Transmission problems on a 2002 BMW X5 3.0 automatic with 69000 miles. The vehicle slips in reverse, at times it does not work at all. I've conducted all scheduled maintenance since purchased from original owner. I took car to a shop who services BMW's and they checked the transmission fluid, which was ok. Later after doing research on problems with BMW transmission I was amazed on how many complaints there are with the BMW transmission. If I would of known of the problem I would of not bought this vehicle or any BMW. I was told from mechanics that work on this vehicle it will cost me around $5000 to replace the transmission and sooner or later it will fail because their transmissions are sealed and do not require fluids or major servicing. After doing additional research online for any recall information BMW has not submitted one whatsoever. I am pretty sure BMW is aware of the problem and knowing a recall will cost them alot of money, they refuse to admit an ongoing problem with their transmissions. I purchased this vehicle at a reasonable price but with me being the only income in my household (military) I simply cannot afford the repair. I do not expect any resolution from BMW, however, I want to file this complaint to create awareness for future consumers of BMW automobiles. This will be my first and only BMW. Thank you for your attention.

- Toa Alta, PR, USA

Car has been well maintained with regular service. 80,000 miles. No indication of any problem on start up. Experienced sudden total loss of transmission function. The car rolls when in park. A grinding sound is noted in cabin.

- West Orange, NJ, USA

Over the years after purchasing my 2002 BMW X5, I have reported to the service department of weatherford BMW that the transmission would not shift gears properly and that the engine would all of a sudden start revving up. As this is happening, the engine would surge and buck at the same time. Even though, I and my wife have been aware of these issues, the service department was not been able to duplicate the scenario or experienced these problems while servicing my vehicle. While driving the X5, not only me, but also my wife, she would inform me that the engine would buck and surge while she was driving the vehicle. I believe that because of these issues with the transmission and the engine, that my vehicle, a 2002 BMW X5 is an accident waiting to happen. With this all said and done, I was involved in a horrible accident where the vehicle is now totaled, but I was able to walk away with aches and pain (physically and mentally). I do believe that because of the problems I had with the transmission and engine, it was a direct cause of the accident and that BMW should reimburse me for the 2005 BMW X5 that I just purchased to replace my previous X5. Also, in quizzing the sales manager at the dealership where I purchased my new X5, I asked if there were any major changes to the vehicle. His reply was that due to transmission problems with the X5 - BMW changed the transmission. Therefore, since BMW was aware of these issues, again, I believe that BMW should reimburse me the total purchase price of my 2005 X5. If you have any questions, please contact me at [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Richmond, CA, USA