"The Lurch" does any of the tranny updates fix it?
 

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has had success in getting rid of the famous E53 X5 transmission lurch when the vehicle comes to a stop?

I have read that it was corrected with post 2009 transmission software updates and switching on or off the "soft stop" option. Anyone confirm?

Any one able to help or manage to resolve this annoying issue? :dunno:

only way I have minimized it, was by controlling my driving style and not driving too erratically, this seems to have made things much smoother

Do you have the latest transmission software?

no idea fella nothing has been done to it since it rolled off the production line in nov 2004

There are heaps of updates since then, some good and some not so good.

Apparently the later versions are meant to have made changes to fix this issue.

no idea, and although mine is facelift model it still does this infrequently, and also seems to be a slight slip in gearbox on sudden acceleration now and again, only 39k miles onthe clock, oh well bmw for you......

Yeah, they cant get their shit together with transmissions.......

hmm yup do a search on ZF transmission issues and you will find alot here, no way i am going to have mine overhauled, gonna let it die totally first....dumbos have no idea

This tranny is far better than in my X3 diesel I had. That was down right dangerous!

mate the more i read the more i worry, just try to enjoy my diesel while it goes, out here we have dinosaurs old nissan patrols and toyota landcruisers, those cars can take a battering i think the x5 is just a 5 series on stilts :rofl:

I had the tranny software updated a few years back to deal with this issue. It still happens from time to time but MUCH less often and very infrequently.

I'm still suffering from the tranny slam and it seems to be getting worse. According to the dealer I have the latest software update.

same here, i've got the software update and it didn't do squat. the only upside to the whole issue is that i've been forced to come to a complete stop at every stop sign and that keeps the police happy.

The only thing that seems to help is to make an appointment with the dealer. It never fails that the tranny behaves better the day of the appointment and the dealer says there's nothing wrong.

Hmmmm. Mine isnt all that bad. i might just try and get the adaptations reset and see if that helps.

Software update was done two years ago on mine and very infrequently does it "only upon start with cold engine/trany", no issues during stopping though.

Hopefully I might have the same luck :-)

The only thing that helped me was to replace the trans. Fortunately, the dealer did it under CPO warranty.

So many mixed responses around this. I'm a little nervous about having the update, but if it make it better I dont want to miss out!

Likewise, since my trans was replace under CPO back in June, I've not had a single bang. (crosses fingers)

I new tranny would indicate you also would have upgraded software as well.

According to my work order from December 2006 the software was updated to v23. Made a huge difference which I noticed immediately. I was suffering "slams" a couple times a week. After the upgrade I had zero problems for almost 3 years and have only recently suffered a couple episodes a few months apart. Maybe I should try to reset the tranny through the adaptation process...:dunno:

Yes that's what I want to get the tranny adaptions reset. Just in case

Did a bit of digging and found this explanation of the issue. The poster owns a 535d which has the same GA6HP26Z ZF tranny as the E53 4.4 X5.

Steptronic Slam is Back - 5 Series Forums

Greatly appreciated "rayxi" for this input form other forum. ... will definitely try to use recommended sequence of selecting manual mode to engage 1 gear and shift it back later on into auto. mode. I hope my transmission will adapt to this.

Cheers

Just spoke to the BMW engineer I have had dealings with in the past and he was quite helpful as he usually is.

He was quite aware of the issue and said that it has been addressed in a software fix. A routine ECU update may not work as the updates may not go far enough without being purposely influenced by the tech who knows what they are doing.

Mine is booked in and he will talk them through it and then reset the adaptations and he said it should fix the issue, otherwise the valve body may need replacing.

Ill let you all know of the outcome

I already do this with my wife's X5 4.4i, expecially on cold start up. I manually shift until I see the oil temp is at or close to normal running temp.

More info from Audi world.

ZF Presents the First 6-speed Automatic Transmission

I've underlined the interesting bits that may be related to the slamming issue.

