When in sport mode I have had issues with the tranny making a hard downshift to 3rd coming up an incline, when not necessary. Then upon reaching the top of the grade it holds 3rd too long, skips 4th and goes quickly to 5th.

I took the car into the dealer and they advised that a service bulletin came out earlier in April that may apply to a software update. They have opened a puma case and are waiting for a reply from BMW.

Anyone else out there with a similar issue?

I don't have the problem but here is the SIB

SI B 24 03 09 Automatic Transmission April 2009 Technical Service

SUBJECT
550i and 650i with N62TU and 6HP26 - Various Drivability Complaints

MODEL
E60, 550iA produced from 09/05 up to 02/07

E63, E64; 650i produced from 09/05 up to 09/07

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

1. Intermittent harsh 4-3, 3-2 or 2-1 downshift (jolt) when coming to a stop with light brake application.

2. Jolts and/or jerks felt when reaccelerating after coasting.

3. Judder when gently accelerating (most noticeable at an engine speed below 2,000 RPM).

CAUSE
DME and EGS software calibration

SOLUTION
Program the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.33.0 or later, using the path "Conversion" and "Downshift behavior". After this modification, the k-word "HADS" will be added to the Vehicle Order.

Note that ISTA/P will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software.

For information on programming and coding with ISTA/P, refer to CenterNet / Aftersales Portal / Service / Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming".

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

Defect Code: 24 00 33 98 00


Labor Operation: Labor Allowance: Description:
61 00 801* 7 FRU Programming coding modules without CAS

61 00 811* 8 FRU Programming coding modules including CAS
*Main Work - use this labor operation number when this is the only repair being performed, or if this is
the main repair when performed along with other repairs at the same time. If this is not the main
repair, refer to KSD for the associated (+) labor operation code.

Thanks very much. I will discuss this with the service adviser.

I just got a reply from my service adviser. Apparently the last program update concerning transmission issues was for cars prior to my April '08 build. The answer from the puma case was was that this is "normal" transmission programming for "hill ascent" reaction, and the hill ascent function cannot be turned on or off. My service adviser told me that he believes this has been a common complaint because of the answer he recieved.

I have driven a lot of cars over the years and I know this is not a "normal" shifting program. In fact, since my car has been in the shop they have given me 2 different 335's, 1 sedan and 1 coupe. Neither shifted anything like this car and a friends 545 does not. I wonder what it takes to get BMWNA to press Germany for a programming fix for an issue? Hopefully something will come along soon to address this.