[This could be both a trans problem and a binding U-joint in the driveshaft. A hard shift can also be caused by a kickdown cable that's not in the right position. Try draining and refilling the trans a few times if the current fluid isn't burnt or smells bad. You will probably have to drop the driveshaft and move each U-joint to see if one or more are bad. If you have the rubber coupling at the end of the trans that is mated to the driveshaft[known as a Guibo coupling or Hardy Disc] this can also crack and cause a vibration.

. I have 306032kms on the car with the tranny being rebuilt by the previous owner at 221730kms. I have access to a lift and all sorts of tools in my mechanics class at school, permitting that this can be an easy fix by myself. If not, should I have the tranny fluid/filter changed, the tranny rebuilt? a new tranny? maybe upgrade to a 4spd? new Ujoint?

Also my differential is leaking a bit(related to tranny problem?!) should I put a new seal at the end of driveshaft, entering the diff? Fix any diff leaks, this way you don't lose the diff to fluid/oil being low.

Also I'm losing coolant, I don't have a blown head gasket, there is no emulsified oil, I am geussing that there is an external coolant leak, the coolant collects and drips off the tranny, a cracked hose? Do hoses run close to the tranny underneath the engine? Check the rear hose at the cylinder head, also check the return hose coming out of the firewall from the heater. Check the water valve mounted at the right side of the engine comp at the firewall[this ties into the cyl feed hose]. All the above can leak onto the bellhousing slowly.

And lastly my car has begun to burn a little oil, should I rebuild the head and replace the valve seats, valves, springs, rockers, and maybe put in a new cam? Also rebuild the bottom end?
I need ideas and help with these problems, my '81 728i's drivtrain was virtually maintenance-free! and now I get a hold of this 733i/A, and I'm in a whole mess of trouble!! Unless it's bad, I'd live with it. A quart of oil every 1,000 or 2,000 miles is much cheaper than a thorough rebuild on that BMW engine. Installing some new valve stem seals might buy you some time if the rings aren't too far gone.

I tried to make each description as detailed as possible. Hopefully one of you would have unfortunately encountered some of these problems and know how to fix them, any help is greatly apprechiated!!!!!!!!! hopefully I canfix them myself.
SpencerM
'81 728i
'83 733i/A-"problem child"
-Email me with detailed descriptions if possible-