Hard shift into first gear?

[Cchandler]

A couple of times when downshifting while going uphill the X revs and then drops into first gear hard with a big clunk. Known issue or...?

05 4.4

[upallnight]

Check the level of the ATF. There's a procedure so follow that.

[Bimmer Tool Rental]

Your X should have a pedal reset procedure for clearing the transmission adaptations. Usually key to second position, hold pedal to floor for 30 seconds, then key off. Start and drive as normal. This seems to work on most modern BMW's.

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Tool Rental

Your X should have a pedal reset procedure for clearing the transmission adaptations. Usually key to second position, hold pedal to floor for 30 seconds, then key off. Start and drive as normal. This seems to work on most modern BMW's.

There is no such thing as a pedal reset procedure that clears the transmission adaptations. What it does do though is, it resets the THROTTLE adaptations. The engine management thinks the throttle is jammed open when you keep your pedal depressed. So when you restart the car, the throttle is snapped open to relearn itself. Think about it, how is the gas pedal going to alert the transmission to clear the adaptations? The gas pedal is an hardwired input to the Engine Management.


To the OP, what grade of hill were you traveling on, and at what speed, and gas pedal depression.

Are you the original owner, has the software ever been updated? Perhaps the software was updated during the recall for OBD2 communication?

If the concern is easily reproducable, then the first step is to check fault memories in the DME, EGS and Transfer Case. Then if no faults are stored, or related to the concern, then look underneath the vehicle and see if there is any transmission fluid leaks. If there is a little by the transmission electrical connector sleeve, that is okay, a little will not affect the transmission operation. If it is bone dry, then I would NOT advise checking the fluid level because even if the fluid level were that low, you would get harsh upshifts and downshifts in almost all gears.

The second step is to update the engine and transmission software, and clear the adaptations. If the concern is still present. See below

The third step is to disconnect the transfer case actuator motor. If the concern is NO LONGER present, replace the transfer case actuator motor and calibrate it to the vehicle. If the concern is still present see below

Replace transfer case.

If the concern was still present after disconnecting the transfer case actuator, then rebuild/replace the transmission