Thinking of a change

[martyn1978]

Currently iam driving a 1997 316 manual but i am thinking of getting 320 auto i have seen locally. Is there a lot of difference in the engines performance. Would you prefer auto or manual? and is there any thing to look out for on an auto?

[96_323]

What year is the auto?
Engine wise youd be talking an extra 45ish bhp.
Performance wise there wouldnt be a huge big differance in 0-60, the auto box would be a bit down compared to a manual. 60-100 it would be more evident of there been more power.
Iv not driven any e36 autos. The only upside to an auto in my opinion is when sitting in traffic, other than that the manual box wins for me!!

When checking an auto box, ask when the fluid was last changed and how often it was done. Who changed the fluid? If he says himself then ask how he done it!
Most people dont have a clue about changing fluid in an auto box, open sump, drain and refill. Thats fine and dandy at a mid interval change but its only really draining just over half the fluid in the box, theres still half the fluid sitting in the system!!!
Check when driving at roughly 35mph for any vibrations at different accelerations. Floor it and if the box hesitates then walk away. Check acceleration with full wheel lock and see if it slips out of gear or again hesitates.
That about sums it up, just dont forget to check over the rest of the car aswel!!!!