[SD 328I]

for 5-6k you can get a manual tranny....

Sad that 5-6k is roughly 50% the cost to buy a whole car with his year and mileage.

The GM automatic in the E46s (including ZFs) go bad so early, it's pretty alarming! Try to find a good BMW indy shop, they might find you a cheaper alternative than replacing your tranny.

BTW - Most dealerships are set-up to replace things, not repair (hence an indy shop).