4.8i Jerky Transmission

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by Muz

There might be something in this .. may be it demands a heavy foot, not good for consumption, but maybe BMW decided if your buying a 4.8, that wasnt your priority anyway. .

I guess that's why I don't experience a jerky transmission, have I mentioned I'm getting 12.5 mpg?

[computertroll]

I am told by my stealer, that BMW is aware of the problems and a software update is in the works. Should be ready in September 08. Lot of help since they have been disecting our 07 E70 for the second time. Re-flashed the tranny and I guess we will just have to live with it until Sept >%{

[Muz]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

have I mentioned I'm getting 12.5 mpg?

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

I guess that's why I don't experience a jerky transmission, have I mentioned I'm getting 12.5 mpg?

Wow, you have the Hybrid version then. I'm singing zippity doo-daa out of my a--hole, if I get 10 mpg. 8-9 is about what I'm getting!

[WolfX5]

EIGHT f-ing years of production models between the E53 and E70 and BMW still can't write proper transmission software for the X5...amazing! Not entirely unbelievable though as I've worked with other German software that is complete crap too (think: SAP and Protools <can u say "worst-16-bit-dithering-algorithm-ever">).

[evolver]

Originally Posted by computertroll

I am told by my stealer, that BMW is aware of the problems and a software update is in the works. Should be ready in September 08. Lot of help since they have been disecting our 07 E70 for the second time. Re-flashed the tranny and I guess we will just have to live with it until Sept >%{

Do you know if the update is available yet? Lag in throttle response when starting to move and the jerks when coming to a stop are very annoying after almost a year of ownership...

[computertroll]

evolver,
On 15 Nov 08 we turned our beasty in to the stealer for the tranny work. I quote from the RO, "Verified Harsh downshift to 1st gear, when coming to a stop with light brake application. Referred to SIB #24 06 08 FOR KNOWN ISSUE (my emphasis). Performed short test to gain sofrware leve in vehicle per SIB. Level is at E070-08-05-520. Software level is (?) needs update per SIB. Updated complete vehicle with software station. 1st attempt not successful (DOH!). AMP failed to program. Performed battery reset overnight. Programmed 2nd time, successful, Calibrated rear window and sunroof. Calibrated steering angle sensor. Set time and date. Set TPM. Road test successful, transmission now shifts properly at this time."
The throttle is still very sensitive and nearly impossible to start off from a stop smoothly. It either lags or jerks a knot in your neck whiplash style. Even with the warmer spring temps, occasionally the tranny will still 'klunk' into first when light brake application is used. The tranny is somewhat better, just not to my liking in this level of vehicle. NOTE: I didn't get the vehicle back until 24 NOV!!!
Needless to say, my sweety is NOT a happy camper! When momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!!! I doubt I could convince her to purchase another BMW after all this. Hope this helps!

[y5choi]

Yup, I had my trans reprogrammed after being "comfirmed, trans does shift harsh, reprogrammed, responds better"- well....not too different to me.

[computertroll]

After reviewing previous threads, most mirror my experience with this tranny issue. Experimenting with the DS mode, I find that it is easier to modulate the drive-by-wire throttle to get smoother starts. Despite being a 'heavyweight', the X5 does have very brisk acceleration and if you stay in D mode, it will snap your neck to the headrest. Some comments regarding the xDrive make sense to me. The one that does not is in D mode the X5 starts in 2nd gear. That is NOT true! If the computers decide you are trying to accelerate quickly it LEAPS forward; definitly not 2nd gear!!
Despite being taken by the looks, carrying capacity, and spirit of the X5; I would be persuaded to perform illegal acts to obtain an Alpina B5s!!!

[evolver]

Thanks for your additional comments! I spoke with my service adviser and he did not have anything to soothe my pain. In the latest email to him, I mentioned the SIB# you quoted above. Hope this helps a little.

But overall, I'm starting to get disappointed with my X5. It has been in for a failed wheel bearing. Having about 10K miles on it, I start getting a roaring noise in the cabin but this time I think it is the OEM tires. I would not be surprised if it is a bearing again. This jerkiness when stopping/starting is not something I have seen even in a Civic. And the Navigation system just pisses me off with the retarded search function where you must select correct category before you can search. I still don't know what category Discount Tire belongs to. This is definitely not the best way to spend $64K...