is that BMW is not doing anything to help their customers. I am so disappointed; seems that BMW and GM are doing big business from working people like me and all of the people that had experienced the same problem. I will solve this problem some how, because I don't want to jeopardize my family well being. Safety is very important to me and obviously these cars do not meet the safety standards. Definitely I will never going to buy or recommend a BMW again.

I went to this web site looking for information on the problem with my 2001 BMW 330i not working in reverse. I can see that I have the same problem as everyone else. Obviously BMW has an issue with this that they are choosing to ignore at this point. It will be up to us to make them quit ignoring it. I am going to file a complaint and also send a letter to BMW requesting satisfaction.

I too have a 2000 BMW 323i that wont go in reverse. 107,000 miles. BMW wants $4,800 to replace the transmission.

I am another sad owner of a 2000 BMW 323i with a transmission that has to be replaced to the tune of $4,000 to $5,000. About 6 months ago my wife complained that the car would not go into reverse. It has intermittantly been acting up ever since. After having it check, my BMW deal stated that the transmission needed to be replaced.

I own an immaculate 2002 BMW X5 that I have had dealer serviced since new. I don't tow anything & I drive very conservatively. Yesterday I drove to a friend's house. When I went to leave my transmission had completely failed - I couldn't forward or reverse. This happened with NO warning - now I am told it will cost $6,000 to recondition the transmission. What is the point of paying a BMW dealer to service your BMW (at much higher rates than any independent mechanic) when it doesn't do anything to prevent something like this happening??

I am getting back to all of you folks out there about my transmission problem in my 2002 X5 BMW that BMW North America would not help me out on. I paid $1,200 including shipping to send it to my mechanic. Took my mechanic 5-6 hours to put in including removing my old one. It runs perfect! The only bad thing is such a nice car and BMW North America would not help at ALL!

Car wouldn't go in reverse this morning. Same issue as everyone else, 2000 BMW 323i with 79K miles. Always serviced on time. Have had only minor problems since buying this certified BMW 5 years ago. Had my mechanic take a look in hopes that is was a simple fix, perhaps a servo or even something simple like flushing the fluid. No such luck, sure enough, it needs a new transmission. $4,650 just for the transmission without labor.

Can't even locate a used one at present. Considering the trade-in value is $9K I just can't justify a $5K-$6K repair bill. My mechanic's actual advice was, Let me see if I can get it running at all in reverse and if so, take it to Carmax and get rid of it, Tonight!

Now that's a good mechanic! I also contacted BMWNA and got zero response. This is my 3rd of 4 BMW's but may be my last. Suddenly, Lexus is looking a whole lot better. Yikes!, can't believe I said that.

I have a 2000 BMW 323I , mileage 68,175. It is garage kept and dealership maintained. Recently, the car would not reverse. Took to the dealership, and was told that I need a new transmission. The dealership stated that this problem is well known for this car mode, and it usually occurred after 60K miles.

I purchased an 2002 BMW X5 with 72000 miles. It was fine until it hit around 90000. Now the vehicle will only start out in 3rd gear. They told me that I will need a new transmission. I asked the price and they told me $4800.00 plus the labor to put it in@ $90.00 per hour. They told me that it would take 2 full days to install a new one. I called BMW North America and spoke to Allison in customer service and asked her for some help. It took them 4 days to get back to me and then told me that I will only receive 10% off on the install price of labor. This still would have cost me thousands. I told BMW I own a 2001 325xi with 184000 miles and it runs perfect that why I purchased another one. I bought that car with 135000 mile and have done very little to it. I went on line to a used BMW parts company that is sending me a transmission for $1200.00 for the transmission and shipping. Still waiting on it I will let you know after I have it put in. It also carries a 6 plus month warranty.

I have a 2001 BMW 325i Sedan. It has 85,000 mils on it. I bought it new. Suddenly yesterday the transmission failed. BMW says that we don't take responsibility for that and told me that it will take between $6,000 to $7,000 to fix it. I am totally disappointed and will never buy a bmw in future because it is not worth driving a car which has its transmission fail with in 85,000 miles.

I have a 200 323i that is now in the shop because the reverse went kaput! My understanding from other complaintants is that BMW will not cover this design defect.

