[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by MGT81

This whole thread is one big argument for the benefits of driving a manual

wish I bought the manual sigh

[Ml3456]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Zigsman, thanks for all the info on this. I have a GM and have jerky downshifts when coasting in DS, not much in D. Good to know what the options are for fixing.

Ditto.. Thanks Zigman. Do you think changing the fluid every 50K may help this problem?

ML

[Cabobimmer]

Thank you so much! I will order everything and will let you know. I hope this fix the problem for good. I will try to take pictures of the process that might help others.

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by Ml3456

Ditto.. Thanks Zigman. Do you think changing the fluid every 50K may help this problem?

ML

The manufacturer suggests every 100k miles. That is what I am personally sticking to. The LifeGaurd 6 (correct) fluid is specifically engineered for long life and for use in high performance transmissions...or so I am told. It would not hurt to change more frequently, but I try to stay within manufacturer recommendations personally.

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by Cabobimmer

Thank you so much! I will order everything and will let you know. I hope this fix the problem for good. I will try to take pictures of the process that might help others.

If you need any guidance, let me know. I know I have a lot of literature on this and I took photos of my mechatronics unit as well.

[Anthonyv335is]

Originally Posted by zigsman

I did the labor myself. It is easy enough to do with some simple tools you can pickup at Walmart or Harbor Freight. I would suggest you save the labor and do it yourself if you are up to a few hours under the car and saving LOADS in cash. There are some DIY postings on this board for completing the service. Start with that if you plan on doing this yourself. If you need some help with changing the solenoids, let me know and I'll get you some photos and a breakdown...a DIY of sorts.

Here is the cost breakdown:

Parts for the solenoid replacement: $515
Parts for a transmission service: $238

Total: $753

These are parts from the manufacturer (ZF), so no aftermarket parts here... My transmission is a ZF, not the GM. So, I can only speak to the ZF transmission issues. You are not required to complete the transmission service with the solenoid replacement. I did because my car had 120k miles on it when I did this job. Although BMW claims it's "lifetime" fluid, the manufacturer disagrees and sells the kits to do the service as recommended at 100k miles. It's up to you. Just make sure you save the fluid in a good clean container for later use if you are not going to do the service at the same time.

thanks you been great help just got the bmw back today and so far so good smooth changes all day ill give it some more days and report back

[Cabobimmer]

Originally Posted by zigsman

If you need any guidance, let me know. I know I have a lot of literature on this and I took photos of my mechatronics unit as well.

Thanks dude!! I contacted ZF USA so they gave me the correct kit for my car. However they told me that are several software upgrades to fix this issue. I have 2 choices... Send the car to BMW Tijuana by tow, that would cost me $700 plus the software and wait 10 days to go back and forth may be to see that my car still has the same problem or change the selenoids and hope it doesn't need the software upgrade.

What would you do?

Btw do you have a link to a DIY to change the selenoids?

Have a great day!

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by Cabobimmer

Thanks dude!! I contacted ZF USA so they gave me the correct kit for my car. However they told me that are several software upgrades to fix this issue. I have 2 choices... Send the car to BMW Tijuana by tow, that would cost me $700 plus the software and wait 10 days to go back and forth may be to see that my car still has the same problem or change the selenoids and hope it doesn't need the software upgrade.

What would you do?

Btw do you have a link to a DIY to change the selenoids?

Have a great day!

I had my ecu and transmission software updated first...it was the "easiest" fix option, but it did not work in my case. I did a lot of research and found countless folks who had this done. Some said it worked, some said it didn't. I can't tell you either way. All I can say for sure is a software update did not work for me.

I will look for some literature (DIY) on this when I get home from work tonight. I'll post what I have here.

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by zigsman

I had my ecu and transmission software updated first...it was the "easiest" fix option, but it did not work in my case. I did a lot of research and found countless folks who had this done. Some said it worked, some said it didn't. I can't tell you either way. All I can say for sure is a software update did not work for me.

I will look for some literature (DIY) on this when I get home from work tonight. I'll post what I have here.

Take a look at the attachments. These will help you to get the mechatronics out of your transmission and there is also a guide to replacing the seal adapter (which I recommend). Once you have the mechatronics out, set it on a workbench with the solenoids facing you. You will see that there is a black retaining plate that holds the solenoids in place. You will need to remove the retaining plate...and if I remember correctly, you may need to remove the large black plastic piece on the bottom of the unit as well (the TCM). The TCM is held on with a few bolts. Once you get those off, the solenoids just "pop" out. If they give you any grief, simply twist them slightly as you are pulling them straight out. The guides I attached are great! Take a look before you dig in...

[epicazoi]

Zigsman I am in desperate need of picking your brain on this topic sir. I am currently experiencing the "jolt, bump" feel when the vehicle comes to a full stop thus changing from 2-1 gear. Also when I'm on M mode ready to take off and instead of taking off on 2nd as how usually our transmissions do, I move the shifter up to change to 1st and I feel a harsh jerk. I read this whole post on this issue and I'm very confident your fix will be just what I need.

