A/T 2nd to 1st downshifting problem. Seriously need help.

PrinceMiro · 07-14-2011, 09:51 AM

I posted this under Engine, Exhaust, and Drivetrain Modification as well, but got no response. I'd really like some help.

The car: 2003 E85 3.0 M54

The problem: There is a bump when I'm coming to a stop and the car downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear. The car kind of bumps/lunges forward a bit almost as if another car very softly rear ended me. I have been experiencing this problem for at least 2 years now.

Useful info: Earlier this year, I installed the TMS Underdrive Pulley kit and changed the coils and plugs. Before I began the installation, I disconnected the battery. The job took me about 2 hours. After reconnecting the battery, I noticed that the bump between 2nd and 1st was gone. I didn't run into the problem again until 3 months later.

I'm assuming that when I disconnected the battery, the EGS unit was reset and during the 3 months, it was adapting to my driving. At the end of the 3 months I'm guessing it learned how I drive and that's when the bump returned.

I've researched this as much as humanly possible and have found almost nothing.

Could this be a problem with the EGS unit, which may need an update to fix the problem?

Is it a sticky solenoid?

I seriously need as much help as I can get with this because I'd like to fix this problem asap.

Thank you.

m3griff · 07-15-2011, 12:34 PM

I cant help, but I suggest that you post in a 3,series forum, especially E46 focus since there are a LOT more of them around and tran and engine combo is common.

Jeff

ZStig · 07-15-2011, 12:48 PM

sorry that noone's replying, sounds like a very rare issue

PrinceMiro · 07-17-2011, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3griff

I cant help, but I suggest that you post in a 3,series forum, especially E46 focus since there are a LOT more of them around and tran and engine combo is common.

Thanks for the tip. I'll probably take your advice. I know they have the same M54 engine, but do they also have the same tranny?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

sorry that noone's replying, sounds like a very rare issue

I think it's only rare here on the forum. One of the forum recommended BMW mechanics in Belleville says it a common problem. But his statement only applies if it's a problem with the valve body.

m3griff · 07-17-2011, 07:44 AM

Regarding the transmission - yes, depending on the year. The Z4 is more closely related to the E46 than to the later E90 cars. And there are a lot more E46 3 series cars than Z4's.

Quickid · 07-17-2011, 07:47 AM

Have a look at Service Bulletin 240203 and 240303. Sounds like the same issue you're having.

http://www.faqs.org/car/bmw-e46-series/power-train/

Good luck...

RevsPlease · 07-17-2011, 12:43 PM

Sounds like a sticky valve? Have you tried changing the tranny fluid? There are also tranny additives out there that are supposed to alleviate problems like that by lubricating up the valves. Idk, it might be worth a try!

PrinceMiro · 07-17-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevsPlease

Sounds like a sticky valve? Have you tried changing the tranny fluid? There are also tranny additives out there that are supposed to alleviate problems like that by lubricating up the valves. Idk, it might be worth a try!

I'll be changing the A/T fluid and filter in 2 weeks. I plan to use Royal Purple. I've never heard of the additive you're talking about. Got a name or site? Thanks a lot.

PrinceMiro · 07-17-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quickid

Have a look at Service Bulletin 240203 and 240303. Sounds like the same issue you're having.

http://www.faqs.org/car/bmw-e46-series/power-train/

Good luck...

YES!!!!! THAT'S EXACTLY IT!!! So where does that leave me? lol

Quickid · 07-17-2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrinceMiro

YES!!!!! THAT'S EXACTLY IT!!! So where does that leave me? lol

Dealer should fix it for free.

PrinceMiro · 07-17-2011, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quickid

Dealer should fix it for free.

Even if I'm well out of warranty? (CPO warranty ended exactly one year ago)

PrinceMiro · 07-19-2011, 09:05 AM

BMW won't cover it. I'm having a forum-recommended indy shop reprogram my EGS with all the updates tomorrow. Hopefully that will fix the problem.

I will probably still change the tranny fluid in a week or so.

RevsPlease · 07-19-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrinceMiro

I'll be changing the A/T fluid and filter in 2 weeks. I plan to use Royal Purple. I've never heard of the additive you're talking about. Got a name or site? Thanks a lot.