BMW Transmission Problems I own my BMW 328i since 1999 and it was running smoothly until few days ago when I park it in a parking lot and came back to drive it and the reverse was not working ! I was told by the dealer that I need to change the transmission. I found that very strange and to my ultimate shock and surprise, I learned that BMW is using a GM transmission. I am disappointed with BMW. I think if they want to keep their reputation, they should recall those car and fix them. I was surprised that there are that many people with this problem. The dealer told me that they never heard about this before ! I would never buy a BMW again and I am going to advise people not to.

I have a 2000 3 series bmw . It has been dealer serviced and is in excellent condition . It has 79,000 miles and is hardly driven as i have several vehicles. The other day I went ti back out of my parking space and the car wouldn't go in reverse. It drives fine ,so i took it to russell bmw and was in formed i would need another transmission. I am very upset ,the cost for repair -5400.00. I have owned a 1997 3 series and it had over 200k miles and never had a transmission or engine problem. I happened upon this site while looking for a transmission and can not believe all the people who are having this same exact problem. bmw needs to recall this transmission and fixed all there customers cars. i absolutely use to love and swear by Bmw but not anymore . What and the hell is bmw doing using a Gm transmission anyway.

I do not think the problem with the transmission is a new problem. The reason I say this is because I have a 1993 740il which is well taken care of. Two weeks ago my daughter called me and said the car would not reverse. Three days later I had to go to her school and push the vehicle out of the parking spot, then have my girlfriend drive it home. I am shocked to discover that so many people are complaining about the same problem,with newer models, and nothing has been done. I was thinking of getting another bimmer, but no way. I have a Ford conversion with 183,000 miles, and it runs great.

Two days ago I left my college parking lot and my 2000 BMW 328i drove just fine. When I got home and wanted to reverse into my parking spot the car acted as if it was in neutral. Revers stopped working all together. A few hours later I got into the car and it reversed with no problem. Yesterday I reversed out of the parking spot no problem. After school, however, the car would not reverse again!!! Now it pops into reverse like nothing ever happened..

I have a 2000 BMW 323i with 30,000 miles. My car has been well maintained and one day I could not put it in reverse. To make a long story short, I needed to replace my transmission completely, after only 30,000 miles. I understand the car is 7 years old, but to have to replace a transmission after 30,000 miles is unheard of in my book as I thought I was buying a quality car. To me, it is a piece of junk. Hopefully, nothing will go wrong, but I truly have no confidence in BMW. BMW said the car is out of warranty and there is nothing they can do. There should definitely be a recall or some kind of compensation for all of us who have had the same problem.

I posted a week or so ago regarding the no reverse issue with my 2000 323i. I had the car towed to BMW or Arlington and just as I expected, based on this blog, it is the transmission. The cost for repair a remanufactured transmission will be $5,500 but the dealer knocked off $500 so the bottom line is $5,000. I, like the others, sent an email to BMW of America and received the same canned response about normal wear and tear. I travel by subway to work and the car receives little wear and tear. It currently has 84,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to get it repaired. Just 4 months ago I paid over $3,000 for brakes and other repairs. The service manager who was very sympathetic, suggested that I speak with a sales person regarding possibly trading my car. She had my car appraised and told me that because it is out of warranty (it is 7 years old!) and will need a transmission, the appraisal came in at $1,000! My car is immaculate, no scratches, shiny, tires less than one year old, and have been garaged kept until I moved 6 months ago. I was insulted to say the least and left her office in less than 5 minutes. I would very much like to be a party to a class action suit.

I bought a new BMW 550i with auto trans 06,, its been working fine with little quirks here and their, but nothing major, I took it in for 36000 mile inspection and thay BMW did a software update for warranty purpose, thats when the car changed, throttle response is sluggish, active suspension is responding erratic, radio logic 7 system also effected for the worse, also transmission shifts affected, software lowered shift points, economy mode will lug the engine, sports is a little better, not much, but most importantly is the fact that the torque converter lock up comes in at the wrong times, actually had it in manual mode from 1st to 2nd, when I hit second trans stayed in torque converter lock up and shifted the 2nd gear clutch pack, engine rpm increased to 1400, not much but enough to create a loud clunk in the rear, differential and CV joints might be affected,,,, maybe I-m crazy but could that software be meant to cause premature failure to sell transmissions and other components, warranty is still good for 10000 but I already am getting the cold shoulder from BMW dealer in San Diego.



i own a bmw 2000 bmw 3231. the transmission wont go in reverse after 70,000 miles. this is a common problem with this model and bmw needs to recall this transmission. this repair is very expensive4-7thousand.

