Hello to everyone. I am a first-time poster, and just recently bought my first 635 off of ebay. I flew cross-country to Wyoming with my girlfriend and we had planned on driving it back to Massachusetts over a 2-week period. Abhout 200 miles into our 2500 mile trip, the car suddently downshifted from 4th to 3d at about 80 mph. It would not go back into 4th. We pulled off to the side of the road and, after some sweating and praying, got it back out on the highway. It behaved in a similar fashion until ultimately it would not even get out of 2d gear. We limped the next 100 miles on the highway at 40 mph until we could get to a decent-sized town to have it looked at. We had to leave it there and fly home, unfortunately, and as it stands the car is still in Wyoming being looked at. Anyone have any ideas? It just had the tranny fluid changed by a mechanic who as it turns out knows nothing about BMW's (I didn't know this at the time). The gentleman I bought it from said the tranny had been replaced 9,000 miles ago and was running fine up until the time my mechanic took it out of his driveway. Looking forward to getting it fixed and bringing it back to Massachusetts, but as of now I'm a bit sad and disappointed.

What was the tranny replaced with? another used tranny? or perhaps a rebuilt unit>?

Auto's are their own set of problems. Though - I'm more familiar with them slipping as they begin to fail - not "locking" into a particular gear.

it's not set on "manual" shift mode is it? That'd be an easy answer and one you've probably thought of.

There are a few electrical sensors connected to this tranny - perhaps it's nothing more than a loose or bad sensor. (lets hope so anyway)

dont let it put a bad taste in your mouth on 6er ownership.it is a terrible thing to happen on the 1st drive and it doesn't get better having to fly home many miles away.is the seller a stand up guy?can he direct you to the correct repair/diagnosis facility,even if that requires a tow back to his town.let's hope he be of help,it's the right thing for him to do.if i sold it in running condition,i would feel obligated to assist in a resolution.
i'm sorry i dont have experience with the automatics,just advising to get the seller in the loop with you,the car is in his territory.if it hasn't gotten verbal between the 2 of you,try a civil approach.i just hope he not a jerk.good luck

That sucks. Sorry man. Where in Wyoming? Who do you have looking at it?

Just had a transmission specialist in Wyoming tell me that just to crack the case it'll be $800, and that my best bet is to just buy a remanufactured tranny and drop it in...quoted me $3,500+ for parts and labor, with a one-year warranty. I have mechanic out in here in Boston who will do it for $1500 with a used tranny also with a one-year warranty. I will have to pay to have the car flatbedded out here, but I think it's worth the money. Think I'd rather just swap in a manual. Any thoughts on price, advice? Any ideas on where to get a good one? Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. Porter

In order to put in a manual, at this point, let's ask a few questions. Are you willing to pay to truck it home where you can work on it? That's the big one!! Ask yourself this: What is my passion for a 6 worth? My advise, at this point, put in the rebuild, go get it, and enjoy!!! Putting in a manual without the car sitting in front of you will be VERY costly. It won't be cheap even if you do all the labor yourself. I am sorry that your first experience with a 6er was so bad. They are a passion with a lot of us, basically a labor of love. The money doesn't really matter. Are you willing to look at it that way?? If so, welcome to the club!!! GOOD LUCK :drink1

it sounds like you'd be better off having the car shipped and the work done by someone you know.i take it the seller is of no help,what a butt munch.and the guy quoting you $3500 just wants your money,he knows he's got you in a hard place and taking advantage of it.i did a manual swap on an E30,but i had a complete car next to it and simply removed every piece i needed.it was a long and involved job.hope it all works out for you,the 6 is truely a fine car.and because you own one there's bottom feeders everywhere trying to get ahold of your wallet.i do my own work and have for over 20yrs.about the only thing anyone does to mine is change tires,and i put the wheels back on the car so some dumb a$$ doesn't get the chance to torque them to 500 ft lbs.
i'd seriously compare some of the shipping companies.