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Thread: how long usually do e46 automatic transmissions last?

  1. #1
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    how long usually do e46 automatic transmissions last?

    given the fact that a normal person is driving it

  2. #2
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    Mine's been the most reliable part of my 146k mile 328i.

  3. #3
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    im at 100k miles at its fine on a 99 323i nonsteptronic

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  4. #4
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    You should be fine if you drive it normally.
    EUROPROJEKTZ - NorCal Chapter
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  5. #5
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    im @ 83k still going strong.
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by SMILEZ View Post
    im @ 83k still going strong.

    SMILEZ, for some ungodly reason I thought you were 5 speed!?

  7. #7
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    oh yeah and in regards to the thread... 47k going strong!!

  8. #8
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Initial Z32 View Post
    SMILEZ, for some ungodly reason I thought you were 5 speed!?

    yea i regret getting this stupid auto...it takes for ever to downshift, for ever too up shift......once i pay it off im going to sell it and buy a 330i manual then put a turbo..so i can keep up with these quick cars...till then ima buy a daily driver to keep the bimmer in the garauge. yes the daily drives is going to be manual..
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by SMILEZ View Post
    yea i regret getting this stupid auto...it takes for ever to downshift, for ever too up shift......once i pay it off im going to sell it and buy a 330i manual then put a turbo..so i can keep up with these quick cars...till then ima buy a daily driver to keep the bimmer in the garauge. yes the daily drives is going to be manual..
    im with you bro, once I get a few years on the payments I plan on getting the E90 coupe 335... (I found out today that they're twin turbo!!) I've always hated the E90's until I saw the coupe... the rear of the sedan looks like a honda civic, but the coupe looks effin NICE!! and that will be standard... I hate automatic... I go through automatic transmissions like Angelina Jolie goes through 3rd world country adopted children.... lol

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Initial Z32 View Post
    im with you bro, once I get a few years on the payments I plan on getting the E90 coupe 335... (I found out today that they're twin turbo!!) I've always hated the E90's until I saw the coupe... the rear of the sedan looks like a honda civic, but the coupe looks effin NICE!! and that will be standard... I hate automatic... I go through automatic transmissions like Angelina Jolie goes through 3rd world country adopted children.... lol


    yeah i hate the sedans they look like shit..the coupes are a bit better...now the 550i is a nice ass car. 335>m3 for now...
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  12. #12
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    dude, there's going to be a waiting list from hell for the new M3... some dude came up to me in the parking garage at my job and was like "is that an M3!?" I was like "I wish" and he's got a nice ass M5... he was telling me that the new M3 is going to cost as much as his M5 did I was like "!?" are you kidding me!? dayumm!!

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Initial Z32 View Post
    dude, there's going to be a waiting list from hell for the new M3... some dude came up to me in the parking garage at my job and was like "is that an M3!?" I was like "I wish" and he's got a nice ass M5... he was telling me that the new M3 is going to cost as much as his M5 did I was like "!?" are you kidding me!? dayumm!!
    yea i heard there gonna start like at 85k when they use to start like at around 60k...ill just buy it later 9 years from now for 32k ...

    to the OP: tranny failures are more relevant on 100k miles and up, however it can happy as early as 60k.
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  14. #14
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    im at 154k miles. im getting very worried. i dont know if i should save up money and try adding mods to my car. or save money to prepare for any big costly repairs on my car such as the transmission. its hard for me to save money to begin with =[

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by SMILEZ View Post
    to the OP: tranny failures are more relevant on 100k miles and up, however it can happy as early as 60k.
    I have my fingers crossed that it will happen some time BEFORE 96k. Thats when my warranty runs out

    Quote Originally Posted by parabellum View Post
    Here for those of you who aren't OT whores, let me post the rest of this thread, all in one easy to follow post:
    1/3 of the posts will be: You broke the law, you pay. Your fault.
    1/3 of the posts will be: Man, f**k the police! What a c**t!
    1/3 of the posts will be:

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by mfratt View Post
    I have my fingers crossed that it will happen some time BEFORE 96k. Thats when my warranty runs out
    i heard your safe..since you have a ZF transmission, un-like myself i have a GM tranny...
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by a17jara View Post
    im at 154k miles. im getting very worried. i dont know if i should save up money and try adding mods to my car. or save money to prepare for any big costly repairs on my car such as the transmission. its hard for me to save money to begin with =[

    I've heard from many many people on here, and strongly agree... the first sign of the transmission going out, is reverse not working... the day that happens.... take off work, get the car detailed, and trade it in... I'm actually anticipating it... that day will be my reason/justification for buying a new 335 lol

  18. #18
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    haha i like your idea.

  19. #19
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    How do I find out if my tranny is a GM?

  20. #20
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    you have a 330 you have a ZF tranny end of story
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  21. #21
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    115K and no problems so far on 1st gen e46. Plenty of other parts bit the dust, though. :-(

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by SMILEZ View Post
    you have a 330 you have a ZF tranny end of story

    does that hold true for a 2003 330ci? or should I worry?

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by SMILEZ View Post
    you have a 330 you have a ZF tranny end of story
    Umm, please explain to me wtf ZF is.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by sprinter59 View Post
    does that hold true for a 2003 330ci? or should I worry?
    dont worry your okai, 330 where made to be better, so you have a ZF tranny which will last you a long time.
    so you can breath now
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by Scud Runner View Post
    Umm, please explain to me wtf ZF is.
    ZF=German engineered
    GM= IIRC France engineered

    the difference is one is better made.
    I feel that reasons the trannys go out is because bmw says its lifetime fluid, so you never have to change the fluid. But what about the filter? Its always safe to change the fluid every 30k miles.
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

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