Expert: Josh Fields - 8/4/2006

Question
Hi, I have a BMW 325E, produced on 07/1986, that is having a bad hesitation/bucking problem. It does not matter if the engine is cold or hot. The car is running very slow and the hesitation is felt around 2000+RPMs. Even if I hold the gas at full throttle, the RPMs just bouces from 2000-2600+. It is slow to the point where it is hard for me to merge onto freeways. I have changed the fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs (BOSCH single tip platinum, gapped to .28), and noticed my old plugs were white. I checked out the AFM unit and there was no sticking. It seems that this is a common problem on these models. Does this sound like a tranny issue? There is no slipping and it shifts pretty smooth. How long do these trannys usually last? Please help.

Thank you,
Simon


Answer
Simon,
 Those trannys are pretty good, and depending on how often the fluid has been changed, and driving style.. they can last quite a while.  To be honest I would be weary after 150k miles though, because I doubt you are the original owner, and you cant take away damages done before you owned the car.

 Usually bucking/sputtering are symptoms of ignition break-down.  I know you changed the plugs, but that's only a small part of the ignition system on the car.  I would definately change the plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, and possibly the coil.  You should be able to do all this for around $200 (depending on location).
 
 Without seeing the car this is my first guess, but I'm pretty familiar with the symptoms and how to fix them.

 Good luck,
 Josh