I am planning on buying a used BMW 318i automatic (the shape from mid 1999). I have seen a lot of cheap ones but with high mileage (100k +). I just wondered how many more miles before the autogear box packs up or needs serious attention. Thanks.
I am planning on buying a used BMW 318i automatic (the shape from mid 1999). I have seen a lot of cheap ones but with high mileage (100k +). I just wondered how many more miles before the autogear box packs up or needs serious attention. Thanks.
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BMW autoboxes can start to give trouble after 100k miles. This is because they are supposedly ’sealed for life’ and as such BMW does not specify changing the oil in the service schedule. However, that doesn’t mean it’s going to pack up.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:13 amIf the car drives ok and the transmission works as it should then once you have bought the car take it to an auto box speciallist and get it serviced. This will cost a few quid but is worth the cash in the long run.
However, personally I would go for a manual box on a higher millage car since there is less to go wrong.
If you have any more BMW related questions use the link below.
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You can make it to 300K or more if properly maintained.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:49 amOtherwise, that would be a function of how well the previous owner took care of the auto tranny. You may get lucky and the tranny will last a while or the transmission may die after 2,000 miles. Have a mechanic take a good luck at things.
I had a 1993 318i (stick) that I paid $3,800 and had 186,000 miles. I got 23,000 miles out of the car before I had to swap the engine and put in a new clutch. If not for going broke, I would have replaced the alternator and probably get at least 50-100,000 miles out of it. BMW’s are expensive to maintain and I cringe at high mileage cars BUT if one has cash in the bank and doesn’t want a car payment – these cars are fun to drive.
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So long the trans has had it’s regular maintenance done at the required intervals, I’ve seen 400,000 mile odometers with OEM parts. Has a lot to do with TLC, how the owner(s) before you drove it.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:58 amMy ‘91 318is has 215,000 on the odo, it’s nothing for a bmw…
But I like to drive it hard, and one day I missed a gear and ever since that day 3rd gear likes to scratch on the way in because I suspect I messed up the synchro or broke a tooth off… I still drive it, I’m just more careful with it.
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There was a period in the early 1990s when BMW used a GM Automatic transmission. That transmission was terribly short lived and many of them didn’t make 50 K miles. The image of transmission problems in BMWs may be carrying over from the problems with the GM transmission. If you can check with the previous owner of your 318i, you may find that your transmission may have already been replaced, or maybe even properly serviced with the change of the “permanent” ATF found in many of the later model cars. It turns out that the very expensive “permanent” ATF is now recommended to be replaced around the 100K mileage. Make sure that whatever ATF fluid now in use is not the old reddish TYPE A ATF in use 25 years ago. The ZF 5 speed automatic transmissions should be good for at least 200 K miles if properly maintained.
November 26th, 2009 at 5:09 amQuote
The answer really is ‘how long is a piece of string’. Any car’s autobox will be pretty tired after 100,000 miles,& repairing it is a job for a specialist. I had a 520i Auto a few years back & the box needed new clutches at 90,000( Yes, automatics have clutches in them, mine had 7!) It cost £400 back then, but that was preferable to replacing the box, which would have been £1,500+
November 26th, 2009 at 5:33 amQuote
BMW use ZF automatic transmissions they are very reliable .
November 26th, 2009 at 5:56 amQuote
I have to disagree with the other posters. BMW automatics of this vintage aren’t all that great. At 100K the transmision could pack up tomorrow. But the good news is that you can have it checked by dropping the pan and checking records to see if it has ever been serviced.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:35 amWhy do you want such a high mileage car for a 1999. The “cheapest” BMW is usually the most expensive. also i don’t think a 318 is your best choice.
Cars are often cheap for a reason.
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The ZF transmission is favourite by a mile. It’s useful life is considerably extended if the fluid and the internal filter are changed at about 70000 miles.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:13 amQuote