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RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

Bandit2006 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:00:14 GMT

To anyone who reads this and is experiencing the same issue:

After 2 Months of phone calls and emails to BMW of North America, They have authorized my local BMW Dealership (Tulley BMW) to replace my transmission at there expense, though I do have to pay for the labor expense (roughly $800-$1,000) which I am still negotiating with the service manager, it is still a far cry from the $5,200.00 out of pocket estimate.

BMW appears to be handling this issue on a case by case basis, I will say that the Customer Service Rep (Ryan Greer) at BMW NA Customer relations was very pleasant and professional to deal with.

Good Luck and Thank you to All who replied.

Jim :)

RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

Bandit2006 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:59:48 GMT

Wow, Thank you very much for the link:

"Here's a link that may offer some help http://www.noreverse.org/"

RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

Bandit2006 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:55:30 GMT

I didn't buy from an Authorized BMW Dealer :(

RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

schneller — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:00:46 GMT

Which dealer did you buy the car from?

RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

Bandit2006 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:49:19 GMT

Thank you for the feedback! :)

I have been working with BMW of North America for well over a month now, pre-owed, pre-certified date ended 1/1/08 or 100,000 mles, which ever comes ist :(, I only have 66,000 miles, so they are considering it! crossing my fingers! they have not said they will help, but they have not siad no yet either.

Have a great week!

Jim :)

RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

schneller — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:20:19 GMT

Thanks for the article link.

Some Bimmer tech members responded to my inquiry also.

Here's a link that may offer some help http://www.noreverse.org/

I don't believe that BMW is "good willing" these repairs, but if you purchased the car from your dealer, have a good relationship with them, and your car is well under 100K miles it doesn't hurt to ask. I've seen many people get free stuff that way.

Good Luck! :)

RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

Bandit2006 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 11:55:41 GMT

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/bmw_trans.html

BMW "No Reverse" Transmission Problem

Author: Joe Sirugo | Posted: 04-12-2007 | Comments: 2 | Views: 1,231 | Rating: (947) (?)

An automatic transmission is just that- automatic, consequently most people tend to pay very little attention to it until a major problem rears its ugly head.

Picture the scenario- you are driving along in the lap of luxury, the satellite radio blaring and the heated seats on. You have become accustomed to the comfort level and great driving experience brought to you by BMW.

You decide to stop at the local convenience store on your way home to grab some ice cream for the kids and a bottle of water for yourself. Upon returning to your car, you start it up, check your rear view mirror, put the shifter in reverse and then the unthinkable happens- the engine just revs as if it is in neutral and the car goes nowhere!

This article deals with the reasons behind an unexpected loss of reverse in certain BMW automatic transmission equipped vehicles, specifically the 3 series and 5 series vehicles that use the ZF5HP19 or steptronic transmission. This includes the popular 323i, 323ci, 325i, 328i, 330i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3 and X5 models well as some others built in the 1999 to present model years.

To eliminate confusion, this does not apply to vehicles equipped with the GM 5L40 E transmission, just the ones with the sometimes problematic ZF5HP19. The 5L40 E has some issues of its own that are beyond the scope of this article but are certainly going to be the subject of another.

The failure rate for these transmissions seems to be very high and is expected to become much more of a problem as time goes by.

Typically, the vehicle is working perfectly while driving forward but when it is put in reverse there is a complete and permanent loss of movement to back up.

Reverse is typically a major feat for any transmission to accomplish- imagine the demands that are placed on a gearbox as it is asked to reverse the torque of your engine so that you can back up your nearly 4000 pound vehicle.

By far, the most common cause of the reverse problem in BMW's is the failure of the D-G clutch drum. Specifically, the snap ring that retains the D or reverse clutch breaks out of the clutch drum resulting in an inability for the clutch pack to apply.

The good news is that there is hope in regards to a proper repair. The factory has released an updated part that so far appears to be a permanent fix for this problem.

In our testing and in conjunction with several hundred successful repairs at our facilities, the new part seems to be metallurgically superior in several ways.

We have found that there is an improved radius area as well as slightly thicker casting. In addition to this, the grove that retains the snap ring is also relocated further away from the edge of the drum.

With this issue addressed and attention to detail in several other areas of the ZF5HP19 unit, the transmission can be repaired to "better than new" condition by a competent transmission rebuilder / remanufacturer. In fact, when properly repaired, the ZF gearbox becomes quite robust and can provide an almost indefinite service life.

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RE: 2001 330I No Reverse

schneller — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:43:35 GMT

We haven't seen this problem within our customer base. In fact, we haven't had to do anything beyond fluid & filter services on this transmission. My lead tech who is a factory trained technician hasn't encountered the problem you describe either. I've contacted some members of the Bimmer Tech Group relative to this & will let you know what they report. :)

2001 330I No Reverse

Bandit2006 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:44:46 GMT

Dear Sir,

My 2001 330I with 66,000 miles lost the ability to shift to reverse, reverse gear is eqiuvelent to plave the transmission in nuetral.

I have read that this problem is widespread and cuased by a design flaw in the c-ring groove which retians the reverse clutch plate assy together.

Could you please verify this consensus and if there is a chance that BMW will provide assistance in repairing this design flaw?

Any information you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

JMO