reverse gear makes car go forward.
 

anyone have any idea on why this is happening? put the car in reverse and it starts going forward.

I'm not sure, If you move the shifter towards park or neutral, does the car stop going forward?

(alternatively can you select the lowest gear - will the select lever actually move that far?)

It can be a lot of things,

A) Since California is going through a cold spell, The fluid thickened up on you some passages--rare but can happen

B) Check you linkage under the car. Disconnect it and see if the transmission indexes on the shift arm on the transmission.

C) No indexing on the transmission shift arm, then stripped indexer, or missing set screw...

D) Lastly, more real, the B3 Clutches are just flat out worn. Mine were really worn at 130k miles-This requires opening the transmission.

E) some valve body piston/seal/passage

I know, their is no sure answer, but inspect the linkage.

MArtin

Start with the linkage on my 190D both shift bushings disentigrated at the same time and you really had to "swim" for reverse.

Ok, so the fluid was low. Added some more and everything seems better. although I did notice that that transmission mount is toast! I'm guessing this may also haver caused some problems. I just ordered a new one today.