Mine died at 185000 kms, and it was a ZF transmission. Good thing is that a complete rebuild in local ZF shop is only $1500. It is running smoothly ever since.

Not died yet ,thank god.

135K miles on my 2001, zero transmission issues. Smooth as silk.

Sapphire, what kind of maintenance have you done to the trans? Is it a 3.0 with the GM box?

Normally when people have problem with their trans it is usually too late for a fluid change. People do the fluid change hoping that it will fix the problem, that if they have done regular maintenance they might have avoided the problem. As for Dexron VI being compatible with Dexron III, GM approve of it for THEIR cars and trans, not other manufacturer's trans.

"Dexron VI-the newest GM ATF, it was developed specifically for the new six-speed automatic and is a synthetic blend (meaning it has some conventional base stocks). That transmission has tighter internal tolerances and required a fluid that had higher shear strength that Dexron III. It was introduced with the 2006 models. GM considers Dexron VI to be "backward compatible," meaning GM recommends it for use in any vehicle that originally used any earlier version of Dexron and that it can be mixed with them. However, GM specifically recommends against using Dexron VI in non-GM made vehicles that used Dexron III as original equipment. GM brand vehicles that have non-GM transmissions, as mentioned above, or are imported to the United States." A Chevy Nova which is really a Toyota would not be a candidate for Dexron VI.

Even though BMW never used an Allison transmission in any of their cars, the seals that were used in the Allison transmission may have also been produce by the same company that provides seals to GM. There was a incompatibility issue with Dexron VI and the seals used in the older Allison trans.

replaced my trans at 80k, and transfer case at 110k....

04 4.4i. The TC was a real issue, the tranny was OK, but i was able to convince bmw to warranty it, so i had it done

Yes, mine is the 3.0. I have all services done slightly ahead of time and being VERY familiar with BMWs (owned 22 of them so far), know better then to buy into the 'lifetime fluid' BS. So, I have the fluids replaced at regularly suggested intervals. My tranny has been tip-top doing these simple steps. I'm not always easy on it either. I drive pretty aggressively (even in the X5). I quasi-often put it into manual, rev it up quite a bit and zip around. I visit my parents often who live in the country so I'm often flooring it up giant hills and around tight corners. Maintain them faithfully and they keep on' going. Blow it on maintenance and you're gonna pay.

Yes, but BMW call for it as well, so I wouldn't worry about the Allison seal issue.

114,000 mi. modded 4.6--no problems

Transmission Flush Myths - Busted!

I guess I will do the filter and service the diffs, after I finish my 540i job. I have done all the other preventative maintenance, so I might as do the tranny too.