Quandry at 92k

5 speed 325. It's been a wonderful car...now the 'but.'

Two weeks ago, the car would not start due to a failed valve adjustment motor in the engine.
$2500.

Last week...my daughter wrecked 3rd gear with a bad shift. It grinds and chirps.
Have yet to install a used (87k mi) transmission and clutch.
Estimate is $3100.

Valve cover is fine.

What is down the road for me if I keep this car another three years at 18-thousand miles annually? Any thoughts? Estimated annual repairs?

I hate to lease something like and Acura TSX, but it's cheap, more practical, ....and I do own a 911 to feel the wild side.

Thank-you.

Originally Posted by upandown

Two weeks ago, the car would not start due to a failed valve adjustment motor in the engine.
$2500.

Last week...my daughter wrecked 3rd gear with a bad shift. It grinds and chirps.
Have yet to install a used (87k mi) transmission and clutch.
Estimate is $3100.

Valve cover is fine.

What is down the road for me if I keep this car another three years at 18-thousand miles annually? Any thoughts? Estimated annual repairs?.

Naturally, you've seen Bill Arnold BMW in San Rafael. Much preferred over having to deal with local dealer's pricing and SA's.

Alternative: DIY valvetronic motor replacement & transmission R&R. Makes ownership so much more satisfying. Bentley, of course.

Pretty sure you have a 6 speed...

The Valvetronic motor replacement should not have cost $2500.

$3100 for a used transmission and R&R; ok, but probably can be done for less. You might consider going to a normal transmission repair shop that does Getrag trannies; repair is not a hard job (I would not do this for an automatic.) You might consider replacing the clutch plate, disk and throw-out bearing (although they seem to last for 150K+ if not thrashed).

I would keep it - the car is worth $10K-15K if the work is done, and should really have anything else go wrong.

www.bimrs.org, www.bimmershops.com for non-dealer repairs.

Yes...a 6 speed. '5' was a typo. The car is gone. It appears to have found a good new home. And yes, I did speak with Bill Arnold. He seems to be a great guy, but quoted 61-hundred dollars for a new trans and clutch. Add the need for a new battery, brakes, a tune-up, tires in 10k miles, and whatever else, and I purchased a Volkswagen CC. It's not quite a bimmer...but not a bad drive at all for daily commuting. Kinda like it, actually.

See y'all in three years or so, when the daughter graduates college, I retire, and buy that last car.


Thanks for the advice.

Originally Posted by upandown

.....I retire, and buy that last car.


Thanks for the advice.

I hope that means you're gonna be 90 y.o. when you retire and you're not planning to have your last car for 20 or 30 years.

Originally Posted by upandown

See y'all in three years or so, when the daughter graduates college, I retire, and buy that last car.

Now, I didn't do this, but a friend commented that when the last one graduates college, it's time to buy your first motorcycle.