I think at this point any further information > >
will require somebody going into the transmission and I would not do that unless I was prepared to pay a good transmission tech to rebuild the transmission and repair/replace whatever is failing. That said, at this mileage there may be a LOT of things which are past their expected service life and the cost could escalate dramatically.
The question you need to ask yourself is: How much longer do I plan to own this car? If you think you may try to keep it another 4-5 years, maybe the remanufactured transmission is the way to go. On the other hand, if you think this car could be trade bait in a year or two, I'd be looking around for a reputable transmission shop and thinking about an overhaul to replace the parts that are causing your current problems. Another idea is to look for a "previously enjoyed" transmission (Used) but if it came from a car as old as yours, there's risk there as well.
Most of us driving a BMW automatic can only hope to go are far as you have on the original transmission.
Keep up posted on the outcome.
Filehorse
Knoxville, TN
BMWCCA #407627
2002 525i Steptronic Sport/Premium | Build Date: 05/02
81,000 Ultimate Driving miles
Xenons
Style 81s | Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS
Titanium Gray | Gray Leather
35% LLumar ATR LLumaStar tint
Valentine 1 | Hardwired
Steering wheel position memory w/Alzheimers
"Lifetime" ATF replaced at 40,000; Switched to Valvoline MaxLife @ the 80,000 mile service
"LIfetime" Final Drive gear oil replaced at 81,000; Redline 75W-90 GL-5
StopTech SportStop slotted rotors w/Axxis Deluxe Advanced pads
StopTech SS Braided Brake Lines
2001 E46 325i (Jet Black) Forced Retirement 6/28/09
2001 E46 325i (Orient Blue) Forced Retirement 10/09
1989 E30 325i (Alpine White) Retired