E39 535 V8 Autobox issue. Can it be corrected with software

[NineOneSeven]

Ok So I no longer own a BMW as we shopped the cars in to buy a house and a cheap diesel estste to handle all the building chores.

My mate bought a BMW 5 series 535 and he has noticed when the car is on the motorway if won't change up gears with the auto trans. However if you switch the car to manual and change up the car changes up ok through the gears.


Has anyone come across this before? Can this be rectified by a BMW diagnostic? Or is there a bigger problem?

Thanks in advance in would good so I can advise him ont he next course of action with his car.

[MZ]

A few years ago, I heard of a similar problem with an E39, and it was due to the rear tyres being worn down. Confuses the gearbox ecu apparently?

[crackedfinger]

Yes, just has this last month on a 528. A set of second hand alloys were fitted & the front tyres were unevenly worn, one with 3 mm and hte other with about 6 mm. When accelerating through (something like) 55 MPH the car will be stuck in 3rd gear, and will redline. The car thinks it is cornering and aviods changing gear, took me ages to search many BMW forums to figure this out. Solution is simply 2 new tyres, or the ABS/wheel sensors need checking.