I suspect that it's this disconnecting/reconnecting of the torque converter that's causing the slam from a rolling stop. Not quite the "novel actuation" I want in my X5. This is the suspected modus operandi. See below for the suspected root cause.

I've seen reports of issues with the sensors feeding the control system ranging from faulty sensors to whacky signals due to low voltage. The low voltage theory is interesting in that it may explain why some owners experience it and not others and why it seems to get better or worse. It may depend on the condition of the battery, alternator and/or electrical load at the time. I'm going to check my battery when I get home tonight and put it on the charger. I'll see if it has any affect on the symptoms.

Good luck with that, I suspect it will help. The material Rayxi posted is very interesting...particularly the date of February 2006. Sure enough it was approximately December 2006 that I was made aware of the just released software update to v23 that seemed to fix the problem for a number of us. I went through the reset process last night and am waiting to see if the problem reoccurs. Here's hoping I get another 3 years of trouble free shifting.

What a load of crap from the ZF engineer.

The Allison transmission on my old Chevy diesel dually and diesel pusher motorhome never had this problem. Clearly a design/software flaw and they went to the "they all do this" response as their answer. Horrible response. I had the software update and after that I had the biggest slam ever in a parking garage. It was so bad my passengers thought we'd been rear ended by a truck or something. It was awful.

Have you tried this?

Originally Posted by NOVAX5
Use 30 secs reset method. It will solve the problem.
-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 (Not reverse, so make sure you are out of your garage before you attempt to do the transmission reset)

Do this every other month or when the transmission start slamming again.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nshifts-3.html

I heard that the above procedure resets the throttle adaptation not the transmission adaptation. Can someone please confirm one way or the other?

People claim it makes a difference somehow and somewhere but it doesn't reset the transmissions adaptations.

But I will try it again today and report back

You think our X5's are bad, you should ride in my Acura! Accelerating from a rolling stop produces a crazy slam. Almost like that of a broken engine mount. My X5 does it occasionally, but not nearly as bad or as often as the Acura.

I'm with you. My 2000 4.4i drove without a single problem for six months. Then the transmission began to act up even though my driving habits remained the same. I took it to my indy and he replaced the valve body and the problem disappeared.

I'm surprised to see after so many years this is an issue for which there appears to be no consistent solution. I would have thought the underlying cause would have been diagnosed by now.

for me it seems to be a driving style thing, i have an 05 3.0d and if i come to a sharp stop, as in peak hour traffic it will intermittently slam, from what i have experienced it seems as though the trans is hanging onto 2nd gear, thinking that the car is going to want to speed back up, once it realises its stopped then it selects 1st gear with the accompanying hard down shift, what i do is either slip it into neutral just as i roll to a halt or alternatively put the stick in sports mode, but this can be a pain in stop start motoring as it hangs on to each gear to long

as i said for me its a driving style thing,

Ewen

Having the latest software update done in a week so I will report back

I think it's more than a driving style. As I stated earlier I drove my X5 without any changes to my driving style and it started to exhibit this behavior after six months. IMO there's an underlying issue which driving style can minimize. But, IMO, it's a bandaid and not a cure.

could this problem simple be a auto tranny thing?

Stopped into my local dealer and talked with my service tech. I am experiencing the slight bump when the transmission shifts from 2-1 upon stopping (I can control it if I ease off the brake just before the car comes to a complete stop). I would like to have the updated software program, but...

Dealer wants $180 to reprogram...Is it worth it? Would an Indy be able to perform the same job at a fraction of the cost BMW wants?

Driven

Driven, I will let you know...mine will be reprogrammed tomorrow at Dealer. I have 49,200 miles so sneaking this in under original warranty.

Joe 2006 4.4

i get this when i am driving in D mode.....however when i change to S mode I dont get them.

