auto transmission and other questions

[m3f_Monksterman]

Hello I just registered and am considering a 1999 cabriolet with 107k on the clock and have a couple of questions. Would prefer a stick but this seems like a really good/fair deal and very good price. One owner though carfax says recently went through dealer auction..



1. With proper service what is the service life of the tranny?

2. Does it use synthetic fluid, how much, and when are changes done?

3. How does it "feel" in normal and spirited driving if it is in good condition.

4. Any idiosyncracies I need to know?

5. What is engine service life with proper maintenance?

6. Any weak links/recalls/major TSBs for 1999 year model?



Many thanks. I'm really hoping it's a solid base unit and worth the $$. If so it's mine.



Monksterman

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

A tranny and engine will last well past 200k miles if taken care of.



I am not too fond of the autos that came in thoes care though, they seem kinda rough for my likes. I believe the trannys use normal ATF fluid back then. I know the newer autos have a specialty fluid thats never to be changed, it may be the same with these too.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

If you can drive stick and prefer stick, I really think you should get a stick. Though the car may seem fun enough now, you might start having regrets 6 months down the road or so. If you're going to be keeping this thing for awhile, I really wouldn't settle for the wrong tranny choice. That's a pretty big difference.

[m3f_DMan_d62e5d4102]

My auto feels "spirited" enough, but then again I'm coming from a 95 Integra LS 5-speed. Not too many 99 cabs come with manual trans. though from what I've heard. I would have chosen a manual (that's all I've been driving for the past 15 years) but my wife only drives auto and it's our only car (plus we're in downtown Chicago traffic but that doesn't bother me when driving stick). Have fun w/ your potential new purchase!

[m3f_M3Blurr_078ff30d27]

The only comment I can add is that my car has 145k+ and runs as strong as it did when i got it at 33K. And yes I beat it like it owes me money. Everyday! I think it enjoys it.

[m3f_wsmc831_097c0cf94a]

take your time and find the right car. I ended up finding my color combo with manual in Texas and snapped it up.



...and you are right, not too many converts with manual, which is why I love the ones with auto's for sale that claim they are special or something....

[m3f_jclemen]

Allow me to be wishy-washy on the subject. I'm a former 97 5speed coupe owner that just purchased a 99 auto conv. I agree, if you really need a 5 speed, wait or search for one, you won't be dissapointed. However, as I've said before, I don't mind the auto with the convertible. I don't feel the conv is much of performance platform with the all the flex associated, plus, I personally don't feel like I need to rush when the sun is shining...



Jeff

99 Estoril Conv

01 3.0 X5 (5 speed)

97 E420

[m3f_wsmc831_097c0cf94a]

then why not just get a 323 convertible? spending all the extra money for the M convert for performance right?



the bug convertibles are nice to, nice and slow ;-)

[m3f_jclemen]

My point was that the conv's are heavier and have more flex than a coupe, I guess I wouldn't kid myself that it was the best platform for a high performance vehicle. The coupe's have that hands down.

The auto conv is similiar to a muscle car, just plant the foot and be gone, as long as you get used to the cowl shake...



Jeff

99 Estoril conv

01 3.0 X5

97 E420

[m3f_Monksterman]

Thanks all! This weekend should be fun as I'm lining up a couple of sedans and the cabrio to drive one after the other. Being near LA sure helps!

Also I need to bone up on all the mods I see repeatedly on this site e.g. DDE plus, UUC TME's, Comforti cai, UUC Evo II K, etc., etc.. Jeeze, is there a glossary somewhere???



Thanx Again'



Monk

PS & how do you import those smiley thingamajigs on the side? They kill me.



M



'02 S-Type Sport 3.0 stock

'84 Alfa Spyder

'96 Jetta TDI

'59 Gulietta Sprint w/1600 & 5spd (RIP)

'91 SHO 236K when sold

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Lots an lots of mods can be done heh.

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

friends don't let friends buy auto

[m3f_FLi GLi]

Monksterman,



I looked long and hard for a 5spd convertible. When I finally found one in a color I could deal with, I snapped it up. They are as rare as a disease free hooker. This is a sports car, not a Chrysler Sebring. Hold out for the 5spd.



Jclemen,



Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, but aren't the 'verts as structurally sound with the top up as a coupe? I believe I read that from some reputable BMW source. In my experience with driving ragtops (Mustangs, Saabs, VWs, etc.) our 'verts have very little flex/cowel shake. They are damned solid top up OR down, IMO. I do the same thing as you...when the top is down, I have noticed I drive much slower/less aggressively. I think it has to do with trying to make up for the 7 years I spent in the darkness of Upstate NY.



FLi

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, but aren't the 'verts as structurally sound with the top up as a coupe? I believe I read that from some reputable BMW source.



No way. Converts have ALOT more flex in their body than a coupe does.



This is why theres extra re-enforcement bars, and braces under the car on converts.

[m3f_FLi GLi]

No way. Converts have ALOT more flex in their body than a coupe does.



This is why theres extra re-enforcement bars, and braces under the car on converts.



I understand this. What I'm saying is with the re-enforcement bars, braces, etc. that BMW adds to the 'verts, and the top up, the structural rigidity of the 'vert is equal to that of the coupe.





FLi