CleanIsFast Journal: BMW X5 4.6iS

[bcredliner]

I wouldn't even try without jack stands. If you buy jack stands look for long version from craftsman and then a floor jack at some point that will raise it up that high.

I suggest checking the pan temp when you experience the problem to see if it is in normal range. Overheating can cause trans to do weird stuff. Laser temp readers are one of those tools you won't need often but is important and justified as a small reduction in the labor cost you are saving because you DIY.

You may have a problem with the internal heat sensor which is built into the wiring harness that you can replace when you have the pan off.

[CleanIsFast]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I wouldn't even try without jack stands. If you buy jack stands look for long version from craftsman and then a floor jack at some point that will raise it up that high.

I suggest checking the pan temp when you experience the problem to see if it is in normal range. Overheating can cause trans to do weird stuff. Laser temp readers are one of those tools you won't need often but is important and justified as a small reduction in the labor cost you are saving because you DIY.

You may have a problem with the internal heat sensor which is built into the wiring harness that you can replace when you have the pan off.

If the heat sensor was bad, wouldn't the temp read differently on the cluster?

[bcredliner]

Coolant temp can normal and trans oil temp too high. Heat sensor in trans or trans cooler can be be malfunctioning and coolant temp fine.

[dannyzabolotny]

This isn't a Range Rover, there's not THAT much clearance under the X5. You'll need to buy 4 jack stands so you can lift up the X5 evenly. That's the other important thing to note— the vehicle has to be level to do the fluid service correctly.

[CleanIsFast]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Coolant temp can normal and trans oil temp too high. Heat sensor in trans or trans cooler can be be malfunctioning and coolant temp fine.

Interesting, i'll have to investigate. Makes sense because anything prior to 210* on the cluster, it shifts great. But if this is the case, the fluid will still need to be replaced because it's probably getting burnt

Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny

This isn't a Range Rover, there's not THAT much clearance under the X5. You'll need to buy 4 jack stands so you can lift up the X5 evenly. That's the other important thing to note— the vehicle has to be level to do the fluid service correctly.

Looks like my next purchase

[CleanIsFast]

Update: 02.08.17 - Transmission Service

New transmission filter, seals, pan gasket
It took 7 liters!
Shifts great. I'll report back on the 2-1 downshift, I haven't driven it far enough to get up to normal operating temperature.


Upcoming Maintenance:
[X] Brand new Continental DWS06 Tires 275/315
[X] Intake Filter replacement
[X] Oil Service
[X] Spark Plugs
[X] Ignition Coils + Boots
[X] DINAN Transmission Software
[X] Rear trunk deck lid lense
[X] Automatic trunk open springs
[X] Transmission Fluid service
[ ] Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
[ ] Replace wheel cap roundels - updated version
[ ] Full Paint Correction - Spring 2017
[ ] Headlight restoration - Spring 2017

[StephenVA]

[smokeyyank]

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

Update: 02.08.17 - Transmission Service

New transmission filter, seals, pan gasket
It took 7 liters!
Shifts great. I'll report back on the 2-1 downshift, I haven't driven it far enough to get up to normal operating temperature.


Upcoming Maintenance:
[X] Brand new Continental DWS06 Tires 275/315
[X] Intake Filter replacement
[X] Oil Service
[X] Spark Plugs
[X] Ignition Coils + Boots
[X] DINAN Transmission Software
[X] Rear trunk deck lid lense
[X] Automatic trunk open springs
[X] Transmission Fluid service
[ ] Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
[ ] Replace wheel cap roundels - updated version
[ ] Full Paint Correction - Spring 2017
[ ] Headlight restoration - Spring 2017

I'll be interested to hear how that works out for you. Mine has a harsh down shift too and I need to get this done here soon.

[CleanIsFast]

Originally Posted by smokeyyank

I'll be interested to hear how that works out for you. Mine has a harsh down shift too and I need to get this done here soon.

Okay so I was able to take the X for a long enough drive to get everything up to normal operating temps. New fluid and filter definitely helped. You can still "feel" the downshift but it's definitely not as harsh as it was before. I'll see what the wife thinks because she drives the vehicle daily currently around town.

Note: To my knowledge, old transmission fluid was ORIGINAL. Had never been serviced before. Upon inspection of the little magnetic on the oil pan, there was NO debris, metal flakes, etc. Filled with fresh ZF specific fluid, cleared adaptations, ran through all the gears (P,R,D,1,2,3,4,5), driven around the block. Back on the lift and topped off.

Next up: I have a small vaccuum leak somewhere. I may swap a MAF from my M5 (since I run Alpha N and it doesn't use the MAFs), and see if that helps. I think I have some CRC MAF cleaner laying around somewhere. The previous owner had an oiled intake filter that I threw away because it was gunked up and never serviced. If not, i'll have to do a smoke test. Even though we did one a few weeks ago and it yielded nothing. Could be fuel related?

[smokeyyank]

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

Okay so I was able to take the X for a long enough drive to get everything up to normal operating temps. New fluid and filter definitely helped. You can still "feel" the downshift but it's definitely not as harsh as it was before. I'll see what the wife thinks because she drives the vehicle daily currently around town.

Note: To my knowledge, old transmission fluid was ORIGINAL. Had never been serviced before. Upon inspection of the little magnetic on the oil pan, there was NO debris, metal flakes, etc. Filled with fresh ZF specific fluid, cleared adaptations, ran through all the gears (P,R,D,1,2,3,4,5), driven around the block. Back on the lift and topped off.

Next up: I have a small vaccuum leak somewhere. I may swap a MAF from my M5 (since I run Alpha N and it doesn't use the MAFs), and see if that helps. I think I have some CRC MAF cleaner laying around somewhere. The previous owner had an oiled intake filter that I threw away because it was gunked up and never serviced. If not, i'll have to do a smoke test. Even though we did one a few weeks ago and it yielded nothing. Could be fuel related?

Good to know, glad it helped out. Hopefully here in a few weeks I can get this hammered out. Need to work on the wife's car first.