1993 525--Vibrating w/start-up

[kristinje27]

Thank you, Jeron for the previous advice regarding the fluid coming out of my vents.

Shortly after my last post, the substance became much worse smelling and fogged up my car even on short trips. I soon found out that the coolant was leaking due to a busted heating coil. As replacing this, is too advanced for me, I took it to the mechanic for a hefty bill.

I've had my car back for a few weeks and it has been running fine. But, this morning, after not driving it for a day, I started it up and it was very loud and started vibrating violently. It was basically bouncing on it's own. I could still drive it technically, but the loud noise and significant vibrations made me anxious to leave the driveway. I left it there for now, until I can get more information. There was also a smell, that seems something like gas, but it was hard for me to distinguish.

I've read some about suspensions and replacing either the front arm or rear arm. How much would these things cost if taken to a mechanic?

Also, on another not, or perhaps related, my transmission light has come on a few times (3-5) in the last few months. The first time, I took it to my mechanic, he checked it, and found no problems, but I am not sure how thorough he was. Since then, I just turn off the car, let it sit for a moment and then restart it (as directed by the owner's manual) and I have driven it without any problems. I have owned and driven this car for about 2,500 miles and haven't had a tranny change, and I don't know when the last one was. Is this an overdue necessity or just a smart precaution? How difficult is it to change the fluid? How much would it cost if I were to take it in? Are the vibration problems and the transmission related?

Thanks for any help that anyone can provide!

Kristin