Help...!!! ZF-5HP30 has no reverse.

[CheapCheap1]

Just to cheer you up on the drive to the garage:

Yike !!!
Anyway, many thanks for the picture. I will do the system reset tomorrow...just to rule out the computerized control part.

I made an appointment w/ my indy on this Friday. As I thought, he suggested to drop the pan to see "how bad" is the damage. Then, will go from there. He said the worst case is to replace the tranny & the best case is just replace the valve body unit.

Let's see...

[CheapCheap1]

System reset yesterday just help smoothing the ideling, but it did not fix my "no reverse" issue.

This morning, crawling to my indy garrage (about 3.5 miles) on a less than 20 MpH speed (& put the gear in neutral position at every traffic light...I don't know if it helps or hurts?).

Moment of the truth...
After dropped the pan, not much "lifetime" fluid ~2 Qt. or less (...is this a normal vol. we expect?) came out from the drain plug. The "lifetime" fuild is quite thick, no burning smell. The color is dark red, but clear. The filter is warping a bit out of shape. There is a few metal dusts on the magnets. The best is...no piece of metal in the pan.

Here are my options:
a. Replace only the valve body (+ filter, O-ring & gasket + tranny fluid/diff)...$550 & no warranty if it will fix the no reverse issue.
b. Rebuilt the tranny (+ filter/O-ring/gasket + tranny fluid/diff) & replace the rear main/crank seal (since the tranny has to be detached)...$2100 & w/ 12 months (or 12K miles) "no out of pocket" warranty.

Yeah, I decided to get the last one for the peace of mind....$2100 !!!
Hopefully, it will prolong the life my 540i for another 2-3 yrs.
:^(

[Tiger]

Seems like low fluid level... I would have filled it up to spec to see if that solves the reverse problem.

Then I'd opt for A... which is part of B so if A failed then B to go and just pay the additional to $2100. No big deal.

Personally, I think all you need is A because of your super low mileage.

[Mr._Graybeard]

If you're still looking for a shop in NY, you might want to read this thread on the state BMWCCA chapter's Web forum: http://nybmwcca.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=111