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BMW X3 hesitation on acceleration

232 messages,  Last post on Mar 16, 2011 at 6:25 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 17 of 24

#158 of 232 X3 Drivability Issues by dallas49

Mar 24, 2009 (11:01 am)

A month ago I bought a 2007 X3 (AT, 20k miles) from a local BMW dealer. The transmission problem was not prominent on my test drive. After driving the vehicle and experiencing most of the reported drivability problems for a week, I had the vehicle towed from my home to the dealer. The service dept. reported to me that they had checked the vehicle for all possible electromechanical problems and had found none in addition to having two technicians test drive it. I picked up the vehicle and continue to have problems. If there are software updates that fundamentally fix this problem why would a dealer offer a pre-owned vehicle for sale without performing the updates or complying with existing service bulletins?

#159 of 232 by kesnow

Mar 25, 2009 (6:31 am)

The software updates don't fix it. BMW does not "admit" there is a fundamental problem with the transmission/engine control software. BMW engines use valvetrain control to increase/decrease fuel and air to the engine, thereby speeding up or slowing down engine. I've been told every time I took it in that BMW corporate had to "approve" any software updates, therefore the dealer will not voluntarily update the software. You'd be better off filing a lemon-law complaint. You have a case of deception and neglect. I've leased mine for the last 2 1/2 years and cannot wait to turn it back in. I will not own another BMW product. Good luck.

#160 of 232 Re: [kesnow] by dallas49

Mar 25, 2009 (8:15 am)

Replying to: kesnow (Mar 25, 2009 6:31 am)
Thanks for your input. I took the car back to dealer service yesterday for my second attempt to get problem fixed. Car has about two years of factory warranty remaining and I had judged that this would protect me from major grief or costs. Apparently, not so, This is the 4th BMW I've owned after a 23 year hiatus driving other makes. Back in the early 70's a dealer tried to charge me for a fix on my 2002 and the regional BMW service rep interceded on my behalf and had the repaired charged to BMW. The good old days.

#161 of 232 Re: [dallas49] by MLB6

Mar 26, 2009 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: dallas49 (Mar 25, 2009 8:15 am)
D49, you think the transmission problem was not "prominent" on your test drive? May be there were none during the test drive. The 2007 X3si I have for the last two years, its behavior is constantly changing. The consistency is the inconsistency. And BMW believes my BMW experience should include going to the dealer more than ten times on the same complaint, while they perform the same routine of updating the software. And they finally confirm final characteristics in September 2008. OK may be the dangerous "characteristics" are mostly gone. But most other problems remained. It's not bad all the time: 80% of the time it drives OK, not great but OK. 19% of the time not good with jerks, some hesitations, and smooth accelerations and decelerations are just not possible. And 1% of the time, it's a real mess. It's worst when it's near freezing temperature or raining. Some days are better than other. Interesting that I took it to a local transmission shop specialized in rebuilding transmissions in luxury brands and just drives it for a few days. They told me I have a great truck, and they didn't notice any problem. Is it beauty in the eye of the beholder? I don't think so. Somehow, I believe my back and neck problems are due to my body adapting to the unjust interventions from the DME computer. I have to get rid of this X3, and I will feel sorry for whoever ends up having my X3. May be the newer software version v.32 would help, and I will have to ask them nicely to see if they are willing to put it in... D49, see if you can trade it for another X3 with no cost, may be a 2006 with more options. You bought it "used", I don't see why they can't take it back, at least you should be able to exchange it for another one. Good luck!

#162 of 232 Re: X3 Drivability Issues [dallas49] by beemer335i

Mar 28, 2009 (12:26 pm)

Replying to: dallas49 (Mar 24, 2009 11:01 am)
Suggest you check out message # 154 thru #157 it might help.

#163 of 232 Re: [kesnow] by jayvis

Mar 30, 2009 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: kesnow (Mar 25, 2009 6:31 am)
Well folks, this is one example of many why I don't own a BMW. To be truthfull, I've always lusted over the thought of someday owning one. I test drove a 3 and 5 series back in the late 90's and was impressed with the handling and performance but was not keen on the stark interior designs. Since then I've finally reached the point financially where I can afford this class of vehicle and was very close to buying an X3 a few months ago. But after doing tons of research on the vehicle and BMW as a whole, I ended up buying a new Lexus RX350. I know, it's a totally different vehicle but I'll be damned if I'm going to put up with arrogant BMW sales people, pay a luxury price for a vehicle with a non-luxury interior and then have to endure the performance and quality issues that seem to be inherent with these vehicles. No, my Lexus can't corner at excessive speed but I'll bet it spends more time on the road and less time in the shop than an X3. I've lost a lot of faith in German car design.

#164 of 232 Free Fix by daddyman

Mar 31, 2009 (10:33 am)

It amazes me that no matter how many web sites post that there is a serious problem with the 07 AT people continue to buy them and then are dumb-founded when it happens to them. The fact that they have released multiple updates and still have issues says volumes. There is only one resolution to the AT problem should you have it. Lemon law --and an attorney. Both are free and will quickly get BMWNA's attention.

#165 of 232 This Lemon is SWEET! by stupidname

Apr 02, 2009 (4:29 pm)

I bought an 8000 mile '07 X3 3.0si for my wife in May '08. It was a Dealer car (loaner). $41k sticker, bought it for just under $29k in great shape with 8k miles. The Transmission is and has been flawless so far for about 15k miles we have put on it. I think it is a fantastic little truck/car and can get about 22 MPG out of it. I have not had a single issue with the Transmission and my wife has mentioned nothing. It takes off like a stinkin' rocket when I want it to, and drives perfectly with very slight foot pressure. I even tow a little trailer with it with my son's 1/4 Midget on it. Great vehicle and certainly not a Lemon by a longshot.

#166 of 232 luck by kesnow

Apr 03, 2009 (6:22 am)

You must have the best luck in the world--or you work for BMW....LOL Hope you never have any problems with it. I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

#167 of 232 Re: luck [kesnow] by szimdahl

Apr 03, 2009 (8:05 am)

Replying to: kesnow (Apr 03, 2009 6:22 am)
I also have a 2007 X3 CPO that I bought in April 2008. It was also a dealer loaner that I bought with 6300 miles on it. I haven't had any transmission issues either as far as not shifting or hesitating to make a turn. If I press the accelerator it goes! The only thing I can say about the transmission is it is a little "quirky" for an automatic. The downshifting as you reduce speed and let off the accelerator makes it feel like you are driving a manual tranmission and are downshifting through the gears. I also have a Volvo S40 and if you let your foot off the gas it does not downshift through the gears. This probably allows for a slight increase in gas mieage as well. Anyway, I think my X3 is a great vehicle and I guess I have just been lucky so far like the last guy!

Messages Page 17 of 24

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