35D shifting when cold

[3BEP6]

Hey, I have a 2012 X5 35D with 96k miles on it. Ever since I bought the car 2 years ago with 84k it always had this: when the car is cold and you start driving, first 30 seconds or so it wouldn’t shift up right away, when it s
Does shift it’s a normal shift with no kicking etc, also after that the car is perfect. Three weeks ago I changed the transmission filter with synthetic liqui molly fluid, main wire inside the transmission, rubber sleeves and square gasket on the valve body(two small squares). I didn’t reset any adaptations etc, didn’t replace solenoids. It’s gotten a little better but still the same thing.

Did anybody have the same problem? I remember reading somewhere that on the diesel it’s a safety feature as I have absolutely no codes and after that the shifting is perfect.

Thank you and happy holidays.

[bmwman528e]

My 2010 does the same thing. You can try getting the Rod Sutphin Trans Flash Tune and see if it helps at all but nothing to be concerned about.

[Nyc Dito]

That shifting is totally normal until it is warmed up enough for BMW.


I have Rod Sutphin's transmission tune (v2) and he does eliminate that cold start shift. Highly suggest looking into a trans tune if you want to eliminate or ease that cold shift.


In comparison, my E90 is much worse and seems harsher during that cold start phase. I never did anything tune wise though and all fluids were replaced as well.

[3BEP6]

Thank you, found this too. Just a bit annoying, feels like forcing it to shift is not right if it makes sense.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/t...n-cold.740960/

[Best4x4xFAR]

Our 2013 does the same thing. It also seems like it lets the torque converter slip to the point that it feels like a CVT sometimes (RPM will hold almost constant while car is still accelerating). Only happens for a mile or two after cold starts, particularly when its below freezing.

As noted above, seems like BMW programmed it this way to decrease warm-up times, and can be 'tuned out'.

A Rod Sutphin Trans tune is on my list, along with many other things..

[Qsilver7]

Ditto...this is engineered into the design. It is the engine warm up cycle. You can see the info below. I believe if you push the gear shift lever over into the M/S gate...it will end the warm up cycle...which could be helpful if you’ve pulled out in front of traffic and you need to scoot instead of keeping the RPMs below 2K etc...and if you accelerate past 25 MPH...you’ll end the cycle anyways:

[3BEP6]

Thank you, guys. How safe is this trans tune?

[13brian]

If you have a secure way to warm up your vehicle, you can pit it N and engage parking brake. Tranny fluid doesn't circ in P, it helps get it flowing if you let it warm up for a minute or two and circulate.

[DaddyWine]

I too would like to hear opinions about getting the Rod Sutphin's transmission tune (v2) for my 2011 35dx that currently has 57k miles.
I usually take the stance that BMW tuned the vehicle at the factory to its best and most reliable operation. I’ve also heard that the ZF transmission is pretty close to its limits for handling torque with the ‘from the factory’ engine tune.
Not sure what parameters the Rod Sutphin's transmission tune (v2) affect so combined with the above assumption about torque limits am skeptical of altering anything from factory with a ‘tune.’ That said, there are certainly improvements over time and maybe that is what the tune does, bring the transmission to more current specs.
Thanks in advance for any responses from those with technical and personal use knowledge willing to share their experiences.

[Nyc Dito]

Daddywine, 3BEP6...


Honestly if safe parameters are your concern, stay stock and do not tune.
There are various boards with very happy people who've had their trans tuned.

I had my trans tuned because I really wanted to eliminate those cold start shifts, I would have paid just to get rid of that alone. I do like how the transmission shifts in D mode (my 99% driving style). And when you step on it or put it in sport mode, forget about it.. it really moves and the revs stay where they need to be.