4.8i Jerky Transmission
 

Hi X5World, I have a 2008 4.8i and I have noticed that when starting on a hill from a dead stop or from a stop light in "D" my Transmission has a abrupt jerk as the early E60's did. It isn't noticable in "DS" but I don't drive want to drive in this mode all of the time. It is really un-comfortable as sometimes It is almost impossible to have a smooth start. A software update should be able to fix this but I was wondering if anyone else was having this issue.

Thank You.

Yes, my 2008 4.8i has a really rough transmission (as does our 2007 750Li). Sometimes it jerks/pulls so hard, it feels like whiplash. I've noticed that in general the transmission is rough, holds gears too long, downshifts almost violently when going up a steep grade and generally gives abrupt/rough gear changes. Besides from the non-heat resistant front windshield, the transmission is the most disappointing feature of my 4.8i.

i have the same problem. its not all the time.

So the problem being described here is directed when the car in on some kind of grade, correct? or does it occur on flat surfaces to?

Just curious. About what percent is this problem occuring? 100% of the time or much less frequent?

Is this different from the lag often talked about with the X5 transmission?

The problem happens on both surfaces, It is just more noticeable to me on a grade. If I had to guess, I would say that the percentage is about 60% of the time. Not all of the time, but still enough to notice.

I'm glad I'm not the only one having this problem, If the tranny was like the one in my E60 I would be extremely happy.

it seems like it happens when its on a hill.

it does not happen alot!!! once & a while.

I have a steep hilly road going up to my house, as I live about 1.5 miles up & into a large canyon/mountain area. My transmission does it EVERY time. I wish it was only 60% of the time! While going up the hill, I know the transmission must downshift for power, but the transmission will practically knock your teeth out. I also really dislike how it will hold the transmission in 2nd gear, at about 4500 RPM for a LONG time. Gee, wonder why I get 6mpg!!! :(

try goin to the dealer a software upgrade might solve the issue.

does anyone know if BMW has released a update yet?
I am going to take it to the dealer next weekend.

I have to say I am dissapointed with my 4.8 gearbox, having had a previous 4.6 for 4 years . This new box is jerky, holds ratios too long to assist slowing down, and just doesnt change at the right time in short its bollocks :rant:

I noticed this exact same problem when I got my 08 4.8i in Jan and posted this exact same question a few days after picking her up. I took it to the dealership and they said I have the latest software update so they did a transmission software flash so it would readapt to my driving. It still has this problem now after almost 1800 miles! I would love to know how to go about getting this fixed also. I noticed for myself it only happens in D mode when I put it in the manual mode and up and down shift through the transmission shifter the jerkyness is gone.

I had transmission reprogrammed after complaining about it being rough, especially on the start and downshifting (stopping to a red light, I brake smoothly and it jerks me forward). I have a 4.8i as well 07.

After the dealer visit it is a lot better but I think they pruposely program the tranny to use engine braking more often than not (especially with the foot off the accelrator pedal). I'm getting used to it and I kind of prefer it actually. The X just wants to go hard (in stop and go traffic) and stop harder and quicker than I'd like to.

I have the same issue. At a ramp at work, when I begin the ascent, the transmission shifts into a lower gear and holds it--even after I've leveld off at the next level. The engine just revs to some ridiculous level.

Joel

Yea, I have the same issue, too.

Well I'm really glad (but not happy for anyone) that I'm not the only one with this very bad problem. We had a 2004 X5 4.4i and a great 4.8is, and the transmissions were so silky smooth. I've also had 4 E46s, and the transmissions were also excellent.

I think it is pointless to turn our cars into the dealership, have some grease monkey (err, BMW mechanic) test drive the hell out of our cars, use $40.00 worth of gas...and then return it and say the car is performing to 'Factory Standards'. I called our dealership, and they said that there is NO software update for the 2008 4.8i, in regards to transmission.

I totally agree with the posts about the transmission holding the gear to a stupidly high RPM, even once the ascent levels off. It is loud, a total waste of precious fuel and embarassing for such an expensive, 'premium car'.

BMW, if you have anyone trolling this site/post...Please contact us, and fix our cars!

Wow. This problem sounds pretty bad. Makes me wonder if I should go ahead with getting a 2008 4.8 or something else!

I figure waiting won't make much difference, unless they put in a completely different transmission for a later year model. This problem does sound like something that should be fixed with a software update, right?

The thing about test drives at dealers is that they are too short.

Despite this annoying problem, I would totally recommend the E70. I love the car. And yes, this is definitely something a software update will be able to fix.

I have a very good contact in my dealers service department so I am going to see what happens, even a tranny re-flash should help somewhat.

