transmission slip/skip
 

Hi Everyone

Its been a while since ive posted a question(due to lack of feedback) but here goes another one.
My motor is a 2002 X5 4.4i and ive noticed a slight slip/skip when selecting reverse. Its never done it in drive(touch wood) only in reverse.
What happens is ill pull up to a stop and select reverse and on pressing the accelerator the car will have a slight slip/skip then reverses fine after that, the thing is this only happens now and then it may happen twice in one day but it can also go weeks between it happening...has this happened to any of you or does anyone know what it could be...once again any help or advice will be much appreciated :thumbup:

Did you replace the ATF? It might help.

Do as been suggested. Do a trans flush replace with the ZF lifeguard as a start. How many miles on your X5

When there is lack of feedback that means no one had anything they felt would be helpful to you. Slip I understand, I don't know what you mean by skip.

Intermittent problems are extremely difficult to diagnose. It sounds like a transmission related issue.

Options:

Wait until it get to be more frequent so it is easier to diagnose.
Take it to a well recommended transmission shop that is experienced with BMW transmissions for diagnosis since many trans issues cause the same symptoms.
Check to see if transmission fluid is low.
Change the transmission fluid and filter--some think that can help, some think it should never be changed or it is too late if there is already indication of a trans problem.
Have the transmission re-flashed.

Of course, all that assumes it is an internal transmission issue which it may or may not be.

Is there any similarities to when it happens, when the fluid is still cold, after a long time at operating temp, etc?

My trans is slow to engage reverse - is this the same symptom that you have, or is it actually engaging gear immediately, then slipping/skipping?
What I'm angling at here is, you may be selecting reverse then hitting the gas before it has actually engaged.
If there is a noticeable pause (i.e. 2 secs or more) between selection and engagement, then it could be what I suspect my trans has - a sticky or defective valve body (mechatronics) solenoid.
My trans shop were a little vague on this when they serviced it, saying only that the slow-to-engage reverse gear issue may have been due to a low fluid level, as the result of a small leak at the mechatronics wiring connector.
However, it's still the same after the fluid and filter change with new connector - hence my suspicion that a solenoid may be the culprit.
I'm going to tolerate it for now, in the (vain?) hope that it improves over time, with the new fluid circulating and with more use.
If not, then at least I'll have time to save the necessary $$$$$'s to get the valve body solenoids replaced!

Its took a while to reply I know but thanks for all the help and suggestions...I was thinking it might be along the lines of trans oil and filter change as the car has covered 131000mls on the same fluid..Its on my to do list so Ill start there and see if it solves the slip...Once again Thanks.