I cant recall the name or brand. I saw it on TV lol. Sorry I couldn't be of more help!
As for using Royal Purple in the A/T..... I would stick with OEM fluid. You never know how finicky an auto is going to decide to be, so for longevity sake i would use OEM. Are you having an Indy change the fluid or are you DIY? As i recall from another thread, the process to change the fluid in the auto is quite difficult; requiring the fluid to be heated as so it expands and fills the whole trans.... Can someone chime in on this? I don't want to be blowing bad advice out my ass lol.

PrinceMiro · 07-20-2011, 06:16 PM

Just had my EGS reflashed with updated software and the problem is gone. The software that was on it was the originally released software from March 2002!!

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that when the tranny adapts to my driving style, the problem doesn't come back like it did 3 months after I disconnected by battery before.

07-14-2011, 09:51 AM	#1
PrinceMiro Lieutenant 39 Rep 407 Posts Drives: z4 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CNJ iTrader: (3)	A/T 2nd to 1st downshifting problem. Seriously need help. I posted this under Engine, Exhaust, and Drivetrain Modification as well, but got no response. I'd really like some help. The car: 2003 E85 3.0 M54 The problem: There is a bump when I'm coming to a stop and the car downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear. The car kind of bumps/lunges forward a bit almost as if another car very softly rear ended me. I have been experiencing this problem for at least 2 years now. Useful info: Earlier this year, I installed the TMS Underdrive Pulley kit and changed the coils and plugs. Before I began the installation, I disconnected the battery. The job took me about 2 hours. After reconnecting the battery, I noticed that the bump between 2nd and 1st was gone. I didn't run into the problem again until 3 months later. I'm assuming that when I disconnected the battery, the EGS unit was reset and during the 3 months, it was adapting to my driving. At the end of the 3 months I'm guessing it learned how I drive and that's when the bump returned. I've researched this as much as humanly possible and have found almost nothing. Could this be a problem with the EGS unit, which may need an update to fix the problem? Is it a sticky solenoid? I seriously need as much help as I can get with this because I'd like to fix this problem asap. Thank you.
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07-15-2011, 12:34 PM	#2
m3griff Private First Class 3 Rep 106 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	I cant help, but I suggest that you post in a 3,series forum, especially E46 focus since there are a LOT more of them around and tran and engine combo is common. Jeff
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07-15-2011, 12:48 PM	#3
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,376 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	sorry that noone's replying, sounds like a very rare issue __________________
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07-17-2011, 07:44 AM	#5
m3griff Private First Class 3 Rep 106 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	Regarding the transmission - yes, depending on the year. The Z4 is more closely related to the E46 than to the later E90 cars. And there are a lot more E46 3 series cars than Z4's.
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07-17-2011, 07:47 AM	#6
Quickid First Lieutenant 11 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC, 06 X5 4.4i, 99 323i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (4)	Have a look at Service Bulletin 240203 and 240303. Sounds like the same issue you're having. http://www.faqs.org/car/bmw-e46-series/power-train/ Good luck... __________________ Last edited by Quickid; 07-17-2011 at 08:00 AM..
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07-17-2011, 12:43 PM	#7
RevsPlease Private First Class 10 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i, Black Saphire Join Date: May 2011 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [10.00]	Sounds like a sticky valve? Have you tried changing the tranny fluid? There are also tranny additives out there that are supposed to alleviate problems like that by lubricating up the valves. Idk, it might be worth a try!
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07-19-2011, 09:05 AM	#12
PrinceMiro Lieutenant 39 Rep 407 Posts Drives: z4 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CNJ iTrader: (3)	BMW won't cover it. I'm having a forum-recommended indy shop reprogram my EGS with all the updates tomorrow. Hopefully that will fix the problem. I will probably still change the tranny fluid in a week or so.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2011, 06:16 PM	#14
PrinceMiro Lieutenant 39 Rep 407 Posts Drives: z4 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CNJ iTrader: (3)	Just had my EGS reflashed with updated software and the problem is gone. The software that was on it was the originally released software from March 2002!! I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that when the tranny adapts to my driving style, the problem doesn't come back like it did 3 months after I disconnected by battery before.
	Appreciate 0 Quote