And I can confirm that from driving my 4.8 today that the problem is definitely intermittent.

Are you sure about that ?


Well I have a sharp incline close to my drive way, not far from my home and my 07 4.8 does it every time, holds 1st gear whilst in auto for about 10 seconds long after the steep hill has passed , doing about 10 mph at 4500 rpm,.. never seen any other auto do this.

I am quite sure, because I have heard of owners of all different types of BMW's benefit from a software update to smoothen out the transmission. I had it done on my 2006 E60 as the tranny was extremely rough when I first got it. After the software was updated it was as smooth as can be. I am assuming the X5 is the same way.

Mine was jerky in the beginning, but now it is quite smooth. The key is not to let the gas pedal go once you press it... (jk)

However, it is still rough when in the DS mode, I guess I did not train it enough.

I must admit I like the fact that when going down a hill whilst towing, the box goes to a lower gear to increase engine braking, but it just seems as if the BMW engineers have over done this feature, which leaves the car at odd revs at odd times. My E53 was as smooth as silk, and pretty much perfect. I also find the the 4.8 E70 slower off the blocks than my 4.6 E53 due to the autobox setup I think.

I just called my dealership (again) regarding the transmission, as after reading all the other members who are experiencing problems, it has me even more agitated. I was informed today, around 5:30pm PST, that as of now, there is NO fix for the problem. My service advisor told me there are A LOT of complaints from E70 owners (almost all 4.8i owners) and 750Li owners. Both cars are experiencing the same rough transmission problems, and the aggressive downshifting and refusal to upshift in a timely and fuel efficient manner. The SA said that BMW is "trying" to work on a solution, whether it be a software update, mechanical fix or a combination. I am just fuming mad, that I'm paying over $1000.00 a month for my 4.8i, and I have to wait for BMW to "try" and fix my transmission. Not acceptable on a $20,000 car, even worse on a $70,000 car. I want my money back. From poor A/C, settings re-setting themselves, crappy back up camera, shite transmission, battery warnings.... Not happy!

Don't worry. BMW doesn't have a good fix for the X3 transmission problems either. Wtf is up with BMW thesedays?

2 words - cost cutting... :)

I have the same problem with my 2007 4.8i and have had multiple software updates. I am not convinced it is a software issue because if it was, it would be solved by now. My X5's erratic shifting is flat out embarrasing in some cases when even non-enthusiast passengers notice it. I love almost everything else about this vehicle, but the transmission (and creaky plastic center console) ruined it for me. I have my M3 Sedan due in later this month and I expect some pretty hefty discount arrangement based on my pure dissatisfaction with my X5. I just wish BMW would admit they goofed and offer a real solution for customers.

Side note, I have both a 2005 and 2008 X3 and they both shift a world better than my X5 (but not perfectly). The 2008 X3 is a whole different vehicle from the 2005 in terms of build quality (the return to European manufacturing must have helped).

Wait. I thought the X3's had the bad transmisison.

So this problem with the X5 is in the 08 models as well. So depressing to hear. :(

Well 3 pages of posts about this, mtech, shows that 2008 X5 owners (or a lot of us) have crappy transmissions as well.

Sorry to pop your X5 bubble :D

I was talking this morning to the guy who details my cars (and also does reconditioning for the BMW dealership) and he mentioned how bad he thought the new X5 V8's shifted without me even mentioning my problem to him.

BMW seems to have problems with their automatics. I test drove one of the new three series last year and the transmission shifting was much worse than on my Ford Focus. Believe it or not, the Ford Focus automatic had much crisper, quicker, and smoother shifts than the 3 Series!

The most disappointing was the BMW transmission response if you floored it between 20-30 MPH. It would rev the engine up, and then after a big delay, the transmission would downshift and get going. Frankly the delay in response to flooring the throttle reminded me of my Mother's 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham's characteristics!

That's exactly the problem many '07 X3 drivers are having. When they drop the hammer to merge, either nothing happens at all, or the revs rise but it feels like the gearbox is in Neutral, never hooking up until 2 hours later. Such a disappointment with these new 6ATs. :confused:

My 2005 X5 4.4i had this same problem. It was so bad sometimes I thought someone had rear ended me. Dealer never could fix it. Traded it in for a 2008 X5 3.0si,no problems at all so far, shifts very nice.

Yes.


Seriously, I know that the BMW (Getrag or ZP?) transmissions are transmiting much more HP and torque, but how can Ford create a FWD transmission for an inexpensive $10,000 - $15,000 car like a Focus that shifts better than a BMW transmission on a $70,000 vehicle?

BMW should be embarassed and ashamed.

And if you don't believe me, go test drive a Ford Focus.