I currently own an impeccably maintained 2000 BMW 323i. Went to the gym in the morning and when leaving I tried to back out of the parking lot with no reverse. Took it to my local BMW dealer to which they replied that they only replace transmissions on a BMW of this age and not actually repair them. This would have been a cost of well over 10K. My second option was to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist and have it repaired there. I did have the repair done at a cost of over 5K. Having once been a mechanic myself I asked the service manager the correct questions about this issue and he did say that it is a very common issue with this particular transmission that was outsourced and built for BMW by a company in Mexico. I believe it was ZDF. I collected the old parts and was educated by the specialist as where the problem occurred. It is a recognized issue that the part that failed is poorly designed and in fact the replacement part has been redesigned to perform better and not fail again under normal use. So my question is that if this is a known common issue and that during the repair the replacement parts that are being used are designed to fix the common problem, why is BMW not taking responsibility for this? I was very close to purchasing a BMW X5 but have decided differently.

Today I am very sad that my 2000 323i has a huge expensive problem. My car reverse just started to not work. I have about 95K miles on my car. I know it cannot be my fault because I am a very good driver and I keep the car well maintain. I went online to research and discover that many individuals share the same pain. I too cannot reverse, driving forward is ok, but reversing is not working. Im soo sad, I know it will cost me alot to fix and I still owe a lot of money on this piece of crap!!!! If I knew about this problem on this car and model, I would not have purchased this car. I really can't believe BMW, would not acknowledge this problem and would not offer to recall these cars. Someone please help us sue BMW!!!

My brother just bought a BMW 1999 323i with 119 thousand miles on it. I was a peace of garbage. He only drove this car for 400 hundred miles and then it would not go into reverse mode! Now it looks like we need to replace the transmission, shame on BMW for selling crap! WE ALL NEED TO CONSIDER A SERIOUS CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST BMW!! SERIOUSLY.

I have a 2000 BMW 323Ci. I currently have about 92000 miles on the car. A few days ago as I was leaving a shopping center I put the car in reverse but the car did not move, I pressed the accelerator a little bit more and the engine revved but still did no back up. I put the car back into park and tried it again but it still did not work. I turned the car off and tried to back up again but it still did not work. While the car was in reverse the reverse lights were on but the car would not move. I had to push the car out of the stall. The car drove fine forwards and I did not notice any problems while the car was shifting.

After doing some research I have noticed that this is a wide spread problem with BMW 3 series models. This problem has even promoted a website: www.noreverse.org. This website is very informative and lists the exact part that is failing on all of the BMWs with this problem. After researching this problem I have found that this is happening to a lot of BMW owners. Since this is a manufactures defect that is breaking due to manufacturing error and not operator error I believe that there should be a manufactures recall.

2001 BMW 325XI purchased from dealer as BMW certified pre-owed in 2004 with 48K miles. Routinely serviced by BMW dealership. In October 2007 at 75K miles suddenly and without warning will not engage reverse gear.

My reverse stopped working in my 2000 323i sedan without any warning whatsoever. It has 155,000 miles on it with a perfect service history since day 1. The cost to fix - somewhere between 3-$6000. Shame on you BMW for producing junk - as I have read many other stories on this thread. Buy a Toyota! I would join a class action suit in a heartbeat!!

My 2000 323i bmw all of a sudden would not go into reverse. I went online to discover that this was a shockingly common problem with many of their vehicles. There is absolutely no warning sign for this occurrance and usually leads to the replacement of the faulty transmission, which is anywhere from $3000-$5000.

seems like we all have the same exact problem. my 2001 bmw 330ci will not go into reverse. i backed up and i heard i big clunk noise and it wouldn't back up. but i can put it in drive fine.i think that bmw really needs to recall this. i still owe 11 thousand on the car and i'm not going to pay 4000+ just to fix this problem

I own a 2001 BMW 330i. At 80,000 miles I also experienced the transmission failure that I am reading so much about (wouldn't go into reverse, etc). I took the car to South Bay BMW for service and they acted like they had never seen this before and it was probably due to the type of driving I did or just normal wear and tear - what a load of crap! I wound up spending about $4,000 to replace the transmission - not what I expected from owning a car like this. My experience thus far has been that BMWs, while good looking and fun to drive, are a costly nightmare to service. BMW took no responsibility for the transmission failure, but I am wondering how many incidents have been reported, and furthermore how many incidents need to be reported before they acknowledge that their product is defective. Does anyone know if there is a class action lawsuit pending, or a recall in the works? Also, does anyone know a reliable BMW mechanic in the south bay that is reasonable?

