diagnose my problem (long) >:(

[runetang]

So I went to the dealer today to get the oil changed.. yes I know I shouldve just done it myself but ive been hella busy, plus I just got it so I didn't feel like going through the trouble. Anyways, when I got there, I told the guy that the car seems a little sluggish at low speeds, almost like the throttle isnt as responsive as it should be, compared to most other cars I've driven, when the power is on tap as soon as you press the gas. With mine theres a delay between the power and pressing the gas, just seems kind of sluggish. After the oil change he told me there is indeed a running problem, but he has no idea and he'd charge me $80 and keep my car a day to diagnose it. I haven't been back because I figured why waste money if I can figure it out myself.

Now that the oil has been changed its alot more responsive, I can tell it needed the oil badly. However, its still not quite up to par, the idle still sounds kinda shitty, and its lumpy. When sitting at a stop, i can feel the car shaking a tiny bit as the idle sounds like its fluctuating.. almost like it needs tune-up hella bad. I am leaning toward this, but then again I know nothing about bmws, and for all I know, it could be a serious problem.

I have a 30 day warranty on engine and trans from the used dealer, but when I called him and told him the deal he said the dealer is trying to get money from me, the car is fine, and to goto his mechanic 30+ miles away just to get it looked at. He seems kinda sleazy and like hes trying to give me the run around. I called his mechanic and the guy sounds like a complete dumbass, so im not taking that route. I know I should press the issue, but in the end hes going to make me goto his lousy mechanic and have the guy tell me the car is fine even if it isnt, because they probably have an agreement. Im not the type to confront people and figure **** it, its just maintenance, I can pay for it, if thats the problem. So anyways, when I went to buy some car stereo wiring the guy there has the same car as me and i described my problem. He said its probably tune up maintenance parts, and warned me about the water pump and valve cover gasket. *deep breath* .. SO, heres my little list of shit to buy to get my car up to par, im assuming this will solve the lumpy idle sluggish low speed acceleration and de-tuned engine sound.

1) Bosch normal sparkplugs
2) BMW valve cover gasket
3) peformance fuel filter
4) BMW water pump
5) performance tranny fluid


He told me i can get the plugs for 20 bucks, the gasket for 25, the water pump for 40. I was also told the tranny fluid would only be 5 bucks or so, and the fuel filter maybe 20. Do these prices sound right? And also .. what else should I add to this. Do you even think this is my problem? I have no maintenance records on the car.. but the oil was long overdo so im assuming the previous owner hasnt done this stuff, by the way it has 86,700 miles, so it isnt beyond hope yet. Help me save this abused puppy

[Scho]

http://forum.dtmpower.net/showthread...threadid=28596

I have the same problem, told the guy my shit was sluggish at low speeds. He said i need to replace the thrmostat housing, valve cover gasket, water pump, etc, for $760. It sounds like you have the same problem as me!!

[runetang]

Man I do not have $760 dollars, I really hope some of those pulleys and belts are over priced and hes trying to rip you I can only afford maybe $200 tops .. sigh. Fawking bmw what was i thinking j/k

[Scho]

Originally posted by runetang
Man I do not have $760 dollars

Yeah, I dont either right now. I was just beginning to recover some money and finally save back up. My account is down to nothing.

[runetang]

I'm just going to get the basics, not going to mess with the belts and pulleys. A water pump, valve cover gasket, spark plugs, fuel filter, and tranny fluid is all im doing, hope that fixes the problem. I can install most of it myself..