2000 BMW 3 SERIES User Comment / Complaint

I own a 2000 bmw 323ci convertible with automatic transmission, with 77,000 miles on it. the vehicle has had one previous owner and has been meticulously cared for and serviced. last week (9/4/07) the car would not go into reverse. the bmw dealer has told me that the vehicle needs the whole transmission replaced at a cost of $5,000. i did some research on the internet and found that this appears to be a common problem with this vehicle. i cannot afford to pay for this repair.