How many miles on AUTOMATIC transmission before failure? (or no problems at all?)

Originally Posted by bimmerized

for those who have not changed or do not know if it has been changed, it's best to change the fluid. Most of the problems that come up after the change are associated with incorrect fluid used. In my opinion its best to stay with a fluid of the same type (dino, semi, full-synthetic) to maintain viscosity regardless of whether it is approved by BMW. A new generation of fluid my not be best for an old transmission. The new fluid may dislodge crude built up over years.

Most importantly, do not ever flush a transmission that hasn't been maintained, just drain and fill 3+ times with new fluid, driven in between.

160K no issues. Fluid changed for first time at 135K.

Thank You!

2003 325I with 141,000 miles on the clock. Real OEM says I have this transmission "Automatic transmission A5S360R / A5S390R" Not sure if that is GM or ZF kind.

Bought the car at 110,000 with no previous transmission fluid changes or repairs.

Still get the slow response from reverse to drive when I dont drive the car for a few days. Ive just completed reading this entire thread and it looks like this is normal. Looking to do a fluid and filter change soon hoping this might help this issue out.

HAVE NO ISSUES: the FRENCH MADE by GM : A5S390R has 71,100 miles , Had INDY do filter , pan bolts, gasket and replace fluid with DEXRON VI ( bmw recommended fluid for my type based ON part # on tranny pan).


Immediately noticed smoother shifts.

136k miles and still shifting like new.

Replaced filter and ~6 qts at 110k miles - Redline D4 ATF

Drain & fill ~5qts at 125k miles - Redline D4 ATF

Normal driving. Not driven hard very often. No racing or tracking.

Purchased at 17k miles from sane, adult original owner.

Knock on WOOD...233,000 and have yet to change the filter or oil. Still runs fine.

Originally Posted by CPBIII

Knock on WOOD...233,000 and have yet to change the filter or oil. Still runs fine.

That's great. Highway miles? Are you the original owner?

I am at 236,000 and had serviced at 130,000 for 500.00 dollars. shifting great!!!!

I had 178,000 miles when I experienced typical reverse drum breakage. Drove OK forward and in reverse under very light load. There was still a lot of lining left on the wear surfaces when the break failure occured.

I was having transmission problems about 130K. It was my reserse selonoid. Car would not go in reverse.

I have at or around 160k miles on my 2001 325i. The transmission, according to the multiple mechanics I take it to for check ins, is extremely in good health. However, between the 100k and 150k period, the radiator had to be replaced, and the antifreeze chamber. There are a few more issues, but those were caused personally. As long as you are sure to change your oil filter, and 5 quarts of synthetic oil are put in, every 8k miles, and you always have water/antifreeze in surplus, you should be free of any problems.

2006 330xi 131k miles OEM ATF. Bimmerized - when you changed at 135k how did the fluid look and did it have any build up? Did you notice any difference after the change? Some people says they don't see a difference in driving so how would you know if mechanic actually changed the fluid....

155K and other than the salmon relay needing replacement, it shifts and runs great!

My car is approaching 79k miles. I'm about to do the transmission service real soon. I just got my transmission filter kit from Autohausaz

Originally Posted by latitude39

That's great. Highway miles? Are you the original owner?

80-85% highway miles. Yes, I am the original owner (still).

I am at 141000.00 No issues at all

I just want to say you guys are amazing! I come on this site and type in whats wrong with my "Blue Beauty" and you guys are right on the money. Im a girl(not that thats an excuse) Im clueless about cars, but you guys are making me learn quickly! Thanks so much!

Hi all. Got my 2001318i up to 295000kms and still running ok generally speaking. However for the last 50k we have been having a weird problem with the tranny. When going up an incline at about 60-70ks an hour the transmission seems to slip from 3rd to 4th. You can hear a whistle like noise and then it goes in to limp mode. Switch it off for a few seconds and it is fine. Drive it in manual and it is also fine as long as you keep it in 3rd until you hit around 80kms. Any one else have any knowledge of this problem. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Hi my 1999 318i changes down harshly when i touch the brake gowing down hill some times can any body tell what is wrong just bought it?

Well if u just got it then there are laws that if u are having issues with your breaks the place u bought it at has to fix it. Check it out!

217K Miles on my 2001 330i - still runs great

I wanted to comment on the poll results... Adding the numbers up, users who had to repair/replace their auto transmission at fewer than 200k miles was only around 20% (1 in 5)! That is a great statistic. Additionally, 37% were at the 50-100k mark without issue, and the remaining 42% were above 100k with no issues. Good to hear, since I just bought an '04 325i with 100k miles... This poll is great, and is probably one of the more complete/sizable sets of data on the subject. Kudos.

Originally Posted by Sputnik85

I wanted to comment on the poll results... Adding the numbers up, users who had to repair/replace their auto transmission at fewer than 200k miles was only around 20% (1 in 5)! That is a great statistic.

And that's probably high as people w transmission problems are more likely to post.

encouraging numbers indeed - and makes the 'auto-bashing' people (from a reliability aspect) look a bit silly.
I have a few questions:

Now, i see that most of you have serviced / ATF replaced in your transmissions...
what's the BEST method for this? Drain and fill or Flush? and As a 'flush' would not involve changing the ATF fliter,
and as a 'drain/fill' would not involve the ATF inside the torque converter getting changed, should one do BOTH?
(does the torque converter have a plug in it, that one can drain the ATF in it?)

130K on a 2005 325i with no xmission issues at all.

I have a 2000 323Ci with auto. I changed the fluid and filter twice before but I guess it's time to do it again. It seems as though first gear is slipping so I am going to change out the fluid and filter again in hopes of heading off a bigger more expensive problem.