Rough downshift (from 2nd to 1st)
 

Been having this intermittent issue for the past couple years. Everytime i take it to the dealer (during CPO) they cannot replicate it nor find an issue.
It mainly occurs when the weather is cooler.

When i'm coming to a stop, the downshift from 2nd to 1st is rough, rpms drop below 500 when this happens. The confusing thing is, this only occurs in normal mode. when i switch it to sports mode, this never happens.

Anyone ever experience this? Tips?

Thanks
Franklin

replace the trans.

You can do a search on this forum as this issue has been debated to no resolve. I also own an 03 4.6iS and have performed everything from Dinan software to dealer diagnosis...the downshift issue was still present. I sold my Dinan S2 4.6iS and purchased a lower mileage 4.6iS and the issue was still present even after replacing trany and installing a new torque converter.

I know several people with 4.8iS' who also have this issue...i guess it's inherent to owning a BMW performance SUV and something we just have to learn to live with.

Try resetting the Transmission Adaptation, it did help on mine when the rough down shift was really bad.

What's up Franklin...the rough downshift is normal by all accounts. Although I only experienced it when in sport mode. The RPM's dropping is something I didn't experience at all. Drop me a PM and I can shot you some contact info for my Tech......Phil

How do i do this?


Thanks guys...good to know its pretty common for the X5...guess will patiently wait till the transmission dies.

Phil...will send u a message soon.

thanks
franklin

disconnecting the battery will reset the transmission adaptations.

====
-Turn key to position 2. But dont start the engine.
-Floor the gas pedal for 30-40 secs.
-Release the gas pedal, step on brake and start the engine.
-Drive FORWARD
====

There has been some reports that getting a sw upgrade for trans did help on this issue. Although I'm not sure if it was the upgrade or the adaptation reset they might have got at the same time that affected more. Does anyone here have any experiance on that?

After the reset, drive it like you stole it. Let the transmission adapt to performance style driving. It works great....I reset the 6 and had great results.....Phil

thanks...will try that tonite.

last time i was at the dealer, i asked about any sw updates, and they said none for my X5...only for 2004 up X5s.

thanks
franklin

Does the reset work for 2005 4.4's? Maybe I should give this a try some time. I have the same issue and it's been ruining the whole driving experience especially when I live in the city where we do a lot of stop and go.

Yes it will work for an 05 I've done it before and it works great

Hi Bimmers,
I do have the same problem and tonight I left the car @ the dealer for a fix...we'll see .They said that didnt happen b4 to update the gearbox software for x5 ...for 3 series ,yes but not for x5...I dont know,I love this car and w/ this economy I'm not gonna kiss another X too soon.Keep u guys posted and wish me luck!

Good luck rares!

I have an 01 X5 4.4i and I too have this hard down shift issue, I too live in New York where it requires one to stop a lot. I find it completely redundant for something such as this to happen. Especially to a car such as an X5.

I have tried to reset the transmissions adaptions but I am not sure if i did it correctly. For those who have done it in the past, is there any message on the cluster you are suppose to receive once you do it correctly ?

No there isn't a message but I have felt the difference after just driving it for 30 seconds.

I did it again last night, It seemed a bit bumpy when i first took off, I took 4.6Is Ryder's advice and floored it right after I did the adaption method, I honestly didnt feel a HARD down shift anymore but the down shift was still there.... but not as hard.

It works on the 6 as well? One of my managers has a 650i. A 2007 I think? Does the transmission reset work the same way as the X? I think it'll be pretty cool if I could impress him a bit... especially on his own car :D

Yeah it works the same. Biggest point to remember is after you reset it, drive the car with performance in mind. I got a PM from Franklin last week, he's saying his 4.6is feels like a different X :thumbup:.......Phil

Does anyone know if the transmission adaptation reset will work on an E70 4.8 with the fob key. I did do thiis with my old E53 4.4 and its was like night and day. With the E70 comfort access or not I assume the keys 2nd posiiotn is pressing the start button without your foot on the brake so the engine wont turn over? Any thoughts?

Correct.....don't press the brake.....Phil

Does this happen only when rolling slowing or nearly stopping and then getting on the throttle? Almost like you were rear-ended? If so, drive it for the service advisor/shop foreman so he can experience it. I could duplicate it and they replaced my transmission. Of course, mine isn't a 4.6iS so I don't know if it'll work for you or not.