[cdmulders]

I have a 2000 528i w/ AT, and the transmission started shuddering under low-load conditions about a year ago. It felt like the torque convertor wasn't quite locking up, and the local shop recommended a full AT fluid drain, flush, and refill. This is a specialty shop (not a dealer) that works almost exclusively on BMWs, and I have had excellent service and advice from them, so I trusted them on this diagnosis. My car had about 200,000 kms (120,000 miles or so) at the time. They said it was a 50/50 chance that this AT fluid change could work, but the alternative was to start taking things apart and doing or getting a rebuild. I took the chance on the fluid change (cost me about 400 Euro). To make a long story short, the fix worked, the problem completely went away, and I have put another 12,000 miles on the car since without incident. I love my 528i (sport package, all the toys).

Cheers.