Lucky day?

I recently purchased a 98 528i w/sport package (195K miles) from a guy that claimed that it had a bad transmission. He claimed that it was fine until he changed the fluid and filter, then immediately started slipping. I asked him what kind of filter & fluid he used (aftermarket filter and Dexron III).

I took it for a test drive and sure enough it would slip a bit after starting from a full stop. It would also slip when shifting from reverse to drive.

I was really just looking for another cheap 528, potentially as a parts car, We negotiated down to $1500.00 and I bought it.

So the car is a little rough, but not that bad. I decided to take a look at the tranny fluid. I drove it around for 20 minutes then put it up on jacks to check the fluid level. I had to add 2.2 quarts to get it to the proper level!!

I took it for another drive and it shifted perfectly. I put a 100 miles on it and it is shifting as smoothly as ever.

I am guessing that he didn't top it off with the car running.

I am not going to bet it is 100% just yet, but I'd certainly think that being 2.2 quart low on fluid could have an effect like that. I am a little surprised that that fellow gave up that quick.

DW

Nice work!

LOL! That has happened to a few folks. Looks like you got yourself a pretty good deal!

It happens, you have to have patience in stuff like that and use logic. I love simple fixes like that. I thought your going to rip the transmission apart lol Good job!

Originally Posted by filon102

It happens, you have to have patience in stuff like that and use logic. I love simple fixes like that. I thought your going to rip the transmission apart lol Good job!

Yep, he also had tried to replace the radio with an aftermarket unit because the old one "didn't work". Surprisingly he still had the radio/MID and he gave it to me. I put it back in and sure enough it didn't work...

Until I replaced the fuse on the back of the radio..

I *almost* felt guilty until I realized that he could have just as easily used a forum like this to learn how to fix all these little things.

DW

Your gain his loss, all because he didn't do his research on the issues properly. Congrats on the solid purchase!

Win!

Lets see some pics of this thing. Sounds like you got one hell of a deal!

you going to flip that thing or keep it

Originally Posted by dunne44

you going to flip that thing or keep it

Most likely will flip it. I just did the thrust arms, control arms, sway bar links and struts as they were pretty bad.

The interior is in pretty good shape and there are a few little dings on the car.

One thing I need to address before I try to sell it is the wheels. Someone decided that it would look nice to (half-ass) paint the wheels WHITE (on a black on black car)!! Perhaps done right it might look nice, but I don't have that kind of imagination.

I also need to do the headlight adjusters and refurb the lenses.

All fun stuff.

DW

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the PO removed the muffler. He just cut it off behind the rear axle. So I need to get a replacement for that.

He thought it sounded good. Doesn't really suit me.

DW

Originally Posted by DWertz

I recently purchased a 98 528i w/sport package (195K miles) from a guy that claimed that it had a bad transmission. He claimed that it was fine until he changed the fluid and filter, then immediately started slipping. I asked him what kind of filter & fluid he used (aftermarket filter and Dexron III).

I took it for a test drive and sure enough it would slip a bit after starting from a full stop. It would also slip when shifting from reverse to drive.

I was really just looking for another cheap 528, potentially as a parts car, We negotiated down to $1500.00 and I bought it.

So the car is a little rough, but not that bad. I decided to take a look at the tranny fluid. I drove it around for 20 minutes then put it up on jacks to check the fluid level. I had to add 2.2 quarts to get it to the proper level!!

I took it for another drive and it shifted perfectly. I put a 100 miles on it and it is shifting as smoothly as ever.

I am guessing that he didn't top it off with the car running.

I am not going to bet it is 100% just yet, but I'd certainly think that being 2.2 quart low on fluid could have an effect like that. I am a little surprised that that fellow gave up that quick.

DW

Scoreboard: thumbup: I love a story with a happy ending.

I got a set of style 19s I'm selling. If your interested, PM me.

Lucky day indeed

Originally Posted by DWertz

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the PO removed the muffler. He just cut it off behind the rear axle. So I need to get a replacement for that.

He thought it sounded good. Doesn't really suit me.

DW

Thats so ghetto