1991 BMW 735IL Won't Shift Into Reverse

[Klôn]

I am looking to buy a BMW 735IL. The car supposedly runs fine and can make a commute with no problem on the highway. The *sole* problem with the car is that it will not shift in to Reverse. I don't know enough to diagnose this but I'm looking for an answer quickly. Can any of you guys help me out here?

[youngbimmer]

Could be dirty trans fluid, dirty valve body, or worse:
https://www.europeantransmissions.co....BMW/92-12.pdf


Does cluster show trans prog error or cog with exclamation point?

[Klôn]

I'm not sure but I'm asking the seller right now.

[shogun]

4HP22 no reverse: F clutch failure https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...35i-no-reverse
https://www.europeantransmissions.co....BMW/92-12.pdf

Technical Service Information AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP 92-12 Page 1 of 1
ZF4HP22 NO REVERSE (F CLUTCH CYLINDER FAILURE)
Complaint: Vehicles equipped with the ZF4HP22 may come to the shop with a complaint of intermittent or no reverse. All of the other ranges may seem fine.
QUALIFICATION: During the road test it may be noted that there is no engine braking in manual first or second gear.
If an examination of the valve body fails to pin point the problem, an internal inspection will be necessary. Severe ring groove wear on the (F) clutch cylinder where the (E) clutch rides or even ring grooves missing because of wear is possible (SEE FIGURE 1).
with a new ring installed on the drum, side clearance should be .003-.006 in.(SEE FIGURE 1). A new F clutch cylinder must be installed if any wear or damage is found. New sealing rings must also be installed. Steel rings mast be used for the E clutch sealing grooves. The part number for the F clutch cylinder is 24-23-1217-088.


you can test the solenoids from the plug on the trans http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Troubl...ch%20Guide.pdf
but in the end it will probably be useless to ask the seller, he will not know the details how to check. Remove the ATF pan, check for metal parts and large broken parts in the pan, if so, repair it or get a reman one.
If the price for the car is o.k., a reman 4HP22 costs you maybe $2000, parts if you DIY maybe $200

[Klôn]

Is it even worth buying and fixing? It's being sold for a thousand flat. The interior is easily a 6/10, possibly less, the exterior is quite nice though and it comes with original parts. I don't feel very confident trying to fix it on my own unless I know it will be a simple fix. Even then, at a thousand dollars, it's an entire paycheck for me. Clearly it's not the wisest decision but is it irrational?

[Cactuar]

From what you wrote, I'd say don't do it. It will be a source of stress and aggravation.

Wait until your situation is a little better and where an old BMW doesn't tie up too much of your resources.
Save up for a nicer car, then you can be free to work on it with "blow" money and learn things along the way.

[youngbimmer]

Is it even worth buying and fixing? It's being sold for a thousand flat. The interior is easily a 6/10, possibly less, the exterior is quite nice though and it comes with original parts. I don't feel very confident trying to fix it on my own unless I know it will be a simple fix. Even then, at a thousand dollars, it's an entire paycheck for me. Clearly it's not the wisest decision but is it irrational?

Do NOT buy an old BMW if you're tight on money. E32s are old, they will need things here and there. My "nice" E32 735i needed 900$ in parts immediately upon arrival and that was a $5000 car. You can rest assured 99% of POs are not truthful or knowledgeable about what they are selling, and be prepared to sink in money right off the bat to fix critical problems.

[Cactuar]

Yes, what youngbimmer said. Even if it's old, you still want it to be safe and reliable, so you need to take care of things right away.

New tires if they are old ($$$), engine oil change, transmission oil change, power steering fluid change, brake fluid change, brake pads possibly discs too, new soft fuel hoses, fuel filter change, spark plugs change, change all V belts too, etc etc.

Some are more expensive like tires, others are small costs but they do add up. I've had my car for two years, it was in quite good condition but I still spent 2650$ so far. Some were upgrades, but most were maintenance items (650$ for tires alone).

As a rule of thumb I would say, if it's a sub-2000$ car, make sure you have at least double what you paid for the car ready for day-one maintenance.

[Klôn]

Okay guys, I've decided not to buy it. Thanks again, you guys saved me a lot of trouble!