PS. Addendum to the last story. Apparently I was wrong about it being a GM transmission. I do not understand why BMW, being the great company that it is, is not standing behind their transmission. Also, happily ,I just found a place in the valley that will fix my transmission for $2,000! ~ it beats the dealer's price of $5,400!

I am adding my 2000 323i transmission dilemma to all the other hundreds of stories I just read. All of a sudden my reverse stopped working while vacationing in Palm Springs. No warning of any kind. Just 13000 miles over the 100000 miles warranty. I tried to go into reverse and nothing happened. My boyfriend knew immediately that it was the transmission. I cried when the BMW dealer told me it would be $5,400 to repair it. Luckily we were able to drive home 169 miles. Now we are trying to find a transmission specialist to repair it cheaper than the dealer. In the meantime I am driving it forward and parking it where I don't have to go into reverse. Such a bummer after I have treated my car with golden gloves for 5 years since I bought it. Today it also started leaking water and we found a leak in the reservoir by the radiator. It however, only costs about $100 plus labor. I think we should all get together and start an action to get these cars recalled. I don't understand why BMW is using this faulty GM transmission knowing that it is bad. PLEASE help all of us unhappy 2000 323i owners with this problem.

2004 BMW 325i with 56K miles & just under 3 years, which was purchased new in October 2004. On Monday, Sept. 24th, my 2004 325i BMW started leaking large amounts of oil. Called BMW & they sent a tow truck to take the car to Weber BMW of Fresno. Diagnosis: Major transmission failure & failure of the seal separating the engine from the transmission. My complaint is with BMW and not with the dealer. Weber BMW is an excellent dealership. Although BMW agreed to replace the transmission on BMW, they charged us over $2300 to replace the engine seal, labor for the transmission & taxes. The transmission was the cause of the engine seal failure & massive oil leak. One does not buy a BMW which is a high end vehicle, expecting to wind up with garbage in 3 years. I do not believe that BMW is unaware that they are producing crap. In the future, We will never again purchase another BMW & will go back to the tried & true brands that we have owned in the past. Honda, Toyota & Nissan. We never experienced this type of failure on any of the vehicle we have owned in the past 30 years with less than 200K miles.

I own a 2001 330i BMW. I bought the car with 35,000 miles in 2003. A couple months ago, at about 100,000 miles, reverse stopped working with no warning. It looks like I am not the only one with this problem. I was able to deal with replacing the drive shaft, replacing the wishbone suspension, the water pump falling into the radiator, loosing all the coolant due to faulty parts, replacing all four power window thingies, replacing the software in the power mirrors, not to mention the little things like the sunroof not working and the cd player eats cds, but the transmission is the last straw!! I have been more than patient and now this. I have been told that the transmission now needs to be replaced!!

I have a 2004 BMW convert. I parked in a lot got out with key fob, locked car and returned 7 minutes later to find the car had rolled down a slight grade by itself. I had left it in DRIVE accidentally but was able to remove the key, the lockout failed. I feel the car ignition safety feature failed and no one is listening.

Early last year, my 323, which was/is very well maintained and driven only by me, began having auto tranny problems...it started slipping. I am not a hotdog driver and probably drive more like an old man than a hot-rodder. I never had any problem getting the car into reverse, however. Anyway, long story short, I had to have a new (re-built, which is all that is available evidently) auto tranny. The cost was only $3,641. Most people don't realize that these trannies are made by GM France. I will NEVER buy another BMW.

As I can see from this forum, I'm but one of many who need a new transmission in their 2000 BMW 323. Just as all the others, my one owner vehicle has been serviced as recommended and just suddenly won't operate in reverse. I have been told replacing with a rebuilt transmission will cost me $3000. I have also replaced all the power window motors at least once in this vehicle. I have been a loyal BMW owner since 1990 but I'm having serious second thoughts after this experience.

