600$ 1989 i325 Coupe

[Blademun]

I found a BMW i325 coupe with 140K miles. Perfect condition interior and body. The pawn shop wants 600$ for it.

It has a big problem though; it seems to have a bad transmission. It sounds like it won't leave 1-2nd gear (it's a automatic) and there is a lag time between when I shift it to when it actually enters the gear.

The button on the shifter is 'dangling' as in doesn't feel like its attached to anything. I'm not sure if that is a clue or not.

The power steering is also not working.

We've checked what we think is the oil (red dipstick) and trans fluid (yellow dipstick) and both were full.

I do a lot of my own work on my car but transmission's are out of my league. Anybody want to swing a few guesses as to what might be wrong and what it might cost to repair?

[daddyo8]

First, my 93 325i is also an automatic but as yours is an 89 maybe its not one of the General Motors trannies used in the 90's. Ours does not have a yellow dipstick and must be checked on the side of the tranny like a standard trans, with THE ENGINE RUNNING IN PARK!! The running of the engine is to fill the torque converter for a correct reading of fluid level.
Its easier to change out drivetrain than body parts etc. You'll enjoy the car a long time if it only has 140K mi. Just remember the parts that will show the most wear are the rubber parts like control bushings etc.