I just bought myself a 2005 X5 4.4i with 28,000 miles on it about 6 months ago. I previously had a 2002 330i. Of course on both of my BMW's I have had to replace the front control arm bushings on both vehicles, which I think is bogus, but hey I enjoy my BMW's, so I deal with it. My issue with the X5 is that I seem to have a transmission that is slipping, and staying stuck in gears. I dont know if I am just overly sensitive to transmission problems, but it does not seem right for it to shift like it does in a 60,000 truck. I will admit I do drive a bit aggressive, but that is why I drive BMWs they are fun! The truck handles great better than some sedans I have driven. It seems like when I am accellerating with out going to redline it is slipping gears as it is upshifting. I am also questioning my capabilities of driving the vehicle somewhat. I have never driven a car with a 6 speed tranny in it, I could be overcompensating for that extra gear. If anyone has some advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Of course it is going in for brakes soon, so I would like to have some info for the service tech so I can explain the issue. Thanks

my x5 also seems to slip on upshifts also. It also seems to downshift oddly under 30mph. I agree, my girlfriends 2001 325i shifts much more smoothly. One of the only disappointments so far. Maybe someone knows of a fix.
Aaron

Yeah that is my only complaint with the truck. Other than that I love it. I just think if Im going to pay the kind of money for a car I would expect it to run a certain way. The way it seems to shift is not condusive to what i would expect. You re right about the downshifts as well. I have noticed that mine will not downshift right away as im coming to a stop and then as im getting very close to stopping it abruptly shifts with a nice little "clunk."

BMW transmissions all use "overlapping shifts" so make them smoother and less abrubt. They also have "curve recognition", and "uphill recognition" that will make them hold out a gear longer before it shifts.

I just got back from the Electronic Transmissions class.

BMW transmissions all use "overlapping shifts" so make them smoother and less abrubt. They also have "curve recognition", and "uphill recognition" that will make them hold out a gear longer before it shifts.

I just got back from the Electronic Transmissions class.


guess that makes sense.
aaron

My truck only shifts smoothly sometimes, it is not a consistant thing. I have an appointment on Wednesday to get things checked out at the dealer, we will see how that goes. Its always the same thing when you go to the dealer, you bring your car in for an issue that you notice, and when the tech drives it, nothing happens, so im keeping my fingers crossed.

BMW transmissions all use "overlapping shifts" so make them smoother and less abrubt. They also have "curve recognition", and "uphill recognition" that will make them hold out a gear longer before it shifts.

I just got back from the Electronic Transmissions class.

If that's what it is, I don't care much for it. The overlapping shifts make it feels like slipping. I'll take the quick abrupt upshift anytime over the sloooooooooooooooow lazy shifts that's in the X5.

One thing I noticed on my X5 is that the overlapping shifts (slow lazy ass shifts) only happen roughly below 2.5k and over 4.5k part of the rev band. Anything else in between seems to shift as an automatic should...quick and snappy.

Well I had my service appointment yesterday. Besides the brakes, I explained my concerns to them about the transmission. They looked at it and said that there was no mechanical malfunction. The reason for the trouble with the tranny was due to the fact that I bought it used. They told me that when the car is purchased new the adapters in the transmission adapt to fit the driver. So when it is purchased again, its not reset for the new driver... (i personally think that is stupid, i always buy 1 year preowned cars and have never had this issue) However stupid i may think it is, they reset the adapters, and it drives like a champ!!! Now it does like I would expect a BMW to.

Well I had my service appointment yesterday. Besides the brakes, I explained my concerns to them about the transmission. They looked at it and said that there was no mechanical malfunction. The reason for the trouble with the tranny was due to the fact that I bought it used. They told me that when the car is purchased new the adapters in the transmission adapt to fit the driver. So when it is purchased again, its not reset for the new driver... (i personally think that is stupid, i always buy 1 year preowned cars and have never had this issue) However stupid i may think it is, they reset the adapters, and it drives like a champ!!! Now it does like I would expect a BMW to.

So it shifts more smoothly? or more jerkily? How is it different? And is this the same as the vaunted hold your key in position #2 trick?
Aaron

common issue on the x5's, re-program the egs, dme, and instrument cluster. if that doesnt fix it, then replace the trans. the adaptation of the transmission is always working, it will adapt to the way you drive, as you are driving it.

I've never programmed an instrument cluster for a transmission issue. Then again, I've had to replace a GM for a power steering issue...:eyecrazy

Also, resetting transmission adaptations is only for when you replace the transmission.
Note: DO NOT clear adaptation values unless directed to do so by technical assistance.
Clearing pressure adaptations should not be done to resolve a customer
complaint. The only time that you would need to do so is after a transmission or
valve body replacement or software change.
Also it is important not to confuse pressure adaptation with AGS features. AGS
features will be discussed later in this chapter. AGS features are not stored on a
long term basis and will not be cleared when the pressure adaptations are
cleared. Note: Driving style is NOT stored.
Straight from the ST057 book. Unless PuMA told them to do that, their warranty claim is going to be kicked back.

I've never programmed an instrument cluster for a transmission issue. Then again, I've had to replace a GM for a power steering issue...:eyecrazy

Also, resetting transmission adaptations is only for when you replace the transmission.

Straight from the ST057 book. Unless PuMA told them to do that, their warranty claim is going to be kicked back.

PuMA did for all the cases ive had for the x5's

screw puma they are no help at all they are just shoes lol.....