shift indicator problem on auto trans

tmckinl · 08-17-2003, 02:54 AM

The indicator next to the automatic trans shifter on my 328i has started to malfunction. It dosn't indicate the correct gear. If I shift into park and then carefully shift back to gear it sometimes corrects itself, but only temporarily. Does anyone have any idea what's wrong and how I can fix it.

gmhl10 · 08-17-2003, 03:07 AM

Whoa.... never heard of that happenning.
I got an auto tranny problem on my 2002 325i where say when I go up to like around 5000 or 6000 rpm in 2nd gear and then switch to 3rd gear... instead it went down to 1st gear and I freaked the hell out because it went to total redline!
I pushed on brake and kept trying to shift up.
I know I didn't "ACCIDENTALLY" push down to gear 1 because it happened to me twice...

sfzBimmer2 · 08-17-2003, 10:16 AM

I think someone else on this forum had a similar problem. It's a known problem, though, and your dealer should be able to fix it

Liscia · 08-17-2003, 10:17 AM

Could it just be a loose connection to the indicator light module?or gearshift lever position sensor.
Haven't had mine open but looks easy enough to pry off and
check connections underneath or you may want the dealer to
do this if you've got warranty left and if you're not confident of
doing it yourself. Good luck

Trax · 08-17-2003, 11:33 AM

I had the same problem on my 1999 323i couple years ago. Took it to the dealer and they fixed it. Happened after my brother drove it...should tell you something

tmckinl · 08-21-2003, 02:10 AM

Thanks for the ideas. I think it's something mechanical with the indicator because of the sounds it makes when shifting. I think I'll get it to the dealer when I have a chance. It's really just a minor anoyance because the dashboard readout is still reading correctly.

Cheburashka · 08-21-2003, 02:46 PM

Seems to be a more common problem these days. I had same problem a year ago. Dealer fixed it by replacing something.

08-17-2003, 02:54 AM	#1
tmckinl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pine Bluff, AR, USA Posts: 90 My Ride: Jet Black 1999 328i View My Garage	shift indicator problem on auto trans The indicator next to the automatic trans shifter on my 328i has started to malfunction. It dosn't indicate the correct gear. If I shift into park and then carefully shift back to gear it sometimes corrects itself, but only temporarily. Does anyone have any idea what's wrong and how I can fix it.

08-17-2003, 03:07 AM	#2
gmhl10 ACS Junkie Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,624 My Ride: '05 A08 M3 View My Garage	Whoa.... never heard of that happenning. I got an auto tranny problem on my 2002 325i where say when I go up to like around 5000 or 6000 rpm in 2nd gear and then switch to 3rd gear... instead it went down to 1st gear and I freaked the hell out because it went to total redline! I pushed on brake and kept trying to shift up. I know I didn't "ACCIDENTALLY" push down to gear 1 because it happened to me twice... __________________ '05 Silbergrau M3 - mfg date: May '05 Modifications: WAY too much to list

08-17-2003, 11:33 AM	#5
Trax Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: T.O., So. Calif Posts: 191 My Ride: 99' 323i Sedan View My Garage	I had the same problem on my 1999 323i couple years ago. Took it to the dealer and they fixed it. Happened after my brother drove it...should tell you something __________________ --- This sig has been viewed by fanatics since March 14, 2004

08-21-2003, 02:46 PM	#7
Cheburashka Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 108 My Ride: '99 328i View My Garage	Seems to be a more common problem these days. I had same problem a year ago. Dealer fixed it by replacing something. __________________ Improving with Age!

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08-17-2003, 10:16 AM	#3
sfzBimmer2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,287 My Ride: '05 Ducati Monster View My Garage	I think someone else on this forum had a similar problem. It's a known problem, though, and your dealer should be able to fix it

08-17-2003, 10:17 AM	#4
Liscia Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Gaithersburg, MD, USA Posts: 584 My Ride: 2002 BMW 330Ci View My Garage	Could it just be a loose connection to the indicator light module?or gearshift lever position sensor. Haven't had mine open but looks easy enough to pry off and check connections underneath or you may want the dealer to do this if you've got warranty left and if you're not confident of doing it yourself. Good luck

08-21-2003, 02:10 AM	#6
tmckinl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pine Bluff, AR, USA Posts: 90 My Ride: Jet Black 1999 328i View My Garage	Thanks for the ideas. I think it's something mechanical with the indicator because of the sounds it makes when shifting. I think I'll get it to the dealer when I have a chance. It's really just a minor anoyance because the dashboard readout is still reading correctly.