Occasional false neutral on Reverse - mechatronics unit needs replacing?

**whichonetoget** · 16-11-2020, 09:52 PM

On my R36, reverse gear takes a few seconds to engage, and on occasion it will do the clunk, clunk, clunk and then cause a false neutral. If this happens, turning the car off/on remedies the issue and I am able to engage reverse again. I tried a DSG reset using VCDS, but still the same.

All forward gears shift quick and smoothly with no clunks.

I am wondering what else it could be - clutch packs? I'm keen to get this remedied at the next service. I've had people beep/rage at me because I took so long to reverse into a parking spot.

This is the only issue I have with the car, which is great, considering that I am nearing 240,000km on the clock.

**kamold** · 17-11-2020, 10:54 AM

It is possibly clutches at that age, but could be a mechatronics issue. You have the AL or AM rev mecha which are known to be more reliable than earlier revisions based on the previous Motorola processor.

When you say DSG reset, did you perform basic settings per the Ross Tech wiki?
6-Speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG/02E) - Ross-Tech Wiki

Would consider replacing the clutchpacks at that age unless there is a clear sign that it is a mecha issue (any fault codes logged?)

**mrkhna** · 19-11-2020, 12:24 AM

I have the exact same issue occurring in my 2010 125TDI Highline however I have only 101,000kms on the clock. My rectification is also the same in that turning the engine off the on restores gearbox back.

Not sure if this helps to pin point weather it is a mecha problem or not but I get the following fault code - P2711 - Unexpected Mechanical Gear Disengagement

**kamold** · 19-11-2020, 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by mrkhna

I have the exact same issue occurring in my 2010 125TDI Highline however I have only 101,000kms on the clock. My rectification is also the same in that turning the engine off the on restores gearbox back.

Not sure if this helps to pin point weather it is a mecha problem or not but I get the following fault code - P2711 - Unexpected Mechanical Gear Disengagement

That sounds more likely a mechatronics issue (K1 or K2 main clutch solenoid is not holding clamp pressure).

**mrkhna** · 19-11-2020, 07:46 PM

Thanks J...

any idea of whether or not this issue may have been part of a recall overseas or locally? or is this something that can fail from one vehicle over another? Also am I looking at big $$$ for fix?