BMW 325I transmission failure problems

Filed Dec 15, 2011 · Transmission · DC

2001 bmw 325i. Consumer states vehicle transmission blew out

Filed Dec 14, 2009 · Transmission · 135,000 miles · NJ

Bmw 2002 325i with 135k miles on it reverse gear does not work. I started my car let it idle for 3-5 minutes since the temperature outside was cold. I shifted into reverse gear, and nothing happened. I had just parked the car approximately 2 hours earlier. There was no indication prior to this incident that there was a problem with the transmission. On the next morning I called the local bmw dealership and explained what had happened. They stated that I needed to replace the transmission. How can you determine that from a phone conversation, I wondered. I pushed the car out of my garage and proceeded to a mechanic. When I completed my dialogue of what had occurred he responded that I was number 4 for him this year. A replacement transmission cost between $3k - $5k. I returned home and began my unofficial internet research...I am not alone and bmw of na is doing nothing to address the manufacturer's defect. I consider this a safety issue. Suppose I was 100s of miles away or if I was in a position where I need to use reverse to get out of harms way and it did not work. As other bmw owners have stated, at least my chevy or ford used to tell me that it was sick and needed some attention. Bmw has no maintenance requirement for this transmission. I am assuming that they think it is replace upon failure. Unacceptable, the part that failed is called the drum. A band breaks and the reverse gear is broken. They have modified the materials in the newer drums to alleviate the problem . That tells me that they are aware that the material they installed in my vehicle was inadequate. I have not repaired the vehicle at this time still shopping around for options. This is a safety issue and a recall is warranted.

Filed Sep 25, 2009 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · NM

Automatic transmission failure: drive will not operate in reverse. Can result in cars stalled in intersection, blocking traffic, without capability to avoid collision by backing up.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · OH

Transmission failure, reverse gear doesn't work.

Filed Jul 7, 2008 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · CA

Bmw 2002 325 I with 92,000 miles, transmission failure, car will not go into reverse, same situation many people are experiencing with 99-2004 models.

Filed Apr 10, 2008 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · CA

I have a formerly pristine bmw 325i 2003 with 70kmi that had a sudden, catastrophic transmission failure for unidentifiable reasons while being driven near sacramento. The car was towed to a bmw dealer in sacramento who claimed they had "never seen anything like it", yet consumeraffairs.com has over 20 pages of complaints about this specific problem. Unfortunately, though we were able to locate a used transmission, the dealer refused to install anything other than a brand new unit at the cost of $6,000. Clearly there is something defective in these transmissions. It appears that bmw of north american has refused to accept any responsibility.

Filed Jun 28, 2005 · Transmission · DC

Dt: contact states while in reverse the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact feels that the service dealer did not repair the vehicle. The service dealer stated there was a recall on this vehicle, but the contact did not receive a recall notice in the mail concerning transmission failure. The service dealer stated that recall repairs were done twice on this vehicle.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Electrical · 3,000 miles · TX

Intermittent severe engine miss. Engine hesitation/failure to accelerate. Engine surges and has very rough idle. Transmission failure to up shift (maximum speed is approximately 50 MPH). Service engine soon light illuminates, but not always (intermittent). With less than 9,000 miles this car has been towed in three times for this and other failures which have left the car undriveable. Bmw dealership service personnel have replaced many parts, without success, as far as we know (more later). These engine events can occur spontaneously, and are not always indicated by a "service engine soon" light illumination. The most dangerous situations are when it occurs as one comes to a stop before entering high speed traffic or when making a left turn. Because the problem can occur spontaneously, if the engine were to stall or begin to run on less than its full complement of cylinders, it could leave one exposed to oncoming traffic with no way to accelerate. Very dangerous. Internet seaching after the latest "repair" attempt has exposed a "secret" bmw bulletin regarding bremi ignition coils. (apparently, this is the same coil brand used in the vw/audi cars with similar problems two years ago.) all six ignition coils, spark plugs, and a host of other parts have been replaced thus far. Unknown if these attempts were successful as this car is no longer being driven--it's fate awaits a possible law suit against bmw. I strongly urge the federal safety agency to recall every bmw with these coils, in addition to addressing bmw's efforts to not publicize this information more readily. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. Mark peters [email protected]

Filed Nov 7, 2003 · Transmission · CO

Transmission failed for second time, vehicle has fewer than 60,000 miles. Vehicle has a system which basically shuts down the vehicle when a "warning" is generated, and the vehicle stopped suddenly in the middle of traffic. Would have been a major issue if I have been on a freeway.

Filed Sep 18, 1998 · Transmission · WI

Transmission went out. Dealer states it needs to be replaced. While driving and stopping it would not move until 4000 RPM's, and vehicle is not driveable.