Curious if anyone has had, or knows someone who has had gearbox issues? My 1 series (2011, E82) recently started getting issues going into reverse, the stick refused to move left of the 1st/2nd gate. Out of the possibility of having a ZF Gearbox (which a reverse gear repair kit is available for) or a Getrag (which only has a 1st gear repair kit), I managed to luck out and have a getrag. I've just had a second hand gearbox fitted as a replacement, but after doing a bit of research and talking to a company near-ish to Luton that seems to see this issue on the regular, my confidence is dented that this issue won't rear it's ugly head again.
Just after thoughts/experiences if someone has come across this issue. I've no idea how actual widespread it is due to confirmation bias. If you search online for a specific problem with a product, then yeah you're going to get a lot of results fueling your suspicions. I love the car, puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it (even though its only a 118D).
But.
It put a £650 dent in me sourcing a second hand gearbox + fitting. From experience and reading, gearboxes are normally the stalwart on any car, people talk more about headgasket failures before they talk about gearboxes failures. I've kind of fallen in love a little bit with BMWs, and if I sold mine to get something without, possible, gearbox issues I really wouldn't know what to get.
For the record, 2011, 118D M sport, 45k miles, don't drive like a loon.