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Thread: how long usually do e46 automatic transmissions last?

  1. #51
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    Quote Originally Posted by FSUmac View Post
    ahhhh, will do. Thanks.
    forgot to mention the sticker will be on the tranny pan.
    RIP homie TehPandaShow: Loiue

  2. #52
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    2000 BMW 323i Sedan
    What about a 2000 323i auto-transmission?
    Its got 98,000 miles.
    I dont know if its normal, but when i move to reverse the car moves up, and when i move to drive, it settles down?
    Is that normal?
    Makes some noise, usually when its not warmed up.

  3. #53
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    Quote Originally Posted by cgraff View Post
    GM vs ZF transmissions...

    sheesh guys...look up the info!

    http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Tranny/chart.htm
    http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Tranny/SD92-113.pdf

    This chart goes up to 2003, but is relevant nonetheless.

    The mid-90s GM 4-speed autos in BMWs were made in France (Strassbourg, sp?) under contract from GM. The 4-speeds are actually quite robust. I know I've had a couple last way into the 100k mileage mark.

    The GM 5-speeds are an alltogether different story. They had TONS of trouble. These were usually found on the 528s, 323s, and 328s. BMW phased out the GM 5-speeds in favor of the ZFs. Most ZFs in the 90s were for the V8 cars. They are super expensive to replace, but last decently well. Into the 100k mileage range. The 5-speed ZFs were phased into the 323s, 325s, 330s, 525s, 530s in the early 2000s. ZFs are known to be reasonably robust, with periodic fluid changes. Techs vary their opinion from 50k to 100k change intervals (but BMW now recommends 100k fluid changes, BTW). I'd recommend more frequent for transmissions that are mated to higher output engines or if you do towing (i.e. X5 folks recommend every 50-60k).

    The GM 5-speeds were continued to be used on the X-drive vehicles, all 325s, 330s, X5s, X3s, etc. So you're stuck SOL if you have all-wheel drive.

    BTW, if someone has a newer chart for post '03 vehicles, feel free to post it.

    -Chris
    Based that chart my 01 325Ci has a ZF! Whoohooo! I am at 73K and shifts fine. And I manaully shift it occasionally, but not all that often.
    "Wide Open 'till You See God... Then Brake!"


    Notice: Use Overdrive During High Speed Pursuit

  4. #54
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    2004 325i , 2001 Jeep Wrangler
    Has anyone in here done a tranny swap from an automatic to a manual..is it easy..cost and what not??
    [IMG]http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/Jeepin4life05/DSC03431-1-1-2-1-1.jpg[/IMG

  5. #55
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    Quote Originally Posted by juanerloks View Post
    What about a 2000 323i auto-transmission?
    Its got 98,000 miles.
    I dont know if its normal, but when i move to reverse the car moves up, and when i move to drive, it settles down?
    Is that normal?
    Makes some noise, usually when its not warmed up.
    Holy shit talk about bringing back an old thread..

    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:

  6. #56
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    i'm at 93k... still running strong- no problems

    2003 BMW 330i ZHP - Mods - LED Angel Eyes, Front Strut Bar, 20% tint + 5% tint band, Aux Input, LED tails, Clear side markers+Corners, 6000k HID fogs, TFX Projector Retrofit

  7. #57
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    Quote Originally Posted by mfratt View Post
    Holy shit talk about bringing back an old thread..
    I know...DJMatty even posted in it

  8. #58
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    Quote Originally Posted by SMILEZ View Post
    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.

    That's an interesting proposition on the filter. Anyone else have any thoughts or follow a similar regimen (changing the transmission fluid or even just the filter in spite of what the manual says?)
    also, anyone have any feedback on repair costs for the transmission?

    I too HATE having bought the auto, totally ruins the driving experience. I drive a lot for work so i thought the auto was just practical, but it's killing me. and, i had not driven an auto in so long, i keep trying to turn the car off in drive...

  9. #59
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    Quote Originally Posted by fsuj25 View Post
    also, anyone have any feedback on repair costs for the transmission?
    anywhere from high $2,000'S to low $4k

  10. #60
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    Quote Originally Posted by pphil09 View Post
    I know...DJMatty even posted in it
    I wasn't around when he got the banstick...what happened?

