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BMW Transmission Problems

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Matthew of Anaheim, CA May 20, 2009

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.

Giovanni of Norwalk, CT May 19, 2009

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

Russ of Provo, UT May 15, 2009

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!!!

Garland of Chattanooga, TN May 15, 2009

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.

Joseph of South San Francisco, CA May 13, 2009

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 !!!

Frank of Port Chester, NY May 9, 2009

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.

Janelle of Vallejo, CA May 5, 2009

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.

Ed of Peachtree City, GA April 16, 2009

Ed of Peachtree City GA (04/16/09)
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!

Patrick of Olympia, WA April 10, 2009

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