I’m getting a slightly hard down shift. It used to be down shifting to 3rd and now I feel something when down shifting to 2nd.
I’ve had a recent software update. What other things could it be?

 

Since you drive an '04, when's the last time you performed a transmission flush / pan replace? If you haven't been keeping up to date on this critical service, you need to start NOW.

 

I don't recall ever having that done unless it was done when the transmission was replaced 50k miles ago.

 

Did they replace mechatronics when they replaced the transmission?

May be worth swapping fluid/filter/pan and changing solenoids

This fixed all the jerky/hiccup'y, slow shifting into reverse, error messages when driving it hard errors..

Video I did of changing mine:

 

Very impressive!

 

Dealer is stating that this should be the fix:

Replace transmission pan complete, sleeve, plug, &
replace all fluid.
$1,650.00


Does this sound right?

 

It may fix it

but $1650 is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. ZF fluid, a new pan w/new filter total is about $250. The sleeve is like $20 if I remember right

$1300 in labor is well, ridiculous

 

I just obtained a new pan, 6 liters of ZF lifeguard fluid, 24 pan bolts, and a new mechatronic sealing sleeve shipped to my door for $330. So assuming those part prices, $1300 in labor charges to do what they're suggesting is absolute robbery. Seriously, I wish people would consider not taking their cars to the dealer unless it is absolutely necessary. You get much better attention to detail at independents, and even MORE attention to detail if you do it yourself. I literally watched a woman with a run of the mill E90 get quoted over $3000 for four tires and an alignment today at a dealer. Three grand....

if you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, find a qualified BMW indy that will do it for you. ZF has strict filling requirements with regard to temperature, so make sure whoever does this is aware of the proper way to do it.

I would certainly hope that if you had a complete transmission replacement 50K miles ago, your solenoids aren't already failing. Who replaced the transmission for you?

I see you're in DC. I lived just outside of the city for over 20 years. Let me know if you need a couple of recommendations for BMW independents up that way. I used to work for one.

good luck with the car.

 

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

They are stating the labor will take: REPAIR 5.0 HRS

 

So they're charging $260/hr?

Does not compute