should I fix or replace my car?

scoobyBMW · 10-11-2015, 05:54 PM

I am new to the forum but thought I would put out this question. I have a 2003 525i with about 68,000 miles on it. The car was passed on to me by a family member who didn't drive the car much for the first 7 years. I have had to do all kinds of repairs and maintenance on the car. A couple weeks ago, I had to replace the starter. Now the transmission is out and needs a replacement.

I am wondering if it's worth it to replace the transmission and keep doing the expensive repairs and maintenance. Or should I just call it quits and get rid of the car and get a new car?

If I decide to sell the car, is it better to replace the transmission first or sell it as is? The car is in very good condition otherwise.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

RM7 · 10-11-2015, 08:08 PM

The entire transmission needs replacement?

David70 · 10-11-2015, 08:22 PM

What is the condition of the rest of the car? What would a used transmission cost? When done what would the car be worth?

Sedoy · 10-11-2015, 10:19 PM

The most cost effective route is to replace the transmission and sell it. I had similar issue with my X5, stupid tranny failed at 96k, so I had my local AAMCO rebuilding it for around $2k. Once I got X5 back I sold it within a week, got really sick of all the problems: tranny, oil leaks, gas leak, MAF sensor, oxygen sensors... etc. All my bimmers have been very unreliable

((

scoobyBMW · 10-13-2015, 12:13 AM

Wow! Thanks to everyone who replied! I am really new to the world of forums and posting. It took me a while to even realize I had any responses. . . . Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have already spent almost $500 for a diagnosis and transmission service. The shop is reputable AND I can't really tow the car from shop to shop for second opinions. I am being quoted about $4300 more for a rebuilt transmission. I think I am just going to go with that, since I think it's probably better to have a working car, even if I'm going to sell it. . . . FYI, the car is in great shape otherwise. . . . Again, I really appreciate everyone's suggestions! Thanks!

Sedoy · 10-13-2015, 05:37 PM

4k+ is pretty high for this. Since you're thinking about selling the car check if you can find local transmission for sale (junk yard/eBay/car-part.com) you have either GM or ZF unit. Even if you have to ship it, normally freight shipping should be around $180-$300.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoobyBMW

Wow! Thanks to everyone who replied! I am really new to the world of forums and posting. It took me a while to even realize I had any responses. . . . Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have already spent almost $500 for a diagnosis and transmission service. The shop is reputable AND I can't really tow the car from shop to shop for second opinions. I am being quoted about $4300 more for a rebuilt transmission. I think I am just going to go with that, since I think it's probably better to have a working car, even if I'm going to sell it. . . . FYI, the car is in great shape otherwise. . . . Again, I really appreciate everyone's suggestions! Thanks!

10-11-2015, 05:54 PM	#1
scoobyBMW New Member 8 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW 525i Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	should I fix or replace my car? I am new to the forum but thought I would put out this question. I have a 2003 525i with about 68,000 miles on it. The car was passed on to me by a family member who didn't drive the car much for the first 7 years. I have had to do all kinds of repairs and maintenance on the car. A couple weeks ago, I had to replace the starter. Now the transmission is out and needs a replacement. I am wondering if it's worth it to replace the transmission and keep doing the expensive repairs and maintenance. Or should I just call it quits and get rid of the car and get a new car? If I decide to sell the car, is it better to replace the transmission first or sell it as is? The car is in very good condition otherwise. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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10-11-2015, 08:08 PM	#2
RM7 Brigadier General 2971 Rep 3,435 Posts Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	The entire transmission needs replacement?
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10-11-2015, 08:22 PM	#3
David70 Colonel 1730 Rep 2,775 Posts Drives: 20 AM Vantage -13 Cadillac ATS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (1)	What is the condition of the rest of the car? What would a used transmission cost? When done what would the car be worth? __________________ 2006 Z4M Coupe - ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
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10-11-2015, 10:19 PM	#4
Sedoy Major 723 Rep 1,020 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	The most cost effective route is to replace the transmission and sell it. I had similar issue with my X5, stupid tranny failed at 96k, so I had my local AAMCO rebuilding it for around $2k. Once I got X5 back I sold it within a week, got really sick of all the problems: tranny, oil leaks, gas leak, MAF sensor, oxygen sensors... etc. All my bimmers have been very unreliable ((
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10-13-2015, 12:13 AM	#5
scoobyBMW New Member 8 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW 525i Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Wow! Thanks to everyone who replied! I am really new to the world of forums and posting. It took me a while to even realize I had any responses. . . . Thanks for all the suggestions. I have already spent almost $500 for a diagnosis and transmission service. The shop is reputable AND I can't really tow the car from shop to shop for second opinions. I am being quoted about $4300 more for a rebuilt transmission. I think I am just going to go with that, since I think it's probably better to have a working car, even if I'm going to sell it. . . . FYI, the car is in great shape otherwise. . . . Again, I really appreciate everyone's suggestions! Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote