Gear jump?

[supergoch]

Hello all,

I bought an auto '03 325Ci about six months ago and I'm loving it. I've noticed something however that happens when I do city driving. Usually I get it up to like 30 MPH and then stop at a light or stop sign. When do so, the transmission seems to jump, it seems like it's automatically downshifting straight from 3rd gear to 1st. I was wondering if this is a possible big problem. I don't have this problem when I'm highway driving and I can also avoid it by shifting into neutral as I stop. Please advise...

- Supergoch

 

[PuShAkOv]

You are downshifting it yourself... right?

 

[supergoch]

No, my car is an automatic. Whenever I'm city driving and I stop at a light, the car seems to downshift itself from straight from third to first gear giving it a little "jump" or "hop" at the end.

- Supergoch

 

[mallards]

thats normal ... and its actually shifting from 2nd to 1st

that jolt you feel about a second before you stop is that shift from 2 -> 1

its normal because of the difference in gear ratios

if the jolt it abnormally strong or it you think somethings up ... take it to the dealer and have them reprogram the transmission firmware ...

i had this exact same problem at 1000 miles on my 03 325i auto ...

the dealer reprogrammed the transmission to the latest firmware for free and it made the jolt almost disappear

a very slight bumb is still present only because the transmission must shift from 2 -> 1 and those ratios are so different

hope this helps,

Ben

 

[supergoch]

Thanks Mallard, helps a ton. I'm just glad to hear it's not something more serious. If I go to the dealer and ask them to reprogram to the latest firmware, they'll know what I'm talking about right? I'd just hate for them to look at me with these incredulous look on their face.

- Supergoch

 

[Wadula]

they should. if they don't you might consider changing the dealer.

 

[mallards]

yea they should know what you are talking about ... just tell them that your 2-1 shifts in normal auto (not sport mode or anything) are really rough

Ben

 

[MrElussive]

And don't shift into neutral when you are stopping or in any situation. Keep the car in Drive as it is bad for automatic transmission cars to roll around in neutral.