BMW Repair: 96 328i 4dr sedan hesitating on acceleration, rubber bushings, shock mounts


Question
QUESTION: Hi Don
I've been waiting days to post questions.
I have 96 328i, 130k, I puchased used from private party 2 weeks ago. Drives great, Engine Oil is very clean

1.Acceleration is slow then it picks up and drives normally( Naturally it did not do this when I tested drove when).  At times it will accel. at its normal speed. What do I need to fix or check out? Can we repair it ourself?

2. When I put the car into park after coming to a stop, I hear and feel a thump coming from the rear seems like?

3. Since I have 130K miles, is there any important things I need to change or service?  Like is there a timing belt or chain to be changed on this model?

ANSWER: Well being a 1996 model,cars starting that year is equipped with OBDII.If you can have your systems scanned it will help out to determine your problem.Important items to change are fluids and filters.I believe you have a chain with your engine so a belt is not required to be replaced.And the noise in the rear look at shock mounts and the rubber bushings for cracks.

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QUESTION: Thank you for your reply, I will take the vehicle and have it scanned to see any problems...When you say shock mount and rubber bushing, is that in the wheel shock and the bushings in the wheel?

I forgot to ask you a very important question about the fan in front of the car, there is a gray plastic (is it call a fan shroud?. ANyway...it is broken.....What is the purpose for this and how urgently do I need to replace it.  Most important....can I just replace the one part.?

thank you so much

Sondra.
I know you are quite busy, but  your help is greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: The shock mounts being on top of the shocks.The shroud should be there it helps in cooling the radiator

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QUESTION: Don you forgot to tell me if I can replace the plastic gray fan or do I have to replace the entire components (looks like a metal fan in the back.

I went to a mechanic and he stated a scan would not tell me why vehicle is slow on hesitation.  now! I'm confused as to why the car has a slow acceleration....Should I just have the transmission serviced.?

Sondra

Answer
If there is need of replacement(sounds like it is broken)it should be replaced.I am not sure which fan you are speaking about.But both fans are needed for proper cooling.The lack of acceleration could be due to regular maintenance items plugs,filters,etc.You said that you had it scanned...was there a code?was the check engine light on?