Possible shift linkage problem
 

Over the last two days my 01 X5 4.4i has had trouble selecting drive. The shift lever moves normally from park through neutral but seems to hit a block when moving from neutral to drive. If I pull slightly to the left but not all the way to the sport mode gate, I can select drive. At that point the transmission operates normally, so my concern is with the linkage. Of note, I don't use the manual shift very often but when I have the down shift has always felt normal but the throw for the up shift has always felt slightly retarded compared to other bimmers I've driven.

So, anyone have a similar problem in the past? I've read posts on various forums suggesting a fluid change, but since the trans operates like normal once drive has been selected, that doesn't seem like the root of the problem.

Thanks.

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couple easy checks
 

First I would pull shift bezel to check if anything got down in there and is physically impeding the selector.

Then I would look under the car and watch the linkage move to see if it is obstructed somehow.

Have someone give you a hand... and don't have the car running lol.
The linkage is in plain sight on the driver side, mid tranny.

I wouldn't think that it could be anything internal to the tranny, my bet is up top.

That is pretty similar advice to what I got from my father who is a trans mechanic but has no experience with bimmers and is about 2000 miles from the vehicle. Guess I know how I'll be spending my next day off!

Thanks!

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Checking this shouldn't take very long at all.

Below is a diagram of the shifter assembly and linkage to give you an idea of what to look for. My bet is also on something binding.

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/x/d/202.png

ECS Tuning

That is fantastic! I've looked all over for something like that diagram!

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