'08 E60 550 low rpm hesitation, slow throttle response
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New Members
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
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From: OC, Ca.
What you are experiencing is the adaptive transmission function which seems to be stuck in an economy mode, and yes performing the pedal reset will improve your situation. Drive-by-wire is not always fun and I almost wish we can go back to direct mechanically-linked throttle cables. The E39 used throttle cables and the E60 was the first to use an electronic throttle connection. Hopefully BMW fixed this with the F10.
You will know a pedal reset is needed if you apply light throttle from a stop and for a second nothing happens. As you apply a little more throttle, the car abruptly moves forward making it impossible to take off smoothly. Some people seem to require frequent resets. In my case, the first reset lasted for several months and I noticed the problem resurfaced this past week. So I had to reset again. I wonder if there is a way to disable the adaptive function and leave it in a performance "map" mode?
You will know a pedal reset is needed if you apply light throttle from a stop and for a second nothing happens. As you apply a little more throttle, the car abruptly moves forward making it impossible to take off smoothly. Some people seem to require frequent resets. In my case, the first reset lasted for several months and I noticed the problem resurfaced this past week. So I had to reset again. I wonder if there is a way to disable the adaptive function and leave it in a performance "map" mode?
Yes exactly what i'm feeling. I'll try the reset and see how long it last. I'll also talk to Bullit to see what a tune can do .
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 214
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From: Calgary, AB
My Ride: 2008 550i M-sport, retrofitted heated M-sport steering wheel with paddles, Sport-auto transmission
Great description of the problem. It <may> be caused by a s/w issue, and there was a SIB released for certain build dates. I had this exact issue when I first purchased my '08 550 (build 03/07), and it was resolved with a software update back in early '09 -- I haven't experienced the issue since.
My dealer covered the s/w update under warranty, but I was also in for a couple of other issues which would have required the update - so no way to tell whether the update was performed specific to this issue or the other(s). A member on another 5-series forum attempted to have the update done under warranty, but his dealer wouldn't cover it based on the build date of the car.
I can only speak to my experience, but the s/w update (full car) resolved the issue entirely and it has never come back. The 20-sec reset trick appears to be a temporary fix, but most people seem to have to do this regularly to keep the issue at bay...
My dealer covered the s/w update under warranty, but I was also in for a couple of other issues which would have required the update - so no way to tell whether the update was performed specific to this issue or the other(s). A member on another 5-series forum attempted to have the update done under warranty, but his dealer wouldn't cover it based on the build date of the car.
I can only speak to my experience, but the s/w update (full car) resolved the issue entirely and it has never come back. The 20-sec reset trick appears to be a temporary fix, but most people seem to have to do this regularly to keep the issue at bay...
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
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From: Southern California
My Ride: 2006 550i
Although this is a very common complaint with 6HP26 cars, I can say that mine is overall (90% of the time) normal feeling after the last update a few weeks ago (done under CPO). I pretty much keep the car in DS all of the time, too. Much less lugging around town, and it downshifts nicely with engine braking that way...
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
My Ride: 2008 550i
Model Year: 2008
Too bad it didn't work... I'm curious about this software update as well. Any way we can program it without having to go to the dealer?
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
The 25 second reset, works every time, I just perform it when I'm sitting at the gas station waiting for the tank to fill! 
I have my wife doing the same on her X5 with every refill too!
I have my wife doing the same on her X5 with every refill too!
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
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From: Southern California
My Ride: 2006 550i
Good idea- I like the gas idea; it becomes more routine. I do mine every week or so, but the more your keep the car in learning mode, the better. Pretty much any traffic-based part-throttle stuff guarantees you'll be locked in old-lady from pasadena mode... 
