Dreaded automatic transmission issue

[stancyeze]

Just recently bought a 2000 323Ci with no reverse. This has the ZF auto trans so it would require a reverse drum replacement and not really willing to replace that so I've decided to start looking for a used trans. I found a ZF trans out of a 2002 330i convertible and I'm wondering if this will fit my car? I'm not sure if BMW made any changes or anything of that sort in-between 2000 and 2002. Anyway, please let me know if this will work.

[Leothelion092]

Just recently bought a 2000 323Ci with no reverse. This has the ZF auto trans so it would require a reverse drum replacement and not really willing to replace that so I've decided to start looking for a used trans. I found a ZF trans out of a 2002 330i convertible and I'm wondering if this will fit my car? I'm not sure if BMW made any changes or anything of that sort in-between 2000 and 2002. Anyway, please let me know if this will work.

Check out LKQ parts and look for transmission for your year make and model, they come ready to install (plug and play)

[stancyeze]

Check out LKQ parts and look for transmission for your year make and model, they come ready to install (plug and play)

Yeah I deal with them all the time, but found a way cheaper price for a one off of craigslist for a '02 330i and the guy says its a ZF trans. I'm just unsure if BMW made any changes in-between my year(2000) and the 2002. Otherwise it should just bolt up.

[Eaglesail]

If you are going to spend the expense and chance for an unknown replacement, might first you find out why no reverse, I mean, could it be possible to fix your tranny without a costly removal?

[Leothelion092]

If you are going to spend the expense and chance for an unknown replacement, might first you find out why no reverse, I mean, could it be possible to fix your tranny without a costly removal?

A rebuild would probably cost a a bit less than an actual swap, and with a ZF transmission not many people want to work on those. (At least in my area) if you want, spend the money and get a low mileage transmission and pop it on, I don't think there is a difference. What I do know is that AWD and RWD transmissions aren't interchangeable so just watch for that.

[MarcoZandrini]

Realoem says the 2 cars have the same auto tranny.

[stancyeze]

Also, was wondering if it's possible to swap a GM model into a car that came with the ZF model.

[MarcoZandrini]

It's possible if you have the $! I'm betting that while the GM tranny will bolt up fine, the plumbing, connectors and the electronics (tranny control module, aka EGS) are different.

[stancyeze]

It's possible if you have the $! I'm betting that while the GM tranny will bolt up fine, the plumbing, connectors and the electronics (tranny control module, aka EGS) are different.

Yeah all that stuff is different, but was wondering if anyone had done it before.

[RocketSurgeon]

I rebuilt my own ZF transmission, it's not that bad if you're somewhat experienced with car repairs. I had the ZF 5HP24, which is pretty similar to your 5HP19. The Valve body housing on your transmission got chewed up by the pressure regulator valve, which then siezed in the bore and caused a pressure spike. That broke your D/G Drum. So you would need to use the Sonnax kit, or replace the valve body casting. Then you could replace the the D/G drum. Generally the clutch packs have almost zero wear on them, so you may be able to do without a rebuild kit. I got all my stuff from theCTSC.com. It's daunting, but the hardest part about the whole process is removal and reinstallation of the transmission.