2004 BMW 330CI Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“I own a 2004 Bmw 330CI. Driving in reverse out of my garage and driveway first thing in the morning, then shifting to drive when I reach the street, the transmission does not engage until about 3-10 seconds. The car will roll freely during this time as if it were in neutral. I have not had an incident or crash, but fear it is a possibility if this were to occur on a hill or if a car were to approach and I couldn't get out of the way. I contacted my dealership concerning this and they have never heard of it, despite numerous reports I have read online from other owners with the same problem.”

“Automatic transmission failure - I started my car, let it warm up and moved the shifter to reverse. The vehicle jerked (my glasses flew off my face) and made a rough grinding sound. I moved the shifter back to park and experienced the same grinding sensation and noise. It was towed and dealer said that the 330CI was only using two gears due to the malfunction.”

“I purchased a 330i Bmw in december of 2003. The car has less then 1500 miles on it and has developed a huge problem. In the mornings when the engine is cold, the engine will rev when its in drive and not go into gear. It takes quite a few seconds for it to engage into 'd'. The car will also jerk into 1st gear after it finally starts to drive. I have just taken my brand new Bmw into the dealership for test on it and unbelievable to my ears.....I got a phone call from them saying the whole engine transmission has to be replaced.... …”

“When vehicle is cold (typically in the morning) while reversing out of the driveway, once the car is then shifted from reverse into drive there is a very noticeable delay in the time it takes for the car to actually engage into drive (5 to 7 seconds or so). Dealer found an internal failure and replaced the transmission. Dealer stated that at least 12 other 3-series Bmw's had a failed transmission and required replacement. Owners should contact their dealer. I feel this should be a recall.”

“Brand new 2004 car. Automatic transmission - usually happens once a day in the early morning. Cold start, when shifting the car into drive , it takes a few seconds for d to engage and must rev up to 2000-4000 RPM to go forward. Very dangerous when starting on steep roads because the car will slip backwards for a few seconds. It first occur on my new car around 400 miles and has occur many times, on and off, for the past few months. It has happened to many other owners with 2003 and 2004 Bmw automatic transmissions. No real solutions from dealerships or Bmw company.”