2003 E46 325xi AWD Transmission Shifting Sluggish 1-2. Shift Kit???

[CORVAIRWILD]

My AWD E46 probably has a GM transmission. The 1-2 shift under moderate to heavy acceleration is extremely sluggish. I can just feel those clutch plates burning up. Is there a shift kit that made for these cars? Similar to GM, or just manufactured by GM to German specifications?

[MarcoZandrini]

The GM transmission was made by GM of France. These transmissions have a smooth side transmission fluid pan. The ZF automatic transmissions have a ribbed fluid pan. I think all AWD E46s have a GM transmission.

What’s the maintenance history of the transmission? When we’re the fluid and the filter last changed? Both ZF and GM transmissions are sensitive to fluid levels. I’d check the fluid level first. The transmission uses Dexron3 or Dexron6 fluid.

“Lifetime fluids” was a marketing ploy and not a maintenance philosophy.