This is what I have tried so far,


I found a local guy here in Dallas who updated my software using the latest ISTA and charged me $120.00.

Original firmware: E89X-05-03-520
Updated to: E89X-13-13-504

This software update unfortunately did not get rid of my issue like others have claimed.


Your help will be eternally appreciated.

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by epicazoi

Zigsman I am in desperate need of picking your brain on this topic sir. I am currently experiencing the "jolt, bump" feel when the vehicle comes to a full stop thus changing from 2-1 gear. Also when I'm on M mode ready to take off and instead of taking off on 2nd as how usually our transmissions do, I move the shifter up to change to 1st and I feel a harsh jerk. I read this whole post on this issue and I'm very confident your fix will be just what I need.

This is what I have tried so far,


I found a local guy here in Dallas who updated my software using the latest ISTA and charged me $120.00.

Original firmware: E89X-05-03-520
Updated to: E89X-13-13-504

This software update unfortunately did not get rid of my issue like others have claimed.


Your help will be eternally appreciated.

I'm confident the solenoid replacement will fix your issue. If you are going to do it yourself, send me a PM and I'll send you documentation to get it done. If you would rather have a shop do it, request that they replace all of the solenoids in the mechatronics (valve body).

[epicazoi]

I'm confident it will too Bud. Excellent I'll start preping to buy everything I need from CTSC.com and will definitely post back my results (I promise I will report back)

I do have a question. I have a ZF 6HP19 transmission, will it be a good idea to replace fluid along with filter? The reason I ask is that ZF recommends this done at 100K and I am at 112K so does it matter?. I don't know if the previous owner took care of this or not.



Regards.

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by epicazoi

I'm confident it will too Bud. Excellent I'll start preping to buy everything I need from CTSC.com and will definitely post back my results (I promise I will report back)

I do have a question. I have a ZF 6HP19 transmission, will it be a good idea to replace fluid along with filter? The reason I ask is that ZF recommends this done at 100K and I am at 112K so does it matter?. I don't know if the previous owner took care of this or not.



Regards.

Absolutely, I changed my fluid at the same time and recommend you do the same. Contrary to what BMW says, the fluid is not truly "lifetime".

[GoRomeo]

Great info guys. Thanks for sharing!!

Im due to do my tranny service since I am at 110k miles. I have no issues but I would like to do it as preventive maitenance along with others. ( I keep saying that...)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

On the loaner your dealer is OK. Many have a 25/26 year old limit on loaners. Its about the insurance coverage & some drive it like you stole it guys screwing it up for the rest of the young guys.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by epicazoi

Zigsman I am in desperate need of picking your brain on this topic sir. I am currently experiencing the "jolt, bump" feel when the vehicle comes to a full stop thus changing from 2-1 gear. Also when I'm on M mode ready to take off and instead of taking off on 2nd as how usually our transmissions do, I move the shifter up to change to 1st and I feel a harsh jerk. I read this whole post on this issue and I'm very confident your fix will be just what I need.

This is what I have tried so far,


I found a local guy here in Dallas who updated my software using the latest ISTA and charged me $120.00.

Original firmware: E89X-05-03-520
Updated to: E89X-13-13-504

This software update unfortunately did not get rid of my issue like others have claimed.


Your help will be eternally appreciated.

Hi there,

Any updates on your issue?
I sometimes feel this "jolt bump" you are talking about. I guess the first things for me to do is changing the fluid since I am at 110k miles and check software version I have. Hopefully is not the mechatronic solenoids.

[epicazoi]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Hi there,

Any updates on your issue?
I sometimes feel this "jolt bump" you are talking about. I guess the first things for me to do is changing the fluid since I am at 110k miles and check software version I have. Hopefully is not the mechatronic solenoids.

Do you feel this when you are about to stop and the tranny is about to downshift from 2-1? if so then yes it is definitely related to what I'm experiencing. What happens when you switch to M mode and before you take off you shift up to 1st? do you feel a jerk?

[zigsman]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Hi there,

Any updates on your issue?
I sometimes feel this "jolt bump" you are talking about. I guess the first things for me to do is changing the fluid since I am at 110k miles and check software version I have. Hopefully is not the mechatronic solenoids.

If you are going to drop the pan to replace the filter and change the fluid, you may as well change the solenoids as well. It sounds like you are having an issue with them anyway, and even if you are not, it is a common issue with these transmissions.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by epicazoi

Do you feel this when you are about to stop and the tranny is about to downshift from 2-1? if so then yes it is definitely related to what I'm experiencing. What happens when you switch to M mode and before you take off you shift up to 1st? do you feel a jerk?

not so much on M mode. M mode is ok I guess. I do feel the bump when I come to a stop on auto only.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by zigsman

If you are going to drop the pan to replace the filter and change the fluid, you may as well change the solenoids as well. It sounds like you are having an issue with them anyway, and even if you are not, it is a common issue with these transmissions.

Thanks for the info. Have you done this tranny service to your car?

[epicazoi]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Thanks for the info. Have you done this tranny service to your car?

Zigsman has done all that and a bag of chips.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by epicazoi

Zigsman has done all that and a bag of chips.