Unable to go into reverse!

[shahkg]

Started up the X this evening, but the "Reverse" would not engage. Drive worked fine, and the car started up with no problem. But for some reason it wouldn't go into reverse at all. Had to put it into neutral and back it out myself . Any ideas as to what might be wrong?

[Wagner]

Wow, that is a first. I've had the problem where the tranny wouldn't get out of park, but no issue with a specific gear. Also, I haven't heard of that issue before.

So what does the shifter do when it passes the reverse gate? Does the 'R' light come on on the dash? Do you feel any engagement in the shifter at all?

I would take it to the dealer ASAP if you are still under warranty.

[Thunder22]

well, at least you know that your car isn't french (sorry, couldn't help myself )

[withidl]

I'd hazard a guess that the problem is electronic, either within the shift lever circuitry or the electronic servo within the transmission which actuates reverse. The shift lever electronics is relatively easy to access and droping the transmission pan to R&R the reverso servo would be minimally invasive.

[joeacc]

My dad just had this problem with his 2002 4.4 X5. He ended up needing to buy a new transmission. Little over $5,000 bill. Good luck, is it still under warrenty?

[footsurg]

Originally Posted by joeacc

My dad just had this problem with his 2002 4.4 X5. He ended up needing to buy a new transmission. Little over $5,000 bill. Good luck, is it still under warrenty?

Can you give us some specifics regarding the problem he had? Did the reverse gear suddenly go out? Or was it an intermittent issue that became worse? What was the milage on the X when the issue occured? Did the dealer offer to work with him on the issue to lower his out of pocket cost? If possible can you you let us know what the month and year of manufacture is on his X? Wondering if this issue is happening on specific years and manufacture dates.

Mark

[shahkg]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

Wow, that is a first. I've had the problem where the tranny wouldn't get out of park, but no issue with a specific gear. Also, I haven't heard of that issue before.

So what does the shifter do when it passes the reverse gate? Does the 'R' light come on on the dash? Do you feel any engagement in the shifter at all?

I would take it to the dealer ASAP if you are still under warranty.

The car turns on fine, all electronics work with no problems. When I put the lever in "R", the rear lights come on, but the car stays in neutral. I give it some gas, but still no go. I can put it into "Drive" with no problem, and the car runs fine. The weird thing is that at times the "Reverse" does in fact work, but then stops later on.

Thankfully the car is under warranty (CPO) so they should be fixing it for me.

[shahkg]

Originally Posted by footsurg

Can you give us some specifics regarding the problem he had? Did the reverse gear suddenly go out? Or was it an intermittent issue that became worse? What was the milage on the X when the issue occured? Did the dealer offer to work with him on the issue to lower his out of pocket cost? If possible can you you let us know what the month and year of manufacture is on his X? Wondering if this issue is happening on specific years and manufacture dates.

Mark

My car is a 2001 X5 4.4i, mileage is 43,500. Will find out the build date tomorrow.

[vinuneuro]

My money's on servo.

[gregwx5]

my friend had the same problem in his 3 series and he had his transmission replaced under warranty.