Bought my first new BMW in 1999 and now it has 54,000 miles on it, just broken in. It's been serviced by the BMW dealer where I got it and since I got it. Problems with the transmission just happened and I'm told I've got to have a new transmission put in for mega bucks! I'm not a stupid crazy driver who abuses a car. I've never had any transmission problems with any other car I ever owned and I'm a senior citizen. Saw one recommendation on the internet that BMW transmission filter be replaced every 15,000 miles to extend the life of the transmission. I cannot find anything on any service sheet that says my dealer ever changed my transmission filter. Do I have a case? What is the recommendation? Are there others with transmission problems after so few miles? This is totally unacceptable in this day and age. I am a mechanical engineer and know a bit about cars and engines. This is outrageous for what is supposed to be a premier car. Right now I don't drive a Beemer, it's a Bummer and I'm just getting started.