I have a BMW 323ci convertible just like everybody else I've experienced the same problem left for work put my car in reverse and it would not move acted like it was in neutral, took it to Critz BMW to find out the problem and they said it is my transmission my car has only 74,000 miles the year of my car is a 2000. The cost they told me would be 5,600 to fix. I owe about 14,000 thousand on my car and this is a tremendous amount of money I should be enjoying my car but instead I'm still paying for it and its park because I can't afford to fix it. When i purchased my vehicle I asked alot of questions that they either avoided or changed the subject that should have sent up Red Flags then for but I wanted that car BMW advertises Precision and Excellence but after reading this site they have alot of disgruntle and disappointed consumers. BMW needs to reassess these problems and restore their good name before its to late PLEASE KEEP ME INFORM THANK YOU FOR LISTENING> CYRUS HUNTER waiting to ride again in Savannah Ga.

I just read other complaints about the BMW transmission going on automobiles. on 9/14 at in the evening I stopped at Walmart to pick up some items. When I tried to back up my 328I 2000 BMW, the reverse did not work. I took my car to the dealership United BMW; and they said they could not find anything wrong so it has to be internal and I would need a new transmission. Up to that point, i never had a problem with my car not going into reverse. If these cars have transmissions issue, then why isn't BMW doing something about it. They are making it appear that it is just something with the car itself or the mileage on the vehicle. This is crazy - they should be fixing these automobiles.

I was leaving for class and went to put my 1999 328i into reverse and it wouldn't move. I have it towed to BMW and they gave me a $7100 estimate. Its $5,800 for the transmission and $1100 for labor. This is crazy. I'm a student and I do not have this type of money to fork out for a new transmission. Please help make more people aware of this.

I have a 2000 323i sedan with 77k the car has been extrememly well taken care of. all services done in order. My transmission light comes on all the time now with the service engine soon. I brought it to them and the could not read the faults so they consulted with BMW America to determine what they read. We short story is you need to replace the transmission. They told me I never need to replace the fluid on tranny caused it sealed. I ask them to replace it at 30k and 60k and they said no reason to. So I believed them. So no I they are wanting $5,700 to replace the tranny which is un heard of. I feel ripped off. They said the tranny fluid is burned. I asked why did you not replace it when I asked. They no reason to.

2000 BMW 323i won't go to reverse. No warning, all of a sudden the car wouldn't go into reverse. BMW cost to repair is $4000+. Lord, I hope we get a recall on these or the class action lawsuit. I had no idea this problem was revelent to so many people.

I've previously reported my problem with the failure of my 2000 BMW 323i to go in reverse gear -- and BMW's refusal to own up to the problem. What's new is I have a copy of the technical report BMW sent to its service technicians advising them that the Steptronic transmission made by GM would no longer be used in these cars. Obviously the reason was BMW knew the transmission was a bad one since GM recalled it in its own vehicles and made matters right with its customers. BMW, however, simply discontinued its use of the transmission and has left its customers on the hook for the full cost of replacing the transmission. If you have my make, model and year, you'll be in the same predicament as me. If you want a copy of the technical service report.

The transmission on my 2001 BMW 330i, on which I have less than 50k miles, is shot. I went to put it in reverse last week, and nothing happened. Apparently, this is a common problem with this make and model of car. I'm looking at a $5,500 repair bill! Apparently, the transmission can't be rebuilt.

The transmission just went on our 2000 323i wagon. It has 127k miles. WONT GO IN REVERSE!! Shocking I know. I was at the airport leaving on a three week business trip when my wife (who just dropped me off) calls me in tears telling me she stopped to get a cup of coffee and the car wouldn't go in reverse. BMW really needs to step up to the plate on this problem. We still owe over $8000 on our car and now it looks like another $3000 will have to be spent. Why is BMW using a GM transmission anyway?

My BMW 323i - the REVERSE is no longer working - it has only 100K miles on it.

This could cost $4000 to $5000

My turn ! Add me to the list of NO REVERSE in my BMW 323I. 89,000 miles , 5k to replace. BMW claims ignorance to the issue.Time to get vocal people!

BMW 2000 323i sedan will not reverse. Happened all of a sudden to meticulously maintained car. Similar experience like those posted on the site. We need a recall! I have filed a complaint at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Estimated cost of $3500.

I have a BMW 2000 323i that fails to go into reverse. The dealer wants 6000 to replace same. After some research I've found this to be a prevalent problem with this model.

