I'm with JCL -- random transmission failures are something to get accustomed to in any automatic BMW, you can't pinpoint which one it's going to affect, or when it's going to happen, so there's no point. It's been a hallmark BMW caveat since the late 90s. V8 or 6-cylinder, ZF or GM, 5 or 6-speed.

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Get it certified pre-owned and get an extended warranty. I wouldn't buy it if it was already slipping though, or there were any other symptoms of imminent failure. A good BMW mechanic will be able to take it for a spin and evaluate the tranny.

My tranny is starting to show some signs of doom, but I'm not worrying about it. If it goes out, it goes out -- I'll drive the Merc long enough to build up the $3k - $4k to put a new transmission in it. I wouldn't consider getting rid of it.

The X has personality, you get to know its strengths, weaknesses, and eccentricities (like the window regulator that "pops," but only when specific people the X doesn't care for try to roll down the window), but at the end of the day I end up loving it even more because of those imperfections.

__________________
Gone, but not forgotten:
2003 X5 3.0i - 135k - the most expensive club in the world.
Premium, Cold Climate, Rear Climate

Service History

Mods and Retrofits: Satellite radio, MediaBridge, DEPO HIDs + LED AEs, M-B W164 rear-light mod, clear corners, BSW x108 Subwoofer System, illuminated door handles, titanium grill, compass/auto-dim mirror

Traded 9/1/16 -- 5UXFA53533LV80809 -- If you know his whereabouts, please contact me.