[Wahid19E92]

Hey guys,

So my 2008 BMW 335i vert AUTOMATIC has been having trouble downshifting.
Whenever I am coming to a stop the car jerks a little bit which I know is a common problem with BMW. But occasionally when I come to a complete stop the car takes itself out of Drive. As in the "D" on the dash completely dissapears. Then I press on the gas and within a second it comes back and the car switches into gear. Has anyone faced this trouble before? Do you guys think my transmission is going out or would a tranny flush and software update fix the issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[xe90x]

I'm not sure exactly, but maybe somethings wrong with your transmission control module and needs replacing. This is the first that I've heard of this problem hopefully someone else can chime in for better answers for you, good luck!

[924er]

Originally Posted by Wahid19E92

Hey guys,

So my 2008 BMW 335i vert AUTOMATIC has been having trouble downshifting.
Whenever I am coming to a stop the car jerks a little bit which I know is a common problem with BMW. But occasionally when I come to a complete stop the car takes itself out of Drive. As in the "D" on the dash completely dissapears. Then I press on the gas and within a second it comes back and the car switches into gear. Has anyone faced this trouble before? Do you guys think my transmission is going out or would a tranny flush and software update fix the issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Any codes?

[Wahid19E92]

no codes whatsoever.

[07chupacabra]

Codes ? Miles? Have you changed the fluid yet? Mods? Aggressive driving habbits?

Read the codes with BMWhat and a bluetooth OBD II adapter from ebay.

[Wahid19E92]

Originally Posted by 07chupacabra

Codes ? Miles? Have you changed the fluid yet? Mods? Aggressive driving habbits?

Read the codes with BMWhat and a bluetooth OBD II adapter from ebay.

I have about 91k miles. Transmission fluid has not been changed yet but planning to do so next week. On the dash there are no codes. I don't have a reader but will borrow one from a friend and see if any codes appear.

[07chupacabra]

Codes don't display on the dash unless you have a JB4 or a similar tuner. Most generic code readers won't be able read all parts of the car thus all the codes. You'll need a modern bmw code reader or a generic Bluetooth obd2 code reader and an iPhone or Android that can run the BMWhat app (most modern devices can).

[deepocean]

try to reset the adaptations by INPA and remember oil temp MUST be warm

[Wahid19E92]

Originally Posted by deepocean

try to reset the adaptations by INPA and remember oil temp MUST be warm

I've already done this. Also I noticed that my DS mode is gone. I think there are broken pieces or wires under the shift box. But would this cause the car to take itself out of Drive? As soon as I press the gas D comes back after a few seconds but DS does not.

[924er]

Originally Posted by Wahid19E92

I've already done this. Also I noticed that my DS mode is gone. I think there are broken pieces or wires under the shift box. But would this cause the car to take itself out of Drive? As soon as I press the gas D comes back after a few seconds but DS does not.

It could be your wires under the gear stick. There is a YouTube DIY on how to repair the wires. I would check every connection and make sure everything looks clean. Not sure if those wires can take the car out of drive but That might fix it.

[Wahid19E92]

Originally Posted by 924er

It could be your wires under the gear stick. There is a YouTube DIY on how to repair the wires. I would check every connection and make sure everything looks clean. Not sure if those wires can take the car out of drive but That might fix it.

Yeah I saw that video, I will give that a try. Also the battery was recently replaced and the car started doing this soon after. Does anybody know if that has anything to do with this?

[924er]

Originally Posted by Wahid19E92

Yeah I saw that video, I will give that a try. Also the battery was recently replaced and the car started doing this soon after. Does anybody know if that has anything to do with this?

Was the battery coded properly. Batteries on these cars can do funny things

[Wahid19E92]

Originally Posted by 924er

Was the battery coded properly. Batteries on these cars can do funny things

Yes the Euro shop that changed it, told me that it was registered properly. Maybe I'll have to double check at the dealership.

[Wahid19E92]

UPDATE: So it turns out that my linkage to the transmission broke off due to a broken clamp. That's why it's been slipping gears on Drive. I took it to a BMW specialty shop, cost about $195 to get replaced. The mechanic told me that the car drives and shifts fine now. I am picking up the car tomorrow so I will see for myself. Will post results.

[pruettfan]

Happy you found the issue. I would recommend that you still change the filter and fluid, it is not a terribly tough job but pays off, I have 203,000 miles on my car and it still runs great, I am changing my transmission fluid and filter for the second time (I am a bit overdue) next week. I did the first one around 90,000 miles. There are plenty of opinions on which fluid to use, I have stuck with the ZF, expensive but I decided to not take a chance since the transmission costs a fortune to replace.

[Wahid19E92]

Thanks for the advice! I will get this done within the next 2 weeks since my car is within the 90k miles range. It's amazing that you made your car last to 203,000, any other advice that can help me make my car go that long?

Originally Posted by pruettfan

Happy you found the issue. I would recommend that you still change the filter and fluid, it is not a terribly tough job but pays off, I have 203,000 miles on my car and it still runs great, I am changing my transmission fluid and filter for the second time (I am a bit overdue) next week. I did the first one around 90,000 miles. There are plenty of opinions on which fluid to use, I have stuck with the ZF, expensive but I decided to not take a chance since the transmission costs a fortune to replace.

[GoRomeo]

Interesting story. Thanks for sharing.

[Wahid19E92]

Got the car back and it drives great! The jerking during the downshift isn't really there anymore either!

Anyone in the Dallas area I highly recommend taking your car to Ultimate Bimmer Service if you don't already. They do a great job and fair prices. I don't trust my car with any other shop.