originally posted May 18th , 2007:


I bought the 535xi 2008 in the beginning of the month and already have a problem with the new electronic gear shift. The problem is when I was parked and attempted to put the car in drive the shifter would not allow me to put it in gear, similar to not pressing the brake and attempting to put it in gear. I had to second guess myself so I did it again and sure as %$@ the gear would not go back into drive. So I put it in reverse and then try to put it and drive then it worked. I did this several times and there is definately a problem with the shifter. I called BMW service and spoke to the manager and brought the car in this morning. The shop manager checked my car and noticed the problem. He told me he was going to put it on the computer and see if there was anything wrong with it. I waited and after a while he came back and told me that the computer did not find anything wrong with it and he would have to call BMW in Germany and have them send detailed information on the shifter and what may cause this problem. He said that the car is to new and they don't have any information readily available. He further stated that the shifter may need to be replaced and they will have to get it from Germany. Is this common with new cars or is it just mine? I mean somepart going bad so soon. Already a wheel allignment and now this.

Update 5/27/07

Still waiting for new shifter to arrive from germany. I've been using the car with the faulty shifter. The BMW shop foreman emphasized that it was safe to drive the car. 1 1/2 weeks and so far ok. Once in a while it gets stuck and I have to jiggle it and it releases. :thumbsdown: Other than that the car is great.