Yep, same here. I don't get the slam on acceleration though. Mine only does it right before the vehicle comes to a stop. DS mode takes care of the issue. I have also heard other report that this happens more frequently after you have been cruising for a while, such as the highway or any roads where speeds are fairly constant for a period of time. :dunno:

I dont get the lurch in S mode either

I tried this yesterday too and selecting sport made the issue go away. Although I suspect the 2nd to 1st change is just occurring at a slightly higher speed and thus not as noticeable.

I have also found that if try to keep the braking consistent all the way till I stop helps too. Before and what I usually I would do is ease up on the brake right before the car comes to a complete stop to make it as smooth as possible but this just makes the lurch/change down to first way more noticeable.

Interesting post guys, though nothing new unfortunately (for me, and others I'm sure!) it just seems to be the same old problem rearing its ugly head:popcorn:

I have the same issues myself with a 2001 4.4 euro (UK) model, the lurching when cold, particularly in 1st, which goes after about a mile, and the (extremely annoying making-it-look-as-though-its-your-crappy-driving) sudden change down into 1st from 2nd when slowing down, say, to round a bend, which ends up putting you and your passengers through the screen!:yikes:

I have tried the 'tranny reset' as found on this forum (pushing down the accelerator, ignition pos on/off for a certain time etc etc) to no avail.

Could the software update work for a 2001 model? I ask because I can only ever find posts about later models getting the upgrade-working for them or not.. Also, if it is possible how do I go about getting it done? Will it cost me if I don't have a warranty? If so, any idea on price?

Thanks guys,

Ian

I did the "REAL" adaptations set up and it did make it change gears better and smoother but took some time and patients! Didnt get rid of the Lurch!

It has to be a programming issue if switching to DS solves the issue for most people, right?

I would think so. The SIB describes the exact problems I have. However the dealer want $180 to reprogram the transmission with new software. They claim "It has to be plugged into the computer and programming takes about 4 hours."

Anyone able to shed some light on if new software will actually fix the problem?

I have a 2001 4.4 with shifting problems..Mine stays in a lower gear, longer before shifting up. At 75mph the Tach.is at about 3500 rpms and then after a bit it WILL up shift. This doesn't act up all the time for every shift though! I was on a 400 mile trip and it only acted up 5-6 times..

It must be programming..it makes sense... why does it occur only in D moded and not in S mode.

I believe (and i am not an expert) the lurch is happening because it is shifting down very late, when the speed is very slow, so the downshift is causing the car to lurch....

In sports mode, it is downshifting at earlier and at higher speed so the transition is smoother and the downshift is actually causing the car to rev higher and slow the car down.

Is there anyway maybe if the downshift in D mode could be programmed to occur earlier or in the same manner as in S mode?

Maybe we are expected to drive in traffic and town in S mode ?

Is there anyone out there who has the lurch in S mode ?

sorry "sunny5280" i did not mean to imply that the fault is not real.

what i meant was that for me, i have managed , for the most part get around it by modifying MY driving style.

i believe as has been stated that it is a programming issue, and BMW should step up and address it.

and im seriously hoping its not an indication of a failing transmission

Any Update? Did you get the re-program?

This issue has been discussed but most threads end just like this one, un-resolved. Need to follow through fellas...

BTW, I got the kick going up a hill after a stop sign in Sport Mode :dunno:

No, in fact it turned into a disaster. The lurch was one of about 6 things that the dealer "couldn't reproduce" or whatever their term for "we aint fixin' it" may be...

So I get in kind of a little interaction with the moron service writer guy (who incidentally didn't realize my car was still under warranty and CPO when we started the day) when he called at end of day regarding services that WERE completed. I asked, "what DID you do?" His response: "windshield wiper inserts" and one other thing. It was classic! I expressed my displeasure and went to get truck.

When I got there he avoids me as you go to a different desk to get paperwork/truck. He had written on the paper that I had "refused recommended services" etc. I threw an absolute sh!t storm in the service area which I believe was witnessed by the owner of the dealership.

I would expound more but I need to go home and start looking at my brake pads (light is on) which I asked about but was missed. Now I am 4 days and 600 miles out of warranty. I believe if I went back I would be thrown out.

