Need Some Sanity Check

[zzipy]

I have been posting about my transmission issues and I just got the dreaded call that the transmission is gone. A well recommended reputable indy is willing to install a used one from a low mileage car and guarantee it for 15K miles for $2700. Also the oil fiter housing gasket and a line needs to be changed for $300. So looking at $3000. This is a 2000 528 with 133K miles and I am wondering if I should invest the monies or cut my losses and move on, sucks as I just spent $1600.
The car's interior/exterior is very very well maintained. I often get compliments for it and the following has happened since I purchased the car at 60K miles:
1) Blew the radiator and Water Pump at 68K miles. Changed all the associated hoses and belts when I had it repaired.
2) ABS unit went at about 74K miles
3) MAF went at around 100K and I had the Vanos seals done at the same time. Also changed O2 sensors
4) I had the alternator, steering pump, oil pan gasket, Valve Cover Gasket replaced in the last 2 weeks.
5) Changed one windows regulator and haven't bothered with the other one that went out. Other things like sway bar links, a hose here and there done.
I would like the community to tell what other major issues (and associated expenses) are lurking around the corner AND your thoughts. This will help me make a decision.

[edjack]

See my post on Roadfly.

[70X200]

Well, I would like to tell you that the worst is behind you but no one really knows. During the past month I have replaced six fuel injectors, CCV system, leaking gaskets, fuel regulator and the list goes on and on. The 530i is now running like a champ but, I am always wondering what will happen next.


A lot of people do their own work but, that isn't an option for me most of the time so it gets really expensive. During the past year I have sunk around five grand into the car and I am wondering if it is worth it anymore. Love the car but, at what cost......good luck with your decision.

[cnn]

Funny I talked about similar issue here.

Thread #43 and all the threads after that:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=522159&page=2

[DHoang]

This is one of those repairs that you have to fix, whether you want to keep the car or not. Otherwise, You'll have a very hard time selling the car w/ a blown trans, unless you're thinking of just giving the car away to charity and writing it off on your taxes.

From seeing the list of stuff that's gone wrong, I would suspect there's going to be more areas of concern that will pop up in the future. Steering rack leakage, struts and shocks going bad, moonroof hinges may break, 2ndary air pump whining, FSU (easy fix), Aux fan goes out if you use A/C alot, Oil filter housing oil leakage, CCV clogging up, and at some point, cooling system overhaul immenent. So, with those items listed above that I see needing service once the car goes above 100k miles, I see about another $2.5k in parts for addressing these things.

[Vin M]

See my post on Roadfly.

+1

[Cyrix2k]

Your quoted price seems really high for a used trans...

[I Shield I]

Sounds to me like someone beat the piss out of that car w/ no maintenance for the first 59k miles. You've had to do WAY too many pricey repairs for 130k miles, and now tranny is shot?!!? I'd cut and run, sell it for a couple grand or part it out and probably get 3-4k. Always know your PO'ers!

Just my $0.02

[Flyer58]

Do you need it as reliable transportation? If so, maybe you should cut your losses and lease something. I have seen cars you can lease for under $200 a month.
All the money you put into it is sunk cost at this point, so don't worry over that.
The car is worth almost nothing if it is not running, except as a parts car. Your options are part it out, or fix it.
Try to find out what it would be worth parted out, and I would shop around and try to get the best deal on a tranny swap. It might be worth as much parted out as another of the same or similar model. If you fix it, drive it a year and then consider a trade before something else fails.
I took my 1998 528i in to a dealer to see about a trade on a used Audi, and they only offered about $3000. It's low miles and in good shape, and worth way more than that to me, but realistically, if the tranny goes, the car goes.

[BimmerBreaker]

Your quoted price seems really high for a used trans...

Yeah, I agree. Though I guess the price includes labor, and a "warranty" :rolleyes

[wahvtec]

well it depends how much you like this car. Will you ever get this money your putting into it back when you sell it? NO. Will there be more money to be spent. Most likely. Can you sell it and get a car that drives anything like it for the money? Probobally not.

[Frankless]

Your quoted price seems really high for a used trans...

I agree I was just quoted $3500 for a completely rebuilt transmission from my local indy.

OP i feel like i am in the same situation. My car recently hit 100k and need transmission and sooner rather than later a cooling system overhaul. Cut my losses and move on or hope for the best. :(

[Cyrix2k]

Yeah, I agree. Though I guess the price includes labor, and a "warranty" :rolleyes
My opinion is that the price should be around $1000. Actual labor to install should be no more than any other modern car. I can't imagine the trans itself costing more than several hundred dollars. The last transmission that we had removed and installed ran $400 for the labor, and that was on a 4x4 which requires a bit more work (although it doesn't have the under panels or exhaust in the way). Add in the cost of transmission fluid and the warranty.

I agree I was just quoted $3500 for a completely rebuilt transmission from my local indy.

OP i feel like i am in the same situation. My car recently hit 100k and need transmission and sooner rather than later a cooling system overhaul. Cut my losses and move on or hope for the best. :(
Yeah. I'm probably going to throw a few k at my car in the near future so I can keep it as a nice DD. My biggest concern is actually the value of the vehicle if it's wrecked - I figure I'm either not going to get the parts value back out of it or it's going to be a real fight. Aside from that, the car should be reliable if maintenance is kept up on and any other car also requires maintenance. My car is and has been paid off since I bought it so the only costs associated with it are running costs and tags/insurance. Might as well keep driving it.

[zzipy]

The guy is saying the tranmission is costing him over 1400 and he is going labor and warranty thats why it is 2700. Who can rebuild transmissions? AAMCO? The dealer is saying 4.5K for transmission :(
I am most probably going to get it repaired and become a devout god fearing man!

[Green335i]

Im a fan of buying used transmissions from salvage yards. They usually come with some sort of warranty.