We have a 2001 BMW 330i with automatic transmission with approximately 88,000 miles on it and while recently driving the car a Service Engine Light? came on right after it had been into the dealer for servicing. The Dealer? claimed that it was nothing to worry about. But, while checking the BMW Diagnostic Fault Code reading myself, it showed a fault code of P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off. In plain English the transmission is about to go out. Based on the sheer number of posts on this website alone, clearly BMW has a problem with its transmissions and they should provide unlimited warranties based on the price of the vehicles alone, but they dont want acknowledge a problem. But they dont. Im ready to participate in any class action being considered. Ultimate driving machine?, my a$$...

Well, I see here that the problem I have with my BMW 323i is not new. I didn't realize it was so wide spread.. Yesterday I started the car as normal and attempted to back out of my drive way. I put the car in reverse and nothing,, the car wouldn't move. The day before the car was fine and drove normal, no noise, no problem. It seemed as if the Transmission goblins came over night.. Obviously a big expensive problem that is occurring more then what BMW can say is normal wear and tear. This car is well taken care of and all service and Maint is done by BMW.. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL.. BMW is giving a pat answer claiming they are not aware of any tranny problems.. COME-ON BMW step up to the plate and at least help out with some of the cost. I hope every one up here that has this complaint is forwarding this around the NET,, so that we can help others from getting burned by this Co.. and the way it treats it's costumers.. The Co. has record profits this year and now we can see why.. They WON'T stand behind what they sell and REFUSE to acknowledge that there is a problem with these tranny's

I owned a 1999 BMW 328i 4 door and sold it to my girlfriend about 2 years ago. It has about 120,000 miles on it now and has recently experience the same problem that others have been describing on this site. It will not go into reverse and acts as if it is neutral. The general assumption seems to be that it will require a transmission replacement that costs about $7000. I have researched it a little and found that there was a class action lawsuit (Kevin Daugherty v. BMW of North America, LLC) filed, but I cannot find the result of that lawsuit nor can I find anyone to contact that is willing to help me add my girlfriends name to the class. Does anyone know the result of this case? I found that they have recalled the 1999 5-series auto transmission saying PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS. I'm not sure if this is the same automatic transmission that is in the 3-series, but it obviously has had similar problems.I also found a description of what may be causing this problem.First site say, The problem is probably a dowel pin that has fallen out. On a 323i, the owner took his story to a news channel and BMW agreed to give him a new transmission for free and charge him only for labor -- a savings of $4,000. I also read that BMW used a GM transmission in several of their models for a few years. Yet another site says Your transmission (a GM sourced transmission BTW) has what BMW claims as a Lifetime fill tranmission fluid. There're no dipsticks or refill cap in the engine compartment as others here have suggested. Changing your fluid now is redundant, because you already have a problem in the transmission. There are no repairs possible by BMW; because BMW does not supply parts for this transmission, they only offer complete rebuilt trannies. Cost: $6,000 installed.

You have 4 choices now. 1. Quickly trade the car in and buy another new/used car from a dealer (w/o telling them the problem) before you completely lose the revese gear - the least expensive and safest choice. 2. Pay the $6,000 (a costly option considering the market price of this car now). 3. Print out all the articles you find online (like what I did before) and Fedex to BMW USA to request for help (ask them nicely in the letter). If you're lucky, they'll cut the price in half (which they offered me). But it's a long process. 4. Convert the car to Manual Transmission. I know of this place that does it, www.theeurodepot.com. It is only a matter of time now before you completely lose your reverse gear.

To diagnose this, on a good day when you CAN get reverse gear, step on the brakes and step on the pedal lightly. You'll see your transmission slipping (revs going up higher and higher w/o any resistance). This site describes the problem the best and offers an alternative solution. - The reverse is controlled by a clutch drum that has some very weak machining and very thin wall where a snap ring holding the clutch plates in is secured. This clutch drum is available (new) as an OEM part from a parts house.

The drum looks like its cast out of some cheap pot metal and then machined.About 270 degrees of the drum edge is broken off. This removes the pressure point of the snap ring that the clutch plates press against. I guess it starts to crack and works its way around the drum until it just breaks free - then No reverse. The real scary part is that when the shop dropped the pan, it was totally clean - all the broken pieces shown were laying on top of the valve body. The tech said that none of the parts were small enough to get into the valve body.My tranny guy said the new drum has been reengineered and is much stronger than the unit shown in the pics.

