Noob checking in: 05 X5 4.4

[aleXi5]

Sup Guys,
I wanted to introduce myself and my new 05’ BMW 4.4 X5 w/ 96k Highland Green Metallic with Truffel Brown interior.

I want to try my hardest to prevent any type of failure with the X5. Any suggestions to upkeep my X5 is appreciated (I ended up financing for the next 5 years)

I am starting to feel my transmission acting up. For the past week, I've notice that in the morning the transmission is not working correctly. When it shifts to 2nd gear it jerks the X5 and I hear a thump noise. Occasionally, when I come to a complete stop, I can feel the car "downshift". But when the car is warm.. it seems like the X5 works completely fine.

Can someone please help me with this….I don't want to spend a arm and a leg and I want to prevent it from getting worse.

Thank you,
Calvin

[BMWLOVER]

Congrats on the purchase buddy! She's a beaut!

In regards to the transmission issue do you just start her and go in the mornings or let it run till the rpms fall and what not? I noticed on mine that if I go AS SOON as the rpm drops that the shift to second gear jerks really hard, but it will only do this once. If I let the rpm fall and then wait 30 seconds to a minute during the winter months she'll be perfect. However, I noticed this issue has only started this winter. For all the others years I've had her I haven't had this issue so I'm not sure if it's something I just didn't notice before or if it really is an issue.

[Roadkill]

calvin, you have all the typical symptoms of a ZF transmission. you're at the magic number (100K miles) where things are starting to show wear. the downshift bump you feel when coming to a stop is fairly common. it's something you may have to live with. the hard shift in 2nd is most likely wearing shift solenoids. nothing you can do other than replace them or try a fluid drain and replacement. good luck.

[aleXi5]

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Im excited to learn more about my X5

As for the transmission issue, I will make sure to warm up the X5 before I go to work.
I plan drain the transmission fluid, but I hear from different people not the change the transmission fluid because its “lifetime”. Im pretty sure you all changed it on your own..what kind of fluid do you use and do you have a DIY instructions?

[ECS Tuning]

Congrats on your new X!! If you ever need help finding parts OEM or aftermarket feel free to shoot me a PM or search around on our site ECSTuning.com

[aleXi5]

Originally Posted by ECS Tuning

Congrats on your new X!! If you ever need help finding parts OEM or aftermarket feel free to shoot me a PM or search around on our site ECSTuning.com

Thanks! I'll keep you guys in mind.

[thunderX]

Welcome, and your X looks good!

I would also recommend an immediate tranny filter/fluid change. Instructions are on this site and use the BMW fluid. You might also want to change the Transfer Case, front, and rear diffy fluids.

It might be helpful if you posted what has already been done.

[weekend camper]

Originally Posted by aleXi5

I will make sure to warm up the X5 before I go to work.

Depending on a few factors, most/some here would say to warm up by driving slow for the first while, if only to help combat the CCV valve issue in freezing temps.


Welcome.

[JCL]

Do not try and warm it up by idling it. Drive it right away, but moderately

If you have service records showing the transmission fluid has been changed regularly, then go ahead and do it again. If not, changing it now creates a risk of damage

[tmv]

I hope you have a PPI done before pulling the trigger. It will atleast show you what need to be done.
BTW, nice X5, great color.