"The Lurch" does any of the tranny updates fix it?

[X5 Meister]

I don't actually know when it was implemented, but I do know that it is current as of January 2011. Not sure about being covered under CPO. I believe strictly speaking programming isn't covered under CPO, but if there is a problem with a component and that requires reprogramming then they might be willing to cover it under CPO. Have the dealer hook it up to the computer and ask them what the current integration level is (ISTA/P), you should be able to get a printout of it.

[bigwave2255]

i have also had the same issues, on the last service i bleated all over the service manager and since that service the problem has been minimised to the point that i am satisfied with it.

very very occasionally i get a VERY slight nudge as i come to a halt and it down shifts to 1st gear, typically this will be in slow bumper to bumper traffic when instead of slowing to a stop i slow and then slightly move ahead and then stop, it seems that the tranny instead of going straight to first decides to hang onto 2nd in the chance you will be speeding up and then when the vehicle does come to a stop it goes "oh sh#t" and selects 1st.

does that make sense???

ive quized my dealer but they are vague about what they have done, claiming a software upgrade!!

i feel that overall the tranny shift quality has improved, firmed up on what it was.

i might add i also had them change the tranny fluid, i wondered if maybe they had adjusted the line pressures, as the changes as stated are marginally firmer that they were.

[MADT]

Be keen to find out what they did. I had one of the engineers from BMW remotely access the ecu and said I had the latest software and the only way to fix was rebuild tranny. So keen if you can tell me more :-)

[bigwave2255]

sorry i wish i could, when i first experienced the "lurch" i thought i had been rear ended.

i have 96000km on my X and am real happy with how it goes now.

next service i'll see if i can get any more info, i cant believe it was just changing the oil that did it

[MADT]

Can yo PM me you contact number as I would be keen to chat. Cheers

[Snapper692]

Last time the X was in the stealership a few months ago, they supposedly updated the tranny to the latest software. however, I have no faith in their claims and the problem is still there....and if anything its more pronounced. Is there any way to validate the software rev. without taking it back to the dealer? The update is of course NOT covered by the CPO warranty and I'm now being told if the software fix didnt correct the problem, the tranny has to be placed.....and they want $4k just for the tranny.

[X5 Meister]

Not that I know of. If it's not written up in the printout of work done that they give you when you pick up your car then I'd call and ask them to check in your car's file to tell you the actual software version number and fax you the diagnostic page. Otherwise go to an indy who could connect it to their computer and check for you.

Originally Posted by Snapper692

Last time the X was in the stealership a few months ago, they supposedly updated the tranny to the latest software. however, I have no faith in their claims and the problem is still there....and if anything its more pronounced. Is there any way to validate the software rev. without taking it back to the dealer? The update is of course NOT covered by the CPO warranty and I'm now being told if the software fix didnt correct the problem, the tranny has to be placed.....and they want $4k just for the tranny.

[Driven]

Well after a software update (that made my transmission go into Trans Fail Safe), 2 trips to the dealer, and finally to my independent specialist I finally have a completely rebuilt transmission.

So here's how it all went down...

Went to the dealer with all the usual symptoms and to my surprise the tech verified them straight away. The SIB states they have to update the vehicle software before anything else. Drove out that afternoon after the updates and not even a mile down the road and the issues are now worse. Next thing, TRANS FAIL SAFE comes on and I'm stuck in 4th gear. Call the SA back immediately, went back first thing next morning. They read the codes and diagnose it to the conclusion that I need a new transmission.

I have aftermarket warranty coverage and initially was going to have the work done at the dealer. In the end I took it to my specialist who I trust more (needed an Inspection 2 as well, dealer wanted $1200 for it, I said NO). They took my transmission out and sent it out for a complete rebuild at a shop the specializes in ZF transmissions. Runs like a champ now. Shifts are smooth, predictable, and no lurch or slipping of any nature.

Everything was covered minus my deductible and I could not be happier that I purchased the warranty with the vehicle. It has more than paid for itself already.

[X5 Meister]

What warranty did you buy? Any reason why you didn't get a new (rebuilt) transmission rather than having yours rebuilt?

Originally Posted by Driven

Well after a software update (that made my transmission go into Trans Fail Safe), 2 trips to the dealer, and finally to my independent specialist I finally have a completely rebuilt transmission.

So here's how it all went down...

Went to the dealer with all the usual symptoms and to my surprise the tech verified them straight away. The SIB states they have to update the vehicle software before anything else. Drove out that afternoon after the updates and not even a mile down the road and the issues are now worse. Next thing, TRANS FAIL SAFE comes on and I'm stuck in 4th gear. Call the SA back immediately, went back first thing next morning. They read the codes and diagnose it to the conclusion that I need a new transmission.

I have aftermarket warranty coverage and initially was going to have the work done at the dealer. In the end I took it to my specialist who I trust more (needed an Inspection 2 as well, dealer wanted $1200 for it, I said NO). They took my transmission out and sent it out for a complete rebuild at a shop the specializes in ZF transmissions. Runs like a champ now. Shifts are smooth, predictable, and no lurch or slipping of any nature.

Everything was covered minus my deductible and I could not be happier that I purchased the warranty with the vehicle. It has more than paid for itself already.

[Driven]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

What warranty did you buy? Any reason why you didn't get a new (rebuilt) transmission rather than having yours rebuilt?

My coverage is with The Warranty Group. Overall it did require a few phone calls to get everything rolling, but they paid up for the work and covered a rental car the entire time. I went having mine rebuilt mainly because they refused to pay the quote Weber BMW came up with (it was about double what it should have been I think, reference the quote they gave me for an Inspection 2 above). I feel much happier that I had it done at Bavarian Autohaus in Visalia CA. I've had work on my car done their before, they do an excellent job. They are located in the San Joaquin Valley about 40 miles south of Fresno CA.

Basically I would have received a rebuilt transmission from BMW anyways, so it did not make any difference to me.