[chris55552]

I test drove a 2007 or 2008 years ago and noticed the transmission shifted very smoothly. The transition from gear to gear was almost undetectable and the power curver very linear. Fast forward several years and I bought a 2010 and it didnt have the smooth shifting ability, it was used and come to find out the mechatronics sleeve on the trans was dead so that could have to been to blame. My question is what year models of the e83 have that smooth auto trans similar to the e46 330i that shifted seamlessly with a linear power curve? Do yall think my mechatronics sleeve was to blame, I was under the impression the xdrive may havee had an impact on it but could bee wrong

[richardodn]

There were two auto transmissions used in the E83 X3. Early models had a GM 5 speed. I believe that was through 2006. The later 3.0si (also 2010 xdrive30i) models used a GM 6 speed along with the new, more powerful N52 engine. I only have experience with the 6 speed. I can say I wasn't a fan of it until I recently had fluid and filter service done at the dealer at 120k miles. I can now say it's perfectly acceptable. Still none of those compare with the ZF 8 speed that started seeing wide usage around 2010-11. In the X3 it debuted with the F25 series in 2011.

[chris55552]

Its insane for bmw to call the fluid lifetime and not change it, my problem with mine was the mechatronics sleeve was dead so it never functioned the way it was intended.