Fellow BMW techs...especially those with 4.6's

[imola38]

As a BMW technician working basically on my own I rarely see, much less work on another E53 4.6is. See loads of 3.0's and 4.4's though.

I have an 03 4.6is bone stock with 97k miles. I've had the truck about a year and love it so far. Though I will say that coming from an E38, I can't tell it wasn't built in Germany and isn't nearly as smooth. But, it's got a fat V8, makes great sounds and looks damn good!

Couple nagging problems that are irritating and software hasn't cured.

-When taking off, especially when cold, acceleration just isnt smooth at all. It's not a shifting concern because I 90% of the time use manual mode which eliminates the typical "bang" into first every few stops. It's more like the engine has a lean spot or something. It's really "herky jerky" and annoying. It seems to get better when warm but I still notice it. Is this just a trait of the higher comp. 4.6 variant? Any other 4.6 drivers notice this?

Also, the aforementioned transmission slam at a stop which is rediculous. My 740i always shifted creamy smooth. The only way I've found around it is to drive in manual mode and gently downshift myself and it never happens.
I've flushed the trans using factory Esso fluid, changed the fuel filter, air filter, plugs, intake gaskets etc. All the usuals when buying a used Bimmer.

Sorry for the novel-like post! Anybody with the patience to read it I hope will have some advice, experience with this.

Thanks in advance!

-Ben "BMWTEK"