The service is probably going to be somewhere around two grand. This is the web address to the above site. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?referrerid=50100&t=468165. I appologize for the choppy post but, I was doing research as I posted and had to add several thing and don't have time to revise it. I hope this helps, and I think its about time for a recall. Update me on the class action lawsuit if any of you hear anything.

I drove to work as usual with no problems. Upon leaving the office for the day, my 2001 330i BMW would not shift into reverse gear. I had the car towed to the BMW Store, where I was informed the car needed a new transmission. The cost of the new transmission is $4800.00. It turns out I actually received a rebuilt transmission rather than a new one. The BMW Store kept my car for about a month while the rebuilt transmission was shipped here from Germany. The transmission failed to enter reverse gear @ per the repair paperwork @ 80,000 miles. I took the car back to the The BMW Store for another issue and was informed of recall regarding the transmission, but they indicated it had nothing to do with the reverse gear failure.

The BMW Store replaced some sort of control module that reportedly controlled shift points. If anyone is antisipating a CLASS ACTION suit regarding their failed transmission, I too am very interested in entering the ClASS. With so many failed units we should collectively take out a one page add in the USA Today and make America aware of our problems with BMW's non responsivness. Maybe that would persuade them to become a RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE COMPANY. I have always wanted a BMW and was warned repeatedly against the purchase. I must say this is the worst financial decision I have made in my LIFE. I love and have pampered my car. It still let me down. Back to Toyota..........

Bought a 1997 528i series with less than 50,000, and been having some engine troubles. Adviced the service dept that it seemed there was some problems with the transmission, a few times.

They have fixed little issues, but two weeks ago the car stalled while driving to work, and now they tell me that it is the transmission and it will cost $4700. We are in a very small island and when I bought the car it had about 38,000 miles, so I only use it for commuting to work about 6 to 7 miles two to three times a week.

I understand it is an older car, but can't comprehend the transmission failing with less than 50,000 miles, and costing so much to fix. I don't have that kind of money, and I won't be taking the vehicle back to the states when we go back in less than a year, it is too costly to ship from Guam. So, as I have just found out, it seems that BMW's are having serious problems with the transmission and wanted to join and see what can be done. Thanks, Norma

2000/ BMW 323I, won't go into reverse. Car has 61,000 miles runs great but the other day the car just stopped going into reverse. It acts like it is in neutral. After a little research this looks like a very common problem. Something needs to be done.

After reading this site I feel lucky that i made it this far without this issue. I've driven my 1999 BMW 323I for the past year with no problems. I bought it used at an extremely discounted price, but now i see why. I got up for a 4 AM road trip and my car lost its reverse gear. I didn't try to drive it, i thought it was a dealer mistake because i just had it serviced the day before. I came inside to do a quick web search and found this site. Boy am I disappointed.

I just bought a 2000 BMW 323i from the original owner who has had every scheduled maintenance and inspection performed since he bought it from the dealership. He only used Shell gas and has never taken it through a car wash (i.e. only washed it by hand). This guy is a meticulous fanatic, the perfect person you want to buy a car from. However, after only having the car for a week, it would no longer go into reverse. I had the BMW dealership inspect the car (about a week ago) before it was shipped out and they didn't pick up on the problem. Car has 105,325 miles. Tranny replacement will run $3,000 to $4,000.

One day my car just stopped going into reverse. The local BMW wants $7,000. to replace it. I don't have an extra $7,000. so my car is just sitting in my garage and I'm using my teenage daughter's car when necessary. After reading about all of the other similar complaints, I'M MAD!!! Please consider the recommendation we might make to BMW as a group. So many of us have demonstrated how ineffective our efforts are as individuals. If we can pool our number, the fruits of our individual investigations, the power of our number speaking with one voice to BMW about our transmission problems . . . maybe we can successfully encourage them to take a different tack with all of us.

My 2000 BMW 323i with about 90K miles will no longer drive in reverse. It appears to be the same transmission problem everyone is describing here. I had no idea that problem was so widespread.

My 2003 BMW 330i has 85K miles and is in very good condition. Recently, however, a Service Engine Soon light came on. The dealer diagnosed a problem and informed me that I needed a new torq converter because the gasket was leaking, however, the car was driving just fine. They told me that if I dodn't replace it now then doen the road the whole transmission might fail and need replacement.

