2004 330i performance pkg (automatic) downshifting problem...

[sg610]

I was hoping to inquire with others who have the 330i with the performace package. Let me first say that although i had to replace the transmission due to the dreaded slip problem, it now seems to be fixed.

However, i have noticed a weird shifting problem in the car since day one and even since the transmission replacement which makes me believe it is a computer problem.
The problem is that the car downshifts on its own and rev's the engine up to 3,000 rpm + (its a steptronic) when in automatic mode and i am typically going down a hill and slightly pressing on the brakes.

I know that the engine / transmission is programmed to rev higher rpm due to the performance package, but i dont think it is normal for it to be revving up to 3k +rpm when i am slowing down slowly on the decline of hill and typically travelling about 30-50 mph. The downshifting is reminiscent of when i was younger and driving a manual shift and didnt want a policeman to see me hitting the brakes (i was speeding) so i downshifted and revved the engine to slow me down. Thats the feeling i am getting now in my automatic - that it is pulling on the car to slow it down by the engine revving up to a higher rpm.

Its almost as if the car is downshifting 2 gears rather than one ?
Sometimes it downshifts and then upshifts again and you get a jerking motion.
Any clues or similar experiences out there ?

Thanks ,
scott

 

[Chakueem]

Is the car making this aggressive downshift in 'D' or 'S D'? When in 'S D' the car should downshift more aggressively, but I wouldnt think 2 gears at a time unless you brake hard. My experience is that when in 'D' the car shifts smoothly and hardly ever really uses the transmission to slow the car. When in 'S D' the car uses the transmission to slow the car, but never revs the engine to 3k+ rpms unless I am braking really hard.

 

[Average Jae]

no clue, but maybe you can have them reprogram the steptro?

oh yea before i go, ZHP with AUTO!!!! i can't talk to you anymore

 

[sg610]

It happens in 'D' not 'S/D' ...

This happens in regular D not SD which is why i am certain something is wrong. Is it possible for them to reprogram or test the computer to see if anything is off on the timing ?

 

[mscoins]

Definitely not normal. If it was me, I'd talk with the dealer about this one.

 

[bmwrocks]

I don't have the 330i ZHP, but in my 330Ci in D I can hardly feel downshifts when slowing down. The shifts are virtually seamless. It shifts a bit harder in SD but still not anything like you describe. Mine never acts like you describe.

Something is wrong.

 

[rjp325i]

I have a 2004 w/ZHP and have not experienced your problem with my steptronic. Maybe a reprogramming is in order.

 

[kits]

i also have the 04w/ZHP
there wasn't any problem on my car ar

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read of your concern about your transmission. If you and your BMW center need our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117, and mention Reference #200405800403 so that we can help you more efficiently.

 

[hovanz7]

Same Problem Here!

I purchased a 2002 330 Ci back in October and I have had the same exact problem. It only happens in D not SD. This issue has been a mystery since October. I brought it to a foreign car specialist in my area for an overhaul but he did not have any answers for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I was hoping to inquire with others who have the 330i with the performace package. Let me first say that although i had to replace the transmission due to the dreaded slip problem, it now seems to be fixed.

However, i have noticed a weird shifting problem in the car since day one and even since the transmission replacement which makes me believe it is a computer problem.
The problem is that the car downshifts on its own and rev's the engine up to 3,000 rpm + (its a steptronic) when in automatic mode and i am typically going down a hill and slightly pressing on the brakes.

I know that the engine / transmission is programmed to rev higher rpm due to the performance package, but i dont think it is normal for it to be revving up to 3k +rpm when i am slowing down slowly on the decline of hill and typically travelling about 30-50 mph. The downshifting is reminiscent of when i was younger and driving a manual shift and didnt want a policeman to see me hitting the brakes (i was speeding) so i downshifted and revved the engine to slow me down. Thats the feeling i am getting now in my automatic - that it is pulling on the car to slow it down by the engine revving up to a higher rpm.

Its almost as if the car is downshifting 2 gears rather than one ?
Sometimes it downshifts and then upshifts again and you get a jerking motion.
Any clues or similar experiences out there ?

Thanks ,
scott

 

[Kirby]

Welcome!

I don't know if you noticed, but this thread goes back to 2004 so it's quite old.

I don't recall anyone ever mentioning this issue since then......