2004 X5 4.4i Loud bang from rear

[CTSportX5]

Search the word "lurch".. As Quicksilver said this is a known issue with fixes including tranny software upgrade to complete tranny replacement.

[Isambard]

Originally Posted by Weasel

May be a transmission programming issue... sounds like it is still in second gear but slams into first as soon as you hit the gas.

Give me the last 7 of the vin and I'll see if it has ever been in the shop for that issue and/or had the transmission programmed.

May be a silly question, but can you do that for UK versions Weasel?

[themoth]

same issues here. Is it a bushing issue or transmisson? Is this covered under CPO. thanks

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by Isambard

May be a silly question, but can you do that for UK versions Weasel?

Unfortunately no, they are not in the BMWNA database... It will pull up the VIN and tell me the type of vehicle. but that is it... no full options list or service history.

[omodos]

Pronline you changed the bushings because of the bang?, i get that too but not often at all

[robfix]

Originally Posted by PrOLiNe

Just want to say thanks for all the info on this site Just bought a 2004 x5 4.4i with 60k on it. Drives like a dream. Coming from Ford Explorer's, will never turn back..LOL!
Anyway..4 times now when I slow to a stop, right when it stops I feel a slight lag like the car wants to go forward a bit first. If I hit the gas before that slight lag is over it makes this loud bang from the rear. Almost like I neutral slammed the thing. I read somewhere about rear carrier bushings, but doubt its that otherwise I would feel something not right as well when shifting under some acceleration I would think. Best way to describe is to take a car (not the beamer), rev it up in neutral, and drop it into drive.
Any input would be appreciated. I have a one year GE powertrain warranty, but want to know where I stand before taking it to the dealer.

Thanks

Hi Proline, I have an '06 4.4 and had exactly the same problem. Classic BMW here in Dallas reset the transmission software and that has alleviated the problem, although it still seems to "slip" a little once in awhile, but no "BAM!!!!" from the rear like before. it's scary and really disconcerting. Almost like being rear-ended. I hope this helps.

[LightWerkz]

I have the same issue. Dealer did the tranny reprogram and some other things like fluid I believe and it still slips and does it once in a while ;(

[zeroboot]

This happened to me today again (about 3 or 4 times in a year)...my BMW warranty end on my '05, but its still on CPO...would transmission reprogram, tranny replace be covered on CPO?

jb

[X5 Meister]

Good question. In addition, anyone know if there is a definite solution to this known issue yet?

[flatlander]

This sounds like the well documented trans "lurch" problem. Many people have experienced this and have described it in the same way that you have. If that's the case, then what you are hearing is the trans down shifting from 2nd to 1st and you get a bang from the rear as 1st engages. it's not always the same severity.

It's not only on the BMW's.
Jaguar S-Type ZF Gearbox Lurch fault

The symptoms can be reduced by performing the "30 second" trans memory reset. This will reset the shift patterns back to their defaults. However, the symptoms will come back.

The transmission program update may be available for your model. As far as I've learned, this does not always fix the issue.

My friend who is a transmission engineer recommended replacing the trans filter and fluid, and also cleaning the trans valve body. The filter is recommended by some BMW experts to be replaced every so many miles:
BMW Transmission

The valve body can be removed and opened carefully. Use a baking sheet on your work bench to contain parts and fluid. There are many little springs in there that need make it back in when you close it up.

For the M62 engine, the valve body is shown here:
RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.4i A5S440Z CONTROL VALVE ASSY