QuestionI just bought my 1999 323is with 53,000 miles. Before me, it was owned by a family who hardly drove it. Before that, it was a loaner car. so please bear with me (I am trying to learn more about my car). There were a few questions that I had:
1. While driving in Automatic (driving 70mph) I accidently pressed Manual. I coasted and switched the car back into automatic. Ever since this happened -a few weeks ago, i have noticed a few very minor changes in my car. I swear the A - for automatic used to light up. It no longer does that. But if I press Manual - the M lights up. When it is "in automatic"-neither A nor M is lit up. Is it stuck in Manual? I have also noticed a slight jerk while going 20-30mph while it switches from 1-2nd gear. This also happens when switches from 2nd-3rd, but not as much. I hope I have not messed up my transmission! If I did mess the tranny up, does it take a while to go out? Or would it go out farely quickly.
2. How much does it cost to rebuild or get a new transmission? (i am hoping this is not the case though!)
4. Is there any way to get the Manual option turned off so I never have to worry about that happening? (the button is right next to the window button-so i have to be so careful!)
3. I hear a very slight thump (really not sure where it is coming from - the engine?) but only sometimes and it is usually when I am at a stop, but I am starting to notice it while I am driving too.
I REALLY appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you!
AnswerSuzy, I know you are new to BMW's, and probably this forum. So in the future make sure to read about the person you are asking advice. My area of "expertise" is with the older BMW's (1984-1991). However I own a '99 328is, that should be similar to your car, except I have a manual transmission (not the Manual you speak of, but I have a shifter, and use a clutch pedal to change gears).
To be honest, I think you are worrying about the car. I've been there, you drive an unusual car, or one that's new to you, and if you touch something you might break it. Believe me, unless you heard a loud banging noise, or felt a big jerk or clunk, your car is probably in exactly the same condition it was in when you got it. I'm sure BMW wouldn't allow you to "mess up" the transmission by pressing a switch that is right next to the window switch.
So dont sweat it, I'm 99.999999999% sure that your car is ok, or at least you didn't do anything to it. How it was driven before you is a different story. Some people really "beat" on cars and neglect them, and sometimes you might buy one of these cars.
If you had to replace the transmission, it would be VERY expensive. I dont think this is necessary, but you could always have it looked at by a TRUSTED mechanic. As I'm sure you know, Mechanics like to work on women's cars, they see them coming from a mile way, and visualize the gobs of money they will be stuffing in their pockets. Please stay away from any shady mechanics, and to be sure... get a second opinion. Take the car to a couple places and have them both look at it. Be sure not to tell each mechanic what the other one said.
In summary, I think your car is fine, at least the transmission. Just make sure you change the oil as recommended, and change the tranny fluid when recommended. (see your owners manual). Another tip: Use quality synthetic motor oil. Mobil 1 has some that lasts 15k miles, so you can go 5 times longer between oil changes. I use it in all my cars, and it's never let me down.
hope this helps, and feel free to come back and ask any other questions.
Josh
