Transmission problem! I need everyones help!
 

Ok I have a 2005 4.4i with 45xxx, when I come to a rolling stop, I give it gas and BAM like a huge jerk and it feel like I got hit from behind! This does not happen all the time. I have taken it to the dealer, and they updated the tranny software, and deleted the adaptation values(learning codes for your driving style). They told me they can not replicate this problem, and that they need to see it happen for them to take care of it. What I need to know if anyone has had this happen to them? My warranty is about to run out and I need to find a solution. Please help!

If you can replicate it regularly, then when you go back to the dealer have the shop foreman ride along with you and show him. If the tech can't replicate it on test drive, then by you replicating it to the foreman he will make sure the tech fixes it.

I had the exact same problem with my 2005 4.4i at about 37,xxxkm and they replaced the tranny under warranty since they did not want to spend more time trying to replicate it and keep my x5 longer. I took it in one day for them to try and solve the problem again but they simply told me to take the x5 and said they'll give me a call when the new tranny is here. After getting my tranny replaced the rough jerk has never happened.

If you plan on keeping your x after the warranty runs out I would suggest getting another warranty cause trannies are expensive($5500-7K) to replace, but keep us updated.

Is the bang happening while the car is still warming up?

I have an '05 X5 3.0i and it does the same thing with 52K miles. Not all the time, but once in a while. I've only had it happen when it's cold, driving the first mile or so.

I'll take my foot off the gas and coast down a hill, then when I give it some gas again, I get the little "bump" in the transmission. Nothing terrible, but it made me wonder also. Mine had the trans software update before I bought it in Sept 08.

If you ever figure out what's happening with your transmission, make sure you post back here. I'm guess lots of us have that issue.

I had the same problem. The dealer gave me the same excuse (can't replicate problem). So I just kept bringing them the car literaly every Monday morning,it took 4 times but they finally acknowledge my problem and fixed it. They get tired of you coming back. They replaced my mechatronics also known as the valve body, and some gaskets although I'm not sure Wich ones. Good luck.

Also wanted to mention my problem was only from cold starts. It never happend when the car warmed up.

:iagree: I kept bringing my x5 in and finally they just ordered a new transmission.

I have the same problem on my 04 4.4i. They did a software update on it back in 2006. After the update it didn't hit hard but it doesn't take off like it should on rolling stops.

If I recall correctly, the tech told me the transmission is trying to predict my next move and shift gears accordingly. If you come to a complete stop then it shifts down properly. At that time the X was new to me so I just took him at his word. Even if it is true, I have not had this issue in any other car I have own.

I hate to say it but this is the worst driving experience I have ever had. Because of it I have changed my driving habits. I now come to a complete stop before pressing on the gas. I think I will try a rolling stop tomorrow and press on the gas to see what happens. Since my X is no longer under any warranty there really isn't much I can do if the problem is there. I am not paying $4000 or more to fix this issue. I'll just have to live with it.

Hey next gen.That mechanism in the trani that adapts to your driving style can be reset. Look it up in the forums. I believe u turn they key to 2, then press the gas pedal to the floor till u hear it click. Let it go and then start the car, and it's reset. This may fix your problem.

Thanks for the suggestion, I guess it doesn't hurt to try. I'll check to see if the problem is even there before I do it. If the problem is there and the reset fixes it then I wonder why the BMW tech didn't think of it? :dunno:

I've been experiencing a similar issue as well. I feel that while driving along, say at 35mph or 40mph (or any speed for that matter above 30) and there is this little lag; feels like someone hit the rear brakes for a split second and the car slows and speeds back up. On several occasions it does sound like a bang. I've had my transmission software reprogrammed a year ago. I've done the adaptation reset numerous times but this returns. I do have extended warranty but it doesn't always do it and I'm not sure what the dealer will or won't do. Anyone else had similar and then have trans fail or replicated with service dept and have it replaced? Not sure what to do...

I have not been able to recreate the hard bang. Actually I haven't been able to do it since the software was updated back in 2006. The pause is still there though. I haven't tried to reset the trans adapt as mentioned before. I'll give that a try next. At the end of the day I can live with this pausing as long as the trans does not go out because of it.

I have the exact same problem on my 05 4.4i. The dealership ran a diagnostic on it and said all they needed to do was re-program the computer and it should be fine. They told me they have had this issue before and this fixed it. I'll let you know how it works out once its done.

Finally got mine to exhibit this behavior for the mechanic and is diagnosed as the Mechatronic module. It's $3,000 for parts and about $1,000 to replace. They are calling the extended warranty company today (was Security National which is now bankrupt and is now administered by Royal) to get it authorized for repair. Crossing my fingers and toes...

I had this problem in my 2005 4.4i and they tried the flash, which didn't work and then they also said they couldn't duplicate it. I had no problem duplicating it so I made sure to take a tech with me and show him the problem. BMW ended up replacing my transmission. I would seriously push this issue.

