Software patch for my 330cic tranny problem

Kirby

Kirby

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#1
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#1
As posted previously, my '04 330cic has been back to the dealer 3 times for a Steptronic tranny problem. It takes 3- 6 secs. to engage after backing up and shifting into Drive on a cold start.

The dealer had a BMW factory tech in today to look at mine AND another 330 (sounds like a growing problem?). He drove it and captured some data. He went back to evaluate the data and told the dealer that he was going to possibly patch the Steptronic firmware to see if it would fix the problem. He will contact them on Thursday.

I'll give them one shot at a software patch, but I'm not going to play BETA tester unless they get the checkbook out!!!

On second thought, if they try 3 software patches that don't work, does that qualify for the lemon law???
 
Kirby

Kirby

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#2
Update:

The dealer called today and said that BMW downloaded a new program for the transmission. It is supposed to change the internal pressure on startup to prevent the problem. They are keeping the car for another day to test it, and then I can pick it up.

We shall see.......
 
Kirby

Kirby

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#4
The saga continues:

The first patch helped but did not solve the problem. On Friday the tech returned and created another patch which was downloaded. They are keeping the car until Monday so that it can sit for 2 days and see if it still occurs.

They think it is related to the engine temperature. They said that the shift routines are different until the engine warms up. My issue is that:
1. The car did not do this when it was new. It started around 1500 miles.
2. It has gotten progressively worse over the last 2000 miles.
3. It happens ONLY when first going to reverse on a cold start.

Software does not get progressively worse. Mechanical things do.

If the problem still exists Monday morning, it will be time for a "heart to heart" discussion with the dealer & BMWNA. They are using my car as a troubleshooting guinea pig. I will give them 2 choices:

1. Replace the transmission.
2. Replace the entire car, if they want to keep it as a guinea pig.

I've been without the car for a week. I've been very reasonable and understand that they want to get to the bottom of the problem, but enough already.

By the way, they dealer has been excellent in keeping me informed, and this whole procedure is being dictated by BMWNA. I can't find any fault with the dealer.
 
MyHarley

MyHarley

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#5
I feel for you.............I've been without mine for three weeks......the only saving grace is I get to drive a new 325 or 330 each week.......just breaking them in for the new customer..[fake]
 
Kirby

Kirby

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#8
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#8
I have only talked to owners of 2004 models that have had this problem.

Update:

I picked the car up today. They said they feel the problem is fixed. The tech told the dealer that they had another 2004 with the same problem. They replaced the transmission, and the problem came back. That was when they decided to look at software.

I will find out tomorrow morning if it is fixed or not when I do the cold start routine. However, it might be my imagination, but it seems as though the transmission is "snappier" now on all shifts than it was before. So they either did some mechanical work and didn't tell me, or they reprogrammed something that affects all of the shifting in the transmission.

The dealer said that BMW is reviewing the changes and if I have no other problems, this will probably be issued as a service advisory to update the transmission software.
 
flashinthepan

flashinthepan

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#10
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Oregon
#10
Kirby,

Great !! Hope this does it for you

&

Hey sometimes software drivers make a HUGE difference, it may just have helped your shifting "crispness".

On a side note, I was able to speed up a printer considerably with just a software driver change !!

All the best !
 
C

cdotger

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#12
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Oreland, PA
#12
Kirby,

Who is the Dealer that you dealt with and what is their Number? I have talked to my buddy who works at my dealership and he is looking into, but this info would help.

Thanks,

-Carl
 
C

cdotger

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#15
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#15
I think I found a quick workaround until my dealer gets their act together. I tried it this morning. I start the car, put in drive with my foot on the brake. About 3-5 seconds later you feel it engage. Then drive like normal. I am hoping to hear from my buddy tomorrow about what they have found out from the other dealer.

-Carl
 
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