I feel ripped off having paid $3,000 for a torq converter on a car that drove fine. An independent mechanic told me that it's a common problem that BMW is aware of, but the company refused to help out with the cost, stating that there were too many miles on my car. The life of the transmission is supposed to be way longer than 85K miles. Too bad, BMW said.

I own a 2000, automatic transmission, 323i BMW. It will intermittently fail to go in reverse. It will behave as if it's in neutral. All other gears work fine... and reverse will 'sometimes' work again after about 20 minutes of driving. This has resulted in much lateness, headache and injury. Unluckily for me, I parked outside a store in a dip. When I got back and tried to pull out of my parking spot, nothing happened. I spent about an hour trying to push my car uphill out of my spot in 100 degree Florida sun. A good samaritan finally helped and I was on my way... along with burn blisters covering my palms and fingers due to contact with the 100 degree paint on my car while pushing. BMW technician said he had no idea what was wrong and suggested replacement. I also have a problem where the A/C will only blow at full blast. No low, medium or high... only full blast. Oh, and of course every single power windows motor has broken. The passenger side motor has actually broken twice now.

BMW 2000 323i transmission problem. My BMW 323i has 50,000 miles and this weekend reverse totally quit. I come to find that this is a common problem. Car has had regular servicing through BMW dealer. Repair will cost about $4,700. Any recourse? Any sign that BMW will admit general problem, and have recall or pay for rebuilt engine?

Last Night MY 2001 330CI lost reverse,I called the dealer and they are aware of the problem but there is no recall. How many people have to complain about this to get BMW to repair their faulty product. I am in disbelief.

The estimate fo the repair is 4K I could not belive it. SHAME ON BMW.

My 2001 BMW 330i is in good condition, but the transmission has failed and I can't put the car in reverse. My car has about 85,000 mile on it. It's going to cost me $3360 to replace it w/a re-built. I don't think this is supposed to happen and I already know BMW's response will be to not take responsibility since they never recalled it.

My 2001 BMW 330i is in good condition, but the transmission has failed and I can't put the car in reverse. My car has about 85,000 mile on it. It's going to cost me $3360 to replace it w/a re-built. I don't think this is supposed to happen and I already know BMW's response will be to not take responsibility since they never recalled it.

My beautiful dream car, 2000BMW 323, Sport Package, Sun Roof, you name it, meticulously maintained by BMW ONLY and their recommended intervals - would not back-up out of a public parking spot. Will not go in reverse. No warning. No lights showing. Only 68,000. Driven ONLY by me and my wife, treated like a baby - bought new directly from BMW through Pentaogn Sales while in ITALY. My wife cried. Haven't taken it to BMW yet to waste $150 on diagnosis, but after reading the other posts I'm sure the outcome will be the same.

Transmission Problems - 1998 740iL I bought a CPO BMW 740iL with 35000 miles. Now I have 65600 miles on the car and I too am having issues with the transmission. While the car was under CPO warranty, I had taken the car to the Dealership when I was getting a CHECK TRANS message, which I have service records for. The dealership refused to acknowledge the error, saying that they could not read the code on the computer. Well now the transmission won't go in park or reverse and needs to be replaced and the car is out of CP warranty.

I took my BMW323i to this dealership becase my transmission wouldnt go in reverse they wanted to charge me $5100.00 to relace it they said they do not rebuild transmissions I recently fought in Iraq for 24 months so my car hasnt even hit 60000 miles yet, and there isnt a warning light notifying me of the problem, I really hate coming home from a war and having to posibbly pay 51000 dollars to be able to get to work. Now Im researchng this proble online and now I realize this has been an ongoing problem with BMW but yet they claim its not their fault. This Model should be recalled.

No Reverse at 87k miles. 00 323I Dealer quotes $4300 to replace transmission. I filed complaint at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ There are only two complaints filed. All of you people need to file your complaints if you expect any relief. It only takes a minute.

Transmission failure on a 2000 BMW 323 Ci with 65000 miles. Car will not shift into reverse, similar to other complaints on your site. BMW dealer service says the transmission needs to be replaced for $4436. They also say that there is no mainanance that needs to be performed on the transmission, driver technique has no bearing, that it is just a failure of an internal seal.