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Automatic Shifter Issue

2.7K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  Bert336  
#1 ·
Hey all...

Well, it always seems like once you fix one thing, something else goes wrong.
For those of you that don't know, I recently had my subframe fixed by BMW.

For the past several days, at least twice a day, my automatic shifter gets stuck when trying to go from Park to Drive. It moves fine at first, but gets stuck at Neutral. I then have to move it back to reverse, and then back to Drive. If I don't do this, it will not go to Drive. What could be the problem???

Also, I have noticed a metallic rattle sound coming from the rear when hitting small bumps. Sounds like a series of fast ticks. Could this be the ebrake cable?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Dropkick323i
 
#3 ·
i think the 1999/2000 year production 323 were not as great.

many steptronic guys r getting problems with their transmission like the reverse gear messing up and stuff.
 
#4 ·
Thanks, but,

My gears are not messing up, the shifter is getting stuck when I try to put it into drive. If I wiggle the shifter, or move it back to reverse it goes fine. I'm thinking it may be the shifter's cable?

NE1 Else?

Dropkick323i
 
#5 ·
Another cause might be that the shift lock solenoid is defective or just loose, so it prevents you from shifting to D at times. It's in the gearshift/selector housing, and is de-activated when pressing on the brake pedal.
 
#7 ·
try to take it to those small garages, they might be able to help u see whats wrong with it
 
#8 ·
No one has had these problems? Am I the only one? :tsk:

I don't want to take it in without an idea of what it could be... I don't want to get screwed over you know?

What could cause the automatic shifter to get stuck while trying to shift? The car recognizes what gear it is in, the shifter just gets stuck and I have to wiggle it a bit to get it to go into drive.

What could be causing the fast metalic ticking/clicking sound I'm hearing from the rear over bumps?

Could they both be related?

Thanks

Dropkick323i
 
#10 ·
How do I get in there??? Are you sure it would be something stuck by the shifter???

Anyone know how to check the linkage???

Also, what can I expect to pay to change out the control arms, sway links, etc... if that is what's causing the front end clunking over small bumps?

Thanks

Dropkick323i
 
#11 ·
I had a penny and a dime fall down there from my ashtray and my shifter got stuck and wouldn't move from reverse. I simply popped the shift boot off and got them out. Maybe it's as simple as something being lodged in there.
 
#12 ·
hmm im currently having that issue to. just happened this morning i was backing out the drive way and when i tried to get on D it stopped at N so i had to wiggle it down to D. I got to work and i tried it again it seems like once i get on N i have to put slight movement to the left as moving the shifter down to D otherwise it wont go in. :(

Dropkick did you ever get your issue with the shifter fixed?