2003 E46 trans options

[Phenoxs]

I’ve currently messed up my transmission (A5S390R) by having the torque converter aligned wrong and tightening the trans to the engine causing damage to the front pump :/

So my question is, can my 03 e46 use either GM transmission? I know before 03/2002, E46 were equipped with A5S360R.

And after 03/2002 they were equipped with A5S390R trans.

Any information will be greatly appreciated!

[E39 Newbie]

I’ve currently messed up my transmission (A5S390R) by having the torque converter aligned wrong and tightening the trans to the engine causing damage to the front pump :/

So my question is, can my 03 e46 use either GM transmission? I know before 03/2002, E46 were equipped with A5S360R.

And after 03/2002 they were equipped with A5S390R trans.

Any information will be greatly appreciated!

I was under the impression that all E46 autos came with the ZF trans after 2000. I know my 2001 has a ZF.

[MarcoZandrini]

I think BMW continued to source automatic transmissions from both GM and ZF throughout the E46 production run. I know all “X” cars have a GM transmission.

Phenoxs send a pm to bmwdirtracer. He’s a master tech. He can answer your question.

[E39 Newbie]

I think BMW continued to source automatic transmissions from both GM and ZF throughout the E46 production run. I know all “X” cars have a GM transmission.

Phenoxs send a pm to bmwdirtracer. He’s a master tech. He can answer your question.

Good point about the X cars. I have a mental block on them.

[Phenoxs]

Well the 03 E46 325i I own came with a GM trans, so I don’t think it was just exclusive to the X cars.

I’ve been reading and seeing that after production date Feb/2003 they came with an updated GM trans for the e46..

Still confused on which trans came in what years but my main question is, can I use any e46 GM trans for my 03 e46?