Sweet.

thanks JAH1, sorry about your visit to the dealership.

No sweat, I like closure in my threads as well. Incidentally the dealer did say I had the most recent tranny software.

Good luck,

Joe

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I just got my 4.8is back from the dealer today. They reprogrammed and updated all of the software. So far I am still having the same issues as described in the SIB. I drove right back and took the SA around the block to show him and he reluctantly agreed with me. So I will be taking it back in next week for further diagnosis. Will follow up with the findings...

My guess is an internal problem with the transmission, possibly the torque converter going bad.

Ive learnt to live with it! Its definitely an internal transmission fault for sure!

Not sure if torque converter is going bad in your case,but from majority of the forum members who experienced lurching including myself (not as severe as some stated) it is internal design and operation of this particular ZF transmission and its software. Try to adapt your driving style especially during start/stop intervals. Please, keep us posted!

Cheers

Its the transmission slowly failing! That came from BMW mechanical engineer. It definitely isnt certainly isnt internal design and operation.

Well part of it is the torque converter. Getting on the freeway a couple months ago I got a really bad slipping between a gear change accompanied with a bad whining noise. I continued to hear that for a while and now it has gone away and is non existent. All those signs pointed my though towards the torque converter.

The lurch is a totally different issue and is transmission related. I am very frustrated cause I have driven a 2007 Range Rover. Bear with me here, I know is not the exact same transmission but it has one from the era of when BMW owned Land Rover and it is the smoothest ever and no lurch stopping.

I expressed my dissatisfaction with my SA and I am going back next week, so we will see what they come up with this time. I will keep everyone posted as I find out myself.

I have the same issue - a shudder when the car is brought to a stop. My X5 is a MY06 3.0d, and I had the transmission adaptations reset with the software update. The problem seemed to had gone for a while but it is there intermittently.
Noit happy with the outcome. I am wondering whether to write to BMW Australia and state the case for a new transmission given that the car has done only 60k km in the upcoming five years of ownership.

While I was having a bunch of other work done to my '06 4.4i, I had the trans software flashed to the latest revision (v17?) - while the lurch is not totally gone, it is _SO_ much better than it was before!

I believe the latest software version is 40.2.0.1 EGS HW INDEX 72.

X5- do you know when that last update was implemented? I only ask as I was part of this original thread and when I went to dealer (while still under original warranty) I was told that I had latest version.

Fast forward to last week when I was at dealer (first CPO visit) and was told that:

"there is an SI for programming the EGS Control Module for this complaint. To update software in EGS control unit for improved shifting. Programming for software update is $210.00 Programming EGS in and of itself is not covered under CPO"

If I am told while under full warranty that I'm up to date, and then told after (CPO) that I am not, I am going to be pissed. ...

joe

2006 4.4

I don't actually know when it was implemented, but I do know that it is current as of January 2011. Not sure about being covered under CPO. I believe strictly speaking programming isn't covered under CPO, but if there is a problem with a component and that requires reprogramming then they might be willing to cover it under CPO. Have the dealer hook it up to the computer and ask them what the current integration level is (ISTA/P), you should be able to get a printout of it.

Forget it mate you might as well piss in the wind! My was under warranty and I had a solicitor involved. Your out of warranty and your on your own!

i have also had the same issues, on the last service i bleated all over the service manager and since that service the problem has been minimised to the point that i am satisfied with it.

very very occasionally i get a VERY slight nudge as i come to a halt and it down shifts to 1st gear, typically this will be in slow bumper to bumper traffic when instead of slowing to a stop i slow and then slightly move ahead and then stop, it seems that the tranny instead of going straight to first decides to hang onto 2nd in the chance you will be speeding up and then when the vehicle does come to a stop it goes "oh sh#t" and selects 1st.

does that make sense???

ive quized my dealer but they are vague about what they have done, claiming a software upgrade!!

i feel that overall the tranny shift quality has improved, firmed up on what it was.

i might add i also had them change the tranny fluid, i wondered if maybe they had adjusted the line pressures, as the changes as stated are marginally firmer that they were.

