[clegg]

Is the GM auto trans in all rear drive 2008 328i's? If not , how to determine if GM or ZF?

[jmnew911]

there is a way of identifying it in the VIN. I think there is a VIN tool online that you can use and it will tell you which transmission you have. I used the tool on both of my 328's 2007 and 2008. I think they are both ZF. But I can't remember the VIN tool I used.

[jmnew911]

http://www.bmw-z1.com
this is the place to put in last 7 digits of VIN
and I was wrong both of mine are GM.
I think the GM is the more common in the US for the 328i.
It is the GA6L-45R

[ricx]

Originally Posted by clegg

Is the GM auto trans in all rear drive 2008 328i's? If not , how to determine if GM or ZF?

quick n dirty gm metal pan zf plastic.

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by ricx

quick n dirty gm metal pan zf plastic.

this.

[mainbearing]

ZF pan in post #10 here:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1684380

GM metal pan here:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=573490

[ryan stewart]

Heads up if you do have the GA6L-45R when you do the fluid change (which you absolutely SHOULD) check these guys out:
https://www.sonnax.com/units/306-6l45

This is an easy swap if you drop the valve body (6 bolts):
https://www.sonnax.com/parts/4522-manual-valve-assembly

This replaces the stock one where the head can pop off, meaning youre stuck in neutral.

For the seals for the valve body the Gm part # is 24236927, you can get it for like a quarter of the price compared to buying it with the BMW part #24-27-7-581-598. I replaced mine as they were hard and compressed, I *think* its helped my firm shifts when cold issue. If its really bad you might need that valve from Sonnax.

The sealing sleeve was cheap enough I didnt hunt down the GM part #.

Reference for the procedure:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1223977