Also, if you do a search on the forum "rough downshift" you will see that you are not alone in this. Hope this helps!

i just tried it, my X5 and 523i does not do it, but surprise surprise my Volvo S80 DID it and put me on REDUCED PERFORMANCE mode lol

i had a problem just like that. only happened when i more aggressively hit the gas. turned out i had a busted motor mount.

I hate stealerships for just this reason. Why can't they just believe us sometimes? They get reimbursed, so why in the hell do they care?! How many tires on Ford Explorers had to explode and kill people before the manufacturers owned up. I'd be there every damn day saying it happened if I know it's going to save my thousands of dollars in the end.

I provided the SA with SIB number for my 535i auto-sport tranny thump and lurch problems, but no go. The SA can only fix problem that replicateable at the dealer period. Not sure the logic, must be a good reason by BMWNA. I wonder why is it so hard to check the S/W version on the car. I am in the S/W business and everytime we release S/W to fix bugs on the field it has different part number from the last buggy one, why can't BMW do this?

Because it costs time and money they potentially won't get back. TRUE customer service stopped at the dealerships long ago.

We can and do do this, and I quite often fix problems that I can't redily duplicate as long as I know what it is... My suggestion, find another dealer who's service department is managed better.

And yes, our software is labled with different versions, and the software integration level of the vehicle is easily checkable with ISTA-P as well as the last software version it was treated with.

Where I live we only have on dealership. The next dealerships are about 300 miles away depending on which one you want to go to. This makes is difficult to find a good dealership in an area that is limited to one. Sometimes I think they take advantage of that fact that they are the only local deelarship, so I have driven the extra 300 miles to go to a dealership that I like and get good service at. Finding the right dealership is truly the key.

SpoCompton! I love that color BTW.

I'm in the same boat here w/ only one stealership, but I do all of the work as is anyways. When I was still in Seattle I had two stealerships and about 5 indys to choose from, but none I would really recommend over just doing it myself. I've got personal horror stories from the indy's in Bellevue and Issaquah, so I have a hard time trusting anyone when I can just come here or other forums and get assistance from other owners and/or techs who are members.

Thanks! I am still under factory warranty through December of this year and then into CPO so I have a while before I will need to take it to an indy but the guys in the local BMW club have steered me in the right direction. We are going to try them out in order to the M3 ready for the track this Friday. My fingers are crossed. I have had really good luck with BMW NW over there and that is where I generally will go. This last time however, I had a warped rotor and my ashtray assembly was falling apart and they said they would not fix either under warranty. I decided to try our local dealership and they had no problems being accomodating. Go figure!

Yeah, it comes down the SA and his willingness to help. I've sold cars years ago, and they don't get paid nearly as much doing smaller jobs vs bigger jobs. I think customer service has gone the way of everything else in life...profits over people...it's pretty sad.

I did goto BMW of Seattle a lot myself w/ the M5, but after they tried to rape me on doing a clutch bid, I've never been back. With help from the forums, 8hrs later and for 1/3 the price I was on the road again. Funny enough, I've noted this experience in my website www.boisebimmer.webs.com. It's actually more for fun, but it's nice money on the side and I feel good saving people money and educating them at the same time.

The forums are invaluable. I've gone to SIR (before it changed ownership)and Bremerton Raceway a few times, even made it into the Zundfolge :) Which track do you guys goto?

I have driven on SIR but only since it has been Pacific Raceways. Fun track but it likes to eat tires. We usually run here on Spokane Raceway but it is now called Spokane County Motorsport Park. It is alot of fun. We will be running the M3 for the first time. We usually run a 95 Mustang Cobra with full race suspension. The motor is blown right now and being rebuilt.

Ok, here is my update on my transmission. My Indy mechanic verified the problem with my X5 and it being the mechatronic module. They made the claim with my 3rd party warranty who in turn wanted the car inspected. Yesterday I left the X with them and the inspector verified the symptoms and voila, the warranty co (Security National a.k.a Royal) approved the repair. It's almost $3,000 for the parts and $1000 to install. $100 deductible. YEAH! I paid $3,600 for the warranty and now it's at least paid for itself and I still have 3 1/2 years or 50K miles left on the warranty. But let me tell you what a process to get this approved. My Indy mechanic said they expected the warranty company to not approve the repair and were somewhat shocked when they did. All I can say is I'm quite thankful I bought the warranty because I would have just lived with the transmission problem than paid the $4k to fix it (economic times being what they are).

I am so glad that you got it figured out and that it won't cost you that much out of pocket. It is cases like this where you just don't know if it will benefit to have the warranty or not. Hope you get it back soon and all goes well.

I'm not usually one to buy aftermarket warranties, but on my both my 7 (paid like $1300, DEFINATELY got my money's worth out of that one) and the X (negotiated it into free w/ purchase), they've paid themselves over 2-3x as long as your nice to the adjuster.