Disappointing Gearbox Performance 550i
11-18-2008 | 03:59 PM
#1
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I realize the 550i has a well known issue with what has been described as throttle hesitation. I've considered the Sprint Booster upgrade and tried the 25 second reset, but I'm absolutely shocked that this issue hasn't been addressed by BMW. Why am I left to fix this issue by trading solutions with other BMW enthusiasts?
I've owned a Audi A8, Lexus GS400, both of which were equipped with steptronic or manual shift options within a automatic transmission and neither one exhibited this tendency.
It's beginning to piss me off.
I've owned a Audi A8, Lexus GS400, both of which were equipped with steptronic or manual shift options within a automatic transmission and neither one exhibited this tendency.
It's beginning to piss me off.
11-18-2008 | 04:22 PM
#2
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From: Western Washington
My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
What year 550i and transmission do you have? If you have an SAT (and the Step, I think, though I haven't owned one), in Drive mode it is starting off in 2nd gear, and has very sluggish (low) shift points... it's pretty much how BMW made the EPA numbers to avoid the gas guzzler tax, in my view. Press the Sport button, or drive with the shifter in the left position, and you'll like the responsiveness much better.
Cal
Cal
11-19-2008 | 02:29 AM
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Originally Posted by calpalmer' post='724567' date='Nov 18 2008, 09:22 PM
What year 550i and transmission do you have? If you have an SAT (and the Step, I think, though I haven't owned one), in Drive mode it is starting off in 2nd gear, and has very sluggish (low) shift points... it's pretty much how BMW made the EPA numbers to avoid the gas guzzler tax, in my view. Press the Sport button, or drive with the shifter in the left position, and you'll like the responsiveness much better.
Cal
Cal
When you drive in the sport mode, do you have the same slight hesitation?
Terry
11-19-2008 | 05:07 AM
#4
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The hesitation, in my humble opinion, still exists in all modes but it is drastically reduced by engaging either D/S or SPORT. Its an inherent characteristic of these vehicles and not something that BMW or any other car manufacturer for that matter will address. Purchase yourself a SB and turn that frown upside down. 
11-19-2008 | 09:12 AM
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From: Lahore, Pakistan <---> Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Silver Metallic w/Sport Automatic Transmission, Ventilated Comfort Seats in Beige Nasca Leather, Light Poplar Trim, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Night Vision, Active Cruise Control, Logic 7, Blue tooth Hands Free, Dynamic Stability, Soft Close.
Mods: RPI Exhaust, Scoop + FIlter, License plate LED lights
where would be the best place to buy a Sprint booster from..?
11-19-2008 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by JDoug550' post='725031' date='Nov 19 2008, 10:07 AM
The hesitation, in my humble opinion, still exists in all modes but it is drastically reduced by engaging either D/S or SPORT. Its an inherent characteristic of these vehicles and not something that BMW or any other car manufacturer for that matter will address. Purchase yourself a SB and turn that frown upside down.
11-20-2008 | 04:40 AM
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Originally Posted by nyceric03' post='725958' date='Nov 19 2008, 11:49 PM
I'd blame the govt etc for making rules to keep you safe, I assume the hesitation helps people from rear ending each other too easily.
The 550 with ZSP & SAT is every bit the luxo cruiser & beast I had hoped for when I plunked down my $70k.
11-20-2008 | 05:23 AM
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My Ride: 2007 550i, Mystic Blue over Auburn, 6-Manual, Sports, Premium, Cold Weather, Logic 7, Nav, Sirius, MTec Front & Sides with M5 rear apron, VIS Penta carbon fiber vented hood, OEM M166s, (or Style 101M with winter 19 Blizzaks), BMW Blue Calipers, Custom Quad Exhaust and M5 side grills, trunk finisher and spoiler. Rogue Octane SSK/WSR and Zeckhausen CDV, BMW illuminated shift knob, Delivered 4/26/06 - Ordered 3/18/06 from Otto's (the Best) BMW Dealership.
Originally Posted by gill964' post='724556' date='Nov 18 2008, 07:59 PM
I realize the 550i has a well known issue with what has been described as throttle hesitation. I've considered the Sprint Booster upgrade and tried the 25 second reset, but I'm absolutely shocked that this issue hasn't been addressed by BMW. Why am I left to fix this issue by trading solutions with other BMW enthusiasts?
I've owned a Audi A8, Lexus GS400, both of which were equipped with steptronic or manual shift options within a automatic transmission and neither one exhibited this tendency.
It's beginning to piss me off.
I've owned a Audi A8, Lexus GS400, both of which were equipped with steptronic or manual shift options within a automatic transmission and neither one exhibited this tendency.
It's beginning to piss me off.
