Troubleshooting a BMW Transmission that Will Not Go Into Reverse (state automotive inspectors)
No commentsBy Astonish Articles
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.
For more information on Car Transmissions or to find a Used Transmission visit SWTransmissions.com
Your Source For Automobile Inspection Information
Automotive Interior and Exterior Accessories for Motoring Fun
By Mike McCoy
I don’t know anyone who owns an automobile that hasn’t added an automotive aftermarket accessory to that vehicle. Some of us want to protect our investment so we choose automotive interior accessories to protect the floor, or protect the seats. Or maybe we choose automotive exterior accessories to protect the vehicle finish with an auto sealant or car cover.
Sometimes we choose automotive aftermarket accessories to distinguish our vehicle from the others. It’s a way we give it a personality that identifies with who we are and separating it from the crowd. Maybe we add an automotive trim kit or auto dash mat with a logo, or maybe we upgrade to custom car mats with a monogram or protect those seats with custom car covers. There are a lot of ways to change the look and feel of our auto. And it doesn’t matter if we concentrate on an automotive interior accessory or an automotive exterior accessory.
Some of my favorite automotive interior accessories are dashboard mats, custom seat covers, auto dash trim, and custom car mats. Any of these auto accessories add a nice touch to your investment and give you enjoyment every time you get behind the wheel. Car dashboard mats are a nice touch with or without your favorite team logo. Auto dash trim is available, molded or flat, in wood grain, carbon fiber, various colors, and brushed metal. You can create quite a look with those choices. Custom car mats can be added with personalization or not, a choice of car mat fiber density, and a multitude of color choices. Auto seat covers are available in microsuede, velour, polycotton, tweed, neoprene, sheepskin, camo, and several other fabrics giving you choices to match your personality.
For my automotive exterior accessories I would first choose a car sealant to protect my vehicle investment. Not a wax or polish but a true sealant that would bond with the auto finish and genuinely protect it for future good looks. If the car was out in the elements I would consider a custom car cover. There are so many fabric choices and price ranges that there is a car cover for any budget or environment.
Car accessories are motoring fun. With a little money or a lot you can change the look and feel of your favorite ride to give you years of motoring fun.
Online Automotive Accessories and Parts sales
to enhance and protect the vehicle investment. In business since 1993, have been online since 1998, are online sales only in the US and limited shipment internationally www.MyMotoringAccessories.com
Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 at 2:10 am and is filed under automotive. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
