|
|
|
|
|
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Transmission shifting poorly at low speed
|
|
06-13-2012, 09:27 PM | #1 |
Private First Class
20
Rep 120
Posts |
Transmission shifting poorly at low speed
When I am driving my car at very slow speeds like in parking lots or along the streets in my neighborhood, the transmission shifts very oddly. It's like it can't make up its mind what gear it wants to be in and the shifting is very jerky--for lack of a better word.
Has anyone ever experienced this before or know of a solution to this problem? It's quite irritating. It only really happens when I'm in the low gears and at low speeds. My car has 72k on the clock. I'm hoping it might just need a software update or some other easy fix. Surely, the transmission doesn't have enough miles to be crapping out on me, does it? |
06-13-2012, 10:10 PM | #2 |
Colonel
103
Rep 2,783
Posts |
Try changing the fluid and/or reset adaptations? Both topics are on here, do a search.
__________________
If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2012, 03:14 PM | #4 |
Private
2
Rep 50
Posts |
I'm not sure ,hope i'm not talking stupid but i think it does so unitl the trans oil warms up. Mine does the same in the morning especially, i drive like 200meters and it feels better. I also been planing to change the filter and oil allthough in my service book it's stamped that it's changed but you never know. Isn't there some additive that you mix the oil with that cleans the valves and stuff, something like for the fuel system?
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-16-2013, 06:43 PM | #5 |
earossi
2
Rep 3
Posts |
Same types of issues with my 2011 335xi. Under light throttle, the car starts off in 1st, but then immediately shifts to 2nd which bogs the car down. And, when coming to a stop, the tranny often appears to not downshift into 1st. When I start out, there is a hesitation and the tranny then appears to drop into 1st with a "clunk". Under hard throttle, the tranny seems to shift out ok.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-16-2013, 10:23 PM | #7 |
Captain
40
Rep 679
Posts |
I agree with these guys.....
It could be the software.....but more likely you need at least a fluid flush and new filter in the tranny....it is DIYable but not all that easy....you must top off the fluid while the car is running and do everything from under the car. (at least on my 07 its that way) You have either a Z type of tranny or on some older models, a GM tranny. there are posts here dealing with this...what it comes down to in some cases is that the tranny fluid looses its friction charactaristics....or in other words gets worn out and dirty....Change the fluid first after you try the simple software reset. (See DIY) The torque converter in the tranny is getting confused...and is not sure when to "lock up" or engage the motor fully....the lockup clutch inside the torque converter is just that...a clutch...it needs the fluid to be in good shape in order for it to do what it is supposed to...that is, smoothly lock against the spinning motor. If you catch it soon enough, you may not need a new torque converter....but get right on it if you can...waiting only wears the parts more... JP |
Appreciate
0
|
02-16-2013, 11:06 PM | #8 |
Captain
42
Rep 659
Posts |
do you have experience where updating the software works? i got the same problem. basically it shift crappy when cold, good when warmed up. I've changed my atf and it's better but still not solved. I've reset adaptations, no help. only thing i haven't done is updating the software but this cost.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 09:00 AM | #9 |
Private
4
Rep 86
Posts |
Has anyone had luck addressing this under CPO warranty? My E93 SULEV is very eratic shifting at low speed, especially when cold. I've mentioned it to the dealer but of course "road tested, no trouble found"
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 09:33 AM | #10 |
Lieutenant Colonel
202
Rep 1,950
Posts
Drives: 335i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: FortWorth, Texas
|
my trans blew at 87k miles and i serviced it 3 times. if you drive it like you stole it don't be surprised. i wasn't haha
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 10:31 AM | #11 |
Colonel
2905
Rep 2,774
Posts
Drives: 2020 M4 ZCP / 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northern VA
|
I've noticed the same thing but I only have 36k miles. And it almost always happens when the engine is cold. After a few minutes of driving, it goes away. Something I should get it looked since I'm still under warranty?
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 11:48 AM | #12 |
Brigadier General
1658
Rep 4,899
Posts |
There is nothing wrong with it. When the engine is cold, it's idling higher, and the fluids tend to be at higher pressures (since they are thick).
Once the tranny warms up, and the engine revs drop, it will shift fine again. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 12:29 PM | #13 |
Major General
456
Rep 6,478
Posts |
If its a cold start the car will be sluggish until fluids warm up a bit, if youre still bogging after a few blocks then it could be time for a service. And +1 to what sammy said, if youre hammering down torque and launching it everywhere things are gunna break..
__________________
E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP
F30 N55 XDrive EBII |
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 06:15 PM | #14 | |
Second Lieutenant
40
Rep 290
Posts |
Quote:
No worries...all auto trans act like this until they warm up.
__________________
2011 BMW 335i XDrive Msport (auto)
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-17-2013, 07:03 PM | #15 |
Aberry is a scammer
560
Rep 5,507
Posts
Drives: SGM E92 335i, AM E90 335i
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
|
AT or MT? If AT try resetting your transmission computer.. Theres a sequence where you hold down the brake pedal, etc while the car is off that'll reset it to factory settings. The AT transmission adapts to how you drive and if you've been driving poorly it may cause it to shift roughly. Let me know if that doesn't make sense... I almost confused myself writing this lol.
Or it could be just a plain ol software fix. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-18-2013, 01:25 AM | #16 | |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 40
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-18-2013, 07:39 AM | #17 | |
Second Lieutenant
40
Rep 290
Posts |
Quote:
I'm not saying there isn't any variance but bottom line the trans isn't going to shift at its best until the fluid is up to normal operating temps. And I'm not sure what your temps are like where you live, but when I am referring to cold temps I'm talking under 20 degrees when my car is sitting outside overnight.
__________________
2011 BMW 335i XDrive Msport (auto)
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-18-2013, 08:53 AM | #18 | |
Lieutenant
64
Rep 553
Posts |
Quote:
Most trannies act a little odd until they reach operating temp.
__________________
Montego Blue E90 335i
7" VRSF IC | OFT Tune | DCI | RB PCV | Secondary CAT Delete & CYBA 3.75" Tips | M3 Front | Mtech Rear | CSL Trunk | 219M | KW V1 | AA CP |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-18-2013, 09:47 AM | #19 | |
Brigadier General
1658
Rep 4,899
Posts |
Quote:
If you have the automatic 335, it "feels" like a manual at low speed once it locks up the drivetrain. At low speeds you even get that "chug" like a manual would. It's the trade off for an auto that can compete directly with the manual for performance, vs one that's all about comfort. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-18-2013, 11:14 AM | #20 |
Jumping Jack Flash
324
Rep 1,692
Posts
Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: California (east of Sacramento)
|
335d 6AT Steptronic
The 2011 E90 335d I have is slow to shift on cold mornings until I have gone about 1/2 mile, then it acts normally afterward. So I just drive it like the grandpa I am during that warm-up period.
__________________
2021 X3 M40i: M Sport Differential, Adaptive M Suspension.
Previous BMWs: 1971 BMW 2002, 1973 BMW R75/5, and 2011 BMW 335d Previous Other Vehicles: '67 Cougar, '70 911e, '86 Jetta Diesel, '05 and '12 Foresters, et al. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-18-2013, 12:08 PM | #22 |
Brigadier General
186
Rep 4,732
Posts
Drives: Alpine White '13 550i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Tarzana, CA
|
Do you warm it up before driving?
|
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|