2003 3.0i Transmission issue

Kunphuzi0n · #1 11-11-2009, 11:49 PM

I bought a x5 about a month ago and the past couple weeks the transmission has done something strange: In the mornings, or after the car sits for a number of hours (about 12) we will reverse out of the garage and put the car in drive and it will not go into first. If we accelerate it will just rev and do nothing for a second or two then slam into gear. If we put it into manual it will go immediately into gear without any problems. After that it will shift all day with out any problems until it sits again. I took it to my mechanic and the transmission fluid was about a quart low (whomever worked on the car last left the bold partially screwed into place) and topped it off. It has only been a day, but this morning it did the same thing.

Anyone have any ideas what could be the trouble? Am I screwed and need a new transmission or could it be just software problems? or any other less expensive problems? I have searched and couldnt find my specific situation, thanks so much for those that reply!!!

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mika · #2 11-15-2009, 10:42 PM

I've got the same "first thing in the morning" problem in my used X5 (also 2003 3.0i). It's OK in reverse out of the garage, but when I put it into drive it revs up a bit and then slams into gear. I've chirped the tires a few times when I've backed out onto the street and got on the gas to get out of the way of on-coming traffic. Mine also occasionally pauses and then shifts hard when going uphill, but only if I'm driving hard and on-and-off the gas.

I've alway thought it was related to low transmission fluid levels - torque converter filling up in the morning / uphill angles draining fluid from where it belongs. I was going to change the "lifetime fluid" next month until I read you did that to no avail. I've hesitated since the process requires you to do the final top off with the engine running. You can't even check it without getting under the running car.

I'm now looking for a VANOS or Electronic throttle adaptation issue. I've seen a few people post similar symptoms that turned out to be one of these.

I just reset my throttle adaptation and will post if that helps after I "retrain" it.

Kunphuzi0n · #3 11-16-2009, 12:14 PM

I have been driving the car for about a week now and not had a problem again. It has Ben a little warmer in the mornings. But only about 10 degrees F. Just took it on a 300 mile trip and the car drove like a dream. I am going to take it in for new brakes and rotors next month and have the fluid checked again (per my mechanics reco). We will see if I have any more problems between now Nd then. I also reset the throttle adaption the day I posted this thread. Hopefully I'm good to go!!!

Kunphuzi0n · #4 09-13-2010, 11:37 PM

I'm still having a little hesitation when starting. I am worried about the car and want to know what this is. In the past few months I still have not figured it out. I would love to know If anyone is having similar problems

Roadkill · #5 09-14-2010, 12:17 AM

Don't forget that these cars have transfer cases and there is a slight delay before they go from reverse to forward.

Naz24 · #6 09-14-2010, 12:57 AM

I had a similar issue, but it did that when I put it in reverse. It delayed then slammed into gear. It happened even when the car was warm though. Just got a new tranny under BMW cpo, it's all fixed! I hope you don't need to do the same.

Kunphuzi0n · #7 09-14-2010, 01:03 AM

That's what I'm scared of. Transfer case problem or tranny. I don't have any othe problems with shifting. Smooth all the rest of the time just in the mornings and from a stop there is the delay and sometimes it is rough. But only occasionally. Thanks for quick replys!!

BMC530i · #8 09-14-2010, 01:30 AM

Same issue here on 03 X5 3.0 65k when the car is first started after sitting overnight, there is a slight delay when taking off, the revs go up slightly and it's seems like the tranny is slipping, but within a few moments it starts to shift normal. Need to check the fluid level in the tranny and the transfer case.

02BMWX5 · #9 01-08-2011, 10:48 PM

Hey guys I am having the same issue with my 02 X5 3.0

could it be as simple as low fluid

My issue is when I start it cold and go into reverse the rpm's drop and it wants to stall but 10 min later after the truck warms up it is fine and will not do it again until after it sits for a long period of time

I have no codes and no issues driving it at wall what was your outcome

Thanks

malcris · #10 02-10-2011, 06:23 PM

Hi all,
Got same problem here as well. '03 X5 w/100009 on the clock. I've been having this problem since 70K or so. I had the fluid changed at 80K with no luck in resolving the problem. I've read that changing the solenoid (TCC) will fix this problem. I'm actually dropping my truck off to my service tech next week for a new set of rear brakes and He's going to investigate, I'll update with any new news.

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