It’s only rock n’ roll

I have a three-year-old BMW 320D with automatic transmission. Recently I have noted that occasionally the car rocks from side to side, as if being subjected to a strong side wind, when being held stationary with the transmission in "drive" and my foot on the brake pedal. The car has done just over 30,000miles, the manufacturer's warranty is just about to expire and I am concerned that the problem is the start of what may prove to be an expensive transmission fault. Needless to say the fault would not reveal itself during the car's recent first MOT and age-related inspection service with the BMW main dealer. Do you have any suggestions as to what this fault may be or may develop into?

Asked on 7 August 2010 by ID, Altrincham,

Answered by Honest John
Possibly the engine increasing revs in order to regenerate its particulate filter, and the amount it increases revs would be enough to engage Drive. The answer is to put it in Neutral. Don't sit with your foot on the brake and the selector in Drive until the lights change.
Similar questions
I own a 2011 Audi A6 Allroad 3.0 TDI 240PS 6 speed auto with paddle shifts (98,000 miles). Other than 10,000 mile oil changes, what would you recommend doing to keep this on the road for a few years? It...
My 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 diesel has just failed its MoT on emissions. The garage has told me that I don’t do enough miles. For a retest I must drive it around for a few hours in third gear and leave...
The DPF on my 2010 Ford Mondeo TDCi burnt out, glowed red, smoked and then the exhaust dropped after 109,000 miles. No warning lights came up on dash. Can I just replace the DPF or do I need to sort out...
Related models
Superb to drive. Great handling and steering. Upmarket image. Economical diesel engines culminating in amazingly efficient 320d Efficient Dynamics at 109g/km of CO2.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer