thump sound on X5
 

I have a 2004 X5, sometimes when stopped at a light and you hit the gas to get going you get a huge thump that feels like you just got rear ended? Had BMW check it and they said there is nothing wrong with the tranny.

Anyone else have this issue? And what was the cause?

You need a software upgrade. Do a search and you'll find lots of info. Good luck.

could be your brake pads unsticking after a stop. Porsches do this too. especially when reversing after a stop

2005 4.4i X5 Tranny Issue
 

Had the software update for the same issue and it is not resolved. Any idea on the problem or fix to the problem? Mine is worse -- shifts into second gear at the moment you put pressure on the gas (less than 5mph) and drops into first with a huge thunk. It has taken the fun out of my car. Dealership didn't resolve the problem in what is now two tries.

Sorry about your situation. I read your post. I had similar issues and had to force my dealer to do the upgrade. MInd you, I think it takes like 6 hours to get it done, was you X there that long? Many dealers don't want to believe all it takes is the upgrade and give different excuses. Most symptoms are usually when getting to a rolling stop and you hit the gas. Tranny gets confused and there's a bang when it downshifts into 1st gear. Is that your situation? Does the same thing happen when in manual mode?

Not brake pads...Brakes just replaced, includes pads, etc. Replaced at 49k miles. I now have 51000. Problem now is when taking off and shifting into second. The thump and definate feel is there when shifting.

Had the software update. Took in last Friday and they did the update. Was there about 4 hours. Picked it up and the car was worse. Why don't they test drive after because they would have definately felt the issue. It is not subtle. Took in next day after calling in the evening after picking up just before they closed and spent another 4.5 hours there waiting. Car did it on my way home when stopping. I was told to allow it to relearn my driving style and take it easy for a couple of days. Did so and seemed as though things were fine until yesterday. Now not only when stopping does the car immediately thunk into first but now transfers into second the same way and shifts into second before 5 mph's. In manual sportshift, it thunks when shifting down to 2nd. HELP!

I am totally upset about it. See what I added in way of answers to your questions about the update that was made and manual shift. It is worse then when it started.

Sounds like mine ystdeady after I got bad gas...light kept comin on too...

The transmission doesn't shift into first or drops gears or anything (well nothing out of the ordinary) but when your stopped and you hit the gas and getting going. Kind of feel like the joint on the drive shaft is worn and has some play in it and doesnt do it all the time just once in a great while and by that i mean it would do it once a week maybe. anyone else with any ideas?

My issue is now getting worse. It will actually slightly jerk you when shifting into 2nd and down into first. Happens 100% of the time???

I have noticed the same problem with my 02 X5 4.6is with 74K.
I really feel it when driving @ Hwy speeds and I want to pass someone. I push the pedal to the metal and the tranny does it's thing and downshifts usualy to third. So soon as I feel the power power come on I feel that thump And If I let off the gas as soon as the power kicks on, then I really feel a hard thump. I have also felt it when I was backing out of my garage with my hand-brake on, while the X5 was still moving backward I lowered the hand brake lever down and heard that thump again.
Would you guys try that in an empty parking lot or in your driveway. While in reverse pull the hand brake and let it go to see if you feel/hear the thump. That would lead me to think it might be a suspension, control arm or bushing problem.
Thanks

you sure it's not one of the flex disc on the shaft?
look below the car to see the condition of the flex disc, any cracking, could cause the same sound you're hearing when slowing down...

I have thought off that too and I tried the reverse hand brake thing while in reverse and while in neutral and I have the same result. Hmmmmm I hope it is not one of those things that have to get worse in order to figure out what it is $$$$$$$.
Thanks for the advise.