Car shudders at stop light -- is this a problem?

abcommercial · 12-13-2008, 09:57 AM

I don't know how else to describe this, but when I am waiting at a red light with my foot on the brake, I noticed the sensation of the car shuddering, like cars do on really windy days. I just assumed it was wind at first, but then I started to notice it doing it even on calm days.

Other than this issue, the car drives very smoothly, including accelerating, breaking, and turning. I am no mechanic, but it seems like maybe the transmission is "grabbing" or something while my foot is on the brake?

Normal, or have it checked out?

Thanks

bimdaddy · 12-13-2008, 10:24 AM

Your car is under warranty....take it in.

hanmaas · 12-13-2008, 11:18 AM

have it checked out

MCMLXXXIX · 12-13-2008, 11:49 AM

its amped up and ready to go. it wants to be driven

chrisE92 · 12-13-2008, 12:14 PM

this has happened to me occasionally. switching to N will get rid of the shuddering, and the problem should be gone when you switch back into D (at least, thats how it's been for me).

But it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out, right? let me know how it goes if you bring it to the dealer

ragingclue · 12-13-2008, 12:27 PM

Mine lurches when at a stop. Almost like I'm getting tapped from behind...

lol... no, not that kind of "tapped from behind..."

Bmoney2K4 · 12-13-2008, 12:45 PM

Is it safe to always put the car in neutrual when at a stop light. I've heard varying opinions on this.

d3l0n · 12-13-2008, 12:54 PM

i am in the same boat... I think it is the tranny. i spent $2,000 plus 3 weeks of them trying to fix this issue and they couldnt!!!! (i'm out of warranty and forgot to extend)

i wish there was another dealer in but the other one is owned by the same dealer!!

The problem is, you can't re create it, still... I believe its the tranny, but they did all this shit to the engine. This summer, I got a new gear selector.. and I think its acting up again. THankfully we have 2years warranty, unlimited millage on any newly installed part. Because lately after I park and try to pull the keyfob out, it tells me to put the car in P and it is in P! lol.. so i have to tap it forward a bit.

bluebum · 12-13-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Mine lurches when at a stop. Almost like I'm getting tapped from behind...

lol... no, not that kind of "tapped from behind..."

i have the same exact issue. i'm holding off on taking it to the dealership b/c i can't recreate the problem. i especially hate it when cars are behind me b/c i do'nt know if i got a real love tap or not

d3l0n · 12-13-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebum

i have the same exact issue. i'm holding off on taking it to the dealership b/c i can't recreate the problem. i especially hate it when cars are behind me b/c i do'nt know if i got a real love tap or not

do they really see it on the outside (the movement).. can u see the jerk?

bluebum · 12-13-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d3l0n

do they really see it on the outside (the movement).. can u see the jerk?

really have no idea what it looks like from the outside....i can only describe what i feel from inside... btw driving AT

smallseafishie · 12-15-2008, 07:38 AM

Mine randomly does a short slight (emphasis on SLIGHT) shudder as if it's about to die out or so when i'm sitting at a light (MT). There was another thread on this topic and I think the speculation was about how there was a change in direct injection process that would cause the slight shudder. It was agreed to be normal behavior.

dtg · 12-15-2008, 07:48 AM

I just went to the dealership this weekend to take a look at a few other things and I also wanted them to check out the SAME problem.

When I started to explain it to my service manager, she smiled and finished my explanation for me as though she new exactly what I was talking about. Then she said this is not unusual and it is not a problem. If there were any misfires or other issues, it would throw a code.

I think it's a tuning issue.

S4to335 · 12-15-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtg

If there were any misfires or other issues, it would throw a code.

I think it's a tuning issue.

I disagree. Mine is misfiring badly..and I have no codes displaying right now. This will be the FIFTH time into the dealer for this specific issue.

alq80 · 12-15-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisE92

this has happened to me occasionally. switching to N will get rid of the shuddering, and the problem should be gone when you switch back into D (at least, thats how it's been for me).