Be keen to find out what they did. I had one of the engineers from BMW remotely access the ecu and said I had the latest software and the only way to fix was rebuild tranny. So keen if you can tell me more :-)

sorry i wish i could, when i first experienced the "lurch" i thought i had been rear ended.

i have 96000km on my X and am real happy with how it goes now.

next service i'll see if i can get any more info, i cant believe it was just changing the oil that did it

Can yo PM me you contact number as I would be keen to chat. Cheers

Last time the X was in the stealership a few months ago, they supposedly updated the tranny to the latest software. however, I have no faith in their claims and the problem is still there....and if anything its more pronounced. Is there any way to validate the software rev. without taking it back to the dealer? The update is of course NOT covered by the CPO warranty and I'm now being told if the software fix didnt correct the problem, the tranny has to be placed.....and they want $4k just for the tranny.

Well after a software update (that made my transmission go into Trans Fail Safe), 2 trips to the dealer, and finally to my independent specialist I finally have a completely rebuilt transmission.

So here's how it all went down...

Went to the dealer with all the usual symptoms and to my surprise the tech verified them straight away. The SIB states they have to update the vehicle software before anything else. Drove out that afternoon after the updates and not even a mile down the road and the issues are now worse. Next thing, TRANS FAIL SAFE comes on and I'm stuck in 4th gear. Call the SA back immediately, went back first thing next morning. They read the codes and diagnose it to the conclusion that I need a new transmission.

I have aftermarket warranty coverage and initially was going to have the work done at the dealer. In the end I took it to my specialist who I trust more (needed an Inspection 2 as well, dealer wanted $1200 for it, I said NO). They took my transmission out and sent it out for a complete rebuild at a shop the specializes in ZF transmissions. Runs like a champ now. Shifts are smooth, predictable, and no lurch or slipping of any nature.

Everything was covered minus my deductible and I could not be happier that I purchased the warranty with the vehicle. It has more than paid for itself already.

What warranty did you buy? Any reason why you didn't get a new (rebuilt) transmission rather than having yours rebuilt?

Not that I know of. If it's not written up in the printout of work done that they give you when you pick up your car then I'd call and ask them to check in your car's file to tell you the actual software version number and fax you the diagnostic page. Otherwise go to an indy who could connect it to their computer and check for you.

BMW could generate a lot of goodwill with their customers by providing software updates at no or little cost. Especially if the vehicle is under CPO. Software updates don't require a lot of time or effort on behalf of a mechanic (hooking it up to a computer and starting the process). It's simple and would, IMO, generate more goodwill than it would cost.

That would cut out a pretty big source of revenue for them. Under CPO the only thing I ever paid for was "programming" which unfortunately was almost every time I took the car in for something. Otherwise I would have left having just paid a $50 deductible, and that would not have sat well with BMW! I hate to say it, the best solution is to keep a car no more than 4 years while under full factory warranty and then get a new one.

My coverage is with The Warranty Group. Overall it did require a few phone calls to get everything rolling, but they paid up for the work and covered a rental car the entire time. I went having mine rebuilt mainly because they refused to pay the quote Weber BMW came up with (it was about double what it should have been I think, reference the quote they gave me for an Inspection 2 above). I feel much happier that I had it done at Bavarian Autohaus in Visalia CA. I've had work on my car done their before, they do an excellent job. They are located in the San Joaquin Valley about 40 miles south of Fresno CA.

Basically I would have received a rebuilt transmission from BMW anyways, so it did not make any difference to me.

I know there would be some lost profit but I would hope the goodwill generated would offset those losses with happy customers who would advocate the brand.

