E36 Auto tranny mysteries

[MaxF]

A little background for my question:
Unfortunately I won't be able to get my first BMW (probably 94-95 325iS) in a Manual because my dad sometimes needs the car and he says that he nor I need to be driving manual in traffic ridden Los Angeles... valid point and since he will be paying insurance I have to agree.

Anyways, I have been reading crazystories about how horrible these auto trannies are on the e36 and how people needed to replace their whole tranny at around 90k miles for around $3,500. Then on the other hand some other people say that they are running their auto's at 150-250k miles w/o any trouble.

What are the facts on this issue and please submit any other comments you guys may have regarding the e36 auto tranny (and don't just say get a manual).

Thanks,
Max

 

[manuel]

i love my auto 328. i am currently ~130Kmiles and have not had to fix/replace my transmission. although i am changing the fluid one of these days(maintenace..). my transmission was getting alot of abuse ~10Kmiles ago, racing and "spirited" driving, still nothing ever went wrong. i would say that with any car, when you rag the heck outta your transmission constantly, you will have some problems..

 

[chief]

I used NOS on my 328i ('96) at a track in Canada 2 years ago. Turned out that my torque converter couldn't handle it. Had the torque converter replaced (supposedly beefed up some also) for just under $2000. Now i have a supercharger with after cooller + the NOS. No, haven't had it to the track yet. Need to the 10 lb bottle refilled, need to build the bank account up to 3000, before i go to the track. However, the SC kicks as-!

 

[bmw555]

3 series BMW are meant to be with manual, there is no point to buy 3 series with automatic if you want to really enjoy driving it, the difference is huge in my opinion. So if you want automatic you better save your money and buy a Honda, Ford or whatever.
Don't be affraid that it's hard and tiresome to drive manual, after awhile you'll be changing the gears automatically and will enjoy doing it, tell it your dad

 

[manuel]

3 series BMW are meant to be with manual, there is no point to buy 3 series with automatic if you want to really enjoy driving it, the difference is huge in my opinion. So if you want automatic you better save your money and buy a Honda, Ford or whatever.
Don't be affraid that it's hard and tiresome to drive manual, after awhile you'll be changing the gears automatically and will enjoy doing it, tell it your dad

right, a 3 series was "MEANT" to be manual, that is total B.S. let me throw my car away and get a honda, whew that was simple. /sarcasm

i enjoy driving my car, i will never EVER get a manual, why you ask? cause it isnt an m3. thanks.

PLEASE answer this, how does having a manual make you enjoy driving the car more? let me guess, its the shifting? [unsure]

 

[manuel]

I used NOS on my 328i ('96) at a track in Canada 2 years ago. Turned out that my torque converter couldn't handle it. Had the torque converter replaced (supposedly beefed up some also) for just under $2000. Now i have a supercharger with after cooller + the NOS. No, haven't had it to the track yet. Need to the 10 lb bottle refilled, need to build the bank account up to 3000, before i go to the track. However, the SC kicks as-!

what kind of kit you have? i am thinking of getting one...

 

[mybabyM3]

Don't let anyone tell you having an auto is a waste. Unless you have a car that is being tracked or street racing all the time I wouldn't even consider a manual. I have had both and for my everyday driver I'll pick an auto in any type of car. On cars I use for the track I do prefer a manual. On 3 series auto's you do have the manual mode option where you have to shift like a manual just without the clutch. Don't be afraid of an auto. By the way I have 154,000 on my auto tranny and it drives like new. Also you can get a rebuilt tranny for half of what you quoted earlier.

 

[MaxF]

This is how I see it... I love BMW's not for their power, but for their styling and I think most reasonable people feel that way. The e36 body is just a classic beauty that no other car can even come close to in my eyes.
Given that I think someone who wants raw power and a competitive racing car is barking up the wrong tree. Don't get me wrong, the I6's pack a punch, but unless you are prepared to invest A LOT into the car they don't come close to cheap american V8's and a lot of cheap Japanese crap. Even with the standard software upgrade, CAI, and exhaust AND MANUAL tranny a 325 or 328 will get absolutely owned by a V8 Mustang GT and most vtec preludes and other Japanese crap will give you a run for your money and will a lot of times smoke you, too.
Now consider that I live in Los Angeles, possibly the most traffic ridden city in the world and I don't plan on putting much if any money into engine mods... is it really smart for me to strive for that manual ? I don't think so either.

Thanks for all your help guys... interesting discussion.

Max

 

[bmw555]

right, a 3 series was "MEANT" to be manual, that is total B.S. let me throw my car away and get a honda, whew that was simple. /sarcasm

i enjoy driving my car, i will never EVER get a manual, why you ask? cause it isnt an m3. thanks.

PLEASE answer this, how does having a manual make you enjoy driving the car more? let me guess, its the shifting? [unsure]

Yes, the shifting I like to choose myself when to shift and at what rpm, I also like the feeling of direct connection from the engine to the wheels. If you are happy with your automatic then I'm happy for you but you are missing a lot. If it were up to me I would prohibite production of 3 series with automatic.

