I have a 2004 545i with Steptronic. Over the past few months, I've started to notice a vibration, or jerky motion, when I am coming to a stop or pulling away from a stop. It seems to be getting worse over time. The motion feels like I am driving on cobble stones, and it only happens when I'm in 1st gear. It's most noticeable when I'm on a slight uphill grade with my foot on the brake, then let off the brake and let the car slowly move uphill without pressing the gas. The car jerks forward every half-second, like there's some sort of oscillation.

Could it be a transmission issue, or maybe software related? I haven't had any software updates for nearly a year, and I've hear that the newer updates have smoothed out the transmission.

Anyone else experience this? Before I talk to the dealership, I like to know if there are other people with the same issue.

 

Was your ride by any chance manufactured between Aug and Nov 2004? I've been observing and most guys who complain about vibrations and anything else engine related have had their rides manufactured during that period; yours truely included.

 

i noticed a vibration at stop only, it was much improved with a software update. Take the car in.

 

UPDATE:

I took my 545 to the dealer and they say the vibration I described is caused by the Valvetronic problem that plagued many 2004 models. Apparently, one of the cylinders isn't firing properly at low RPMs and causing the jerky motion. They are replacing the valve lifters and it will take about a week.

I read back through some of the postings here from others describing the Valvetronic problem and their descriptions do sound similar to my problem, but not exactly the same. I really hope the dealer is right on this...