As an example I have two friends who are interested in purchasing an X5. Both believe BMW has a great reputation for quality. I informed them the quality is good but it's not Honda or Toyota levels of quality and that repairs, and they will have repairs, are going to cost more. Now they're considering something else instead. If I could say to them "BMW has a reputation of performing goodwill repairs" that would probably mean something to them and keep the X5 under consideration. Yes these would be used vehicle purchases but a healthy second hand market is important for any manufacturer.

I've experienced this with other companies (non-car) and the goodwill it generated has made me an advocate of those companies products. Now when people ask how I like product X I enthusiastically sell the product.

BMW is in the business of selling new cars and the vast majority of the ones it does "sell" it leases. I don't know about your goodwill theory though. Imagine how much good reputation they would get if parts and repairs were cheap. I would think everyone would buy one, even if it wasn't the most reliable car on the block. But we all know they are not going to drop parts prices 90%, nor will an hour of labor drop to the 20's.

if you google 'ZF 6HP26' there is a heap of good info to digest, on Jag sites and RR sites

couple of things i noted were that if you have a 1 kmph variation in front wheel speed when going straight ahead it can give problems, so keep those tyres wear and pressures equal

some have reported that changing the fluid has made a difference ( i have personally experienced this) its recommended to do a dual flush where you re do the flush after a couple of days, apparently clutch materials can get on connectors and give problems!!

there are reports to NOT deviate from the manufacturers oil, ZF say that the trans is set up to different viscosity and drag coefficient oils to suit the specific car the trans is intended to be used in and as such using a similar or different brand oil can have varying effects

there are also a couple of PDF,s you can down load that explain how to dismantle and repair the trans and also a fault finding chart, also good reading

Ewen

Just trying to huntbdown 20 litres of lifeguard 6 tranny fluid so I can swap it

Ok so here is the verdict!

Changed the fluid with genuine ZF Lifeguard 6 and the lurch is GONE!

So all those out there who want to give it a go I suggest it - Don't be a tightarse and try and put some other fluid in it cause you will most likely screw your transmission. ZF Lifeguard 6 for the 6 speed and Lifeguard 5 for the 5 speed.

If when you pull the plug and inspect the fluid and it is severely burnt and you see metal shades in the fluid put the plug back in because your too late and the tranny is toast!

The "Lifetime fluid" rant from BMW is CRAP! Even the engineer from ZF said that they recommend replacing the fluid at 100K as that is deemed "Lifetime" and earlier if the vehicle has towed anything in its life.

GOOD LUCK

Where did you get lifeguard 6 from?

In case it helps, ZF Lifeguardfluid6 is actually Shell ATF M1375.4 and the same fluid is sold as :

Aston Martin - Part No. 4G4319A509/AA/S
Audi / VW - Part No. G 055005 A1 / A2 / A6
Bentley - Part No. PY112995PA
BMW - Part No. 8322 0142516
Hyundai - Part No. 040000C90SG
Jaguar - Part No. Jaguar Fluid 8432
Land Rover - Part No. TYK500050
Maserati - Part No. 231603

I can’t imagine Aston Martin, Bentley or Maserati parts departments selling it cheaply but Hyundai might be worth a try!

Phil

How long have you been driving on the new fluid? Too soon to tell I suspect.

You can buy it from Imparts, about $550. I had my flushed by a machine so it gets rid of almost all the old fluid and leaves you enough in the drum for a second flush if you want to.

About 4 days, but I used to get the lurch constantly. Im not 100% convinced at the moment but 99% there.

Will updated if there is any change

Dcashion
Thank you for the info. Will follow up. :thumbup:

Give it at least a couple of weeks. Mine seems to drive better for about 1 or 2 weeks after a software reset then it goes back to it's old lurching ways. I hope it's not the case for you.

Mine is a mechanical change not electronic so I would be confident that it wont change, however I agree with you.

Bare the thought though that I only changed the oil at the suggestion of another member who had EXACTLY the same problem, only worse, and this fixed it for him!!!

UPDATE

Just wacked another 250+ kms on the car and still good! One in 50 stops you might feel a very very slight lurch! Nothing like before!