But it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out, right? let me know how it goes if you bring it to the dealer

+1, N.

cstavaru · 12-15-2008, 10:33 AM

I believe this is absolutely normal...it happens to me (335i 6MT), and it happened to me on my previous Renault Megane. The idle is not perfectly smooth. I don't think its misfire, but that's just the way some cars are idling, a little rough. I don't think this is a problem !

Back in a Subie · 12-15-2008, 12:03 PM

I recently had this issue and took it in, they told me it had to do with my aftermarket intake and charged me for the visit, since then it has been a lot better but I still get the shuddering on occasion.

wj4 · 12-15-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstavaru

I believe this is absolutely normal...it happens to me (335i 6MT), and it happened to me on my previous Renault Megane. The idle is not perfectly smooth. I don't think its misfire, but that's just the way some cars are idling, a little rough. I don't think this is a problem !

I agree with this. I've had this occurring on my 335i since the start. I am over 30,000 miles now and is still on the first high pressure fuel pump. It usually happens when I'm at a longer stop light. Sometimes the car would just shudder, sometimes it would shudder and the RPM will go up more by 100 RPM. Sometimes it would just shudder and the RPM would fluctuate and stabilize after a second or two.

Kilgore Trout · 12-15-2008, 12:19 PM

This is probably irrelevant to the conversationn, but my former vehicle (an Acura TSX) developed the exact same symptoms). Turned out to be a broken engine mount.

Hoothout · 12-15-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimdaddy

Your car is under warranty....take it in.

S4to335 · 12-15-2008, 12:24 PM

We need to determine if this is a tranny vibration problem for automatic transmission cars..or the well documented misfire/rough idle issue that many of us experience regardless of tranny type.

dtg · 12-15-2008, 01:11 PM

This used to happen to me in my turbocharged Lexus IS300 but then again it was running on a Haltek stand-alone and I would expect imperfections.

This "rough idle" being passed off as normal by BMW is sort of BS and we are really owed a more thorough explanation.

I'm picking up my car from the dealership tomorrow and I'll ask to talk to a tech so that maybe I can get a better explanation of what is going on that is causing this.

Anyway, I also found this thread on N54tech where some guys have experienced an improvement after an aftermarket tune but the concensus seems to be that it's normal

