Transmission Delay in Reverse 97 328i
 

I was wondering if anyone knew why my transmission hesitates to engage when I put it in reverse? If I am on a hill it kind of rolls forward and then engages. Is there something seriously wrong with my transmission or is this an easy fix? Any ideas will help. Thanks

I had a similar problem and I simply replaced the reverse "switch-sensor" (for lack of better terms". But I mean you'll know for sure if you get it checked at

Thanks for the post. Do you mean the speed sensor? That is the only sensor for the transmission parts that I can find online. The part is around 70-80 dollars online if that's about right what you payed for yours, probably more than that if you got it from a shop. Did your car also delay when going into drive because mine is fine going into drive it is only reverse.

I was doing some research and I found that some people say that their car delays into reverse when their linkage is loose. Also found another site that said some transmissions delay reverse on purpose to prevent jerking from drive to reverse, but my car delays a good 3 seconds making it even more dangerous and jerky on a hill. Does anyone elses E36 automatic transmission delay into reverse or is it just mine.

Does it also happen on the flat? It could be that the transmission fluid needs changing or just topping up. (Topping up for sure if it only happens on a hill).

Check the fluid level first. Then the linkage, then go get it plugged into a computer somewhere and checked if neither of those do it.

There is a reverse "sensor" it's the same sensor that indicates to your backup lights to switch on

The reverse also delays sitting flat so I am thinking that it isn't the fluid level, although I plan on changing the fluid this weekend anyway.

I am not sure how to check the linkage, and I can't find any sites that will show me how to do it. Anyone know how to check it without taking it into the shop? Do I just check to see if it is loose?

Also wondering if they plug it into the same computer as they do when your check engine light is on, because Advanced Auto Parts will do that for free, whereas if I take it into the shop they will charge me like $150 for the same thing. I guess if its not the linkage I could call the stealer and they will be able to give me a part number for that sensor and I can find it online for cheaper hopefully. Did you install the sensor yourself Rooz or did you have the shop do it? Thanks for all your responses I appreciate it everyone.

If the linkage has a sloppy feel and the reverse light doesn't pop on immediately when you put in in "R". Then it may be wearing out internally (the linkage and electrical contacts) as bmw auto's have been electrically solenoid shifted since at least the early 80's. As far getting codes, sometimes the obd 2 port will do, try it. Usually though it needs a specific plug in, to the diag port in the engine bay (big round 54 pin job under the cover)