I'm making this a sticky and merging all new AT threads from the main page into this one (I can not move older threads into this one because it will insert the previous messages above/before this post).
The problem: A portion of 2007-08 X3s built between 9/2006 and 11/2007 my have possible faulty transmission software programming. This affects X3s equipped with the 6-speed automatic gearbox. The gearbox may fail to respond to throttle inputs, fail to engage a lower gear, or downshift very roughly in normal Drive mode. The problem is not exhibited in manual mode. Cold temperatures may or may not make the shifting quality worse.
The BMW fix There is a software update, this is the latest release as of 10/07
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B24 08 07 dated May 2007.
SUBJECT
GM6 - Various Transmission and Driveability Complaints MODEL
E83 (X3) with 6L45R (GM6) automatic transmission produced from 8/2006 up to 10/2007
SITUATION
The customer may complain of transmission shift quality or driveability issues, as described in the situations below:
1. There is a delay in throttle response through the 1-2 upshift when accelerating from a stop.
2. There is a lack of power or hesitation when reapplying throttle, during either a 4-3 or 3-2 tip-in downshift. This may occur after slowing with a closed throttle.
3. Harsh downshifts when slowing on a roadway with a rising gradient (EGS is in a hill program).
CORRECTION
In the event of a customer complaint, reprogram the EGS using only Progman V27.02.00 or higher. The latest X3 EGS software may be identified as: 0489RZ0RS450 R0FN10 using the following diagnosis path:
Control-module functions / EGS transmission control Diagnosis requests / Status, data reference
It is important that the DME is also at the latest software level. Refer to SI B12 17 07 for more information concerning the DME software identification and improvements.
DO NOT perform the transmission adaptation under Service Functions, as prompted on the Progman screen. This test module is not functional and will be removed in a future DIS DVD release.
Always refer to SI B 24 11 07 for more information regarding GM6 transmission terminology, adaptation functionality, and adaptation procedures. Important notes:
* The transmission must be in the "Park" position, otherwise the programming may abort with the following error:
* Only use an approved BMW battery charger set to PS (Power Supply) mode and properly configured for the applicable battery AH rating.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances. If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.
My X3 is still not working correctly with the transmision.
However, I did throw in the "Oh Geez Factor" that the thing was now leaking "Can't they do anything right?"
This was brought on by my "I know what I'm Doing" arrogance with installing the speakers in the doors, even though a lot of people flinched and warned me there might be repercussions. So when it's my fault its my fault.
The past few days with this one 528xi has given me a better picture of why people defend and love thier BMW's so vigorously.
You should make them an offer on your loaner 528ix.
Stick with a winner I say.
The 528 is a great vehicle; in another whole class from the X3.
You and the X are just never going to be right again.
I think your safe since this site is not run or owned by BMW.
However, try to keep your identity anonymous by not divulging key information as BMWNA does have a service they call "Vatkens" that scans BMW websites.
It is a service designed to help, but in light of the money at risk with all these faulty cars its only human nature to use whatever information is at their disposal to gain the upper hand.
As far as the SIB updates. Who knows at this point. I have yet to get a straight answer since BMWNA is not communicating to its clients, and that is the majority of the problem.
If anything BMWNA has brought this on themselves by their lack of proper communication.
The key to my suggestions are to let you make the choice that is best for you with legal advice, not what is best for BMWNA.
A good lawyer will help weed out all the BS and get to the heart of the matter.
However, try to keep your identity anonymous by not divulging key information as BMWNA does have a service they call "Vatkens" that scans BMW websites.
The Porsche Cayenne had a hesitation problem. It pissed allot of owners off, and allot didn't care, but it turns out it was just how the car was designed. On the facelifted version, you can escape the problem completely only if you are in sport mode.
DD the problem is that the explanations are sweeping generalizations to the BMW line. Not this one vehicle, I have heard on more than several occasions from my shop foreman to many others across the nation (via Bimmefest posts) that BMW's are designed to "Feel" the upshift.
Yet when I drive any of the loaners that don't have the GM6 trannsmission this "Feel' does not occur.
And it's not just me with my one year experience of BMW but multiple well respected posters that see the same flaw in the explanations.
