Transmission Software upgrade
 

I have a 2002 bmw X5 and have read before that some of you guys have done software upgrades...Does this apply to the 2002 ?? and what exactly are things to let you know that a software upgrade is needed??

Thanks

I wonder this as well. I have a 2001 3.0

i had my transmission software upgrade on my 2002 3.0 two months ago under warranty

drives a lot better now, no more hesitation. and when i go up a hill, i don't have to floor it to shift gears

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I think you should only look into getting a transmission update if you feel "harsh" shifting or noises when shifting. When I got my X a few months ago, the pre-purchase inspection said there is new software for the transmission. When I got a second and third opnion, the BMW tech's said "only if you feel the need or hear things, otherwise you don't need the update."
Hope this helps.

Another data point: I recently had an automatic transmission software update performed on my 02 4.4 by an independant at a cost of $95. I found the shift points to be pretty much the same in both the regular auto and sport modes. The biggest difference I found was how much more smoothly and quickly going into a shift was both when upshifting and downshifting. Coming out of a shift acted about the same. The overall experience "feels" smoother and quicker...but admittedly it's a very subjective analysis.

Not sure I understand why a BMW tech would recommend NOT upgrading unless there was a specific problem. In my own humble opinion, these updates might actually prevent issues from evolving. Maybe just me, but I feel a lot more comfortable knowing I'm running the latest and greatest software when it comes to BMW vehicles. For full disclosure, I am also one who believes in transmission fluid changes vs lifetime (or 100K mile changes).