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2007-2010 X3 Automatic Transmission Problem Master Thread!

792K views 2K replies 282 participants last post by  hoppydidit 
#1 · (Edited)
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).

Thanks to AzNMpower32 for this summary:

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).

CAUSES
EGS software calibration DME software calibration

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:

EGS ***8211;Diagnostic trouble 2089 (COAPI) - Programming mode changeover faulty

* 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.

Defect Code 24 00 38 61 00
Please post all future complaints and/or attempted resolutions on this thread! Thank you.
 
#1,787 ·
transmission problem

Hey guys i need some advise please!!
I drive 323i 2010 6cycl sedan.
BMW Dara checked my car twice for my concerns explained below but could't find any thing wrong.
so what happens is when I drive it in auto mode esp up hill it holds the gear for long before it shifts to next gear and jerks a little during shiftting the gears even on flat surfaces but when I put cruise control on or drive it in manual mode at same place it runs like a charm !!
Some one advsed me if i do software update it should fix the problem. ?
Help please
 
#1,792 ·
I agree. The 2004 BMW X3.0i says while in the blue drive at 25mph and then as soon as it goes out of the blue, you can fully accelerate. This gives the car time to heat up and if you just got a fresh transmission fluid change, along with a topped off engine fluids and antifreeze, it doesnt take long for the car to warm up. I normally sit for 2 mins, drive 25mph and by a mile, its above the blue line ready to go. In the summer of course its faster because its warm outside.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Bimmerfest mobile app
 
#1,798 ·
I've taken over driving the 2008 X3.1.2 #1 since acquiring and fixing up X3.1.2 #2. I was not happy with the trans's shifting behavior of #1. So I replaced the TC's actuator gear (old one was OK) this morning, then checked the trans fluid that I had changed (along with the filter) about a year ago. This time instead of having the X3 pointed into the slightly sloping-up garage, I intentionally pointed it out and also had the jack stands set to tilt the car slightly forward/down. I was able to put in about 1.5 more quarts of ATF! And so far it is shifting much better! Not perfect, but maybe acceptably.
 
#1,799 ·
So I bought a 2007 with 110k miles. Got a great price on it and as in buying any used car, it's good to do reasearch before you buy. I this particular case my reasearch did not turn transmission issues. I have no idea how I could have missed this, but the deed is done and here she sits in the driveway. It's 2017 and this vehicle literally looks in near mint condition. Like many members here, I'm have the same tranny gremlins. There are so many posts in this thread that I'm not going back to read them all.

After noticing some symptoms, my initial impression was that the trans may be low in fluid. (At this point I still had no idea that x3's had issue). Because of the way you have to check the fluid level, I figured I'll just change the filter and fluid. The fluid was a little low and after the fluid and filter change it worked fine. A week later I start noticing the problem returning, I looked in forums for the specific issue and low and behold I discover that I'm now in the same bout.

I noticed something interesting yesterday. If I put the automatic transmission in MANUAL mode, it starts out in 2nd gear and I have no issues at all. I just have to change gears while driving. Whatever happens while the car is in first gear seems to be the issues. Maybe it's the transition to 2nd or the downshift when coming to a stop, I simply am not sure at this point. Manual mode skips the 1st gear all together. I consider myself a good mechanic and I'm narrowing down the problem that I'm having with my car to something with 1st gear. Could it be a shift point issue with the software? I don't, I suppose that could cause a sensor conflict.
 
#1,800 ·
Auto Transmission Fail to engage gear on Highway Terrain

I have a 2008 2.0d A/T but this issue has been very serious for a third time now, when driving on the highway and i need to accelerate quickly it feels as if the vehicle goes into neutral, revs pick up but there is no power to the wheels, you have to react quickly to get to the side of the road the only thing working is switching car off and on and then only gearbox engages. The actuator gear is fine but I am now frustrated as no one can possibly find the problem......any ideas?
 
#1,805 · (Edited)
Wow this is a lot to dig through. I've noticed as well as others, recently, 2009 X3 E83 3.0i, the odd time when quickly applying a healthy amount of throttle in auto and expecting it to downshift and move, the vehicle seems to.. get confused, often resulting in forcing the decision to abort a pass or maneuver. Quite dangerous truthfully. The vehicle just turned 100,000 miles, second owner since about 80k, and I'm sure the transmission has never been serviced. Overall, it runs great and pulls hard but I am noticing some very subtle oddities with the drivetrain. Where should I start? Transmission fluid and filter? New T-case fluid? I'd like to nip this stuff in the bud and really can't piece together a clear picture of what actually fails in the t-case, some people say gear, others motor, others chain stretch, others guides, etc etc. I wish there was a definitive consensus on it. This little hesitation issue is of concern, it's my lady's DD and I want her to be safe and confident out there amongst the hoopdies and idiots.