I think I have a solution. As soon as the buyout on my lease is reasonably close to market value, I'm ditching this thing. I'll try my luck with another mfg. There's lots of them out there.
Hey matti, that is NOT a "solution", but you have paid good money to learn a lesson. For me, I paid a premium car price and for over a year, the SD is unusable, the ride in D is bad 50% of the time. Anyway I looked at it, I paid good money for a bad return, and no one can compensate me the years' bad experience. (and counting)
One thing I notice though nobody seems to have mentioned, under similar situation, one day it seems shifting better than the other for no apparent reason.
I'm with you ML. While the "lease" approach was more affordable up front (and my first ever lease of a vehicle), I fully expected to buy my X3 at the lease end, and keep the X3 for many, many years. I drove my first BMW for 16+ years. I have been driving my second BMW for 5 years and have no plans at this point to rid myself of it. But for my erratic transmission performance with this X3, I have little to no doubt I would have kept it. The notion of leasing with no practical reason/option for buying the vehicle I've come to know over the term of the lease is disappointing, at best.
I think others of us have been discussing the erratic or intermittent nature of this performance problem. Just today again, after almost 2 weeks without it happening, I experienced one of those very brief bursts of unintended acceleration in D mode - very brief, but noticeable nonetheless. The car otherwise has driven fine today. Go figure. Again, another reminder out of nowhere that I shouldn't trust the thing.
after almost 2 weeks without it happening, I experienced one of those very brief bursts of unintended acceleration in D mode - very brief, but noticeable nonetheless.
I am pretty sure I am jinxing myself here but moments of unintended acceleration is one feature that my AT has yet to exhibit. I guess you paid more for your X3 as I am sure its "supposed to do that".
Perhaps I felt like I got rubbed the wrong way. My apologies to AD. Life is short and I don't have time to chase BMW and really don't need the frustration. Since BMW refuses to comment we do not know if there will be a fix forthcoming. I'm not chasing my tail for another 2 years. It's time to move on. If others wish to fight the battle then go ahead. Some people will make crusades out of these things. There is a guy in the office talking to a lawyer because the wheel keeps braking on his $500 baby stroller! I've got better things to do like focus on my new (to me) Porsche.
As I've said before, the tranny/throttle is about 95% now but it's still not pleasant vehicle to drive in the city and I can't accept it. I can't accept that for $700/mo.
Matti, I'm glad that you can keep a different attitude than me.
Me I think exposing a life threatening and very costly lie is a responsibilty we have as owners.
I now have my X3 back from the water leak problem that was my fault due to poor choice of an stereo installer, but that is another story.
The difference between the 528xi (the loaner I had) with the ZP something something trannsmission is unmistakably better than the X3.
The 328xi were jsut as good, and the best part is the Service Manager swears the trannsmission on the 328xi is different from the X3 so of course it drives different. Lol
This vehicle ( the 528xi) had 127 miles on it so had no time to "Adapt" to anyone's driving style, yet it glided through shifts up and down in normal "D" mode like there were no gear changes.
I have taken up a "Crusade" for the obvious reasons I have stated before, but I have taken it up also because I detest liars.
And to tell people its their fault for the past year and not to admit there is a problem doesn't get any bigger as a lie.
Look up X3 trannsmission problems and you will see this problem is more wide spread than this site.
some dealers really are just stupid. I was once told by a honda dealer (this was LONG LONG ago when i was looking to replace the 71 2002 and still really really young) that the Civic I was looking at had 4 wheel disc brakes... when you could clearly see drums through the wheel covers, which i was told also were alloys.
I was also told that the sunroof in my 06 X3, though a slightly different issue, was SUPPOSED to make noise and rattles as it was "designed that way" by the engineers.
Why can't they just fess up and either a: admit they don't have the answer instead of making one up, or b: admit there is a problem.
Interesting point of information....It seems not all 2007 X3 models were built with the 6AT. The ones that go to Australia have the 5AT..:dunno: http://www.bmw.com.au/scripts/main.asp?PageID=11975
Vehicle 2007 BMW X3 si
Price $83,000 (Price excludes statutory charges)
Kilometres 1,578
Body 4 door Wagon
Colour Monaco Blue Metallic
Trim Sand Beige Lethernevada
Transmission 5 speed Automatic
Engine 6 cylinder Unleaded Multi-point injected 3.0L (2979cc)
Appointment this week for Transmission Hesitation. What to say?
