If you have some mechanical know-how, or know someone that does, and want to take on a cool project.... give this a shot....

DIY: **The New Unofficial Auto ----> 5 speed swap** Lots of pictures!!! - E46Fanatics

It all depends on your priorities, which you haven't really told us anyway.

Just like TwinTurboGTR's examples in debating whether to fix or sell.

If you need it for transportation and feel good about your ownership experience, then fix it.

If you're in the market for a replacement anyways, then don't put anymore money into it.

Those are probably not the only scenarios but you get he idea.

I had to make this decision a few months ago. I love my X and really didn't want to get rid of it so I chose to go with a rebuilt tranny. It took about a week to get all the parts in and cost about $2900, it has a year warranty on the tranny and its cheaper then buying a new car.

Because I've read here about various tranny niggles, I replaced filter and fluid this summer. Now at 128k all is well. I like my 2006 SO well i'd spend a few grand on her to drive another 50-100k miles...cheaper than a new one, which IMHO, isn't any better.

My priorities are reliable transportation and a great ride. I don't really care about having a new car as long as mine is reliable and still enjoyable to ride. If it was a Ford or GM, etc, I would have moved on before now. But I love the X. If it wasn't for the tranny issue I had no thoughts of getting rid of it.

I'm more leaning to getting a rebuilt tranny and keeping it.

+1000

newer is not better
test drove the new F30, I am keeping my E92 335i for sure. Whazzup with the new electronic power steering on BMW, maybe the "ultimate driving machine" is really dead and Re"joy" slogan is well and alive.