My 2005 4.4 with 69K Miles has had the Tranny Kick since I got it. Not awful but there. I usually experience it when I'm on a steep hill and come to a complete stop. As soon as I accelerate WHAM! My solution is to 1. Put it in to sport mode 2. Roll the stop 3. Feather the gas. None of these solutions has been fool proof.
My X5 was having some starting issues so I replaced the original battery.
I'ts been 3 weeks and no kick. I even tried to make it kick today. Could a new battery help or even solve the issue? I wouldn't think so but...