Rough downshifts...

[va8341]

Originally Posted by XV8

Guess, I gotta take the 1st step to find out what software version my X is running on. Since I do not have BMW warranty coverage but a 3rd party warranty when I purchased the vehicle used (which does cover the cost to replace the tranny)... any advice on how to deal with the BMW service advisors? Wish me luck!!

I believe you don't have to let them do the diagnostic. The infor you get from this forum is far more beyond what those dealer yound kids have ever possessed. I feel you are on the right track. Just tell them that I need update my tranny software with the most current one. They shouldn't charge you more than 1 hour labor. Next do a ATF fluid and filter change. In my case software does help reduce the frequency but it does not erase the issue. I have ordered the parts and fluid. Will see what happens after the ATF change.

As for tranny replacement under 3rd party warranty, you probably have to forget it. You would have to show/replicate the issue to warranty inspector. And for the best senario, you would get a refurbished/rebuilt tranny. Not possible for a brand new. I talked to my indy (a very experience Dinan dealership owner) if I should buy an extended warranty for a potential tranny replacement as an ultimate fix; he said they are not going to pay a 6 grands job just because a 2nd to 1st shift a little rough. You don't have a problem up shifting and you don't have any code showing tranny failures. It's hard to make your case. So I didn't enter any more warranty deal.

Dealing with BMW dealer? They are all nice. But they are way way overpriced, virtually on everything, parts, labor ... you name it. So unless you have something you have to bug them, like engine/tranny software, you really shouldn't DEAL with them. Go find an indy specialing on BMW.

[XV8]

Originally Posted by va8341

I believe you don't have to let them do the diagnostic. The infor you get from this forum is far more beyond what those dealer yound kids have ever possessed. I feel you are on the right track. Just tell them that I need update my tranny software with the most current one. They shouldn't charge you more than 1 hour labor. Next do a ATF fluid and filter change. In my case software does help reduce the frequency but it does not erase the issue. I have ordered the parts and fluid. Will see what happens after the ATF change.

As for tranny replacement under 3rd party warranty, you probably have to forget it. You would have to show/replicate the issue to warranty inspector. And for the best senario, you would get a refurbished/rebuilt tranny. Not possible for a brand new. I talked to my indy (a very experience Dinan dealership owner) if I should buy an extended warranty for a potential tranny replacement as an ultimate fix; he said they are not going to pay a 6 grands job just because a 2nd to 1st shift a little rough. You don't have a problem up shifting and you don't have any code showing tranny failures. It's hard to make your case. So I didn't enter any more warranty deal.

Dealing with BMW dealer? They are all nice. But they are way way overpriced, virtually on everything, parts, labor ... you name it. So unless you have something you have to bug them, like engine/tranny software, you really shouldn't DEAL with them. Go find an indy specialing on BMW.

Steve,

Thx for the advice. I decidedly took it over to Park Ave BMW (South Hackensack, NJ) to see if my software needs upgrading... in addition, I didn't mention earlier that I also get the occasional "TRANS FAILSAFE" msg. Anyway, from BMW's diagnostic testing, my tranny does have problems and will need to be replaced. My SA is dealing with my 3rd party warranty to fork out the bill. Like all warranty companies... this one is giving us a lil trouble. I'm sure I'll have to pay something outta pocket. But, I guess it's betta to get this trans fixed now with some warranty coverage than like you said, pay 6k later on my own for this big repair job.

Roger