[nik patel]

Hi

I have been a VAG fan for years and now looking to get a 325 M Sport 06-07 plate, auto E90 4 door, blue with black leathers. If you know any going please let me know.

Please advise on the below, I have tried searching on here but with not much luck.

Common faults to look out for?
How often should the automatic transmission be changed?
Car uses a timing chain? right?
How often should the rear diff oil be changed?

thanks !

[Phil325i]

This might help with what to look for:

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=108166

Yes the 325i has a timing chain.

Both AT and diff fluid are (say BMW) 'lifetime fill' (the diff doesn't even have a drain plug!). But I disagree. I would recommend changing both at 50K. And I recommended you do NOT flush the AT, just drain and refill. There have been a lot of reports of gearbox issues arising after flushing disturbed deposits within the 'box.

Hope that helps.

[nik patel]

Hi Phil

Thanks for your feedback!

If the diff does not have a drain plug, how do you empty it?

AT, how would you flush it anyway? I thought most just simply drain and refill?

The car im looking at has done 50k so would probably get it done soon.

[afalton]

What isn't broke you can't fix
You can probably have more
chance causing problems
But good luck

[nik patel]

Yes true, but surely it should be more beneficial?

[Phil325i]

If the diff does not have a drain plug, how do you empty it?

You have to use a pump of some kind + hose to extract the fluid out of the filler hole.

AT, how would you flush it anyway? I thought most just simply drain and refill?

Not exactly sure how flushing works (I have MT!) but I know in the States it is common for a flushing process to be used when AT oil is changed...and that this has caused issues in many cases.

The car im looking at has done 50k so would probably get it done soon.

Wise move.