    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:

  11. #61
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    Quote Originally Posted by mfratt View Post
    I wasn't around when he got the banstick...what happened?
    He and some chick in OT got into it as well as her boyfriend, dj hacks photobucket, posts compromising pictures set as motivational posters saying ''Forum slut'' etc. It was all pretty fast...

  12. #62
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    Quote Originally Posted by pphil09 View Post
    He and some chick in OT got into it as well as her boyfriend, dj hacks photobucket, posts compromising pictures set as motivational posters saying ''Forum slut'' etc. It was all pretty fast...


    Why doesn't this surprise me?

    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:

  13. #63
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    Quote Originally Posted by mfratt View Post


    Why doesn't this surprise me?
    Yeah, its a pretty DJ-esque thing to do

  14. #64
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    DJ's probably back, with a new username...ahah

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    last three from 3ZHPGUY)



  15. #65
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    2001 BMW 325ci convert, 2004 Sebring GTC, CNG P71

    325ci auto- reverse went out

    Quote Originally Posted by Titanium 325 View Post
    Based that chart my 01 325Ci has a ZF! Whoohooo! I am at 73K and shifts fine. And I manaully shift it occasionally, but not all that often.
    Hi,
    So I'm new to this forum and inheriting a 325ci convertible 2001 from my girlfriend- at least the maintenance lol
    How did you deduce that its a ZF from that chart? I didn't see it.

    Anyway at 140 k miles the auto tranny reverse went out- just like that at lunch. Indy Mechanic says transmission broken and wants 5k for new tranny and installation. Quick check at aamco (and here) seems that is the problem and solution. This is San Mateo , Ca area. Aamco says 1900$ for rebuild w labor installation with 3mos/36000 mile warranty nationwide with extended warranty of 12mos/12k miles for 450$. Any comments suggestions? The car is in decent shape but has some dings, scratches
    thanks
    bob

  16. #66
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    Oct 2008
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    Detroit, Michigan
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    2003 330Ci

    sup

    Just bought a 2003 330ci /w 64000 miles on it. I've read that the it's got a good trans (auto) but would you guys suggest still getting the fluid changed immediately? And then every 30k miles thereafter?

    Oh; anyone know any good indy shops near Detroit? How much would an indy shop charge usually?

  17. #67
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    Aug 2008
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    2001 330ci
    118K on ZF transmission and I think it's still fine - at least reverse is still working.

    I don't know if this is normal. But when I'm on a hill, with the front of the car facing down the hill, I get this nasty jolt and clunk sound when shifting from drive into reverse. But this doesn't happen on flat ground. Is this normal?

  18. #68
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    1999 328i
    Wow, Just Wow!

    I Can not believe that BMW's Auto Tranny was this HORRIBLE! I always thought BMW was reliable but this auto transmission going out is pathetic. Most Japanese car gets at least 200k with auto. Even American car gets at least 190k.

    Why is that BMW can not reach 200k mark with their auto tranny? Or am I mistaken?

  19. #69
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    Quote Originally Posted by latestgood View Post
    Wow, Just Wow!

    I Can not believe that BMW's Auto Tranny was this HORRIBLE! I always thought BMW was reliable but this auto transmission going out is pathetic. Most Japanese car gets at least 200k with auto. Even American car gets at least 190k.

    Why is that BMW can not reach 200k mark with their auto tranny? Or am I mistaken?
    im at 195,354 miles with my original tranny. I believe that it really depends on how the owner/s drive their car. take care of it and it will take care of you.

  20. #70
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
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    New York
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    My Cars
    E46 E53 both m54 engines
    247,000 e53 original tranny no fluids ever replaced or filters
    230,000 e46 original tranny no fluids ever replaced or filters
    All highway miles tho.
    Would like to now but they both running great. only problem was my idol control valve needed cleaning. That caused my engine to over heat and blow my radiator on my e46. I shut it down before any damage was done. Then replaced with all aluminum mashimoto radiator. And now she's sprinting with a new K&n filter. But cleaning that icv on both vehicles really helped the performance on both vehicles.

    FYI if I new better I would of changed the fluids now is probably too late.

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