535d - Sept 05 - 'clunky gearbox'

[Vorix]

I've had my Sept 05 535d for just under a year now and it's coming up to the end of it's 1 year AUC warranty. I've never been particularly happy with the gearbox. From a standing start, as you open the throttle nothing happens for a short time then it seems to engage gear and off you go, often with quite a lurch. It is possible to drive it smoothly if careful and once moving is generally fine, although there is the odd less than silk smooth 1st to 2nd upshift. Having owned an E39 530d auto and E46 330i auto, I know what a BMW auto gearbox should be like.

Anyway, I've been too lazy to do anything about it up until now but really think that I should get some advice before the warranty does expire.

Is this a know issue with 535d's of this vintage? The car has done just under 28K, so barely run in, really. Is the a software upgrade that will sort it or will I just have to put up with it? Thanks.

[gizlaroc]

Take it in, get a software update, and then if it still does it get them to change the oil, should be smooth as silk.

[pgilc1]

gizlaroc said:

Take it in, get a software update, and then if it still does it get them to change the oil, should be smooth as silk.

+1

Mine did similar, and they updated the software. Much better.

[Vorix]

Thanks, chaps, will make the call tomorrow

[phelix]

Is it truly a standing start or when only going a few mph? I think the box will start from 1st from a standing start but when travelling a few mph (such as in a queue at a roundabout) the box starts off in 2nd. The internal clutches disengage to save fuel and it takes them a second or so to engage. Then the box is in 2nd and you're pressing the throttle a little and the car doesn't move enough so you press some more and then the box drops into 1st and you jump away from the roundabout as though someone gave you a kick. Not really in keeping with the type of car! Try engaging sport mode; that will force the box into 1st gear for the start.

Let me know if all this sounds familiar or if I'm wide of the mark.

[Vorix]

It's definitely from a standing start. If I'm moving a little then generally all is OK. I can now anticipate the car feeling like it is engaging 1st when the power then come in. It feels like the engine and gearbox just aren't communicating properly.

When I first drove my E39 530d auto about 5 years ago, I was blown away by how well the gearbox matched the engine. It seemed almost telepathic.

The 535d is brilliant when moving but this issue just takes the edge off it. Anyway, lets see what a dealer says.

One last point - I can go to any dealer under the AUC warranty? The dealer I bought the car from is halfway round the M25.

Cheers.

[Junior Mint]

pgilc1 said:

gizlaroc said:

Take it in, get a software update, and then if it still does it get them to change the oil, should be smooth as silk.

+1

Mine did similar, and they updated the software. Much better.

+2.

Same here.

[BFG]

Sounds like we have similar symptoms in that the gearbox does not pre-select either first or second gear when coming to a stop. Pulling away results in a significant delay with a degree of unpleasant shunt - sometimes this delay can be a little dangerous too. Will be requesting a software update on our next trip to dealer.

[pgilc1]

BFG said:

Sounds like we have similar symptoms in that the gearbox does not pre-select either first or second gear when coming to a stop. Pulling away results in a significant delay with a degree of unpleasant shunt - sometimes this delay can be a little dangerous too. Will be requesting a software update on our next trip to dealer.

Mine also used to select the gear after the car had stopped which translated into a significant jolt through the car - much like being hit from behind.

[Vorix]

Booked in for Monday - will update and let everyone know after then.

[MattOz]

Vorix,

Had the same issue with mine. Before the software was updated, I found that a throttle reset worked for a while. Essentially put the key in and turn the ignition on to position 2 but don't start it. Floor the throttle for about 45 seconds and then turn the ignition off. Then go out and nail the car for a bit. The ECU will reset the throttle and it was definitely more responsive.

Matt

[Vorix]

Hi Matt

Thanks for the tip - I tried this a while ago, and ou're right, it does improve things a bit (although I did wonder if it was psychological) but it seems to have returned to standard behaviour now. I'm not going to do it again now in case the service dept say there's nothing wrong!

Cheers

Andrew

[Vorix]

So, eventually managed to get it in to the service dept (Sytner Sunningdale) on Friday (since I hadn't selected the snow plough option to cope with conditions last Monday). First of all they said they had checked it out, found no fault codes, oil leaks etc. etc. so didn't believe there was a problem, so I offered to take the technician out on a run. At that point he gave in and agreed to do a software update (I suspect this is not an uncommon issue judging by earlier replies on this thread). I picked the car up last thing on Friday and it's only a couple of miles home so didn't really get a chance to assess it. However, driving in to work today, I'm really not convinced the problem has gone away completely. I would say it is better, the power take up through the gearbox seems a bit smoother when going from a standing start, but it is still possible to get the dreaded 'lurch'. It's a bit of a b*gger - perhaps I'm being a bit over sensitive - not having driven or been in another 535d, I've got no point of reference.
I'm going to give it the rest of this week and then see what I think and decide what to do next..........