I admire the great help I’m seeing in this post and other posts in the past, which is why I’m here. (Mostly lurking for info)

Anyway, I guess the lesson is choose your battles. You’ve mentioned you found the VCG replacement to be easier. So you’ve KD saved yourself a few hundred there that could offset the cost of this transmission work.

Only think I can recommend is find a good euro or BMW independent shop.

Best of luck and thanks for the updates. Most leave us in the dark after a couple posts.

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e70 - purchased 6/2018
e36 - wouldn't pass smog at 190k 2016
e53 - transmission blew at 225k 2012
e30 - sold as it was a little slow for a DD and burning oil at 220k 2011