[forumman83]

My 2009 328xi stopped shifting in reverse last week. It drove fine otherwise I just made sure to park where I did not need to reverse while I waited for my car appointment to get it checked. Two days later, it stopped shifting into drive as well. Now, whether in reverse, or drive, the vehicle just revs but doesn't go anywhere.

Can someone give me some ideas here?

I have a feeling this is gonna cost me!

[jeddo45]

Originally Posted by forumman83

My 2009 328xi stopped shifting in reverse last week. It drove fine otherwise I just made sure to park where I did not need to reverse while I waited for my car appointment to get it checked. Two days later, it stopped shifting into drive as well. Now, whether in reverse, or drive, the vehicle just revs but doesn't go anywhere.

Can someone give me some ideas here?

I have a feeling this is gonna cost me!

When you shift, does the dashboard indicate that your gears are changing, or not? If nothing is changing on the dash then I'd say there's and issue with the shifter or something under the shifter. If it is changing, then you have a bigger issue. You should be getting some kind of codes thrown if the issue is bad enough...

[dsjr2006]

Originally Posted by forumman83

My 2009 328xi stopped shifting in reverse last week. It drove fine otherwise I just made sure to park where I did not need to reverse while I waited for my car appointment to get it checked. Two days later, it stopped shifting into drive as well. Now, whether in reverse, or drive, the vehicle just revs but doesn't go anywhere.

Can someone give me some ideas here?

I have a feeling this is gonna cost me!

If the vehicle is going into gear, but not moving theres probably a problem with the trans and not the shifter. Could be a simple as being low on fluid or as bad as needing parts replaced like the torque converter or entire trans rebuild. If there were absolutely no symptoms before this happened like slipping then I'd start with fluid, but then you need to find out how the fluid escaped.

[forumman83]

Yes the gears shift

[forumman83]

“Might be fluid”

Interesting, thanks for the info. How do i make sure that the mechanic i take it to is honest and doesn’t try to sell me a new trans?

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by forumman83

“Might be fluid”

Interesting, thanks for the info. How do i make sure that the mechanic i take it to is honest and doesn’t try to sell me a new trans?

How is anyone honestly suppose to answer that question...

I guess by reporting back what they tell you the issue is maybe first step.

First thing to do is connect to ISTA and read the computers.

[forumman83]

Got it. Will do. Can i ask them for the readings?

[robthewrench]

Based on your responses, it sounds like you won't be trying to read the codes yourself. Since you are not self diagnosing the issue, I recommend you find one or two recommended BMW specific mechanics in your area and get your car evaluated. You may need to pay a diagnostic fee for this work, but it usually reimbursed if they do the recommended repair. I would suggest not just picking any mechanic, but get a BMW specific mechanic. If you don't like their estimate, you can then get a 2nd opinion from another mechanic.

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Got it. Will do. Can i ask them for the readings?

Well whatever conclusion they come to you have to ask them how they reached that conclusion...

On the other hand if you live around GTA i can recommend you 2 really good shops. One is in mississauga and another in kitchener ontario.

[dsjr2006]

Ask to see the codes and have them explain what they mean. Have them drain the fluid and tell you how much was drained and the condition of it. Check out parts that are removed if needed and have them explain in detail what the problem is. Outside of that, read reviews, get recommendations and trust your gut.

[labrador]

Not sure what you meant. Does the transmission shift into gear or not? Even if the transmission does not go into gear the gear shifter most likely will still move. So the car is not moving in D or R, but does the correct gear letter show up on the dash?

My 2009 328xi stopped shifting in reverse last week......it stopped shifting into drive as well.

Yes the gears shift

If it is the GM transmission, then it might be the common manual shift valve problem. This is a cheaply made valve with a weak dowel pin that easily breaks. It is a $25 part, but you will have to drop the valve body. Sonnax has a better made all metal one like $60. The video below says you might have codes: 56B, 56BB, 56BF, 56BD. You may be able to get the transmission into fail-safe mode and drive it by shifting back and forth after warming up and limp in to a shop. Or just have a flatbed come out.

BMW has been using GM transmissions for a long time, but I wish they would just use ZF even if it costs more, seeing the corners GM cuts. Not that ZF is without its own problems.

Oh no, it is a PoS Aisin valve body! How cheap can GM get?

[asiflicious]

Whether or not the correct gear indicator on the dash is very important in figuring out what the issue is. Find out if it is and let us know

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

Based on your responses, it sounds like you won't be trying to read the codes yourself. Since you are not self diagnosing the issue, I recommend you find one or two recommended BMW specific mechanics in your area and get your car evaluated. You may need to pay a diagnostic fee for this work, but it usually reimbursed if they do the recommended repair. I would suggest not just picking any mechanic, but get a BMW specific mechanic. If you don't like their estimate, you can then get a 2nd opinion from another mechanic.

Great advice thanks. No I won’t be diagnosing myself. Problem with multiple quotes is that my car is undriveable and i’m getting it towed to a local BMW mechanic. I guess if I don’t like his quote, I can have it towed elsewhere.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by Pladi

Well whatever conclusion they come to you have to ask them how they reached that conclusion...

On the other hand if you live around GTA i can recommend you 2 really good shops. One is in mississauga and another in kitchener ontario.

Pladi, I am i. Windsor thanks though.

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by labrador

Not sure what you meant. Does the transmission shift into gear or not? Even if the transmission does not go into gear the gear shifter most likely will still move. So the car is not moving in D or R, but does the correct gear letter show up on the dash?

Very good informative post/video thank you!

[forumman83]

Originally Posted by asiflicious

Whether or not the correct gear indicator on the dash is very important in figuring out what the issue is. Find out if it is and let us know

Yes it does read on the dash thanks.

[forumman83]

If this is a shift valve issue as theorized, how many hours of labor should i be looking at for a mechanic to fix the issue?

Thanks.

[dsjr2006]

Originally Posted by forumman83

Great advice thanks. No I won’t be diagnosing myself. Problem with multiple quotes is that my car is undriveable and i’m getting it towed to a local BMW mechanic. I guess if I don’t like his quote, I can have it towed elsewhere.

I'm sure you realize this now, but if you're having a serious issue like transmission or engine in the future bring it to the shop ASAP and leave it there. Better to drop it off while it's running than to be stranded and need a tow.

[labrador]

It is similar to a transmission filter change. 6 more bolts, remove the electrical connector. So I would guess 1 MORE hour plus parts (valve and maybe connector sleeve) to a typical ATF/filter service. Really does not add more than 30 minutes.

If this is the GM transmission I would not expect more than *guessing* $200 for filter service? And tag on an hour labor plus needed parts. I do my own filter change, so like $50 in filter fluid and gasket. Have not changed the manual valve yet.

Call and ask a shop before hand. I would not let them BS me into oh it’s so hard yada yada several hundred bucks. But I really do not know the market.
https://www.atra.com

If they have seen this they would know off the top, *if* this is what it was. Can your parts stores pull codes free?

Originally Posted by forumman83

If this is a shift valve issue as theorized, how many hours of labor should i be looking at for a mechanic to fix the issue?

Thanks.

[MDazy]

Hi Making my first post. I have a 2011 335i XDrive manual transmission that no longer can be shifted into reverse. I will be making my first post asking for help.

[arhoads335i]

Originally Posted by MDazy

Hi Making my first post. I have a 2011 335i XDrive manual transmission that no longer can be shifted into reverse. I will be making my first post asking for help.

You better start looking for a new trans