Does anyone have advice on how to approach the AT hesitation issue on first visit? I've been noticing the problem since about 3K miles (just hit 10K) and am finally taking it in because the battery light flashes every morning as well. I want them to re-program the software without telling me I'm imagining something. I'll be taking the car to New Century in Alhambra CA. What is the correct service bulletin number? Is it true that the Jan 08 update was pulled? My issue isn't as severe as some of the other postings and does not happen when in SD mode. It's still bothersome and the lag can be potentially dangerous. Thanks all!
Does anyone have advice on how to approach the AT hesitation issue on first visit? I've been noticing the problem since about 3K miles (just hit 10K) and am finally taking it in because the battery light flashes every morning as well. I want them to re-program the software without telling me I'm imagining something. I'll be taking the car to New Century in Alhambra CA. What is the correct service bulletin number? Is it true that the Jan 08 update was pulled? My issue isn't as severe as some of the other postings and does not happen when in SD mode. It's still bothersome and the lag can be potentially dangerous. Thanks all!
The last SIB update did not work and was pulled back. In one reported case it did more damage than good.
Have the SA take you out in a NON GM6 transmission BMW such as a X5 or 5 series sedan AT, then have him/her take a spin in your X3. There's a big difference.
Whatever they tell you: It's not your driving style, and the transmission "adaptive" feature is not the culprit. They have many "Canned" excuses (seems all dealers say the same thing which makes it equally more suspicious that BMWNA knows they have a problem.)
Cold weather seems to bring out the worst in the GM6 transmission.
If you feel this is a serious problem as many do...report it to the NHSTA under recall and complaints. The more that are filed the sooner BMWNA will have to own up and fix this right. They ahve had over a year to correct this mistake and it is not surfacing in the 08 models.
Please post your experience with your dealer, SA, and BMW. All of us would love to put this to rest sooner than later.
My 07 X3 is in the shop for the third time getting its latest software update for the transmission problem. This time they also found a leaking seal or gasket. They've had it for 3 days now.
I love the car other than these transmission problems. Question is, has the problem truly been fixed in the newest 08 models? If I order one, will it be ok? I've spent the evening test driving other SUVs and can't find one that compares.
My 07 X3 is in the shop for the third time getting its latest software update for the transmission problem. This time they also found a leaking seal or gasket. They've had it for 3 days now.
I love the car other than these transmission problems. Question is, has the problem truly been fixed in the newest 08 models? If I order one, will it be ok? I've spent the evening test driving other SUVs and can't find one that compares.
The newest X3s do not appear to have issues. Some '08s are affected. The cutoff date is 11/07 production. I drove a 11/07 build X3 as a loaner and it had no unusual symptoms. Others with later build dates seem to have no complaints as well.
Azn I really hate to contradict you but driving one of the newer X3's for a day is not a fair review of the transmission problem.
After driving a 5 series for a week I can tell you there is a HUGE difference in shifting. Some would even say that is not a fair comparison or enough time.
Some people have had their vehicles several thousand miles before this surfaced.
In fact a good number of the people that are currently unhappy with their X3's were originally nay-sayers to the problem.
Plus I recall when you drove the 08 it was relatively warmer weather and the problem really shows itself at 32 degrees and below.
There seems to be the same ratio of bad 08's as 07's. The big difference is that there has been a huge drop in X3 sales so the numbers can't be tabulated yet.
There was a poll specifically referring to the 07/08 transition before this thread was consolidated that showed the number of complaintants is growing not diminishing.
I like many of the features and functions of the X3 as well, but the transmission issue has not been fixed. There are not any other real competitors with consideration to handling, but if you are to order an AT go in with both eyes open. The transmission issue has not been fixed or they would apply it to all the outstanding vehicles that have voiced their dissatisfaction.
