New Member

[alika808]

I am not new with BMW cars, my garage; X5, E46 (323i), E-36 (323is) but I am new with the 318ti. I just bought the 318ti with a lot of issues, per previous owner; the car will not start after replacing the automatic transmission due to run out of transmission fluid. I am didn't get the full details why it was run-out of transmission fluid. Anyway, I joined this site to learn more about 318ti. I do appreciates all input I will get when I post my issues. Thank you. Alika808

[AnuketTi]

Aloha Alika. I too don't understand how an empty transmission would prevent the car from starting up. Maybe he meant not being able to drive it?

[alika808]

Here's the detail about the issue, the previous owner took his car to a backyard mechanic to replace the engine oil pan gasket due to oil leak. Somehow, he (mechanic) removed the transmission oil air cooling system and forgot to install back the o-ring at the oil cooling pipe inlet. Then they keep on driving the car until the transmission (automatic) fluid run-out. Of course, they asked again the same mechanic to replaced the transmission instead of take the car in the transmission repair shop. And now the car won't start. He replaced the DME, but I am sure he doesn't how the DME/EWS works because he doesn't know to be re-program in able to use a donor DME. Anyway, I don't have the chance yet to troubleshoot. I am suspecting he messed-up with the neutral switch. I will update as soon as I have a chance to look at it.