What to expect when the dealer opens a "PuMA" case?

[AthensGuy]

Well I took the X5 in for a busted expansion tank, random airbag light (passenger seat occupation sensor mat), leaky valve cover gaskets, and the dealer happened to notice the alternator was overcharging yesterday (thank God for CPO!!!!). Along with a transmission issue (it slams from 1st to 2nd when under light acceleration, it will not do this when there is moderate to heavy acceleration). The SA told me that he nor the tech had ever come across this issue in the X5 (not sure how true this is), but they noticed what I was talking about and it was easily reproduced. Anyway he told me they would be opening up a "PuMA" case with BMWNA to find a solution for the transmission issue. My question is; has anyone had any experience with the PuMA procedures and were you satisfied with the outcome?

[Weasel]

PuMA is simply an email based tech support. I'd expect the actual fix to be replacing the mechatronics unit. (transmission control module built into the valve body) But they may try clearing adaptations first. I actually just did this job today for almost the same complaint on an 06 X5... Not nearly as common as an E60 or E65, but it isn't unheard of in the X5.

[AthensGuy]

Originally Posted by Weasel

PuMA is simply an email based tech support. I'd expect the actual fix to be replacing the mechatronics unit. (transmission control module built into the valve body) But they may try clearing adaptations first. I actually just did this job today for almost the same complaint on an 06 X5... Not nearly as common as an E60 or E65, but it isn't unheard of in the X5.

Thanks Weasel! Apparently clearing the adaptations was the only thing they did and it now works perfectly. I guess they did somehthing different than the accelerator pedal trick since I've tried that with no result...

[Weasel]

The gas pedal trick from my knowledge only temporarily clears the throttle adaptations... doesn't touch the transmission adaptations. In my experience the adaptation reset is all that is needed for some cases, and other cases the shifting problem comes back within a couple weeks. In those cases the mechatronics unit was the ultimate fix. But you gotta try the easy/cheap fix first naturally.

[2004_BMWX5_4.4i]

My E53 also had a similar shift problem. Only when the car was cold and only from 1st to second. It mysteriously went away after the programming recall was performed. Same programming recall as mentioned in this post: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/78094-n62-4-4i-recall.html

[admranger]

When they opened a PUMA case for the 1-2 downshift slam on my '05 X5 transmission (CPO), I ended up with a new (rebuilt) transmission.

[zeroboot]

same here...opened a PuMA case for ongoing transmission issues: lurching under cold start, rolling stop then accelerate causing a loud bang in the transmission, etc.

Also ended up getting a new transmission out of it...

[aimtimes100]

At how many miles this did this occur?i just got my X running like its brandn
New and now im worried

[AthensGuy]

Originally Posted by aimtimes100

At how many miles this did this occur?i just got my X running like its brandn
New and now im worried

For me, around 85K miles. I wouldn't loose too much sleep over it though. To quote Honest Abe, "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." Maintain it properly and if it happens deal with it then, but for now enjoy your X!!!

[aimtimes100]

Oooo ok my X just turned over 90k and despite this microscopic issue the tranny seems to be in pretty good shape