525 tds failing auto transmission & fuel injection at 160.000 kms (100 kmi)(long)

["GUY" <guy.demeestere@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've got a 525 tds touring (E34) model '93, (since oct '92)

It was one of the 1st cars with the TDS (diesel-intercooler)
143 hp engine, and with the 5-speed automatic.

During the 1st year, they had to replace (warranty) the diesel
fuel injection pump (Bosch), because the car started shaking
with the engine running "idle".  The mechanic explained me
it was due to a design fault, where one cylinder would fall out,
thus leaving the engine running on 5 cylinders.

Now, after some 5,5 years and 160.000 kmetres, following
problems occur :

- - car is starting to "shake" again, and, in idle run, the engine
is producing every couple of minutes something similar than
if you push the accelerator for a fraction of a second. This is
very ennoying, and even dangerous when you are at traffic 
lights with the automatic in D, foot on the brakes.  You better
push yr brakes hard, or the car shoots forward every time.
The mechanics at the BMW-shop tell me it is a common problem
caused (again) by the fuel injection pump, where the regulation
of the idle revs is made by a potentiometer giving it's signal to
the DDE-computer.  The potentiometer is wearing out after some
time, thus giving fault information and causing the DDE to think
the engine is stalling, giving the command for more fuel, then 
seeing the revs going up, an cutting the command for fuel again.
Solution is to replace the injection pump again (the potentiometer
cannot be replaced separately), no warranty anymore (although
it is a design problem causing pre-mature potentiometre wear), 
at a cost of 1700 $.

- - automatic transmission starting to slip in 2nd (up or downward
shifting).  They changed the transmission oil filtres, without any
effect.  Only solution would be to replace it with a rebuilt one.
Cost : 2500 $.  I personally find that an automatic transmission
should last between 250.000 and 300.000 kms.  No warranty 
from BMW, because the car has more than 5 years.

Anyone of you experienced these problems ?  Was there any
other solution ?

I am seriously disappointed in BMW.  I bought the car with the
idea of driving it for (at least) 10 years, and now after 6 years
I have these huge cost (4200 $ !!)  Problem is that I've bought the
car from my company last year, so all the expenses are 
strictly private.

Or I bought the car too early (they tell me neither of these 
problems exist with model 94 and further cars) or BMW does
not build cars to last...

I dont think I will buy BMW again, although I always was 
very enthousiast and loved driving it.

Guy.

'93 525tds
'88 324td

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