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Adaptive Auto Transmission Reset Procedure

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464K views 55 replies 35 participants last post by  habbyguy  
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#1 ·
I have heard of an automatic transmission reset procedure that goes something like the following: Turn on the car such that all the accessory lights are on but the motor is not running, depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor, keep the pedal there for 30 seconds and the transmission will reset to the original factory settings (it will "unlearn" the adaptive settings).

My BMW Service Manager (who has been very knowledgeable and honest on service matters) says he never heard of this procedure, it's not in the BMW service manuals or technical bulletins, nor have his fellow mechanics heard of it.

Can any of you confirm if the adaptive auto transmission "soft reset" procedure exists? Please pass on where I can find the procedure for my 2008 550 with comfort access if it exists. Is the procedure in the owners manual (I can't find it in mine), described in a technical bulletin, or described in any other BMW literature?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
I don't know where it's located in the manual (if it is), but I know it works. My wife noticed a drastic improvement.
 
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#3 ·
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#4 ·
It worked on my '08 528. Here is how you do it:

1. Put key in the ignition
2. Click on the Start button without having your foot on the accelerator. At this point the lights on the dash will all light up.
3. Push the accelerator to the floor and hold it for about 30 seconds. For me at about 20 seconds I heard a very faint sound. This is the reset sound. Don't worry if you don't hear it. Just keep your foot on the pedal for about 30 seconds.

That's it. Now start the car and test it out. For me the acceleration from a stand still was much improved. I now don't feel like I need to drive in DS mode all the time.


Let me know if this works for you.

Eric
 
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#6 ·
Hi guys, is there a permanent solution for this issue? It worked for me but lasted for a week or so. Does that indicate a serious problem in the transmission or this is the way it is with BMW.

i took my 2006 525i 3 times to the dealer and they told me the car is fine, but I don't believe what they say.
 
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#7 ·
Elhaekmir,

The only permanent solution is to replace the mechantronic unit or your entire transmission. It is actually cheaper to get a new transmission as the mechatronic unit is the same price as the transmission. I received an estimate today for the new transmission on my N52 06' 525i in the amount of $4100.00.

The reason the reset only last for about a week or so is that the unit is still malfunctioning and then once the vehicle completes the drive cycle then it will revert back to the original condition.
 
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#8 ·
Thanks PoeticJustice72,

I'm trying to convince the dealer to fix it, I took it three times so far, all they did is update the software, it worked for few days or so.
Since the car is not throwing any codes, they keep telling me it's fine.
I'm gonna keep bringing it in until they fix it. I'm sure couple month down the rd when my warranty is up they'll tell me that the tranny needs to be replaced.

I'm also planning on filing a claim with the DMV, just in case.
 
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#12 ·
My 2006 530i transmission kicks when down shifting from 2-1. I tried the 25 second reset method and I can definitely see a change when accelerating. It seems to shift at slightly higher revs. 1-2 is very smooth now, 2-3 is not as smooth. If I stop very fast, it still has a kick from 2-1. I will try it out and see if it changes.
 
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#15 ·
Ok, so I just did this procedure with mine and it does seem to help. I don't seem to have the hesitation when I proceed from a stop now. The shifts seem to be shifting a little smoother although I was wrapping the car out with a little heavier right foot than is normal for me. So my question is this. If the changes go away within a week do I have the corrupted software?
 
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#16 ·
chances are it will go back to its old self again. It did for me. As for the corrupted software issue, it's still very new to me so I can comment but from another thread I read at the 5 series forum, one member had it done and the car was smooth sailing. The problem for him was when he brought up the corrupted software issue to his service advisor, they didn't do anything. He believe that both the advisor and the mechanic did not know about it so he had it taken outside at an indy shop with the print out of the INPA.

GL
 
#18 ·
i tried the reset like listed above on all my bmw's and it worked really well. but when i got the 550 i tried it and it lasted a few days and then went back. the dealer had to reprogram the transmission and engine and clear the adaptations. it is much better now. i guess the reset trick doesnt work all the time.
 
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#45 ·
Reset Automatic Transmission



Hello, I have a E92 335i 2011 with N55 engine and ZF 6 speed automatic transmission and I would like to know how to proceed with the transmission reset. Someone in the forum could explain to me, please?

Thanks
 
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#19 ·
I just reset mine (06 525) and it's like having a brand new car! It's really a totally different feel...the gears rev out all of the way. I really didn't want to get out of the car. I'm so glad I searched on this problem. I bought it a month ago and would wonder why BMW would make a car that shifts at odd times or hesitate on take off. Thanks!
 
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#20 ·
It had never occured to me that this could be done, even though I was well aware of it on my E39. Thanks for the reminder and instructions. I just bought my 530xiT and it is taking off much better and has much impoved shift points since I reset.
 
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#21 ·
Worked like a charm

Just did my 03 530I today and it worked :thumbup:... i did not hear anything but waited about 45-50 seconds then turned the key took it for a drive and it is actually smother than before and no hard downshift... thanks
 
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#24 ·
tranny issues

my 2004 530i is sick.... my tranny is a problem and i have no get up power, i have to gradually get up speed on the hwy, i've tried the gas pedal to the floor for 30 sec. some luck for a few days but back to normal. i just went to the dealer and had a tranny software update $190.00 ouch!!! i changed the tranny fluid and pan.. all i ever get is the /transmission /malfunction symbol if i step on the gas suddenly or to fast, i went to the dealer today andthey said i have a tyranny leack and i need a " Mechatronic Sleeve " $625.00 job........... any suggestions??????? will this Mechatronic sleeve give me my car back????????????
 
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#25 ·
ddhester said:
... will this Mechatronic sleeve give me my car back????????????
Click to expand...
Most likely not. Look at page 17 of the sticky thread at the top. You are most likely going to need a mechatronic replacement. about $2200 if you find a good Indy who will install it for you. If you are in warranty then print that thread out and take to the dealer and request a replacement mechatronic. BMWNA will pay them back so no sweat off their back. It is sad that this many ZF 6 speeds have had this problem. I was hoping for a class action on the issue, but I guess there aren't enough of us experiencing the issue. I am out of warranty and don't have the $2200 to replace it yet. I just baby my car until I have the funds. Still fun to drive by my wife thinks it is cranky and harsh. I like it.
 
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#29 ·
"mechatronic job" you are referring to the sleeve, right? The mechatronic is the entire electrical valve unit that has to come off the bottom of the tranny. The sleeve is a $15 part that seals the tranny fluid from getting on the electrical wiring harness that plugs into the mechatronic unit. $600 to replace a leaky $15 part. :mad:

If I were you, I would find a good mechanic who can work on BMW or european cars and have him do the job for about half to two thirds what the BMW dealer is going to charge you. As many of us have said, the ultimate fix is to replace the entire mechatronic assembly which isn't complicated. It just costs $1500 for the part and somebody's labor, plus fluid, filter pan, and sleeve replacement.
 
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#28 ·
Hey another issue i was having with my 2004 530i auto it started throwing codes about the O2 sensors, cam shaft sensors, banks were to lean, coils 1-6 were bad, spark plugs and MTF were bad, so week i was replacing these items and the codes would still come back, well several thousands later i found a BMW driver at a gas station and we talked about my issues and he laughed and said he went through the same thing. come to find out it was the Manifold adjuster unit... so i bought one of those and when the old one was pulled out WaLa... theres a lil flap on it that opens and closes and it was broke in half and could not open and close, we put the new on in and all the codes went away. now if i could get my tranny squared away...
 
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