2007-2010 X3 Automatic Transmission Problem Master Thread!

LOL - well I got news this morning it's fixed and ready for pickup. I guess that means they figured it out and did not have to order from the motherland. I'll be taking out on the highway hard for 70 miles, so we'll see how it took. I'll provide an update later. thanks for the replies!

Originally Posted by navlancer

LOL - well I got news this morning it's fixed and ready for pickup. I guess that means they figured it out and did not have to order from the motherland. I'll be taking out on the highway hard for 70 miles, so we'll see how it took. I'll provide an update later. thanks for the replies!

Please understand that your tranny will now be in learning mode for about 300 miles or more. If it wasn't fixed it wont rear its ugly head for a while.

So I am a 2007 X3 owner (AT) that has been having these same issues. I followed the thread through a good part of 2008-09 but practically gave up. The dealership twice did some software updates that seemed to make it seem better. However, now that I am out of warranty (56,000 miles), I am noticing that the car is really rough when it shifts, along with a handful of other problems (engine is really loud, belt noises, random overheating). Aside from those issues, am I pretty much screwed with this AT shifting issue since I am out of warranty?

I really don't feel like paying hundreds of dollars in diagnostics fees and the latest software if it really isn't going to solve anything. I'd rather just get my other problems fixed and sell the car. Aside from doing European Delivery, and the great handling of this car, this car has been a big mistake.

Originally Posted by angina

So I am a 2007 X3 owner (AT) that has been having these same issues. I followed the thread through a good part of 2008-09 but practically gave up. The dealership twice did some software updates that seemed to make it seem better. However, now that I am out of warranty (56,000 miles), I am noticing that the car is really rough when it shifts, along with a handful of other problems (engine is really loud, belt noises, random overheating). Aside from those issues, am I pretty much screwed with this AT shifting issue since I am out of warranty?

I really don't feel like paying hundreds of dollars in diagnostics fees and the latest software if it really isn't going to solve anything. I'd rather just get my other problems fixed and sell the car. Aside from doing European Delivery, and the great handling of this car, this car has been a big mistake.

Depends on your realtionship with the dealer. They can invoke the "Goodwill" TSB that extends warranty period. Given that it has been brought in before I would politely stress they do this.

Originally Posted by angina

So I am a 2007 X3 owner (AT) that has been having these same issues. I followed the thread through a good part of 2008-09 but practically gave up. The dealership twice did some software updates that seemed to make it seem better. However, now that I am out of warranty (56,000 miles), I am noticing that the car is really rough when it shifts, along with a handful of other problems (engine is really loud, belt noises, random overheating). Aside from those issues, am I pretty much screwed with this AT shifting issue since I am out of warranty?

I really don't feel like paying hundreds of dollars in diagnostics fees and the latest software if it really isn't going to solve anything. I'd rather just get my other problems fixed and sell the car. Aside from doing European Delivery, and the great handling of this car, this car has been a big mistake.

The question is not will they cover the cost beyond the warranty period (goodwill), but rather can the transmission issue be resolved. I'm thinking that there is no real fix, and any patches don't seem to last very long. I had 2 updates done. The first lasted for the drive home from the dealer(about 5 miles). The second lasted for the rest of the day. Get out of the X3 if you can afford to. My $.02

Originally Posted by x3ronnie

Get out of the X3 if you can afford to. My $.02

funny, the other day some guy stopped me in the parking lot and said that he was interested in the X3 and asked how I liked mine.

I laughed and said "oh, it handles like a charm, but the tranny is crap! Go get a Q5, or a Hyundai!"

Does anyone know when the last software update was released. The dealer told me it's usually once a year. From the posts, I don't see that is the case. Can anyone clarify?

Originally Posted by angina

funny, the other day some guy stopped me in the parking lot and said that he was interested in the X3 and asked how I liked mine.

I laughed and said "oh, it handles like a charm, but the tranny is crap! Go get a Q5, or a Hyundai!"

Sad,but true...

