Transmission - When did yours die?
 

Just curious when people have had their transmissions die.

I may just be paranoid, but every since I found out my transmission is made by GM, I feel like it is gonna die.

I have a 03 3.0i with 111k. The transmission is fine on flat roads, but seems to shift harder on mountain roads. I have not seen any slippage yet, just hard shifts that I am not used to. (probably standard on most GM cars)

Also I have been afraid to change the ATF filter after reading some posts where it went bad after new fluid was put in. And I have not done the diff fluids either.

Quit being paranoid, it messes with the ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE! :D I do know where you're at tho, I'm scared of mine as well, but decided a long time ago worrying never did anybody any good, so I'm enjoying it while I can, and saving for when it all goes down, LOL..! I'm at 150K original tranny/transfer case/torque converter...

Mine shifts buttery smooth. But then again, I don't leave those choices up to the BMW.

The X owners with dead trans died of heart attacks when told the cost to fix or replaced the trans. The X was sold for pennies on the dollars by their Estate because it had a dead trans.

I have put so much money into the car to keep the motor in pristine condition. I would just hate for the tranny to die.

The car that I had before buying the X was an Audi Avant. It died on the interstate and rather than having it towed back to my house and rebuilding the engine, I donated it to kars 4 kids. If the X trans should crap out on me that what I'm going to do with the X and get another tow vehicle, probably something that's American.

Has anyone noticed a benefit from changing the filter and fluid? Or is it drive it to it dies?

Mine shifts smoother after the trans fluid change I did. There is anecdotal evidence that suggests that new fluid with fresh additives (detergents) will dislodge some crud that has accumulated and clog a valve body. Others scoff at that and say change it.

I wouldn't do a full flush if I were you, but maybe drop the pan and refill after putting in a new, OE filter (don't cheap out here). Also, use the correct ZF fluid for your transmission, Lifeguard6 (I think yours is a 6-speed, right?).

While you're at it, dump the diff fluid and the x-drive fluid and replace. Any 75w-90 synthetic diff fluid is fine. Use only the BMW x-drive fluid which is pretty expensive (~$50/liter -- it only takes one liter). You should reset the x-drive adaptations via BMW's diagnostic software.

If it is shifting fine, I wouldn't do anything to it. If it is not shifting fine, do a fluid change and make sure you change the filter. Has shifting changed recently?

Don't worry about GM Powertrain. The shifting characteristics were determined jointly by BMW and GM Powertrain. It shift firmly but smoothly.

The 3.0 does not have a ZF transmission. Follow the tag on the transmission, but I expect it was Dexron III, now upgraded to Dexron VI.

Diffs aren't a problem to do.

Transfer case is similarly straightforward. It isn't x-drive, so I believe it is Dexron again. No computer reset required.

I would do a fluid change just as a precaution... a 13yr old fluid can't be good..
I did it on my 2002 e53 4.4 and there was big improvement in shifting..
Make sure that you use original fluid. don't go and change it around.

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.

If it is any consolation to you I have 195,000 miles and the GM trans on my 3.0 is still solid and shifts smoothly. I have not done any fluid/filter changes.

Thanks, that's the kind of anecdotal evidence I was hoping to hear. I just want this car to get to 150k and still be worth something.

With proper care, I don't see that to be a problem whatsoever! :thumbup:

274,400 miles on the GM transmission with no fluid changes and no problems.

2002 X5 3.0

That is awesome indeed but I wouldn't want to advise a lack of maintenance to anyone. Always error on the side of caution, you'll never regret doing that.

My original died around 50k miles. PO installed new from dealership. I'm at 97k now, changed the fluid and filter at 90k. No problems yet..