 

[bmw555]

This is how I see it... I love BMW's not for their power, but for their styling and I think most reasonable people feel that way. The e36 body is just a classic beauty that no other car can even come close to in my eyes.
Given that I think someone who wants raw power and a competitive racing car is barking up the wrong tree. Don't get me wrong, the I6's pack a punch, but unless you are prepared to invest A LOT into the car they don't come close to cheap american V8's and a lot of cheap Japanese crap. Even with the standard software upgrade, CAI, and exhaust AND MANUAL tranny a 325 or 328 will get absolutely owned by a V8 Mustang GT and most vtec preludes and other Japanese crap will give you a run for your money and will a lot of times smoke you, too.
Now consider that I live in Los Angeles, possibly the most traffic ridden city in the world and I don't plan on putting much if any money into engine mods... is it really smart for me to strive for that manual ? I don't think so either.

Thanks for all your help guys... interesting discussion.

Max

I agree with you that e36 is classic beauty and it's not a good choice for racing, I don't race, I like manual for the feel of it, you won't understand it unless you feel it yourself, if you are happy with automatic then good for you, it's your money after all and I'm just expressing my personal opinion.

 

[MaxF]

I agree with you that e36 is classic beauty and it's not a good choice for racing, I don't race, I like manual for the feel of it, you won't understand it unless you feel it yourself, if you are happy with automatic then good for you, it's your money after all and I'm just expressing my personal opinion.

I know the feel of the manual... i rented a protege on a stick when i was still in the market for a manual 325 and I really liked it. The bmw is same thing except stiffer clutch pedal and a lot more power than the POS protege. But the many disadvanteges(traffic driving, navigating long hills with frequent stops, and parking on a steep street etc etc) beat out that one advantage of the "feel" of and responsivness of it, unless you plan on putting money into constructing a competetive racer.

IMHO, of course,

Max

 

[bmw555]

I know the feel of the manual... i rented a protege on a stick when i was still in the market for a manual 325 and I really liked it. The bmw is same thing except stiffer clutch pedal and a lot more power than the POS protege. But the many disadvanteges(traffic driving, navigating long hills with frequent stops, and parking on a steep street etc etc) beat out that one advantage of the "feel" of and responsivness of it, unless you plan on putting money into constructing a competetive racer.

IMHO, of course,

Max

I grew up with manual and my first car was manual so I feel comfortable with it in any driving conditions, I enjoy shifting it so why not to shift? Also, I find BMW gearbox not quite the same as others, it has that mechanical feel in it. But anyhow, this is useless discussion, people have different tastes.

 

[chief]

what kind of kit you have? i am thinking of getting one...

Got the Race Marque System supercharger w/aftercooler . Osh will work with you to get the DME programmed properly. Also, two suggestions: 1. Ensure you receive the proper fuel injectors with your kit. I first received 32 lb'ers. Way to much fuel was being dumped into the cylinders. My 328i should have had 28 lb'ers. 2. the oil line from the oil pressure switch to the SC requires reworking with teflon tape, not just additional tightening as noted in the original installation instructions, i didn't and have an oil leak that when the weather gets a little better i will dismantle the SC and retape the fittings. For now i just add a quart once a month.

 

[Kirby]

This is how I see it... I love BMW's not for their power, but for their styling and I think most reasonable people feel that way. The e36 body is just a classic beauty that no other car can even come close to in my eyes.
Given that I think someone who wants raw power and a competitive racing car is barking up the wrong tree. Don't get me wrong, the I6's pack a punch, but unless you are prepared to invest A LOT into the car they don't come close to cheap american V8's and a lot of cheap Japanese crap. Even with the standard software upgrade, CAI, and exhaust AND MANUAL tranny a 325 or 328 will get absolutely owned by a V8 Mustang GT and most vtec preludes and other Japanese crap will give you a run for your money and will a lot of times smoke you, too.

Max

The Mustang V8 will own a bimmer I6 if you are street racing, that is drag racing. But the I6 owns the Mustang V8 in handling, and specifically can own a Mustang, VTEC and other Japanese cars in Autocross racing. The bimmer IS absolutely a competitive racing car even when totally stock. You have to define WHAT TYPE of racing.

 

[manuel]

chief, i was talking about the nitrous kit

 

[my3rdbimmer]

i like my auto wish i could have found a manual though. more reliable

Manuel,
get a NOS sportsman fogger kit.. with the progressive controler.. more expensive. but running else on a bmw is like drinking a fine 12 year od scotch with a spritz of toilet water...LOL.. here are the links for the equipment

here is the link for the sportsman fogger..

http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/Products/NOS/NOSNS/SprtmnFog.html

here is a link for a progressive controler for system.. cool set up... best way to do it.

http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/Products/NOS/NOSCA/TPnCntrl.html
_________________

 

[newguy]

Part of the "buzz" of ownership, is to drive it. Always look long-term, towards the "next" car. Maybe next time, a manual/ or Auto, different suspension, tires, wheels, etc .depending on what you've got now..I think its part of the Program...just my thoughts

 

[chief]

chief, i was talking about the nitrous kit

Got the NOS from Summit Racing. Takes about a day to install. Wiring the switch's takes the extra time. Mounted my 10lb'er in the trunk. Drilled hole in the spare wheel well to run the lines. Also, mounted the injector nozzle in the coupling cuff in front of the throttle body.

 

[93 325i]

Yes, the shifting I like to choose myself when to shift and at what rpm, I also like the feeling of direct connection from the engine to the wheels. If you are happy with your automatic then I'm happy for you but you are missing a lot. If it were up to me I would prohibite production of 3 series with automatic.

i agree..You lose alot with an automatic. E36's have no business even being offered with the automatic tran. If you want the auto get a 5 or 7 series