Should I have someone check the software version even though the vehicle is a 2009?
 
#1,806 ·
Wow this is a lot to dig through. I've noticed as well as others, recently, 2009 X3 E83 3.0i, the odd time when quickly applying a healthy amount of throttle in auto and expecting it to downshift and move, the vehicle seems to.. get confused, often resulting in forcing the decision to abort a pass or maneuver. Quite dangerous truthfully. The vehicle just turned 100,000 miles, second owner since about 80k, and I'm sure the transmission has never been serviced. Overall, it runs great and pulls hard but I am noticing some very subtle oddities with the drivetrain. Where should I start? Transmission fluid and filter? New T-case fluid? I'd like to nip this stuff in the bud and really can't piece together a clear picture of what actually fails in the t-case, some people say gear, others motor, others chain stretch, others guides, etc etc. I wish there was a definitive consensus on it. This little hesitation issue is of concern, it's my lady's DD and I want her to be safe and confident out there amongst the hoopdies and idiots.

Should I have someone check the software version even though the vehicle is a 2009?
I'm pretty sure that by 2009 all the programming and mechatronic mechanical issues were worked out. What I would suggest is getting the transmission filter and fluid changed and also having the shift programming cleared so it can relearn your driving style. What I did after this was to accelerate quickly from every stop and by doing this it set my shift pattern relatively higher in the RPM band. I haven't had much problem with finding the power when needed since then.
 
#1,807 ·
Hi, I fist time changing my trans oil change with new filter on BMW x3 with 131K mile , its safe to change this long ? and what is the procedure and how to check the transmission temp, when you add final fill, When i drive my car and take my gas paddle off , when the speed reach at 20mph i see some jerk on down shifting on 2 and 1 gear , when i hit the break hard to stop its not notice but this happen when slowing down it self
 
#1,810 ·
BMW X3 Error codes

Hi all,
New to forum, so hope I am posting correctly.
I bought a second hand X3, year 2009 with 83,280 Km on the clock from a dealer in July this year.
Car is in excellent condition and performs well except for a problem that has plagued it intermittently.
The dealer has been helpful to some extent as the vehicle had a 3 months warranty.
Since the problem has not yet been fixed, repair remains under warranty.
The error codes are: 5F42 Interface, transmission: transmission in limp mode and EGS 5015 EPA/sv supply voltage.
4 mechanics have tried to solve the problem so far as well as road side assistance.
All come up with the same code, one mechanic diagnosed there was a 14.2 voltage supply to the transmission.
The car appears to go into limp mode in 3 rd gear if travelling at below 80 Km/hr or 6 th. gear if travelling at over 100 Km/hr.
A new battery has been fitted.
Can anyone help ?
Thanks
 
#1,812 ·
Automatic transmission

On Monday while I was driving my x3 at a point I accelerated and the vehicle wouldn't move then the transmission fault light came on with an ! Mark in the middle. The vehicle eventual move but it did not change gears. I took it to the dealer and the said it was the mechatronics. Any suggestions?
 
#1,813 ·
On Monday while I was driving my x3 at a point I accelerated and the vehicle wouldn't move then the transmission fault light came on with an ! Mark in the middle. The vehicle eventual move but it did not change gears. I took it to the dealer and the said it was the mechatronics. Any suggestions?
Year?
Mileage?
Transmission Service History?
Fault codes?

Short answer:

Possibly faulty mechatrnics solenoids. Means you might need to purchase new solenoids, drop the pan, drop the mechatronics, disassemble mechatronics, remove and replace solenoids, rebuild mechatronics, add new ATF, perform ATF adjustment procedure, and reset mechatronics values and adaptations.

RealOEM.com and NEWtis.info are your friends.

This job is highly technical. If you feel confident enough, proceed with a full arsenal of readings, watching videos on rebuilding mechatronics (valve body) and right tools.

You can mess up the ,mechatronics and damage close to2 grands to your pocket.
You possibly can purchase solenoids yourself, have a BMW specialist indy shop change them for you.

Or you can do it all yourself.

Good luck,

Please report back of the fault codes and results
 
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