Bimmer auto trans. still bummers?

kpb · 2008-02-02T01:39:28+00:00

A while back someone posted about the 2000 323i auto transmissionbeing junk. Apparently this is well known.There was some debate about the 2003-2005 series E46 auto trannies.Are they also junk? Or are they OK (as in will they last 200K+ milesif they have the fluid changed every 50K or so).He was under the impression that bimmers were really "bummers". Theregulars here became quite infuriated at this comment of his.Anyway, does anyone know? Are bimmer trannies still bummers?

Feb 02, 2008 23 Replies

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Dave Plowman (News) 18 years ago

Heh heh. An excellent description.

Although there's no intrinsic reason why the twin clutch system should give a smoother pull away - merely smoother changes under most circumstances.

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Scott Dorsey 18 years ago

Indeed you are correct. I was thinking of SMG and the Mercedes equivalent whose name I am blocking on but which is NOT Steptronic.

--scott

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Dave Plowman (News) 18 years ago

I've not tried a M-B synchromesh auto so can't comment but agree the couple of BMW SMGs I have tried were rough changing autos. Perhaps by design. But the Audi twin clutch/layshaft ones I've driven are not bad at all and are likely to further improve. The forthcoming BMW one will be good too I'm sure. My main concern with this type of transmission is the horrendous repair costs if and when needed. And that of course there are similar vast improvements being made with 'conventional' autos too. So the 'race' is nowhere near won. The engineer in me dislikes the idea of a servo operated synchromesh box in principle - while that same part in me enjoys the skill in handling a true manual gearchange well.

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