Third gear shift from HELL!!!
 

Recently I have been encountering a shifting problem when going into third. If I Press on the gas pedal at least 75% the transmission will hesitate for a split second before clunking harshly into third. It's an 01 with 90k. Time for a rebuild or what? Not too mention the 5mph rearend feel while stopping occasionally. Never had another ride with so many little issues.

might want to check the shift solenoids first. should be sheaper than a rebuild.

Dang Justin, sorry to hear. Hope you won't have to change out the tranny.

Also a wornout clutchplate does that, have you also check the Trans oil level?

I'm going to check for leaks and the levels. Have to do a little searching, but are the shifter solenoids accessible without removing the pan? Maybe a fluid change is in order. If all doesn't work I'll just have to follow swissfrank and fix the tranny myself.

have to remove the pan. they work with the valve body. If u get a witing schematic like in the back of the bently u can see what solnoids are there and wiring color.

Don't panic just yet my 2003 4.6is 74000 was doing the same till I had the gearbox oil changed. Valve block in the sump can get a bit clogged with shite. According to a local specialist it's common , it can be other stuff but a box flush is cheaper first also if you can find an indy with the computer reading thing it may show gear slip as a warning.

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I Would advise caution using additives in a higher mileage gearbox. Well any gearbox actually as you will be masking a potentially worsening problem that will inevitably bite you in the rear at the most in-opportune moment.

The flush and fill may be the better option and ensure you change out the filter but beware that this could also push more crud through the ports and channels in the valve plate than they can handle.

Try the basics first. Get someone to scan it and highlight any stored codes then do the soft reset (Throttle pedal down for 30 secs etc) or reset the adaptation values via PC (INPA/GT1/DIS)

Speaking from experience it isn't that hard to strip & rebuild the gearbox if you are methodical but is not something to take lightly.
However it has really rejuvenated mine and feels like a new car again.

If i take it to the dealership for the transmission fluid change I believe they will enstate me with a two year warranty on service performed. i guess I can tackle the rear diff and transfer case fluid change before hand, but Ill let the pros do the tranny aspect. Is it hard to just take out the valve body and hot tank it?

It's not that hard to drop the valve body out but means removal of the sump.
There are a few plastic balls in the plate and some rubber parts so a dunk and drain may do more harm than good?? (Possibly)

If your dealers are anything like ours then they will not touch the Auto gearbox for fear of mucking it up!! They appear to be scared of their own cars.

See what we have to contend with????

I have really lost all trust in my local dealer and only ever take my business to them as the last resort.
They treat me like a second class citizen and think they are higher and mightier than us and think their excrement doesn't make any wafting unpleasentness......


Good luck though.

If you have an independant BMW mechanic with trans experience, definitely take it to them.

My local BMW dealer is good, but the independant shop has the same laptop w/ software, is very reputable and is less expensive. I do like getting the free loaner from the BMW dealer, but that alone is not worth going there.

I could kick myself - my yellow 4x4 DSC light lit up a few weeks ago, I thought it may have been a sensor covered under CPO warranty so I took it to the dealer. Turns out it was a simple recalibration - software only - and it cost me $100 at the dealer. I'm sure my indy mechanic would have done it for much less.

probably not

Had the same issue @ 100k on my x5. Transmission fluid change, filter change, and reset adaptations cured my problem.

Pull the battery connections tonight and let the cables sit touching each other overnight. It'll give everything a little reset and learn your driving habits all over again.

How is that any different than the gas pedal reset? I'm going to do a tranny flush first and get some new fluid in there, along with transfer and differentials.

You can do that too, I just lilke giving it a fresh restart once in a while...like resetting my PC always make it feel snappier afterwards.