Compare BMW 3 Series gearbox repair quotes from specialist garages

Looming hundreds of feet up in Munich's skyline is BMW's headquarters, a vast and impressive building designed to look like four engine cylinders - the configuration that drove much of the brand's early success.

BMW has come a long way since 1927, when it produced its first car, the Dixi, shortly to be renamed the BMW 3/15. In 2022, it was awarded 'Best Manufacturer' at the AutoCar Britain's Best Car Awards, and the same year, it triumphed at the WhatCar? Awards, winning more accolades than any other brand. The M5 special edition, celebrating 20 years of BMW motorsport, is one of the rarest M automobiles in the world.

See how BMW's maintenance prices compare to Audi and Mercedes in this guide.

The gearbox's role is to change the speed of a vehicle. Due to the number of moving parts involved, gearbox problems are relatively common. Below are some signs to look out for and potential causes.

If your car slips out of gear, the gears are likely worn down. Low transmission fluid can cause your gearbox to be noisy in neutral, or your car may not go into gear at all. Checking the fluid level is simple, as we explain here.

When you notice your clutch dragging, this often happens when the flywheel and clutch fail to disengage. A burning smell may be due to the transmission fluid overheating. As soon as you notice these symptoms, contact a car gearbox specialist who can offer advice.

Manual gearboxes are usually easier to maintain because they are simpler; an automatic gearbox repair or semi-automatic gearbox repair requires more specialised skills, so it's essential to find the right transmission specialist.