84 533i CL special now i need help asap!please..

So i got a CL special on a 84 533i for $500 im the 3rd owner it had clean title pink slips registered till september 2011 nice body interior could use some work.. So the guy i got it from stated that all it needs is either an alternator or battery so i tested battery it doesnt hold charge so i have to test alternator now..But i was able to drive it home fine it worked great however the brakes were super stiff then the following day i was driving and all of a sudden it wont go past 20mph like its stuck in first so i tried to pull over asap but before i did smoke came out of tranny its automatic but when i shift manually its ok then when i finally parked there was no brake pressure at all looked under car to notice transmission fluid leaking please any advice would be appreciated thanks

Originally Posted by 84bmw533i

So i got a CL special on a 84 533i for $500 im the 3rd owner it had clean title pink slips registered till september 2011 nice body interior could use some work.. So the guy i got it from stated that all it needs is either an alternator or battery so i tested battery it doesnt hold charge so i have to test alternator now..But i was able to drive it home fine it worked great however the brakes were super stiff then the following day i was driving and all of a sudden it wont go past 20mph like its stuck in first so i tried to pull over asap but before i did smoke came out of tranny its automatic but when i shift manually its ok then when i finally parked there was no brake pressure at all looked under car to notice transmission fluid leaking please any advice would be appreciated thanks

Is it leaking from the trans? Check the level with the dipstick. Your model has the power steering and brake booster sharing the same fluid reservoir which, by the way, is Dexron ATF. You need to get a repair manual or at least an owner's manual so you can identify what fluids to check and where. If there's smoke coming out of the trans, that's not good.

thanks does this mean i must bleed the brakes?

Originally Posted by 84bmw533i

thanks does this mean i must bleed the brakes?

I don't think the brake hydaulics are your problem. The brake booster receives pressure from the power steering pump to lessen braking effort. you need to check ALL the fluid levels first; engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, etc. to begin to figure out what the problem is. Also check the condition of the belts and confirm there's the proper amount of tension on them particularly the alternator belt. Look over the batter connections. You mave want to remove them and clean them very carefully. If you have a voltmeter check the voltage at the battery before you start the car and after it's running. You can get a cheap battery at an Interstate Battery Factory outlet store. I bought one for $23.

If you had no brake pressure i would guess that either one of your hydrolic lines let go, your brake bomb just died, or your brake master died. I can help you with the brake bomb or the master for 50 each. If it is one of your lines you can get those at a stealership or you can get them remade at a go shop.

Andy