1999 328i - Please Help.

[ksmillig]

Hello All,

I just traded in the Volvo for the 1999 328i. It has miles on it and I had and "Inspection 2" done at the local BMW Dealership. This car has a host of issues. Automatic Trans.

1. The transmission "slips" under hard acceleration. And to day while driving the car easy I put on the cruise control at 70 mph, and I felt a "thump" and the yellow gear light with an "!" came on the instrument cluster. I immediately pulled over - turned the car off - let it rest - turned it back on the light was still on. I got home and did the same thing and the light didn't come back on.

1a. Under gentle acceleration there is no slippage (not going over 25/3000 rpm.

1b. The dealership says I'll need a new transmission =5k dollars. Ouch. The guy I worked with there said theres a place out in CA, Bavarian XXX that can get it done, or ship, for around 3k dollars.

2. Dealership said there's a hard fault in Airbag system (AB). And the LED in the dash won't come on. To me, this isn't a big deal.

3. Front window regulators noisy (as if they need some lubrication) can I DIY this?

4. Engine Valve cover gasket leaking oil.

5. The mechanic said that the front wheel bearing was noisy. There was a noticeable "voomp, voomp, voomp" . When the car was up on the lift, I noticed that the FL tire was nearly to the metal on the inside shoulder (JEEZ). I put on 3 new tires. The noise is gone.

5a. Think there's really a wheel bearing issue?

6. Control arm bushings worn. I can feel it in the St.Wheel when I brake hard or hit bumps. I can live with this for a while.

7. Rear axle seals leaking. No idea about this one.

8. And finally, the shifter plate doesn't light up when moved from "P". I could care less about this too.

Basically, I wish I still had my Volvo. I stick to my word though. I bought it, and I'm stuck with it.

I'm guess the Transmission issue is the biggest issue?

Please help.

Thank you all.

KSM

[Kasei]

Sounds like you got a slightly troubled bimmer....if it's worth it to you to invest in it then I would keep it and fix it up. I'll at least say that it was stand up of you to stick to your word, I'm not sure I would have done that unless most of those issues were disclosed to me prior to the purchase. Good luck, there are a lot of e36 owners on here that will be able to help you out and provide some DIYs.....Amanda...... Welcome to UB!

[Dudesky]

Seriously? Dump the car and cut your losses. It's a bad way to start off, and that list won't be the end of it. Yes, a lot of it can be done with help from DIY's, but if you're fixing a car more than you're driving it, I'd say it's not worth sticking to your word. My opinion at least.

[Rooz]

I replied your PM, hope you get all that taken care of (if you decide to keep it)

[xsperf]

for the tranny, you may just be low on fluid