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Automatic transmission not engaging?

Tiny
MOMMAAINTHAPPY
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 BMW 535I
  • 6 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 116,000 MILES
My paid off vehicle was driven to the store by my son and arrived home via tow truck. The story I got was it made a “clunk” while driving and wouldn’t “go.” The car starts just fine. In shifting into Drive, nothing. Same with Reverse, Neutral or M1/M2: Zero response. The only noise occurs in shifting from Drive into Park, at which time a noise similar to something being chewed in a garbage disposal happens. It does not happen in attempting to shift into any other gear. Again, automatic transmission. There are zero lights/messages and aside from replacing the original battery 6 months ago, I’ve never had an issue with this car.
Any idea what this is?
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Thursday, March 9th, 2023 AT 12:45 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,967 POSTS
Yep, the fact that the car makes noise when trying to put it into park is telling me the transmission is probably working and that something broke in the driveline like a CV axle. I would jack the rear of the car up and put it on jack stands, then have a helper start the car and put it in drive with the emergency brake on, if the drive shaft spins the rear end of drive axle is broken. Here is a guide to help you lift the car safely.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Friday, March 10th, 2023 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
MOMMAAINTHAPPY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi, Car Guys! Thanks for the help. Here’s what I can see. Clearly something is broken. :( What is it?
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Friday, March 10th, 2023 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,967 POSTS
Oops, you found it, that is broken CV axle bolts. The broken bolts will need to be removed and replaced. Thanks for the image and getting back to me. I am glad you found the problem.
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Friday, March 10th, 2023 AT 3:12 PM

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