Evl, I totally agree with you. I can't believe how I would have bought my x3 after 2 test drive of the demos (in Nov 06). As I have said, one day I drive it, all seems better but another day the worst came back. Its like going to a casino, no kidding. Also, problems with cold weather doesn't mean it will get better after the car has warmed up, it stays bad for the whole trip (up to an hour). Its worst in slow city driving or bumper to bumper traffic. And, it gives you unpredictable jolts every once a while. Can someone defines what's a defect? No one, I mean no one can make such uncomfortable shifting car and say that its designed to be like that. Its unpredictable, inconsistent, its a waste of such an otherwise perfect car for me.
I remember when they test drive the car with me, they tried to drive it as gentle as it can be, because when you drives it aggressively, it really brings out the worst of it.
I can almost sense that Vatkins is on the sideline ready to settle with you Evl, even if they do, please don't leave us behind! Please!!
Thanks to those who gave me advice. I went in today and described my transmisions hesitation/surging issue. I did mention SIB 27.2.1 as recommended). When the car was ready the SA told me that they could not duplicate the problem but did the software update anyway. I was happy that they did not give me any hassle and did it anyway as I did not have a chance to go on a test drive. Picked up the car and I drove off and IMMEDIATELY noticed how much smoother the transmission was for acceleration and deceleration. Everything. I just couldn't believe it all the way home. It's like a different car and I feel like it drives the way a Bimmer should now! Feels almost like a 328xi now which was the intention to begin with.
Interestingly, my service document states the following:
PERFORM SIB 24 08 07. PROGRAM EGS. D.C. 23 00 38 61 00 UPON COMPLETION. PERFORM GT1 TEST, CHECK DME SOFTWARE. FOUND SOFTWARE LEVEL 7567609, IT IS BELOW 7585570. PROGRAM DME. D.C. 10 42 03 71 00. PERFORM GT1 TEST AND SET STEERING ANGLE SENSOR.
Not sure what this all means exactly but it appears that they did not do SIB 27.2.1. Is this the SIB that was pulled? If not, maybe it's a new fix.
All I know is that it drives great now. If anything whatsoever changes, I will post it.
It can be confusing but the SIB is correct the 27.2.1 is a version of that SIB. Take liberal use of all portions of shifting: SD, D, and M modes. Your vehilce is now back in learning mode.
Your dealer has given the most detailed description of services I have seen to date. The DME and EGS are the critical components in correcting the shifting problem.
Since you are in CA you won't be subjected to colder weather, but if you go to the mountains at all pay special attention to its behavior in cold weather as this seems to be the remaining weak link in the tranny.
Well, given that it hasn't been that long since the 11/07 builds starting rolling out, I'm not surprised to see that about half the '08s report this issue because think about it, it's only been 3 months since November builds started rolling out. The '08 model year started in mid August, so it's been an equivalent 3 months between 8/07 and 11/07. Thus, there are probably slightly more pre-fix '08s floating around on the roads than post-fix X3s.
Time will tell whether the new ones have the issue. If the 4/08 build X3s still have a problem, then we can say nothing was rectified for '08.
You've really got to understand that BMW is working on it with diligence. It's not easy to pair new software to a car that uses older electronics. Clearly BMW hasn't gotten it quite right, but it's kind of like if BMW put iDrive on the X3 and the stuff didn't work out. BMW had to try a lot of times to fix the creaking driver's door frame before anything worked, well, sort of. Plus, they've got a zillion other issues on the other models.
My 2007 x3 built at 08/06 with auto trans. I had same problems what you guy have, and did upgrade software, but problems were still there and was geting worse. After waited two weeks got new DME from Germany, replaced DME and adjusted torque. have 800 KM on it now, all problem gone, trans shift smooth and no heist problem any more even in conner turn. gas milleage in city is about 12.5L/100 (in canada). hope it realy fixed this time.
Am I hearing right?!? All problems gone! Everything's perfect? So new DME unit is the solution. Looks like the old DME just doesn't have enough memory or something. Wow!! Wow!! So can you feel the shifts, no more back and forth motions like riding a horse?!?
I have a 9/06 also and had the software patch installed. The shifting was nice for about a week. Now it is even worse than before. The service manager drove my car home to check it out and agreed that there was a shifting problem. When she consulted BMWNA, they told her in no uncertain terms that there was NO PROBLEM and they would do NOTHING for us. I think she is almost as frustrated as we are.
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