Auto Tranny question

[riverdale21]

On a 1987 325is the automatic transmission will not slip into any gear but reverse. Is there some way to tell what the hell is making it not go into gear?

[e9nine]

The tranny is shot and needs a rebuild if you're gonna keep the car long. Other option is to buy a used one

[Sean]

Sounds like a manual swap.

I'll have everything you need from a 1988 325is if you decide to,

goodluck tho 8)

[riverdale21]

I dont have the money right now to do a manual swap. If I did I would just say fuck it and do that. But I need to see if its possible to fix the auto tranny for the time being. I know where I might be able to find a 325e auto tranny or a 528e auto tranny for $40. Would either of these work in a pinch?

[Sean]

I dont have the money right now to do a manual swap. If I did I would just say fuck it and do that. But I need to see if its possible to fix the auto tranny for the time being. I know where I might be able to find a 325e auto tranny or a 528e auto tranny for $40. Would either of these work in a pinch?

Probably not - both of those engines have different bottom ends than your IS.

If a 5spd from an eta, wont work on an IS - it should be the same for an auto, right?

[riverdale21]

Damn, the junkyard I visit hardly ever has i's just e's.

[kowalski]

yeah, its a pain in the ass, there is one is in the one i go to but all it is is a body:( and everything else is like pre 86 and i have a 91 so there is barley anything i can use.

[riverdale21]

So nobody has any suggestions as to what I might be able to do to fix it, save getting an entire new transmission?

[Screaming_bmwe30]

Maybe try putting in some new fluid with some additive that's designed to help auto tranny gear changes. you could try something like that Lucas additive....i bet they sell something that is supposed to cure slipping auto trannies. I guess i'd try that if your not willing to do anything else. Otherwise...the 325e auto tranny will almost definately fit. The bottom end is different...but the horizontal geometry/dimentions should be the same....just different internal components in the e block. I'm sure it still uses that same shitty auto that they put in the e30's.

[AdamF 88iS]

You have to get the right tranny. There is an early style one with lower shift points, holes for flywheel sensors, a different output flange, and some other minor differences, or a later one for 'i' cars.