Common Issues (possible e46 convert)

[thefrog1394]

Ok, I'm sure this has been asked 7 million times, so feel free to simply point me to the correct threads. I currently drive an e46 and am looking at possibly getting something that I can tow with, is a little bigger, auto transmission, etc. instead. I bought my e46 with 180k on the clock and it currently has upwards of 250k with original engine and transmission. Of course I don't expect the V8 to be quite the 300k champ that my M52 is, but I am hoping I could get upwards of 200k out of one.

My biggest worry is the automatic transmission. On e46's these were considered basically disposable past 100k miles. Is the same true for the transmissions used in the e53's?

Also, what are some common failure points? Is 250k miles on an e53 crazy?

Dan