[Beamschemin']

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and I came because I wanted some opinions and advice on this. I work at a carmax and I could get a wholesale 2001 BMW 330i with about 111k miles for about $800, but based on the warning lights lit up it may need a new transmission and some work done to the break system. Seems to run fine other than being in limp mode due to the tranny. It's an automatic so ultimately I would want to swap it to a manual anyway. Would the money/work be worth it? (I have some mechanical knowledge and experience but nothing this serious). Thanks. Will include pictures if someone tells me how lol

 

[SiVaE46]

There are plenty of threads here talking about manual swaps - if you manage to diy then cost could be reasonable. You can find used auto at junk yard for $200 - no warranty - specialist will charge you $1-$2k to install - so again maybe only worth it if you think you can do the job yourself - I think this is hard without access to a lift ...

 

[cvx5832]

It's already worth more that in parts. If you're willing to do the work then there's a guide to get you through it. You might even get lucky if the transmission and brake issues turned out to be simple fixes as they sometimes are.

 

[YoitsTmac]

I'd do it if I were you, but I really want to do the same lol. If you ever wholesale a 6 speed let me know!


TM

 

[Beamschemin']

Thanks for your input so far

I think I'll have the safety inspection done and see what comes back. Seems like it could be a lot of different things that cause the transmission light and limp mode. I will update you with my results.

 

[markusmarkus]

You need to read the codes from the tranny control unit. It could be something very easy to fix. Or, it could need a new tranny!

 

[Beamschemin']

You need to read the codes from the tranny control unit. It could be something very easy to fix. Or, it could need a new tranny!

I'm hoping the safety inspection I have to get done will reveal something

 

[Beamschemin']

So apparently for some reason in two independent searches the vin shows a manual trans. Carmax showed a 7 speed and my grandpa's google search showed a 5 speed.

 

[CylonRed]

Was the vin search on RealOEM?

 

[WDE46]

Probably best not to rely on old people google-fu. It's sub par. It should say MECH in the transmission listing. It won't say number of speeds. You just have to know that 2001 330s came with a 5 speed.

This has been working well for me.

http://bimmer.work/

 

[Beamschemin']

Was the vin search on RealOEM?

I'm not sure if it was realOEM or not.

I just got the results back from the safety inspection. Didn't do too bad. The issues found are as follows:

Leaking shock needs to be replaced,
A couple away bar end links need replacing,
Windshield washer motor inop,
Rack boots torn,
Diff bushings need replacing,
And of course it's in limp mode which I already knew about.

Didn't give me any of the codes so I guess I will have to read those myself.

I think I've decided to buy it and do further diag myself. Worst case I'll just part it out as mentioned. I want to swap the trans (which I believe to be the issue) anyway so I don't think I can come out losing at just under 1k out the door.

 

[Beamschemin']

http://imgur.com/a/6xNzY

Here is some pictures of the car.

 

[Beamschemin']

Probably best not to rely on old people google-fu. It's sub par. It should say MECH in the transmission listing. It won't say number of speeds. You just have to know that 2001 330s came with a 5 speed.

This has been working well for me.

http://bimmer.work/

I just used that site and it shows it has the auto option