"The Lurch" does any of the tranny updates fix 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.

[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.

[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.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by JAH1

X5- do you know when that last update was implemented? I only ask as I was part of this original thread and when I went to dealer (while still under original warranty) I was told that I had latest version.

Fast forward to last week when I was at dealer (first CPO visit) and was told that:

"there is an SI for programming the EGS Control Module for this complaint. To update software in EGS control unit for improved shifting. Programming for software update is $210.00 Programming EGS in and of itself is not covered under CPO"

If I am told while under full warranty that I'm up to date, and then told after (CPO) that I am not, I am going to be pissed. ...

joe

2006 4.4

BMW could generate a lot of goodwill with their customers by providing software updates at no or little cost. Especially if the vehicle is under CPO. Software updates don't require a lot of time or effort on behalf of a mechanic (hooking it up to a computer and starting the process). It's simple and would, IMO, generate more goodwill than it would cost.

[X5 Meister]

That would cut out a pretty big source of revenue for them. Under CPO the only thing I ever paid for was "programming" which unfortunately was almost every time I took the car in for something. Otherwise I would have left having just paid a $50 deductible, and that would not have sat well with BMW! I hate to say it, the best solution is to keep a car no more than 4 years while under full factory warranty and then get a new one.

Originally Posted by sunny5280

BMW could generate a lot of goodwill with their customers by providing software updates at no or little cost. Especially if the vehicle is under CPO. Software updates don't require a lot of time or effort on behalf of a mechanic (hooking it up to a computer and starting the process). It's simple and would, IMO, generate more goodwill than it would cost.

[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.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

That would cut out a pretty big source of revenue for them. Under CPO the only thing I ever paid for was "programming" which unfortunately was almost every time I took the car in for something. Otherwise I would have left having just paid a $50 deductible, and that would not have sat well with BMW! I hate to say it, the best solution is to keep a car no more than 4 years while under full factory warranty and then get a new one.

I know there would be some lost profit but I would hope the goodwill generated would offset those losses with happy customers who would advocate the brand.

As an example I have two friends who are interested in purchasing an X5. Both believe BMW has a great reputation for quality. I informed them the quality is good but it's not Honda or Toyota levels of quality and that repairs, and they will have repairs, are going to cost more. Now they're considering something else instead. If I could say to them "BMW has a reputation of performing goodwill repairs" that would probably mean something to them and keep the X5 under consideration. Yes these would be used vehicle purchases but a healthy second hand market is important for any manufacturer.

I've experienced this with other companies (non-car) and the goodwill it generated has made me an advocate of those companies products. Now when people ask how I like product X I enthusiastically sell the product.

[X5 Meister]

BMW is in the business of selling new cars and the vast majority of the ones it does "sell" it leases. I don't know about your goodwill theory though. Imagine how much good reputation they would get if parts and repairs were cheap. I would think everyone would buy one, even if it wasn't the most reliable car on the block. But we all know they are not going to drop parts prices 90%, nor will an hour of labor drop to the 20's.

Originally Posted by sunny5280

I know there would be some lost profit but I would hope the goodwill generated would offset those losses with happy customers who would advocate the brand.

As an example I have two friends who are interested in purchasing an X5. Both believe BMW has a great reputation for quality. I informed them the quality is good but it's not Honda or Toyota levels of quality and that repairs, and they will have repairs, are going to cost more. Now they're considering something else instead. If I could say to them "BMW has a reputation of performing goodwill repairs" that would probably mean something to them and keep the X5 under consideration. Yes these would be used vehicle purchases but a healthy second hand market is important for any manufacturer.

I've experienced this with other companies (non-car) and the goodwill it generated has made me an advocate of those companies products. Now when people ask how I like product X I enthusiastically sell the product.