noisy tranny

[dbwfish]

I'm buying a 325i 1994 with 120,000 miles on it.

The Car has lots of power, and the five speed shifts fine... but it has a faint growling sound to it.
mechanics say they suspect some kind of bearing.
Any other suggestions? The rest of the car checks out fine. It's a one owner with all maintenance records. There doesn't appear to be any leakage out of the tranny... and the previous owner checked for metal in the fluid twice.. but has found nothing.

If I buy it: Should I drive it until it gets really bad... should I try changing the fluid and adding synthetic? or should I spend the money right away... and have somebody tear into it and see what is going on.

Thanks

[speedthrill]

I suggest you do the last thing wright away. BMW's are tend to ride smooth as hell and a gowling sound is not a good thing.

But what kind of sound is it exactly? and when?

Only when you shift or always when yr riding?

[dbwfish]

usually only happens when the engine is reved above 2500 rpm.
or when it's gearing down.
In fact, I had a mechanic look at it most of the day today and he does believe there is a bearing going out in the tranny. The question is:
Should I put a new tranny in. Or dive it until it drops. then do it.
Right now it's driving find just a faint noise.

[speedthrill]

It's up to you i guess, what do you want?

- a smooth sound
- a not so smooth sound

ciao