downshifting

x5FL · #1 11-06-2009, 07:11 PM

My X5 2006 4.4i with 48k miles.

Ok X5 owners I have a question. When driving in traffic, on the gas pedal then off the gas pedal and to the brake pedal. When the speed is around 30 mph or so and I move my foot from the gas pedal gently (not dropping the gas and hitting the brake but gently). The car is either downshifting or something but it feels like if I am driving manual tranmision and putting the car in the lower gear or something like that. Even removing the foot gently from the gas and not touching the brake feels like that, the car will slow down but it would feel like improper downshifting while driving car with the manual transmission.

I dropped off the car at the dealer for this, as well as few other things and the info I am getting from the dealer, that this is the way X5 drives.

This is my first X5 and I don't really know if it should or shouldn't be like that.

Is it normal? Does it have to be like that? Or Something is wrong?

Sponsored Links

faz · #2 11-06-2009, 07:47 PM

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-2nd-1st.html

do a search on downshifting... try resetting your transmission adaptation, perhaps that will help.

x5FL · #3 11-06-2009, 08:09 PM

Thanks Faz. And there I thought for a second it was unique. Will search the forum.

x5FL · #4 11-07-2009, 02:24 AM

Ok here is some of the info that I have located that provides insight.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-cruising.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-2nd-1st.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nshifts-5.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...uestion-2.html

The question I have is there anybody with a brand new X5 who has the same issue???
(of course could test drive one but I would rather hear from some of the members)

amacman · #5 11-08-2009, 03:05 PM

sounds as though your car has what is known as "the lurch" , a google search will show many cars using ZF transmissions having the same issue .
I have experienced this a few times on long trips in hot weather whenever I was in stop start highway traffic jams for example queing at the peage (toll booth)on French autoroutes . using the gears in manual mode overcame the lurch .

I thought an additional transmission oil cooler may help because I think the problem is because the transmission is overheating . because I drive mostly short journeys in a cool climate any additional cooler would need a thermostatic regulator to only operate when oil is at max operating temperature. as you live in Florida it may be possible to fit a cooler without the need for a regulator .
some of the more technical dudes on this forum may chime in with their thoughts on this , for or against , the decision to try this is up to you . I would think a sure way to decide is to monitor transmission temp whilst the problem is present .

x5FL · #6 11-09-2009, 11:57 PM

ok, picked up the car today. Was told there is no idle control valve in this car, it has valvetronic (or something along those lines), so far didn't notice any improvement, as far as this is concerned (shaking when stopping), actually seems worse.

As to the issue with lurching, was told that this is normal for these cars.

amacman I think you might be right as far as cooling is concerened, but I can't do anything with the car, since it is still under warranty for a short while, then cpo.

Guys thanks for your input, will keep on posting as to the developments.
Any new ideas please let me know.

Sponsored Links