Noob checking in: 05 X5 4.4
 

Sup Guys,
I wanted to introduce myself and my new 05’ BMW 4.4 X5 w/ 96k Highland Green Metallic with Truffel Brown interior.

I want to try my hardest to prevent any type of failure with the X5. Any suggestions to upkeep my X5 is appreciated (I ended up financing for the next 5 years)

I am starting to feel my transmission acting up. For the past week, I've notice that in the morning the transmission is not working correctly. When it shifts to 2nd gear it jerks the X5 and I hear a thump noise. Occasionally, when I come to a complete stop, I can feel the car "downshift". But when the car is warm.. it seems like the X5 works completely fine.

Can someone please help me with this….I don't want to spend a arm and a leg and I want to prevent it from getting worse.

Thank you,
Calvin

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...FBCA9420_2.jpg

Congrats on the purchase buddy! She's a beaut!

In regards to the transmission issue do you just start her and go in the mornings or let it run till the rpms fall and what not? I noticed on mine that if I go AS SOON as the rpm drops that the shift to second gear jerks really hard, but it will only do this once. If I let the rpm fall and then wait 30 seconds to a minute during the winter months she'll be perfect. However, I noticed this issue has only started this winter. For all the others years I've had her I haven't had this issue so I'm not sure if it's something I just didn't notice before or if it really is an issue.

calvin, you have all the typical symptoms of a ZF transmission. you're at the magic number (100K miles) where things are starting to show wear. the downshift bump you feel when coming to a stop is fairly common. it's something you may have to live with. the hard shift in 2nd is most likely wearing shift solenoids. nothing you can do other than replace them or try a fluid drain and replacement. good luck.

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Im excited to learn more about my X5

As for the transmission issue, I will make sure to warm up the X5 before I go to work.
I plan drain the transmission fluid, but I hear from different people not the change the transmission fluid because its “lifetime”. Im pretty sure you all changed it on your own..what kind of fluid do you use and do you have a DIY instructions?

Congrats on your new X!! If you ever need help finding parts OEM or aftermarket feel free to shoot me a PM or search around on our site ECSTuning.com

Thanks! I'll keep you guys in mind.

Welcome, and your X looks good!

I would also recommend an immediate tranny filter/fluid change. Instructions are on this site and use the BMW fluid. You might also want to change the Transfer Case, front, and rear diffy fluids.

It might be helpful if you posted what has already been done.

Depending on a few factors, most/some here would say to warm up by driving slow for the first while, if only to help combat the CCV valve issue in freezing temps.


Welcome.

:iagree:

Do not try and warm it up by idling it. Drive it right away, but moderately

If you have service records showing the transmission fluid has been changed regularly, then go ahead and do it again. If not, changing it now creates a risk of damage

I hope you have a PPI done before pulling the trigger. It will atleast show you what need to be done.
BTW, nice X5, great color.

:goodluck:Welcome from one Noob to another

I just got back from Whistler for the first time and I couldn't stop thinking about my X5.
This is a noob question, but what is PPI?


All I have is the carfax of the car...Is there any way I can give you guys the VIN and see from there what has been done?

It's not that cold here in California, but I do notice that when I warm up the X5 the transmission runs "fine". I just want the transmission to work without the jerky issues.

Any suggestions, comments or DIY on changing the tranny fluid would be awesome!

Thanks,
Calvin

PPI is pre-purchase inspection.

No way to tell from carfax what has been done.

The dealer may tell you what they know has been done from reading the key, but they may not, it is not your information but the previous owner's so privacy rules come in to play.

Changing the fluid won't necessarily help with the jerking. It may, but it could just as easily make it worse. If transmission fluid hasn't been changed in a while it is a risk in changing it, as the high level of detergents in the new fluid clean out the transmission, and the junk has nowhere to go, so it can cause blockages and problems in the valve body.

If you do change it, make sure to use the correct ZF fluid (not one that says it is OK to use, but one that is actually to the original ZF spec) and an OE filter. Lots of DIYs posted here.

Welcome from one noob to another... :D

Welcome!

I also recently purchased an 05 4.4. Mine is also Highland Green, but with black interior.

I looked long and hard for a used X5 4.4 in excellent condition. My choice of color was grey, but months into my search I got very tired of grey and started to look at white. Then stumbled across a green one and was very impressed. Didn't even know they came in green, had never seen one and I live in the GTA. The uniqueness of the color was definitely a factor in my choice and have received many compliments. I've owned the truck for 8 months and have seen only 1 other in green.

Good luck with your X5!