Tranny/AC/Fuel Q's ??

[bimboy]

I bought a 1995 325i (Auto) a few months back and it has almost 100K miles now. I did a complete tune-up etc. after I bought it. I see the following problems and thought some smart ppl in this forum might be able to help.

Tranny
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1. Sometimes when I have the car on Reverse or Drive, it gets stuck and behaves as if its in Park. I have to really press on the gas pedal to get the car out of the stuck state. This doesnt happen always but now and then. Any potential issues ? I haven't done transmission service yet. Would that fix it or is there any other potential problem.
2. Also the gear transition is not smooth and is kind a discrete. I am guessing this will go away after flushing and changing the tranny fluids. Any thoughts??

AC and Air
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1. The air flow is kind of lousy and the cooling is not great. Only if I have the air-flow control on "4" I get some air. Also the car takes a lil while to cool. Will changing the "air flow filter" help. Any thing more to check??

Fuel Type/Economy
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1. What kind of fuel (octane rating) that I should use for this car. I asked a few ppl around and each person says a different thing.. :shifty . Should I be using Premium or Regular.
2. Within the city I am getting only 16 miles/gallon. This seems awfully low. Is this common or something could be wrong. I did a tune up (oil, filters, spark plug, coolant..etc) a few months back. Is there anyway to troubleshoot this. What mileage can I expect in the city/highway (although I know there are many variables involved in this).

Advanced thanks for all responses and and sorry for a long post.

 

[fritchy]

My 1998 328i owners manual clearly states a minimum of 87 octane, but for optimal performance and gas mileage to use 92+. In other words, you can use regular and it won't hurt the car. Personally I would use premium b/c of the better fuel mileage, performance, and cleaner for the injectors (although i'm no mechanic). And what is 20 cents when gas is almost $3.00 anyway.

Also, add some injector cleaner concentrate (get the most expensive one). Just do that every so often though, not all the time.

As for the tranny...all i can say is that i spoke to my local bmw dealership service dept and was told that my bmw doesn't require trans flush. It never needs to be changed. It is lifetime fluid. If having problems I would definitely have a reputable bmw mechanic take a look at it. It could be something more serious. Do not. I repeat. Do NOT add any transmission treatment concentrate. Always ask and consult with a BMW mechanic. I've heard that tranny treatments can damage it. If you love your bimmer like i do there is no price too high for its proper health. I would either spend the money on a good mechanic or perhaps purchase a BMW do-it-yourself book. Go onto ebay or amazon.com and look for a "BMW 3 Series Repair & Service Manual 1992-1998".

 

[Big Daddy]

Have the transmission flushed and refilled with the proper fluid, there is no such thing as "lifetime" fluids! They say this as most cars will go 100k without any trouble and that to BMW is a lifetime! The fluid gets dirty and needs changing, it is that simple. Do not drain and refill, have the system flushed. I did mine in my 750 and it worked wonders. I agree, no "mechanic in a can" conditioners!

I use a minimum of 91 octane. Yes the car will run on less, but it has to compensate for the lower octane resulting in loss of power and more gummed up injectors as well as carbon build up. This will have a negative effect on the car over time. I use Redline SI-1 Injector Cleaner. Use that or Chevrons Techron which can be purchased at Costco.

I do not know about your ac problem, unless the system simply needs a recharge.

Lastly, welcome to the board!

 

[nadroj]

Maybe, your cabin air filter needs replaced for the A/C it sounds like not much air is getting in there, on my e36 with the a/c on high in texas i get cold

 

[bimboy]

Thks to all responses.

I've given my car to a BMW mechanic who specializes in Transmission. He is going to look at the occasional "Gear Stuck" problem that I mentioned earlier...may be a transmission service after that depending on his findings...

Once the Tranny problem is fixed (hopefully no too much $$$$..) I can try changing the Microfilter/Cabin air filter and see if that improves the airflow..

My car is soon approaching 100K miles? I did a tune up a few months back..Is there anything to be checked at that mileage..any maintenance work or anything to be aware of ??