Transmission Noise - Fixed By Software?
 

2004 x5 4.4i, 79,500km.

I have recently noticed a noise with my transmission, it sounds like a "hoot" or whistle, or maybe something rubbing. I can reproduce every time:
- Drive for about 10-15 minutes to warm up
- Go to a steady speed of between 60km/h and 80km/h
- Quickly press the accelerator to downshift
- You will hear the "hoot" noise as the transmission downshifts (4 to 3, I think)

There is a link below to a recording of the noise. Sorry for the poor quality, but you get the idea.
http://www.pmttech.com/postings/x5_Shift_Noise.mp3

I took it to the dealer to get check out, and the SA said that there is a software update coming out in September that will fix the issue, and said something about "binding gears"(?). To me, it sounds like BS that a software update would fix this noise, but I suppose anything is possible.

Can anyone here give me a second opinion? Does anyone else have this noise?

(I only have a few hundred kms on the warranty, and I am worried that the transmission will fail just after it expires :( )

Noise, not so much. Software upgrades help with hard shifting. If you're hearing 'noise' take it to the dealer right now.

Are you sure it is the transmission and not the intake?

That does not sound good. Your SA is def bs'ng you. No s/w update can fix binding gears if that is the problem..binding is a mechanical problem. Imo, I wouldn't expect anymore s/w updates for the E53 considering they've resolved most of the trans issues and it isn't the current model.

Get it checked by another dealer.

When I took it to the dealer, the SA is telling me that the software upgrade will fix the problem. When I questioned the SA, he said that it is not a safety issue, it is not a reliability issue, will not lead to failure and is just an annoying noise.

It could be the intake (BTW, it is all stock), but it does seem to be limited to that speed range and the 4-3 shift. It also seems to coming from underneath the floor (and not the front), but I'm not sure.

Any suggestions on how to isolate the noise to a particular area?

So I'm guessing it is not a "normal noise" :(

I think am going to take it back in or to another dealer, like you suggested. The sad part is that the dealers around here all seem to have horrible service. It does feel like they are trying to delay the repairs by giving me BS until the warranty is up and can make me pay big $$ for the fixes.

Thanks for the input...

If you up to the drive there is a good shop here in Niagara. Thorold imports, not a BMW dealer but all this guy works on is BMW, Ferrari and Land Rovers. If you wanna give him a try I can get you the number.