Please Help Me With Low Power at 20MPH

[CGSTL]

BMW says my 05 X5 4.4i is operating just as intended and it has all the latest software updates available.

But my problem still isn't fixed and it is close to being unsafe to drive if I have to pull into traffic at speeds between 17 to 22 MPH. Here's the problem:

When rounding a corner at about 20MPH my X stays in 4th gear to conserve fuel (BMW says they try to do obain high average MPG numbers and this is one way they do it.). When I push on the gas pedal I have to press it down more than 50% to get it to get up and go. Otherwise, it just lumbers along at low RPM trying it's hardest to stay in 4th gear even though it's getting increasingly more gas. Finally, when I press far enough, it kicks down 2 gears and properly uses the gas I'm giving it and takes off like a rocket.

I just want it to properly downshift to 3rd instead of bog down while trying to stay in 4th around the corner! I'm starting to get really frustrated also because my Volvo-driving wife keeps saying it's underpowered and unsafe to drive. My 4.4i - underpowered!

Can someone PLEASE tell me how I can change my shift points so I have a steady power band through the 20 MPH range?

[trueX5er]

you could try to push the shifter in to sport mode.....or use the manual shift mode..

[AzNMpower32]

1) Sport mode
2) Be a leadfoot and floor it anyway
3) Options 1 & 2 combined.

[noncom23]

Are you sure you have the v.23 tranny update? Might need a reflash.

[Slalom]

As I recall, the transmission uses an adaptive model. If you hve been driving "conservatively" it will keep to a higher gear and shift up sooner. If you have been driving agressively it will upshift later. The computer monitors your driving for a number of gear change cycles before adjusting.

[CGSTL]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

you could try to push the shifter in to sport mode.....or use the manual shift mode..

Great idea; however, when it sport mode and approaching a turn, the engine braking as it downshifts pushes everyone's head into the dashboard. Rather harsh engine braking occurs when in sport mode and coming to a stop. It's as if sport mode downshifts too early (causing major engine braking) and normal mode doesn't downshift at all

Thanks for thinking of ideas...

[CGSTL]

Originally Posted by noncom23

Are you sure you have the v.23 tranny update? Might need a reflash.

I called to verify I was on the latest and my SA said I am - and the V23 addressed the harsh 2-1 downshift problem only. I think I'm on 23.02.02.

[CGSTL]

Originally Posted by Slalom

As I recall, the transmission uses an adaptive model. If you hve been driving "conservatively" it will keep to a higher gear and shift up sooner. If you have been driving agressively it will upshift later. The computer monitors your driving for a number of gear change cycles before adjusting.

You're right. And the last couple of times in the shop my SA reset the adaptive tranny module and told me to drive aggressively the next 200 miles so it will use lower gearing. No help. Great idea, though. Thanks.

[CGSTL]

My ONE bump just for visibility. Thanks for allowing one!

[noncom23]

Turn engine off. Sit 10 seconds. Switch key to first click and hold 10 seconds. Switch off and then start engine and drive aggressively.
Self reset.