Re: Rough auto shifting question:'93 90S

["Daniel Adams" <adamscs@interserv.com>]

>Here's the original question, slightly edited for context:
>
>I'm checking out a '93 90S to buy.  It's got 138K miles, but feels
>good to drive.  One thing concerns me; I think I feel a slight roughness
>in the auto-trans during up and downshifts, and maybe a slight delay
>after power is applied, but I'm more sure of the roughness than
>the delay.  I'm an ex-mechanic so I'm attuned to this stuff.
>
>My '84 4000S is a stick so I'm comparing the shifting to my wife's
>'85 BMW 735i, which shifts pretty smoothly.  My question is: does
>this sound normal for a '93+ 90S 4-speed auto, or are the clutch packs or
>something else starting to go?  What's a reasonable life-span for
>this trans?


When you say rough.  I assume that you are talking about the delay and then
surge when shifting from gear-to-gear.  Your 735i probably shifts almost
undetectably, except for the change in rpm.  If that is the case I can say
this is normal.  When we bought our 93 90CS we test drove several other cars
at the time including a 92 100S and new (1993) 190E 2.6, 325i and 850 GLT.
All the cars had smooth shifting transmissions especially the 100S and 190e.
The 90CS from day one had a "sporty" shifting transmission.  At least that
is what I told my wife who we were buying for (that's why it's an
automatic).  Ironically this reminded me of my first car a 1974 VW Dasher
(aka Fox), which had a n automatic that shifted like my 90CS.  Today at 93K
miles the car shifts the same, except for a problem that I am having
(already posted to the list, unfortunately unsolved).  Back in 1995 I traded
my 89 325is in for a C280 (wife's new car).  So every Sunday I experience a
super smooth shifting transmission.  My 90CS is still much sportier to
drive.  Also, I have found out a good bit about my transmission.  If the car
you are looking at is an early 93 like mine (built 9/92) it may have  the
early version of the transmission, which has a different computer (more
expensive) and few other distinctions.

BTW, someone posted about the consensus of problems with the Audi V-6.  I
guess a few others and I forgot to post about NOT having problems.  My V-6
has been flawless in 6 years and 93K miles.  Shortcomings of the car are
limited to the electricals (battery, gauges, switches, etc).  I have
searched for a replacement for my 90 on numerous occasions, and have yet to
find one.  The 1.8T feels extremely flat compared to my 90 (not interested
in the warranty killing chips).  And the 2.8 are too pricey, keep in mind I
have already experienced one Audi worth $8K 6 years after it listed for $31K
(74% depreciation !!).  Not to mention the decline of my local Audi
dealership, the only place in town that will touch Audis!!

good luck,
Daniel Adams