I have a 1998 740il that has been having issues lately. The first of my problems started 3 weeks ago. I bought a bottle of radiator stop leak (don't worry I already know how bad of a choice that was) to stop a very low leak. The stop leak managed to plug up my heater core so I was without heat for a week. 2 weeks ago I took my car in to have the heater core flushed to regain heat inside the car. After having it flushed the heater worked fine.

Later that same night I tested the car to see how long it would take to get up to speeds around 120mph (a few miles at most, no redlines). No problems after gathering my results. I drove the car the next day for about 30miles and notice a strange noise which sounded like a squeaking belt. Shortly after the belt started squeaking the service engine light came on. I drove the car home 20miles and after pulling in the garage noticed smoke coming from the exhaust. The next day I started the car up and clouds of blue/black smoke came out. I took the car in and it was serviced. The mechanic replaced both of the oxygen sensors and then the intake manifold.

Today when I picked up the car and paid $879.30 I got into the car, started it up and noticed the DSC light was on and could not be changed by pressing the DSC button. Also, the car will not shift out of first gear in automatic. The car has to be manually shifted with the transmission selector in manual. The car is back at the dealership, but what could the problem be now? There were no lights on besides the service engine soon light when I took the vehicle in and it shifted just fine. Something happened at the shop where I took it in, but what could have they done to my car?

Thanks in advance, Jordan

I don't know if you really mean they replaced the intake manifold, or an O2 sensor at the manifold, but when you do engine work you often have to remove a lot of stuff that is in the way but has nothing to do with the problem. I am guessing he screwed up the reinstallation process. Doesn't sound like a very good place to take a car for repair. Aren't there any good independent German auto shops in your area? You should ask around.