Trans slow to engage reverse

[kvc]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.
I've read through many posts about these problematic six speed ZF auto transmissions on a number of sites (these trannys are used in a multitude of vehicles). In most cases, the problems seem to be caused by either a faulty torque converter, faulty valve body, clogged filter/s, lack of service (leading to clogged filters), a great deal of towing, or simply not having the correct software programmed. It seems that many of the X5 V-8 models with this transmission suffer these problems (and other problems too). I have another vehicle with the five speed ZF transmission and it is faultless. That said, I've owned that vehicle since new, so know what/how it's been driven, unlike my X5 which I think was used to tow a boat or possibly something else quite heavy judging by the wear on the tow ball.
Irrespective, the transmission does NOT slip, pulls hard and does everything it should do, except for the slow engagement of reverse and harsh shift from 1st to 2nd when cold. I'm hoping that a re-flash of the mechatronics will cure these problems but I would still like to find out if I can do this myself or I need to take it to a BMW dealer to have this done? I hold little faith in the local dealers as I've already spoken to them about this issue and their answer was "you probably need to replace the transmission as they're a non-serviceable part"... WTF?

[upallnight]

BMW dealers will not fix your trans, they will install a rebuilt trans at considerable expense. I would look for an independent trans shop with knowledge of the ZF trans.

[4.8iSteve53]

My trans also functions very we'll aside from the reverse lag. (And the motor mount induced symptoms) which should be gone now.

Also does anyone find the position of the gear selector to be off? I'm used to it now but while test driving and the first week or so. It really bothered me. As well as a friend of mine who took it for a ride right after I got. Like it doesn't go as far forward as it should, looks like it's in R when it's in P. Anyone else?

[kvc]

Originally Posted by 4.8iSteve53

Also does anyone find the position of the gear selector to be off? I'm used to it now but while test driving and the first week or so. It really bothered me. As well as a friend of mine who took it for a ride right after I got. Like it doesn't go as far forward as it should, looks like it's in R when it's in P. Anyone else?

There should be adjustment in the selector under the vehicle, where it connects to the transmission. It may have been improperly adjusted due to previous work on the car and/or might just need to be adjusted properly. Should be an easy fix but may require a second person (inside) when you loosen/adjust the selector rod to advise when it's sitting where it should be.

[4.8iSteve53]

Ok thanks. I'm going to go out and poke my head around a little bit at other x5's first but I think it's off a little. The indicator does line up properly, but the position seems off.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Search my threads. You don't need to rebuild. You most likely need new solenoids for the valve body. About $600 and a whole bunch of hours. The rough 1-2 shift when cold is about normal for these cars. Almost every v8 x5 I have driven has done this when cold. If your reverse is slow to engage when hot, could be solenoids are gunned up. I may have caused this on my car when I did my trans filter service. When I got the solenoids out, they had rubber filter type of material in the screens. You never know what someone did before you, and your solenoids may be in the same boat.

The no reverse with a bad solenoid is more a GM tranny issue and not a ZF tranny issue. Not saying that it can't happen on a ZF tranny.

Here's a link to more info on BMW no reverse issue.

* No-Reverse Solution For GM Transmission * - E46Fanatics

Here's a list of shops that will rebuild a BMW tranny.

BMW Reverse Transmission Problems

[bcredliner]

Transmission symptoms can be misleading. Before I did anything more than you have I would take it to a well recommended transmission shop that has experience with your particular transmission. Depending on what is wrong you can then decide if you want them to fix it or if you DIY.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by upallnight

The no reverse with a bad solenoid is more a GM tranny issue and not a ZF tranny issue. Not saying that it can't happen on a ZF tranny.

Here's a link to more info on BMW no reverse issue.

* No-Reverse Solution For GM Transmission * - E46Fanatics

Here's a list of shops that will rebuild a BMW tranny.

BMW Reverse Transmission Problems

You may have missed this guy. Even though you posted in it.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...y-3rd-4th.html

[kvc]

Thanks for the link SlickGT1 - made for very interesting reading and could be the road I must travel... Not too sure I want to take this path at this early stage of ownership, as I'm enjoying the ride too much at the moment to park the car up for any length. It's winter here now and as the wet weather progresses I may bite the bullet and pull the transmission apart to investigate, swap-out the solenoids etc. and revert to 'another' car as a daily... that said, my wife would not be impressed if I started to pull the X apart after only 4 months of ownership... I can hear her now "you haven't bought another lemon have you"?..."why are you pulling this car apart already"?..."here we go again"... So to keep the peace, I'll live with the transmission as is for a while, then delve into the problem when I've researched all possibilities, sourced parts and prepared my workshop for the task.

[heinz13]

KVC...I realize which unit you have. I've been in the transmission business for over 35 years. It is a ZF6HP-19. My advice to you is DRIVE it, and not worry. When it breaks then you'll know what to do. Good Luck.

Herbert Boensch
Transpro Transmissions
Houston, Texas