In a recent survey at bimmerfest.com nearly 30% of the owners of 2007 and 2008 BMW X3 3.0si are reporting serious problems with the automatic transmission. Message board surveys can be inaccurate. Is the problem really this widespread?
These cars are less than 1 year old. Service intervals and fluid changes have nothing to do with it.

Working for BMW roadside assistance my favorite complaint is "transmission failsafe mode" and "transmission failure". When the car will pop itself into neutral while your driving and wont change to anywhere but park! Sometimes won't come out of park. We tow aLOT of cars for this issue. i'd say a dozen a day at least. If you have one keep in mind WHEEL LIFT AND DOLLIES, the only way to tow a car when it's locked in park. You'll need it.

The X3si is equipped with a GM6 (6L46R) Chevy transmission. There are a few programing issues with it at this time. I have also seen it go into failsafe with fault for a slippage witch is just the internal diagnostic software being too sensitive. These transmissions come filled with "lifetime fluid" which dose not have a maintenance flush. Personally the feel of the shift for me Is a little soft, just remember the clamping force of the plates and clutches can be adjusted through software updates. Mechanically they seem to be sound.