Need an automatic!!

[mikep]

I just bought a 1995 318ti automatic (a/t), with only 88,000mi; only to find that 2-3 shift is slipping badly.

I had the car scanned at the local BMW dealer to find the there are no fault codes and that the dealer recommends a/t replacement at an estimated cost of $4000.

After calling around, I located a remaunfactured transmission at Momentum BMW, Houston, Tx for approx $2000 less shipping with 1 year warranty.

A local BMW independant mechanic recommeded a salvage a/t from California
with 27K mi for $2100. The mechanic thought a salvaged, low miles a/t would be more reliable then a new rebuild.

In that I have only owned the car less then a week and I am staring at a heavy price for a remanufactured or salvaged transmsssion I am looking for some good advice.

I am really shocked that this is a problem on such a low mileage car, 88K.

When I test drove the car, it drove fine; then a three hour trip on the highway; after coming off the freeway I noticed the 2-3 gear shift slip (an over rev on shifting, then a bump into gear- only on the 2-3 shift). Of course I bought the car as is.

After scaning the car; the BMW dealer checked the a/t fluid level- it appeared that the trans had just had fluid added and it was wet around the add plug. Likely that the seller new something was amiss with the trans.

Needless to say, at the moment I am not very confident in evaluating a BMW nor making the correct repair decisions. I have owned Honda's for the past 20 yrs, so this is a first for me, I love the way the car drives- but this transmission problem is a shock.

Any recvommendations would be appreciated.
o Can the trans be reapaired at the franchise transmission shops, Amaaco, etc.??
o Is a low mileage salvage trans a better bet then a remanufactured trans?
o Should a salavage trans come with a warranty?


r/ Mike P

[brucelee]

I recommend that you have the trans serviced with new fluid and filter if applicable. Have them drop the pan and check while servicing. That may be all you need.

My Ti was popping out of first gear (manual trans) and BMW told me new trans. I installed new shifter, synthetic ATF in trans and presto, trans is like new.

Sometimes they don't know what they are doing!

Good luck.

[bimmerboi318]

Yes I agree. Have the transmission fluid and filter serviced. There are alot of drivability issues that can be resolved without rebuilding or replacing the transmission. A plugged filter can cause low hydraulic pressure in the trans and cause it to slip or shift harshly. The dealer may well know that it can be fixed, but will have a ball charging you the 4k for a new trans. I'd ask the dealer to do the tranny service, and if it doesnt help, look into a low mileage tranny. Much cheaper than a rebuild and they're reliable. Personally I'd stay away from the tranny shops, but they're probably ok. I like the dealer (besides their price) because they are the best trained for your car and have the best equipment.

But, start with the cheaper choices like the fluid and filter service.

[Jeff Spooner]

also check to make sure you have the latest updated E-prom. Sometimes it was updated to solve these kinds of problems.

[BOOSTED318IS]

Hi Mike,
This is actually my first posting on this forum. I have a 1995 BMW 318is that i just converted from an automatic to a manual. Therefore I have a great automatic tranny for sale with 98,000 miles on it. It was not slipping at all and it shifted great. I can gaurantee everything but the labor for a full refund. Let me know if you are interested. I am in Hermosa Beach, CA.

Thanks,
Dave

[first_bmw]

Boosted,,,

off topic, How hard was the conversion? and was it expensive?

[BOOSTED318IS]

To First_BMW,
The tranny swap kit ran me about 1500.00 stock in parts , with another 350 in aftermarket upgrades (short shift kit, UUC tranny mounts, etc.). I bought my kit from Bavarian Auto Recyclers in Sacramento (contact Steve Hamilton)You need the following:

Getrag 5-Speed Transmission
Driveshaft for Getrag 5-Speed
Guibo for Getrag 5-Speed
Sachs Clutch Kit
Pedal Assembly
Shift Boot
Shift Knob
Rubber Block under Boot
Transmission Bushings
Mount for Getrag 5-Speed Transmission
Transmission to Guibo Bolts
Guibo to Driveshaft Bolts
Transmission to Block Bolts
Shifter Assembly
Clutch Lines
Master and Slave Cylinder Lines
FlywheelClutch Arm Bushings
Pilot Bearing
Release Arm
Release Bearing
Clutch Pivot Pin
Clutch Hose
Clutch Hose Connector
Clutch Slave Cylinder
Master Slave Cylinder

The swap took 2 days to complete. I live in LA and i found a shop to do the work for 700.00 (great price). The driveshaft and shifter assembly are the hardest components to get correct, at least that is my experience. I love the car with the manual it takes it to a new level