Ask the Car People.SM


BMW 3-Series Transmission Questions

37 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2010 at 1:46 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Coupe

Messages Page 2 of 4

#8 of 37 Re: clarification [proeasy1] by cdnpinhead

Dec 20, 2006 (6:30 pm)

Replying to: proeasy1 (Dec 20, 2006 5:15 pm)
This is good stuff to know. Thanks.
 
I've got one of the 12 (well, maybe a few more) Lincoln LS's with a manual, and it's a Getrag. Now I know why.
 
My most likely next car is a BMW 3, so it's good info for that as well.

#9 of 37 335i vs 328i transmission (2007 3 series) by couloir

Dec 20, 2006 (7:33 pm)

Over the last two days I test drove the 328i, 328xi, and 335i models at my local dealer. All with six speed auto transmissions. Entering the dealer yesterday I was going to get the 328xi for my wife as we live in the Northwest and have some significant winter storms lately not to mention our typical winter weather pattern and mountainous environment. Anyway, my wife said she'd feel better with the AWD. The 328xi drove well and the auto transmission was smooth with well synchonized shift points. The transmission's sport mode changed the character towards performance enough that it provided a spirited drive. I thought it would work for us....until I drove the 335i. The character of this car is so different and the performance so keen (acceleration is similar to the 911 I used to own though handling is much different)that it is a completely different car from the 328 model. The auto transmission on the 335i provides lightening quick shifts; I didn't even use the paddle shifters since the transmission in sport mode was all I needed at least during an unchaperoned test drive. Driving in a moderate rain, the rear end didn't step out though the rear tires "chirped" a couple times from launch. Not a race car but a thrill to drive nonetheless. I ended up buying the 335i. My advice: don't test drive it if you can't buy it because you'll only leave the dealership frustrated. My only concern and its partly ameliorated because of BMW's 4 year/50,000 mile full service coverage plan is about the durability of the twin Turbos. To my knowledge, BMW has only produced turbo engines for its racing program previously. How they'll hold up after 100k or 200k of "regular driving" remains to be seen.

#10 of 37 Re: 335i vs 328i transmission (2007 3 series) [couloir] by shipo

Dec 20, 2006 (7:54 pm)

Replying to: couloir (Dec 20, 2006 7:33 pm)
To my knowledge, BMW has only produced turbo engines for its racing program previously.
 
BMW has been making Turbocharged Diesel engines for the European market for years. They even made blown gas engines a couple decades ago, although those too were only for the European (and Australian???) market(s).
 
In the past, I've had turbocharged engines and I've never lost a blower, even with more than 100,000 miles on the clock. My secret? Synthetic oil. Turns out that's one of BMWs secrets as well.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#11 of 37 Re: 335i vs 328i transmission (2007 3 series) [couloir] by circlew

Dec 21, 2006 (8:06 am)

Replying to: couloir (Dec 20, 2006 7:33 pm)
Thanks for your feedback on the 335i. I have the 330xi and look forward to the 335xi which is to come out in March/April '07. I want to test drive this car because it is the most significant advance in the 3 series in the last 2 years.
 
I think BMW is keen to the competition and is stepping up the pace of improvement, don't you think?
 
Interesting you compare it to the 911 as I was using the C4S as an example of what can be done with a great awd setup in recent posts.
 
Have all the luck and safety in your new ride!
 
Regards,
OW

#12 of 37 Re: 335i vs 328i transmission (2007 3 series) [circlew] by magilla895

Dec 25, 2006 (7:15 am)

Replying to: circlew (Dec 21, 2006 8:06 am)
I chose the 335i over the 328 and couldn't be more satisfied. But I will say that the 335i isn't for everyone. If you want a "Cadillac" type of ride, then this isn't for you (at least not with sports suspension). The other thing I don't like is the temperature gauge. It tops out at 84 degrees which is fine, but when you go down 1 degree there is a noticeable/significant difference in temperature. But I've had the car over here in Germany and have driven on the autobahn and it is absolutely incredible!

#13 of 37 Re: 335i vs 328i transmission (2007 3 series) [magilla895] by circlew

Dec 25, 2006 (7:29 am)

Replying to: magilla895 (Dec 25, 2006 7:15 am)
magilla,
 
What ride(s) are you coming out of or have experience in? How do you rate the 335 vs. others?
 
Some have compared it on par with the outgoing M.
 
Regards,
OW

#14 of 37 Re: BMW 328i and 335i - Both use the same 6-speed Automatic Transmission? [ by mauinick

Jan 11, 2007 (5:46 pm)

Replying to: nkeen (Oct 15, 2006 7:04 am)
I believe this is the same transmission that GM puts into the Corvette (400 lb-ft of torque as opposed to the piddling 300 lb-ft made by the 335i). If I'm correct (and the Corvette's six-speed auto has the exact same features as the one BMW puts into the 328 and Z4 cars), then "too much torque" is not really an issue for that transmission, especially in this application.

#15 of 37 2000 3231 transmission leak ( automatic ) by tbysea

Feb 12, 2007 (2:03 pm)

#16 of 37 2000 3231 transmission leak ( automatic ) by tbysea

Feb 12, 2007 (2:03 pm)

My son's 2000 3231 automatic twice leaked largepuddles of what appears to be transition fluid ( although it is dark in color and smells a bit of oil ).
 
Both times the quantity of the leak was significant, about a pint or so, and was located under the engine on the drivers side, just inside of the drivers side wheel.
 
In each case it was on cold mornings. The first time the car had warmed for about ten minutes and when I put in in reverse and it felt like the emergenct brake was on. after reving the engine it seemed to break free and drove well after that ( I didn't see the oil puddle until returning later in the day.
 
On the second occasion, same thing but this time more fluid and then the car would not engage in any gear....again, another large puddle of fluid.
 
One mechanic power washed the engine and could not find any significant point where it leaked from.
 
I now have it into a BMW service center and have refilled he transmission fluid and the car drives well and....no major leaks!! Some minor ones at rear main seal and topside shift shaft seal.
 
They are miffed....will be replacing the frozen Vent valve and feel it might have something to do with building pressure in the engine and it being somehow related to the leaks.......?
 
Anyone have any insight to this perplexing issue....?
 
Many thanks for any and all replies.
 
tbysea

#17 of 37 Transmission Failure...OMG is it true? by trist4good7

Feb 22, 2007 (9:24 pm)

In october I bought a 1999 323i with um 138,000 miles on it. It was only 8,000 dollars and having a fat down payment i couldnt resist. for the past 4 months it has served me so well with no trouble or anything. Last week I drop my friend off, go to back out of her level driveway and the car will not go into reverse. acts as if its in neutral. after multiple attempts we end up pushing car out and i drive it home. Note the transmission warning light never came on. Upon arrival, I put car in reverse and the problem no longer exists and since then has not resurfaced. I read many horror stories of bmw 3 series trannies failing with very similar or identical symptoms, except none mentioned the the problem only happening one time. Meanwhile im scrambling to trade the car in while its still "good". Tomorrow im getting a tranny flush and I intend on asking them to check the fluid for any signs of transmission damage. What do you think about my way of handling this, and is it possible that the symptom was not a signal of tran failure and I can keep the car for a few more years????

Messages Page 2 of 4

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement