Is the Transmission going out?
 

The x5 acts fine driving for the most part. After 30 minutes of stopping at Intersections or in traffic I start to get a thud shifting into first gear. It only happens when down shifting and coming to a stop or under 5 mph.

Is this the first stage of losing the transmission? Could this be a clutch issue and is that something that can be replaced without changing the transmission?

2001 4.4 x5 226,000 miles Automatic Trans

Can you have the car scanned for codes with BMW software? That would be your first step. There should be some tranny codes if it's acting up.

Another suggestion is to check your flex disc.I had a similar problem on my 745 and it turned out to be the flex disc.
You could probably look underneath the car and see it the disc looks worn out. With that many miles it might be.
It's worth checking it out because it would be cheaper than servicing the tranny.

awesome, thanks. I will take a look.

Is the BMW software something I can use with my bluetooth OBD2 reader?

Do you know if the tranny has had any software updates or fluid & filter change recently?
My 04 4.8is was doing the same recently and had the module software update. It helped a lot with the acceleration thump after stopping.

I have not had anything like that changed.

Can you explain the module software update? Thanks!

Just found my buddy with BMW software. Will attempt a Software update this afternoon.

cross fingers

Found this thread on the 2 - 1 shifting.

DIY - How To Update Transmission Software (2-1 Shift problem) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

I have a feeling this is my issue. I will also update the engine module at the same time.
Anyone know what is getting out of sync for this to be done?

If you are on your original guibos (flex-disc), you should reallllyyy replace them front and year.

Mine with 144,000 were almost completely shot.

It will extend the life of your driveline.

Either way, you're doing great w/ 220k on original trans!

Thanks, I will look into flexdisc as well. I had the front drive shaft changed at about 110k. I will check on that part as well. Good catch there.

I am about 10,000 miles from the Moon. We will have NASA prepare the lunar lander shortly.

I had the same thing, and rebuilt the tranny last month[$4500] with the heat from your area I would figure that it,s time. how many miles?