I totally believe you. Driven a lot of cars in the past and have never noticed a bad performing transmission until recently. Had a 2004 MB E320 that was absolutely horrible. It felt like the transmission didn't know what I wanted it to do. Heard the 7-speed put in after 2005 rectified this situation. Just hope my X5 won't be like that.

Does anyone know what transmission is being put into the X5's now?

My 05 4.4i had issues too. The rear end thing was corrected with a software upgrade but the transmission still seemed confused sometimes and didn't shift correctly.

No issues after 5400 miles with the 08 4.8i

its not just the transmission,its the x drive calculating before implementing reaction.

Not being dis respectful, but do you think thats cos you've learned how to drive it ?.. since I am wondering how much, the experiance of the auto box plays a part. I once had an Audi S6 Quattro that had a 'learning' box, and shifted according to how you used the accelerator. Quite un nerving at times,.. since when you floored it, there was no power if youd spent the last 10 miles wafting lightly along, it didnt think you were serious when you hit kick down, the trick was to stab the throttle once ,.. before you really needed the power... then next time you hit it.. it would go ...just a thought...:dunno:

I never had a problem with it so I didn't adjust how I drive to compensate. She's been smooth from day one.

It took me a bit to get use to the accelerator at first. It felt like I was giving throttle, the consumption gauge would react, but the truck didn't go anywhere.

But then I realized I like the sports mode, and learned to not be so hesitant to step on the gas. From what I've noticed, is that if you are driving with a fuel consumption concious right foot, that the tranny's performance is...well....weird. But if you hammer on it, with about a 4500+ shift point, the shifts are silky smooth. As will the truck move like it's suppose to. Alot like the ML, in which it's shifts are seamless.

In my experiences with the BMW's that I've either driven and/or owned, (4cyl, 6cyl, and now v8) none of them made any power till about 4500rpm...And it's increasingly become more pronounced with the VANOS and double VANOS, as these engines won't become efficient until Vanos has stepped in at the upper end of the engine...Having said that....slapping the tranny into tiptronic mode hammered down a 50-90mph curved road and not letting the rpms drop below 5K is an absolute riot. The engine is insanely responsive and the tranny is fun as it allows you time to tap the gas for a perfect rev match downshift. Pedals are also great for any heal/toe situations. Impressed the heck out of me at least. It's a little extreme for a soccer mom SAV, but it asked for it, and I wanted to see it's limits. And seriously, it will not let you get to that point. And although I may get trashed on a bit, but it's performance in the handling department, is moderately comparable to that of my e46 M...

[edit]oops, my ADD seems to have gotten the best of me. As per the OT, I don't find the tranny jerky at all. The tranny is a bit weird, but I've learned it's little quirks, like mashing the pedal for a downshift quickly, has a different reaction than slowly giving more gas.

There might be something in this .. may be it demands a heavy foot, not good for consumption, but maybe BMW decided if your buying a 4.8, that wasnt your priority anyway. I dont dont think I've driven mine enough yet to explore the 'mind' of the box yet. I agree that driving in shift mode is a hoot and can be controlled quite slickly though..

I guess that's why I don't experience a jerky transmission, have I mentioned I'm getting 12.5 mpg?

I am told by my stealer, that BMW is aware of the problems and a software update is in the works. Should be ready in September 08. Lot of help since they have been disecting our 07 E70 for the second time. Re-flashed the tranny and I guess we will just have to live with it until Sept >%{

:yikes:

Wow, you have the Hybrid version then. I'm singing zippity doo-daa out of my a--hole, if I get 10 mpg. 8-9 is about what I'm getting! :rolleyes:

EIGHT f-ing years of production models between the E53 and E70 and BMW still can't write proper transmission software for the X5...amazing! :thumbdown Not entirely unbelievable though as I've worked with other German software that is complete crap too (think: SAP and Protools <can u say "worst-16-bit-dithering-algorithm-ever">).

Do you know if the update is available yet? Lag in throttle response when starting to move and the jerks when coming to a stop are very annoying after almost a year of ownership...

evolver,
On 15 Nov 08 we turned our beasty in to the stealer for the tranny work. I quote from the RO, "Verified Harsh downshift to 1st gear, when coming to a stop with light brake application. Referred to SIB #24 06 08 FOR KNOWN ISSUE (my emphasis). Performed short test to gain sofrware leve in vehicle per SIB. Level is at E070-08-05-520. Software level is (?) needs update per SIB. Updated complete vehicle with software station. 1st attempt not successful (DOH!). AMP failed to program. Performed battery reset overnight. Programmed 2nd time, successful, Calibrated rear window and sunroof. Calibrated steering angle sensor. Set time and date. Set TPM. Road test successful, transmission now shifts properly at this time."
The throttle is still very sensitive and nearly impossible to start off from a stop smoothly. It either lags or jerks a knot in your neck whiplash style. Even with the warmer spring temps, occasionally the tranny will still 'klunk' into first when light brake application is used. The tranny is somewhat better, just not to my liking in this level of vehicle. NOTE: I didn't get the vehicle back until 24 NOV!!!
Needless to say, my sweety is NOT a happy camper! When momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!!! I doubt I could convince her to purchase another BMW after all this. Hope this helps!