Hi D, good to talk to you the other day and also to hear the new oil has done the job, you know its almost as frustrating waiting for the lurch that does'nt come as getting it, it took me a couple of months to stop thinking about it everytime I stopped. Happy driving. Regards G.

Well, I read this entire thread and it has been 2 months since this update, so I kinda want to know how your transmission is doing......

No more lurch!

Good to know. Thanks for the update. Hopefully you will still be lurch free on your next update.

MADT is it time for another update?

I am about to do this as well. Ordered 12 quarts of zf lifeguard fluid. Going to change filter, and whatever oil comes out. After that, only drain and fill for the next 50k miles. Well hopefully the tranny won't explode after the change.

MADT, care to tell us your steps when changing the fluid. Thanks.

Had it flushed to ensure most of the old fluid was out

what was your mileage when you did it. Thanks.

60k

Their transmissions are crap!

Have since sold car as trans was starting to fail.

I will never buy another. Had other tranny issues with my X3!

Sorry to hear that you had problems, especially on both trucks.
Might be related to the fact that is has been flushed instead of only a fluid replacement. :dunno:

Damn trannies. When I bought mine 3 months ago, it was perfect. Now it starts to do the lurch once in a while. Since the truck is relatively low mileage 48000mi, I might try to do a fluid / filter change, but I'm a bit nervous.

Maybe if I take one of my cats and drop it in a volcano, the Gods will be on my side. :rolleyes:

I am going for it. 77k miles on mine.

Aswell as about 5 other tranny isues I had a slight lurch with my X....felt as if I was being pushed from behind when coming to a stop. Changed the tranny and TC in the end and all my issues have gone, everything is so silllllky smooth, long may it last.
Dweeb:thumbup:

i have 122000 km on mine now and the lurch is absolutely minimal, where as it used to whack you so hard you thought you had been rear ended, now as i stated previously it only happens if im slowing to a stop and then allow the car to sneak forward, and then only noticeable in peak hour crawling traffic, so software and an oil change appear to have made the difference.

i also recently found out that by slipping in into neutral in stationary traffic was not helping.

apparently the trans detects this sort of motoring and will hold second gear ( while stop start crawling) unless speed goes over 40 kmph OR you select neutral, so apparently if in stop start driving conditions its best just to leave it in gear, ive been trying this lately and cant say if it helps or not

Mine did it at about 29k miles, now have 44k on it and it does it less:dunno:, and I am convinced it is to do with driving style....

It is very possible that the driving style has something to do with that specific problem.
When I bought my X, it was driven by the garage owner during the time it was for sale (about 3 weeks). According the the fuel consumption computer, he had a heavy foot. But the tranny was working flawlessly.

Since I own the X, (3 months) I meanly use it to go to work in traffic and on highways, so, only smooth driving. Maybe I should try to drive it in a more sporty way to see if it changes something.

What bugs me the most, is not the fact the the transmission is holding the 2nd gear a long time before engaging the 1st, but it's the delay in the downshifting (2nd-1st). That delay is like a neutral that last a fraction of a second, but causes a problem if I happen to reaccelerate during that time. (high rev, then bang).
I think I will try the oil change.

I also read on a French (France) forum dedicated to X serie, and they are in a big percentage in favor of changing the oil in our trucks, compared to here where it is like 50-50.
Over there, they have access to ZF shops, and the ZF techs suggest to change the oil in their trannies, even if BMW says no.
Hummm, so many conflicting opinions....:dunno:

I completely agree. I know quite a few people back in Russia with X5s and a shit ton of other bimmers. Most people change the oil frequently. It just seems here we have too many what if it breaks after the oil swap opinions. My logic, if it breaks, I will deal with it, but this unknown as to why the hell it is happening, and me adapting driving techniques like its a damn clunker, that is pissing me off. And I always drained and filled all of my transmissions on all of my cars. I try to do it every 3rd oil change. Never had one fail on me.

Waiting for my ZF oil patiently.