Auto Transmission Question?
 

I was reading a thread on the X3 forum this morning about 2007 X3's with a software bug which affected the transmission during hard acceleration and deceleration. This seemed to be resolved by a software update.

Well I noticed on my 2004 X5 3.0i Sport that I have similer issues which have never caused me concern - I have just lived with it and I did not think it was an issue until I read the X3 thread

issue #1 - my accelerator pedal is extremely sensative, I literally have to touch the pedal and the car is off. On my X3 for instance you have to depress the accelerator pedal a centimeter or two before the car starts to move, then more gentle pressure sees the car accelerate gradually. If i did the same with my X5 it would take off like a rocket! I literally have to feather my accelerator pedal very gently to get a smooth acceleration

Issue #2 - When I accelerate hard from a stand still such as the traffic lights the car takes off like a rocket in first but won't select second gear until it virtually red lines. This is when the car is in normal drive mode. often I have to back off on the accelerator pedal deliberately to enable the car to select second gear

Issue #3 - I noticed yesterday that when sat in traffic for about an hour I would accelerate very slowly to say 5mph to catch up with the car in front but when I take my foot off the accelerator pedal to let the car coast a little before applying the brake pedal, the transmission seemed to "kick" a little when comming out of first gear. again not an issue but very annoying

has anyone else seen any of these issues? I am wondering whether there is a software update for my X5 to get rid of these issues?

There is, it's called get a manual trans :)

(sorry couldn't resist!) :)

Mine does #1. Drives me crazy

anyone else have any of these issues? :dunno:

Can't believe I'm the only one with these issues?

I don't know if there is a software update for your X but the dealer will know. I would check that first.

1--Haven't owned a 3.0, that could be the way they all are, if not, a trans fluid change might help or since you have other symptoms the tranny may need some work.

2--If you are saying it won't change to second gear if you hold the pedal to the metal than the transmission assembly has a problem. If, per chance, you are saying it doesn't shift until redline--thats a normal good thing.

3- Shouldn't happen but be sure it is the transmission as some issues seem like the transmission and are not.

Time to go to widely recommended Indy shop for BMWs and get it diagnosed or to a well regarded transmission shop for same.

Yup the car does change to second but virtually at the red line. If this is normal then I have nothing to worry about with this issue.

Is this normal then or can the accelerator be "de-sensitised"

That is normal, nothing to worry about--enjoy

Try this.

Get in the car, turn the key to position 2 (don't start the car). Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there for 25 seconds. Start the car and drive. I have heard from numerous people that this "resets the trans algorhythm" Hey, it's worth a shot right?