Transmission Jerk?

Update: I got my software updated too! and omg it's like a brand new car.

I went to Steven Creek BMW in San Jose and my service advisor told me he knows about this problem and it happen's to E46's all the time. I just went in, 15 minutes later got the car out and off i went. No service charge, so yes re flashing your software with a new updated software to solve transmission jerk is the answer.

Originally Posted by Arby1028

Gentlemen - please try this FREE technique prior to chaning your tranny fluid or having the dealer reflash your software. Disconnect your battery for a couple minutes and it will reset your tranny software. I had this same transmission downshift jerk and this cured it for me almost instantly.

While this resets the adaptations in the DME and EGS, the problem will most likely return. The only true solution is a software update. The adaptations are only sensor related, and once the sensor adaptations are relearned, the clunk will return. The new software changes shift mappings and solenoid actions while downshifting which will eliminate the clunk.

Originally Posted by iansanderson

While this resets the adaptations in the DME and EGS, the problem will most likely return. The only true solution is a software update. The adaptations are only sensor related, and once the sensor adaptations are relearned, the clunk will return. The new software changes shift mappings and solenoid actions while downshifting which will eliminate the clunk.

I have a 2002 330Xi with automatic transmission and it jerks when I slowly accelerate from a complete stop. Will re-flashing with a software change eliminate this bothersome problem?

Originally Posted by iansanderson

While this resets the adaptations in the DME and EGS, the problem will most likely return. The only true solution is a software update. The adaptations are only sensor related, and once the sensor adaptations are relearned, the clunk will return. The new software changes shift mappings and solenoid actions while downshifting which will eliminate the clunk.

So for temporary relief do the battery disconnect!!

I have an 01 330i with performance package...it just started hesitating at 5500 rpms, only when in gear...do you think the software update will fix that too...also, how often should I service the trans. and is there a diy for a trans flush? thanks

Originally Posted by Arby1028

So for temporary relief do the battery disconnect!!

Yes, just did this on mine with an immediate improvement but I'm thinking it will return after "adaptive driving" kicks in.

I did the "key in 2nd position and pressed the pedal to the floor for 30 sec." it seemed to work. I still want to change the tranny fluid...is it possible to avoid the stealership and do it myself? I called Crevier BMW in CA and the service advisor was very rude and said I have to bring it in for a service before they can tell me if I am in need of a software upgrade...anyone know any honest BMW techs that can update my cars software here in OC?

Originally Posted by Richneerd

Update: I got my software updated too! and omg it's like a brand new car.

I went to Steven Creek BMW in San Jose and my service advisor told me he knows about this problem and it happen's to E46's all the time. I just went in, 15 minutes later got the car out and off i went. No service charge, so yes re flashing your software with a new updated software to solve transmission jerk is the answer.

We need service like that here in Southern California....the service departments at Shelly, Irvine and Crevier wont even give me the time of day unless I want to bring it in for a major service first! What a rip-off!

WOW my 2003 330i has the same prob. Mad annoying. I do notice it only in the morning and gone after car heats up. anyone knows the exact software needed ?

I had mine re-flashed for $210 + CA tax. It worked for a couple of hours then a slight jerking came back.. A couple days later it went back jerking when it slows down going to a stop. I have my tranny fluid changed. Bushings were verified.. Help....... Refer to this bulletin: http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8060/image001si5.jpg or

My '03 325i has the same rough downshift issue. It only happens occasionally, and then after the car has been driven for a while.
But...
whenever my tranny does this rough downshifting, it is preceded with the a/c compressor kicking off and not coming back on, although it's 90 degrees here now and it should be cycling on.
These two always happen together. What would the tranny and a/c have in common?

Had my car since August 2008 & have experienced this from the beginning.

I've just replaced pads & rotors all around & it did not fix the bump while slowing down. I really thought it was a teh brakes grabing when cold.

I have just made an appointment & RMP Motors for tomorrow morning to get reprogrammed. I will report back.

I had the same prob. with my 328i 99 Jatco trans. ( Imported form Japan)happen only when cold in 1st & 2nd, then in the high way between 3-4th when downshift only. It seem need updating as it cleared in the TIS for e36. I'm not sure if the same prob. for e46.
Any new news. please feed back. I'm trying battery disconnect, hope this will help a little. I have already did the trick of key & depress for 30 sec. didnt solve it.

Ok, so good so far. I went to RMP Motors this morning & for $60 I had my 2003 325i reprogramed.

No downshifting clunks all day. We'll see how it goes ...

Originally Posted by Shannon C

Yes, just did this on mine with an immediate improvement but I'm thinking it will return after "adaptive driving" kicks in.

Glad you got some temporary relief at least...

Yep, it has returned to the usual clunk.

Originally Posted by Shannon C

Yep, it has returned to the usual clunk.

Interesting. Mine is still ok after the programming. How long did it take for it to return?

I only did the battery disconnect - haven't had time to get software loaded as yet.

Had the transmission software upgraded yesterday, and now the jerk during the 2 --> 1 downshift is gone and it's smooth as butter!

I had it reprogrammed two weeks ago today & the bump has not returned.

For a few days after programming I did notice a slight rpm flare between upshifts, 2-3 being the most noticeable, but that cleaned it self up after a few days of learning.