Yup, I had my trans reprogrammed after being "comfirmed, trans does shift harsh, reprogrammed, responds better"- well....not too different to me.

After reviewing previous threads, most mirror my experience with this tranny issue. Experimenting with the DS mode, I find that it is easier to modulate the drive-by-wire throttle to get smoother starts. Despite being a 'heavyweight', the X5 does have very brisk acceleration and if you stay in D mode, it will snap your neck to the headrest. Some comments regarding the xDrive make sense to me. The one that does not is in D mode the X5 starts in 2nd gear. That is NOT true! If the computers decide you are trying to accelerate quickly it LEAPS forward; definitly not 2nd gear!!
Despite being taken by the looks, carrying capacity, and spirit of the X5; I would be persuaded to perform illegal acts to obtain an Alpina B5s!!!

Thanks for your additional comments! I spoke with my service adviser and he did not have anything to soothe my pain. In the latest email to him, I mentioned the SIB# you quoted above. Hope this helps a little.

But overall, I'm starting to get disappointed with my X5. It has been in for a failed wheel bearing. Having about 10K miles on it, I start getting a roaring noise in the cabin but this time I think it is the OEM tires. I would not be surprised if it is a bearing again. This jerkiness when stopping/starting is not something I have seen even in a Civic. And the Navigation system just pisses me off with the retarded search function where you must select correct category before you can search. I still don't know what category Discount Tire belongs to. This is definitely not the best way to spend $64K...

evolver, who's your service dealer?

Took mine in recently (to Classic) for transmission issues. They reprogrammed it, but it's not really any smoother. Maybe doesn't do the downshift to 1st kick as much, but otherwise it still sucks.

Is this only a 4.8i problem? or does it affect the 3.0i and diesel as well?

I have an '08 3.0si w/13k miles on it and I've never had the issues described by you 4.8i drivers. Besides from a sometimes "sluggish" response in D mode, no harsh downshifts or jolting starts from a rolling acceleration have been observed.

Could be that the 3.0 I6 engine doesn't generate enough power to illicit that whiplash like sensation to notice or just the fact that the 6spd is paired better in the 6cyl combo. Hope that helps....

I get mine serviced at BMW of Dallas, where I bought it.

This is normal. My 2008 4.8i does it. Sometimes I feel that others on the road might be thinking I'm showing off rev'ng my engine. All I do is is pull to a stop, and then start off slowly. Happens uphill and downhill.

Do a trany reset. Leave the car on position 2 the one before the engine start (were all the dash lights come on) hold the accelerator down all the way for 30 sec and you should hear a noise… that's the result of a successful reset.

Sorry didn't get that. Not sure what u mean by option 2. E70 just have the button to start.

didnt work for me this morning either

I did tis the other day....i didnt hear the noise you mentioned....but the auto does change a lot nicer....not as jerky and seems to be more predicable. thanks for the tip

SI B 24 06 08
Automatic Transmission
October 2008
Technical Service
http://www.bmwtis.net/tsb/bulletins/...mp/graybar.gif

SUBJECT
E70, X5 4.8i with N62TU and 6HP26TU - Various Driveability Complaints

MODEL
E70, X5 4.8iA produced up to 10/08

SITUATION
The customer may complain about one or a combination of the following situations, listed below:

1. Jolts and jerks when pulling away during a 1-2 upshift.
2. 3-4 shift jolts when switching from acceleration to deceleration during or shortly before the shift.
3. Harsh 2-1 downshift (jolt) when coming to a stop with light brake application.
4. Jolts and/or jerks felt when reaccelerating after coasting.
5. Judder when gently accelerating (most noticeable at an engine speed below 2,000 RPM).

CAUSE
DME and EGS software calibration

SOLUTION
On a customer complaint basis only, check the vehicle's integration level.If the integration level is E070-08-05-525 or lower, then reprogram/recode the complete vehicle with a current Progman version (target integration level is E070-08-09-520, available since the release of Progman V31.1).

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty or the Certified Pre-Owned Program.

I had that done and it didn't make any difeerence.