I brought my newly acquired 2008 X3 in for service today to get inspection, fix a rattling sunroof, etc.. I mentioned the tranny issue to my service advisor (Doug) who didn't BS me. He purchased a brand new 2007 X3 and has the same issue. He even showed me the work sheets for his own car as he brought it in 2 or 3 times to be fixed. He has the current software as mine (2400 or something) and it hasn't addressed the issue at all. He just deals with it.

I appreciate his honesty. I haven't really felt it much. I guess my complaints are that it's sluggish off the line but that could be for MPG purposes. On hills and at random times, it will hesistate to shift with a lag or it will let the RPMS rise to 4K or so before the shift. It's bit odd but nothing that makes me dislike the SUV. The previous issues with the throttle going to the floor and the SUV not increasing speed hasn't been back. It occured on the same rainy day. Odd.

Originally Posted by sagosto

He has the current software as mine (2400 or something) and it hasn't addressed the issue at all.

When did you get the software flashed? Just wondering if I should go to the dealer to inquire about it since the last time I asked was in March '09.

Originally Posted by loci

When did you get the software flashed? Just wondering if I should go to the dealer to inquire about it since the last time I asked was in March '09.

Mine came with it. I am not sure if the previous owner did anything but it's not on the CARFAX.

That's not going to show on any carfax but in the vehicle repair history from the dealer.

Originally Posted by X3-terrestrial

That's not going to show on any carfax but in the vehicle repair history from the dealer.

They went over that with me and I didn't see it before I bought it but who knows?

Car Fax shows wiper changes... I wonder what else it doesn't show?

Originally Posted by navlancer

LOL - well I got news this morning it's fixed and ready for pickup. I guess that means they figured it out and did not have to order from the motherland. I'll be taking out on the highway hard for 70 miles, so we'll see how it took. I'll provide an update later. thanks for the replies!

Any updates?

Originally Posted by ARX3

Any updates?

Dump it while you can. Just back from Car Max in Laurel MD and they can't get rid of the 2007 X3's.

They have over 40 on the lot and that is killing the value of the others.

They offered me $3k below KBB "Good" pricing on my 2008 X3. Pathetic considering they historically offer KBB Good Value or more.

Originally Posted by Evlengr

Dump it while you can. Just back from Car Max in Laurel MD and they can't get rid of the 2007 X3's.

They have over 40 on the lot and that is killing the value of the others.

They offered me $3k below KBB "Good" pricing on my 2008 X3. Pathetic considering they historically offer KBB Good Value or more.

Sorry to hear that. I know you were ready to move on.

Originally Posted by x3ronnie

Sorry to hear that. I know you were ready to move on.

Thanks Ronnie, The AT on the A3 was unbelievably smooth and the DSG paddles made it a blast to drive. It was everything I expected from the first 07 AT X3 I got traded out.

If the Q5 had been around when I had the first round of issues with 07 AT x3 I would have asked for a buy back and got that.

The Q5 may not have the rail like feeling of the X3, but it also doesn't/didn't give me whiplash when shifting. I also drove an S line Q5 with shift paddles. This is how the X3 should shift.

I have driven over 6 different X3's and although all weren't as bad as mine, none of them shifted this smooth.

Even my wife's MCS MT shifts better than the X3 MT. It seems like they ALMOST get it right, but never fully follow through.

The A3 sticks to the road like glue and shifts well.

The Audi dealer I went to also owns a BMW dealer so I gave them my Vin and asked to come up with a trade in value.

They know it is in mint condition with low mileage and since no wiring was cut to install the system I can have the stock sound back in within hours.

Those reading if you want a very low mileage (18k) and well maintained X3 MT for $29k send me a PM and we can talk :-).

Evlengr: You must really like the A3 (read so much praise from you on it already). However, other than the fact that it is German and a hatch, the X3 and A3 are not apples to apples comparisons. Oh and they both have a '3' in its model name :P.

Getting back to the thread topic, does anyone know approximately when the last software patch was released?

Originally Posted by loci

Evlengr: You must really like the A3 (read so much praise from you on it already). However, other than the fact that it is German and a hatch, the X3 and A3 are not apples to apples comparisons. Oh and they both have a '3' in its model name :P.

