E30 Zone

Hi all,

I bought a auto switchable gearbox from a fellow Zoner. Just wondering what would be the cause of the car only go in reverse and not forward?

The car drops revs to go forward but unfortunately it doesn't pull.

Any ideas or suggestions?


Thanks in advance.

I have come across a 318 auto with the same problem.

Has anyone any ideas? Is the gearbox done?

Is the drive lined up ok? Have you got the car up on a ramp when testing

The car is on level ground. It will go anywhere in reverse, but refuses to go forward.

If you could get the car up on a ramp, you could see if the prop shaft turns with on load on it, have you tryed it in 1 2 3 ? Does it make a noise when you try and go? It could be a few things

Does it have oil in it and what colour is it ?

It's not my car. I'm thinking of buying it. I'll try and get a good look at it tomorrow evening.

Scruffymurphy, unless it's a bit special, I would walk away......
Autobox's when looked after gone on and on, my 525e box has done +250k and is the same type of box used in the e30's.
You can spend a small fortune having a autobox rebuilt, second hand one's are no good if you are n't able to try it in the car before it's removed.

Possible blown A clutch. If lucky ;) A clutch is a big problem on ZF box, when revving in N or P it builds pressure to that clutch.
Easy and cheap to fix.