Issues with my car, what do you guys think?

[olcrazy1]

I have a 2003 330i, Auto with 14k miles.
I just had my first service done, oil change, etc...
The tranny slipped a couple times this summer but has not done it since, but I mentioned it to the dealer anyways figuring I could get somethign on record in case it gets worse down the road. They re-programmed the tranny as a possible fix. But to me the car does not seem to be as peppy as it was before. Is it possible that the re-program changes the way the car drives and performs?

They also hit me up with needing a rotation, balance, and alignment...$225
But now I get a slight vibration around 90-100 MPH, never did it before.
Maybe they screwed up on the balance?

Anyhow, I'm taking it back in tomorrow with my new concerns, I will let you guys know what they say.

What do you guys think so I can be for warned before I go in.

Oh, it seamed like the steering was much tighter when I first got the car, could it have losened up, or am I just getting used to it?

 

[Kirby]

From experience I can tell you that reprogramming:
- will noticeably affect responsiveness and performance
One time reprogramming made the transmission more sluggish, another time it made it better

- will not compensate for the Sliptronic defect
In the early Sliptronic days, reprogramming was a test fix. I was told they increased the cold startup fluid pressure. On mine it fixed it for several weeks and then it came back.

Can you let it sit for several days and then test it? It sounds like you may have the problem.

 

[LipSmacknGOOd]

I have a 2003 330i, Auto with 14k miles.
I just had my first service done, oil change, etc...
The tranny slipped a couple times this summer but has not done it since, but I mentioned it to the dealer anyways figuring I could get somethign on record in case it gets worse down the road. They re-programmed the tranny as a possible fix. But to me the car does not seem to be as peppy as it was before. Is it possible that the re-program changes the way the car drives and performs?

They also hit me up with needing a rotation, balance, and alignment...$225
But now I get a slight vibration around 90-100 MPH, never did it before.
Maybe they screwed up on the balance?

Anyhow, I'm taking it back in tomorrow with my new concerns, I will let you guys know what they say.

What do you guys think so I can be for warned before I go in.

Oh, it seamed like the steering was much tighter when I first got the car, could it have losened up, or am I just getting used to it?

-------------------------------------
You do not have to leave your car for "a few days" put the onus on the manufacturer to inform you not you inform them. They know the problem. This is your answer:
Quoted from Car_54:
BMW knows everything they need to know about this defect to act responsibly. They know when and where defective trans were manufactured, which production runs are involved, VIN #'s, dealerships and yes, they know who bought them, the lowly guy at the bottom you and me. There is no need for discussion, argument or interpretation. To suggest anything other is disingenuous.

One must first come clean and acknowledge the defect. BMW "as of date ../../2004 transmissions with revision level "X" have been tested and are confirmed defect free". Put that information in writing make the purchasers of defective trans whole by replacing them. Begin to repair brand loyalty by ensuring quality control measures. Regardless, this is all fools folly as NHTSA has the case and BMW will comply with another "voluntary recall". And yes, it will be in writing. BMWNA will boast all of their recalls have been voluntary.

Lets get Mike Wallace from 60 minutes on the case

 

[Kirby]

Re: Re: Issues with my car, what do you guys think?

-------------------------------------
You do not have to leave your car for "a few days" put the onus on the manufacturer to inform you not you inform them. They know the problem. This is your answer:

Referring back to the TIS:

Situation
Customer may complain of delayed P to D engagement (2 to 30 seconds) during the first cold start in the morning

Cause
Unfavorable tolerances of C1 clutch housing causing internal transmission pressure leakafter extended (overnight) parking

Correction
ON A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT BASIS ONLY, after verifying the above mentioned situation,
REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH THE IMPROVED UNIT


The dealer will test for the problem. If they don't experience it, they do not have to replace the transmission. This has happened. You want to go into the dealer fully informed and knowledgeable, "loaded for bear" so to speak. Which option will get the most attention from the dealer?

A. Mr. Dealer, a couple of times this summer I think it slipped.

B. Mr. Dealer, I tested this myself this weekend and I can reproduce the problem.

IMHO, A good offense is the best defense.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

where do you drive 90-100MPH on?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I have a 2003 330i, Auto with 14k miles.
I just had my first service done, oil change, etc...
The tranny slipped a couple times this summer but has not done it since, but I mentioned it to the dealer anyways figuring I could get somethign on record in case it gets worse down the road. They re-programmed the tranny as a possible fix. But to me the car does not seem to be as peppy as it was before. Is it possible that the re-program changes the way the car drives and performs?

They also hit me up with needing a rotation, balance, and alignment...$225
But now I get a slight vibration around 90-100 MPH, never did it before.
Maybe they screwed up on the balance?

Anyhow, I'm taking it back in tomorrow with my new concerns, I will let you guys know what they say.

What do you guys think so I can be for warned before I go in.

Oh, it seamed like the steering was much tighter when I first got the car, could it have losened up, or am I just getting used to it?

What dealer is this? This wouldn't by any chance be a dealer in NYC now would it????