Mechanic is telling me I need a new transmission

[dasmanschaft012]

Hey guys, new to the forum.

I bought an '89 E30 a month or two ago, decent shape, had it checked out by a specialty BMW shop before I bought. Turns out, that shop f***ed me over, and didn't notice that something was up with the tranny (manual):crazy:. The transmission is very noisy, but doesn't grind (a little from 3rd to 2nd), doesn't pop out of gear, etc. When I get up to about 4k RPM and over, the transmission area rumbles a lot. The output shaft seal also leaks tranny fluid (the shop told me it was the rear main seal. B.S. I've looked closer, no leak there). I've also checked the guibo and the center shaft bearing, both look ok. No drive shaft play. Any advice to whether I do need a new Getrag or not?

thanks!

[DesertBMW]

If transmission fluid leaked over time and fluid level was neglected, it is most likely that gears and bearings got worn out do to lack of lubrication.

Go back to shop let them get you on to the lift, you go trough the gears with engine running and mechanic can listen if the noise is coming from getrag or some other component.

[SmokeE30]

Most g260s have a audible rattle especially of you upgrade to stiffer trans/Motor mounts or remove any of the sound deadening so it might not be screwed but leaking fluid should be taken care of regardless

[frankie591]

either put in new fluid and drive it until it grenades, then buy another g260 for 70 bucks. alternatively, buy another g260 for 70 bucks and swap it in now with new fluid.

[dasmanschaft012]

the car has ~225k miles on it, so I'm currently trying to decide if I even want to keep it now. But I'll lose a lot of money if I do offload it.

[Todd Black 88]

Keep it. Used trannys are cheap.

[dasmanschaft012]

I have good compression on the motor(120 on all 6). A few minor oil leaks(valve cover, oil filter housing, oil pan). Should I be babying the motor, or is it ok to thrash on a bit?

[frankie591]

m20's are like women. thrash the shit out of them and treat them like whores and they keep on coming back for more.

[Bearmw]

^ true but some of them will throw your ass out in the street