Autobahn88

Hi all,
To be honest I was in the market for a BMW 540 but I could not pass up this deal on a 99 tl. It used to be my next door neighbours, but he passed away in Dec at the ripe old age of 94. His daughter offered me the car dirt cheap because I used to help him out with some day to day things.
Now, the car only has 60 000miles on it. Yes, he drove it to church and the grocery store up until his death.
Should I change the tranny fluid? Are the 4sp trannys more reliable than the 5 spd units? I am going to change the timing belt and waterpump just because of the age of the vehicle. I am also going to change the brake fluid and coolant also. Is there anything else I should look into? This car looks like it just came off the showroom floor and I am getting it for close to nothing.

Thanks.

Stephen00TL

The four speeds were more reliable than the five speeds. I would just do one drain and fill with the transmission and see how that does. When changing the timing belt also change the pulleys and tensioners as well. Also just change all the fluids and you should be good to go.

Mr. Maker

iTrader: (4)

justjerkin

I hope the price is low enough to leave room for a comptech supercharger.

Autobahn88

I will post pics as soon as I can. The car right now is 3 hours away at the daughters house. The first thing I want to do is get rid of those awful factory rims and get a nice set of 18s.

thewrangler99

Drop the car too!

kidduce

iTrader: (1)

Congrats. Good deeds don't go un noticed.

Sounds like your on the right track, you should plan on dropping it, will thank me later.

Autobahn88

While I am thinking about it, what is the best tranny fluid to use? and do most people use 5w30 synth for the motor? I have used Motul 5w40 for my Saabs and am quite happy with that oil.

bruistopher

Congratulations on the 99 low mileage TL. The 4 speeds are indeed more reliable than the 5 speeds. But they still have problems but not as bad as the 5 speeds.

I recently had to get my transmission rebuilt. I have a 99 also. It took a huge chunk out of my wallet but it's worth it considering I still have a somewhat low mileage TL.

The original transmission lasted 133k. Pretty good. I know this one will last a lot longer considering I'm now the original owner of this new, rebuilt transmission.

Enjoy!