08 LCI w auto trans stuck in Park
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Atlanta Georgia USA
My Ride: 2008 535i ALS, Nav, Cold Weather package, Premium package, Logic 7
Has anyone had the unfortunate experience of not being able to engage reverse or drive from the park position after starting their car?
It happened to me. The electronic shifter would move forward or backwards but the transmission would not change from park to drive or reverse. I tried numerous times and then shut the car down and restarted several times. That didn?t work. Finally, I locked the car up, walked away and returned about 15 minutes later hoping that would give the car time to reset itself.
And yes, everything worked just fine! This seems a little perplexing to me to have the thing stuck in park and then have to hope the car will reset itself in order to have the transmission work.
My 535i has 13,500 miles on it ? no other problems so far.
Any similar experiences would be appreciated.
It happened to me. The electronic shifter would move forward or backwards but the transmission would not change from park to drive or reverse. I tried numerous times and then shut the car down and restarted several times. That didn?t work. Finally, I locked the car up, walked away and returned about 15 minutes later hoping that would give the car time to reset itself.
And yes, everything worked just fine! This seems a little perplexing to me to have the thing stuck in park and then have to hope the car will reset itself in order to have the transmission work.
My 535i has 13,500 miles on it ? no other problems so far.
Any similar experiences would be appreciated.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 349
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From: New York
My Ride: 2004 550i - AS, SP, CWP, Nav, L7, Rear Sunshades, PDC, Comfort Seats
This issue sounds similar to the steptronics, it would not engage in drive or reverse. This a known issue with a SIB regarding the replacement of the shifter. Do a search on this forum and you will get a few hits on this topic.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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From: Vancouver, BC , Canada
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
Your dealer will be well aware of the issue, they'll take care of it for you.
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From: Northern NJ, USA
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Lucky you weren't robbing a bank or driving a getaway car. Then you would have really been in trouble.
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Originally Posted by GP550iSport' post='530394' date='Feb 12 2008, 11:07 AM
This issue sounds similar to the steptronics, it would not engage in drive or reverse. This a known issue with a SIB regarding the replacement of the shifter. Do a search on this forum and you will get a few hits on this topic.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Which brings up the question:
Is anyone else as uncomfortable with the idea of drive-by-wire as I am?
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From: Sweden, EU
My Ride: 07' 530d - M-Sport - Titanium Silver / Black Dakota leather
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Originally Posted by JeffNNJ' post='530433' date='Feb 12 2008, 06:27 PM
Lucky you weren't robbing a bank or driving a getaway car. Then you would have really been in trouble.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Atlanta Georgia USA
My Ride: 2008 535i ALS, Nav, Cold Weather package, Premium package, Logic 7
Thanks for the reply re SIB. After reading the SIB I may have been trying to put the car in gear without my seat belt on. I can't remember exactly, but I haven't had the problem since then. Let's hope that was it - a user problem, not an electronic problem 
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Originally Posted by tprindle' post='530837' date='Feb 13 2008, 09:44 AM
Thanks for the reply re SIB. After reading the SIB I may have been trying to put the car in gear without my seat belt on. I can't remember exactly, but I haven't had the problem since then. Let's hope that was it - a user problem, not an electronic problem
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From: Seattle, WA
My Ride: E53 E60 E92
Originally Posted by Rudy' post='530840' date='Feb 13 2008, 09:53 AM
Do you have a link (or the number) to the SIB you're referring to? Normally the car will let you shift into gear without the seat belt on so I'm curious what the bulletin says about that...
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From: Atlanta Burbs
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Originally Posted by gene1' post='530436' date='Feb 12 2008, 12:32 PM
Which brings up the question:
Is anyone else as uncomfortable with the idea of drive-by-wire as I am?
Is anyone else as uncomfortable with the idea of drive-by-wire as I am?
If I was I would not be in a comtemporary Bimmer.
S**t happens now and then.