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BMW Transmission Problems

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K of Toluca Lake, CA August 18, 2009

2003 325i. Transmission went out at 97,000 miles, approx. 2 months after the warranty/maintenance plan expired. Was told that total replacement was only option at cost of 8,300. (This was not the no Reverse issue, but the hesitation/problems getting into gear issue which ultimately put me in lock/limp mode with only 3rd gear.)

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.

Anita of Brooklyn, NY August 15, 2009

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.

Shad of Austin, TX August 6, 2009

***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.

Dewey of Chino, CA August 1, 2009

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+

Monica of Sacramento, CA July 28, 2009

I have 05 525 BMW and recently started having transmission problems at 100k. I left it with the dealer for two days and they finally decided it needed a new one at 8300. I picked up my car and took to a trany shop, well this guy who has been in business for 26 years could not get the code from BMW to work on my car. I now have it at another shop who will be rebuilding it for less but it's still costly. It was having problems when shifting gears. 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!

cheryl king of syosset, NY July 9, 2009

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

Steve of Caswell Beach, NC July 8, 2009

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.

Robert of Manhattan beach, CA July 6, 2009

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.

Abelardo of Santa Ana, CA June 24, 2009

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.

Syed of woodside, NY June 22, 2009

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.

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