4.8i Jerky Transmission

[Muz]

I have to say I am dissapointed with my 4.8 gearbox, having had a previous 4.6 for 4 years . This new box is jerky, holds ratios too long to assist slowing down, and just doesnt change at the right time in short its bollocks

[np2004]

I noticed this exact same problem when I got my 08 4.8i in Jan and posted this exact same question a few days after picking her up. I took it to the dealership and they said I have the latest software update so they did a transmission software flash so it would readapt to my driving. It still has this problem now after almost 1800 miles! I would love to know how to go about getting this fixed also. I noticed for myself it only happens in D mode when I put it in the manual mode and up and down shift through the transmission shifter the jerkyness is gone.

[y5choi]

I had transmission reprogrammed after complaining about it being rough, especially on the start and downshifting (stopping to a red light, I brake smoothly and it jerks me forward). I have a 4.8i as well 07.

After the dealer visit it is a lot better but I think they pruposely program the tranny to use engine braking more often than not (especially with the foot off the accelrator pedal). I'm getting used to it and I kind of prefer it actually. The X just wants to go hard (in stop and go traffic) and stop harder and quicker than I'd like to.

[JBHorner]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I have a steep hilly road going up to my house, as I live about 1.5 miles up & into a large canyon/mountain area. My transmission does it EVERY time. I wish it was only 60% of the time! While going up the hill, I know the transmission must downshift for power, but the transmission will practically knock your teeth out. I also really dislike how it will hold the transmission in 2nd gear, at about 4500 RPM for a LONG time. Gee, wonder why I get 6mpg!!!

I have the same issue. At a ramp at work, when I begin the ascent, the transmission shifts into a lower gear and holds it--even after I've leveld off at the next level. The engine just revs to some ridiculous level.

Joel

[hookman]

Yea, I have the same issue, too.

[deutsch100]

Well I'm really glad (but not happy for anyone) that I'm not the only one with this very bad problem. We had a 2004 X5 4.4i and a great 4.8is, and the transmissions were so silky smooth. I've also had 4 E46s, and the transmissions were also excellent.

I think it is pointless to turn our cars into the dealership, have some grease monkey (err, BMW mechanic) test drive the hell out of our cars, use $40.00 worth of gas...and then return it and say the car is performing to 'Factory Standards'. I called our dealership, and they said that there is NO software update for the 2008 4.8i, in regards to transmission.

I totally agree with the posts about the transmission holding the gear to a stupidly high RPM, even once the ascent levels off. It is loud, a total waste of precious fuel and embarassing for such an expensive, 'premium car'.

BMW, if you have anyone trolling this site/post...Please contact us, and fix our cars!

[mtech8]

Wow. This problem sounds pretty bad. Makes me wonder if I should go ahead with getting a 2008 4.8 or something else!

I figure waiting won't make much difference, unless they put in a completely different transmission for a later year model. This problem does sound like something that should be fixed with a software update, right?

The thing about test drives at dealers is that they are too short.

[e_sixty_lover]

Originally Posted by mtech8

Wow. This problem sounds pretty bad. Makes me wonder if I should go ahead with getting a 2008 4.8 or something else!

I figure waiting won't make much difference, unless they put in a completely different transmission for a later year model. This problem does sound like something that should be fixed with a software update, right?

The thing about test drives at dealers is that they are too short.

Despite this annoying problem, I would totally recommend the E70. I love the car. And yes, this is definitely something a software update will be able to fix.

I have a very good contact in my dealers service department so I am going to see what happens, even a tranny re-flash should help somewhat.

And I can confirm that from driving my 4.8 today that the problem is definitely intermittent.

[Muz]

Originally Posted by e_sixty_lover

this is definitely something a software update will be able to fix.

Are you sure about that ?

Originally Posted by e_sixty_lover

And I can confirm that from driving my 4.8 today that the problem is definitely intermittent.

Well I have a sharp incline close to my drive way, not far from my home and my 07 4.8 does it every time, holds 1st gear whilst in auto for about 10 seconds long after the steep hill has passed , doing about 10 mph at 4500 rpm,.. never seen any other auto do this.

[e_sixty_lover]

I am quite sure, because I have heard of owners of all different types of BMW's benefit from a software update to smoothen out the transmission. I had it done on my 2006 E60 as the tranny was extremely rough when I first got it. After the software was updated it was as smooth as can be. I am assuming the X5 is the same way.