During a scheduled service stop for brake flush, micro-filter replacement, etc (38K miles - /07 530xi) I told my SA that I had seen small oily drops in my driveway where I usually park my car. So, they investigated and found a leak in the "mechantronics sleeve". They installed a sleeve seal. It involved dropping the auto trans pan etc. The transmission oil level was corrected and replenished (according to the work order) with an additional liter of oil.

This week I had a business trip to upstate NY (800 mi r/t) and noticed something that felt like a jerkiness at about 60-65mph on slight grades. That was accompanied by a small shift in rpms. I'll be honest, I haven't driven in hilly terrain in quite some time so I'm not sure it wasn't "normal operation" and the trans making some adjustment for load. But that said, it felt "odd" and something I've not noticed before.

When it first occurred I tried a couple of things ... like a moderate acceleration and forced kick down ... nothing seemed unusual ... no noises, no jerky shifting. But even under normal starts the transmission shifting just doesn't seem as smooth as it used to. I do not was to disguise any trans problems by doing the 25 second reset - at least not until my dealer can investigate and document proper transmission function or problem. Escepcially since my 4 year 50K mile warranty expires at the end of June. So I want any problem on the record! I've had major transmission problems on both my e32 and e38 - AND despite other great engineering work, the automatic transmissions BMW sources are MAJOR problem areas!

I'm hoping it is a simple s/w fix and not the start of something that would potentially be a drivetrain failure.

Has anyone else noted the tendency for BMW automatics (esp xi models) to "hunt" at 60-70 mph on slight grades and if so, is that hunting smooth or jerky?

 

I have the same very jerky down shifts on uphill and down hill grades, and some times from a dead stop. The cleared out the Trans adaption and it seem to get worse. I'm in the same boat with my warranty as it comes up in July ( though I do have the CPO which "should" cover the drive line for another 2 years. I'm fairly concerned about it, and It is going in for a break fluid flush in the next few weeks so I will get them to look at it more.

 

Lou, I would still reset the transmission, as if there IS an issue with the transmission, it will STILL be apparent after the reset. Also if there is NOT a transmission problem, you might just drive away with your car performing the way you expect it to and not have to worry about a trip to the dealer at all! Those are my 2 cents, spend them as you see fit!

 

I've noticed also that on any sort of hill or grade, the transmission in these cars is erratic and harsh. My buddy's 550i experiencing the same thing.

I would say this is probably normal operation for the transmission on hills. I haven't noticed anything like this unless it was a hill of some sort.

My solution: I always drive in manual and this problem doesn't happen in manual

 

Thanks for your advice - I still want to have my dealer document the issue in event I have to have it handled post-warranty.

BTW, 2 cents ... you raised your prices too ??

 

The way the economy is these days, I had to pad my rates!! Besides, it's worth every penny!