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showth...highlight=idle

12-13-2008, 09:57 AM	#1
abcommercial Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 237 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Car shudders at stop light -- is this a problem? I don't know how else to describe this, but when I am waiting at a red light with my foot on the brake, I noticed the sensation of the car shuddering, like cars do on really windy days. I just assumed it was wind at first, but then I started to notice it doing it even on calm days. Other than this issue, the car drives very smoothly, including accelerating, breaking, and turning. I am no mechanic, but it seems like maybe the transmission is "grabbing" or something while my foot is on the brake? Normal, or have it checked out? Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-13-2008, 10:24 AM	#2
bimdaddy Major 37 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: 911 Carrera & G01 X3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (10)	Your car is under warranty....take it in. __________________ 2020 X3 X-Drive 30i; Alpine White/Mocha
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2008, 11:18 AM	#3
hanmaas Lieutenant 17 Rep 577 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	have it checked out __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2008, 11:49 AM	#4
MCMLXXXIX wat 238 Rep 3,406 Posts Drives: a gr3at whit3 5hark Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	its amped up and ready to go. it wants to be driven
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2008, 12:14 PM	#5
chrisE92 Brigadier General 245 Rep 4,494 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue E92 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: LA to HB iTrader: (21)	this has happened to me occasionally. switching to N will get rid of the shuddering, and the problem should be gone when you switch back into D (at least, thats how it's been for me). But it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out, right? let me know how it goes if you bring it to the dealer __________________ photos
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2008, 12:27 PM	#6
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	Mine lurches when at a stop. Almost like I'm getting tapped from behind... lol... no, not that kind of "tapped from behind..."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2008, 12:45 PM	#7
Bmoney2K4 Captain 185 Rep 885 Posts Drives: 2016 535i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California iTrader: (0)	Is it safe to always put the car in neutrual when at a stop light. I've heard varying opinions on this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2008, 12:54 PM	#8
d3l0n I love the ///M3, but I want 550hp ///M5 141 Rep 3,276 Posts Drives: BMW330iE90 Join Date: May 2006 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i (E90) [9.00]	i am in the same boat... I think it is the tranny. i spent $2,000 plus 3 weeks of them trying to fix this issue and they couldnt!!!! (i'm out of warranty and forgot to extend) i wish there was another dealer in but the other one is owned by the same dealer!! The problem is, you can't re create it, still... I believe its the tranny, but they did all this shit to the engine. This summer, I got a new gear selector.. and I think its acting up again. THankfully we have 2years warranty, unlimited millage on any newly installed part. Because lately after I park and try to pull the keyfob out, it tells me to put the car in P and it is in P! lol.. so i have to tap it forward a bit. __________________ .::d3l0n::. FS: OEM SG Side Skirts - Sparkling Graphite - PRE-LCI FS: OEM Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser FS: (SG) E90 OEM Rear Bumper - Sparkling Graphite - Pre-LCI 328/330 i/xi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 07:38 AM	#12
smallseafishie Colonel 110 Rep 2,017 Posts Drives: AW 07 e92 335i + AW 11 X5 35d Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	Mine randomly does a short slight (emphasis on SLIGHT) shudder as if it's about to die out or so when i'm sitting at a light (MT). There was another thread on this topic and I think the speculation was about how there was a change in direct injection process that would cause the slight shudder. It was agreed to be normal behavior.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 07:48 AM	#13
dtg Private 16 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Big D iTrader: (2)	I just went to the dealership this weekend to take a look at a few other things and I also wanted them to check out the SAME problem. When I started to explain it to my service manager, she smiled and finished my explanation for me as though she new exactly what I was talking about. Then she said this is not unusual and it is not a problem. If there were any misfires or other issues, it would throw a code. I think it's a tuning issue.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 10:33 AM	#16
cstavaru Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	I believe this is absolutely normal...it happens to me (335i 6MT), and it happened to me on my previous Renault Megane. The idle is not perfectly smooth. I don't think its misfire, but that's just the way some cars are idling, a little rough. I don't think this is a problem !
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 12:03 PM	#17
Back in a Subie Captain 81 Rep 834 Posts Drives: 15 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (8) Garage List 2015 Subaru Outback ... [0.00] 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler [10.00] 2015 Subaru WRX STI ... [9.00]	I recently had this issue and took it in, they told me it had to do with my aftermarket intake and charged me for the visit, since then it has been a lot better but I still get the shuddering on occasion. __________________ After enjoying 9 years with my BMW I am now Back in a Subie: formerly Mi330xi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 12:19 PM	#19
Kilgore Trout Chicks dig wagons! 43 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Where you can see through the people, but not the air (i.e., Los Angeles!) iTrader: (0)	This is probably irrelevant to the conversationn, but my former vehicle (an Acura TSX) developed the exact same symptoms). Turned out to be a broken engine mount. __________________ E91 Montego Blue gray leather burl walnut , Idrive, PDC, Logic7, CA, Sirius, xenons, 6FL, ZPP, heated seats, 17" tires. 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 12:24 PM	#21
S4to335 Brigadier General 434 Rep 4,380 Posts Drives: 2014 Audi A4 / 91 Track Miata Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i sedan [8.00]	We need to determine if this is a tranny vibration problem for automatic transmission cars..or the well documented misfire/rough idle issue that many of us experience regardless of tranny type. __________________ Car is now gone .... :-(
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 01:11 PM	#22
dtg Private 16 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Big D iTrader: (2)	This used to happen to me in my turbocharged Lexus IS300 but then again it was running on a Haltek stand-alone and I would expect imperfections. This "rough idle" being passed off as normal by BMW is sort of BS and we are really owed a more thorough explanation. I'm picking up my car from the dealership tomorrow and I'll ask to talk to a tech so that maybe I can get a better explanation of what is going on that is causing this. Anyway, I also found this thread on N54tech where some guys have experienced an improvement after an aftermarket tune but the concensus seems to be that it's normal http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showth...highlight=idle
	Appreciate 0 Quote