Getting back to the thread topic, does anyone know approximately when the last software patch was released?

That is why I drove the Q5 too. My main point is neither model has the shifting hesitation that even the best X3 offers, and to make matters worse after driving my wifes new MCS I am having my doubts about the ability of the MT as well.

The 530xi that Ronnie has shifts very nicely and the X5's I have driven also shift well.

Why is it that the X3 has to be so crude by comparison?

Originally Posted by Evlengr

That is why I drove the Q5 too. My main point is neither model has the shifting hesitation that even the best X3 offers, and to make matters worse after driving my wifes new MCS I am having my doubts about the ability of the MT as well.

The 530xi that Ronnie has shifts very nicely and the X5's I have driven also shift well.

Why is it that the X3 has to be so crude by comparison?

It's because BMW went with the lowest bid supplier for transmissions for the X3 - GM.

I wish my X3 shifted as nicely as my 530xi. I think part of the reason I don't have as many complaints as others is my driving environment. I am in fast-moving highway traffic most of my commute.

Originally Posted by madurodave

It's because BMW went with the lowest bid supplier for transmissions for the X3 - GM.

I wish my X3 shifted as nicely as my 530xi. I think part of the reason I don't have as many complaints as others is my driving environment. I am in fast-moving highway traffic most of my commute.

Like I said to the head mechanic for BMWNA, Have the Americans design a transmission that the French build, and the German's install and you expect it to work? They have never gotten along before. What in the world makes you think it would work now?"

Well, unless the dealer pulls a rabbit out of his hat...looks like I could be stuck with a worse vehicle. At least mine's an MT.

Originally Posted by Evlengr

Like I said to the head mechanic for BMWNA, Have the Americans design a transmission that the French build, and the German's install and you expect it to work? They have never gotten along before. What in the world makes you think it would work now?"

I know you have your frustrations - but that is a petty & ridiculous statement. I believe the 5-Speed Auto 2004-06 was the same recipe and it is pretty damn sweet. As well - evidence suggests the root cause of the problems are software and control units - not the AT itself.

Finally - I am pretty sure Austrians installed them - not Germans.

Originally Posted by Sonoman707

I know you have your frustrations - but that is a petty & ridiculous statement. I believe the 5-Speed Auto 2004-06 was the same recipe and it is pretty damn sweet. As well - evidence suggests the root cause of the problems are software and control units - not the AT itself.

Finally - I am pretty sure Austrians installed them - not Germans.

First off this was meant to be a tongue n' cheek comment and even BMWNA laughed.


After spending a good year debating BMWNA over that transmission and working with several mechanics both internally and externally the situation that this still exists proves it is not just software. The 5 speed and 6 speed are very different transmissions.

Hope the best for you in your new 2007 AT, but that doesn't change the fact if that if it were software only there would be no problems anymore.

Originally Posted by Evlengr

First off this was meant to be a tongue n' cheek comment and even BMWNA laughed.

After spending a good year debating BMWNA over that transmission and working with several mechanics both internally and externally the situation that this still exists proves it is not just software. The 5 speed and 6 speed are very different transmissions.

Sorry - missed the T&C... it is so difficult to tell in some of these emotionally charged posts sometimes.

If it is the transmission - there must be some component within that results in some being fine - others not so much so. Baffling to say the least.

Originally Posted by Sonoman707

Sorry - missed the T&C... it is so difficult to tell in some of these emotionally charged posts sometimes.

If it is the transmission - there must be some component within that results in some being fine - others not so much so. Baffling to say the least.

NP, I think the reason this is taking so long to resolve is that it is being addressed as a software issue only. Part of problem solving is replicating the issue consistently enough to drill down, and then solve each problem bit by bit. Since they only seem to look at one side they never see the whole problem.


German engineering is nortorious for very stringent tolerance levels. I think that changes very minute can make or break the situation. Hence, when working right no problems, others... software changes will help, and others... just need to be put out to pasture.

I have been known many times in the past to take things differently then they were meant to be as well. Or it could just be my crappy writing skills, lol.