Picking up my new 99

[eddiehou]

Sup guys, I've been ghosting here for awhile. But I'm finally getting a chance now to dig into the forum.

My wife and I have have owned our 325i new since 2003. With the warranty, there was no reason for me to look into maintenance issues. Everything was taken care of by the shop.

Anyway, the warranty rant out this August, so we're on our own on the 03. But then again, I'm not expecting any issues ... it only has 33K miles. My wife's commute to work is 8 minutes ... heck, the engine doesn't even warm up by the time she gets to work.

Well, I just had an opportunity to grab a high mileage 99. 150,000 miles. I've always wanted this car in MT, but was over-ruled by wifie on the 03. I'm flying down from NY to FL to pick it up and drive it back.

Once back, I'm going to go through some routine maintenance to make sure it'll run another 100K miles. I've gone over the high mileage maintanence thread but have a few questions.

- you guys recommend Redline MTL for the transmission fluid. I've always used GM Synchromesh synthetic. I love the stuff. Can I use the Synchromesh in the BMW?
- how about pre-oil change engine cleaners? I've never had any bad results from using them. Though I never used them on the BMW.
- Marvel Mystery Oil? I love it. But is it ok to use with the BMW?

Looking forward to chatting with you guys.

 

[Detrich]

if u don't mind me asking.... what did the seller want for the 99 and what options are on it? (just wondering what my car is worth if i sell it.) thanks.

 

[Tom]

Congrats on the new Bimmer. You can go with synthetic, but regular dino would be just fine.

As for the pre-oil change engine cleaners, total waste of money.

 

[Big Daddy]

I agree with Tom on the pre-oil change cleaners not worth it and a waste. I use Red Line in my diff and trans, Mobil 1 in the engine. I am not sure if GM syncromesh is approved for the BMW application.

 

[eddiehou]

Thanx for the replies guys. I'll just go with the standards then.

The car's a 1999 323i in manual transmission. Not sure what other options. I fly down to FL next Saturday (12/8) to pick it up.

150,000 miles for $6000. Seems reasonable.

What bothers me is the depreciation on our 2003 could probably buy us another new car.

BTW, is it easy to assimilate to the German style configuration on the MT? With the Reverse on the upper Left instead of the lower Right like on the Japanese MT's?

I don't want to throw it into Reverse thinking that I put it into 1st.

 

[Detrich]

personally, i like the german style MT MUCH better than the japanese. having reverse on the upper left makes total logical sense in too many ways. think about it for a second... you'll NEVER -ever- accidentally shift into reverse at high speeds- even tho the japanese MT's have a safety lock out for reverse. (meaning u can't shift into R if you're going beyond a certain speed.)

here's my bit of advice...

just remember to get into reverse, u have to pull "hard left" then push "forward." if u don't feel a slight bump or click when u pull hard left, then u will end up shifting into first gear.

and, oh yah- don't forget to shift at 6500+ rpm at least once a day... u'll know why they call it "german" horses for a reason...