BMW Repair: 1986 BMW 535i Trans, 1986 bmw 535i, bmw 535i


Question
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Followup To
Question -
HI! Thanks for your time! I have a 1986 BMW 535i with a 3.5l motor. The transmission works in reverse just perfectly but no forward gears AT ALL! Was driving, let off gas, went to accelerate, Nothing. Seen this before? Fluid levels good, no burnt smell or metal in pan as far as I can tell.
Answer -
Is it automatic or manual? If the trans. is automatic check the kick down cable gromet to see if it is broken.  If it is ok it will either be a shift linkage or a vacuum modulator on the transmission.  These are likely possiblities only other possiblity would be the bands inside the transmission.  Please get back to me with more info.  Thanks!

Hi again. That was pretty dumb of me! It's automatic. Thanks so much for your response. I was planning to take the tranny out this weekend. But I'll check these things first. Where is the kick down cable gromet located? I think I can find the other linkage to check it out, then proceed to removal and maybe overhaul. Is this a common occurrence in older BMW transmissions? Again, thanks so much for your time and feedback!


Answer
The kick down cable gromet is located in the mounting bracket close to the throttle body, mounted on the intake.  Before anything check the shifter linkage and shifter bushings. I have seen a few instances where the transm. was misdiagnosed and replaced over shifter bushings, believe it or not.