Transmission died today on my 325Xi touring today

toddz · 08-15-2011, 10:49 AM

So I'm leaving my house this AM, and I as I pull out of my street, the car tops pulling. No gears work and a (very) slight grinding noise. Uggh. Not what the doctor ordered - especially for a Monday morning. Car is a 2001 325xi touring (wagon) with 132K miles with a automatic / tiptronic transmission.

So AAA brings it to my transmission guy (a family friend, thankfully), and I have yet to hear to verdict.

The dilemma: If the transmission needs to be replaced, is it worth it? Car has 130K miles, but with MANY new parts....pretty much entire new suspension up front. New shocks all the way around...lots of little fixes like power steering hoses, stupid things like oil pressure lights...recent tires...

I suppose one way to go is to get a used tranny for a grand and have that installed. Any way, love the car...but unsure about what to do here.

Just venting...comments / thoughts / etc are welcome.

***If I was to buy a used e46 Xi tranny, what model years would work for my 2001? Any and all e46 Xi models regardless of year?

Akovski · 08-15-2011, 12:06 PM

go to bavarians used part website. i got mine on there and paid an extra 20% for 1 year full service warrenty. believe you can pay 30% and get it insured for life.

shwagon · 08-15-2011, 12:27 PM

definitely fix it, they are sweet cars. GL with the repair.

toddz · 08-15-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shwagon

definitely fix it, they are sweet cars. GL with the repair.

Just found out it is most likely a blown axle. And my buddy who owns the tranny shop will fix it for free! Fingers crossed there is nothing else...

Sweet wagon btw...love the color...

Mark M · 08-15-2011, 12:50 PM

Why not seriously consider a 5 speed swap?

My xi is a 5 speed and I love it.

You'll need:
5 speed box
transfer case coupling spline shaft
Pedal box
clutch kit
maybe the driveshaft

toddz · 08-15-2011, 01:18 PM

Mark M: I was absolutely considering that, however I just found out that it may just be a simple axle replacement. In which case, I'm back on the road for under $200.00.

330Lover_ · 08-15-2011, 02:17 PM

Good to hear that. No fear of steptonic !

ferngreen 325xi · 08-15-2011, 02:59 PM

Have you change out the magic lifetime BMW transmission fluid yet. If not, you should.

08-15-2011, 10:49 AM	#1
toddz Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 67 My Ride: 2001 325xi Touring View My Garage	Transmission died today on my 325Xi touring today So I'm leaving my house this AM, and I as I pull out of my street, the car tops pulling. No gears work and a (very) slight grinding noise. Uggh. Not what the doctor ordered - especially for a Monday morning. Car is a 2001 325xi touring (wagon) with 132K miles with a automatic / tiptronic transmission. So AAA brings it to my transmission guy (a family friend, thankfully), and I have yet to hear to verdict. The dilemma: If the transmission needs to be replaced, is it worth it? Car has 130K miles, but with MANY new parts....pretty much entire new suspension up front. New shocks all the way around...lots of little fixes like power steering hoses, stupid things like oil pressure lights...recent tires... I suppose one way to go is to get a used tranny for a grand and have that installed. Any way, love the car...but unsure about what to do here. Just venting...comments / thoughts / etc are welcome. ***If I was to buy a used e46 Xi tranny, what model years would work for my 2001? Any and all e46 Xi models regardless of year?

08-15-2011, 12:50 PM	#5
Mark M Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 418 My Ride: e30M3, e46M3, e83X3 View My Garage	Why not seriously consider a 5 speed swap? My xi is a 5 speed and I love it. You'll need: 5 speed box transfer case coupling spline shaft Pedal box clutch kit maybe the driveshaft __________________

08-15-2011, 02:17 PM	#7
330Lover_ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Bernardino, CA Posts: 399 My Ride: 2001 330i bk/bk step View My Garage	Good to hear that. No fear of steptonic ! __________________ 01' 330i, step, bk/bk, moon, xenon, cd, 18x8 ASA AR1, 225/40/18 all around, Eibach spring, Axxis brake pads

08-15-2011, 02:59 PM	#8
ferngreen 325xi Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Moved to San Diego Posts: 90 My Ride: 2001 325XI wagon. View My Garage	Have you change out the magic lifetime BMW transmission fluid yet. If not, you should. Last edited by ferngreen 325xi; 08-15-2011 at 03:01 PM.

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08-15-2011, 12:06 PM	#2
Akovski Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ATL Posts: 474 My Ride: 323CI View My Garage	go to bavarians used part website. i got mine on there and paid an extra 20% for 1 year full service warrenty. believe you can pay 30% and get it insured for life.

08-15-2011, 01:18 PM	#6
toddz Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 67 My Ride: 2001 325xi Touring View My Garage	Mark M: I was absolutely considering that, however I just found out that it may just be a simple axle replacement. In which case, I'm back on the road for under $200.00.