[chicagolab]

Just wanting to share my recent expereience with the steptronic.

I've been with a loaner on and off for about the last month due to transmission woes. About a month ago the transmission would buck during downshifts from 3rd to 2nd gear and intermittently if driven hard. It would also buck when put in reverse. Like most of us here, I know my car well and knew there was an issue. There definitely was something wrong with the trans.

I brought the car in to the dealer and they had the car for about a week and did reprogramming and numerous other trials. Eventually, they found a trans valve that was cracked. They replaced the valve over the next week (waiting for parts , etc) and then returned my car to me. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dealer, I was on the highway and again there was bucking between shifts at highway speeds. I brought the car back immediately and grabbed a tech to go on a drive with me. The tech said his thought is that the broken valver leaked the trans fluid and that damaged the trans. He was honest with me and said the dealer would probably try everything they can before changing out the trans. I was firm with the service associate.
He put me back i a loaner and they contacted me within a few days and notified me they would change the transmission. I finally picked the car up yesterday evening. The new trans felt great until highway speeds of about 70mph. It shifts fine but at around 70mph now there is a nasty loud shuttering noise. I called the dealer and will bring the car back Monday morning.

I am extremely glad the car is still under warranty and confirmed my thought of never owning a BMW out of warranty. I really appreciate my 330i now. The stripped down loaner 328i feels so different, no idrive/nav, no pdc, no heated seats (its cold here), no power seats, no sunshades.

I hope all is resolved soon.. I am now looking at options for my next ride before my warranty expires.

[Scimitar335i]

That sucks man.. good luck to you bro...

[Seminole]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Hope it gets resolved for you!

[chicagolab]

it may well be a good excuse for another european delivery. I am contemplating getting the car certified by BMW (Owners choice/lease ending soon). I have the option of making the balloon payment and getting it certified by the dealer or turn it in. They are offering me a good deal below what the balance of the loan is and I could finance the balance at 0.9%. This may be a good option and I would either wait a little longer before my next euro delivery. But I'm keeping my options open at this time.

[darkphantom]

How hard have you pushed your car in the 43k miles of owning it? Usually, everytime I drive about 20-30 mile trips, I push it atleast once, but not ALL the way WOT, usually shift at 6k...so it rarely hits the 7k mark....also, I've got the ZF tranny on the 335i, so I hope long term problems won't occur.

[radix]

Good luck.

[chicagolab]

Originally Posted by darkphantom

How hard have you pushed your car in the 43k miles of owning it? Usually, everytime I drive about 20-30 mile trips, I push it at least once, but not ALL the way WOT, usually shift at 6k...so it rarely hits the 7k mark....also, I've got the ZF tranny on the 335i, so I hope long term problems won't occur.

I feel like I am an average driver, not very aggressive (like taxis) yet not very passive (like grandma). I live in the the city of Chicago (proper). About 80% of my driving is city driving. There usually is too much traffic or stop lights to push the car much even if I wanted too. On the highway I will occasionally push the car harder similar to what you mention. This car should be able to handle the driving I do and had performed very well until this point. When the car is in shape it really is fun to drive. I'm pretty confident I'll stick with BMW (the Audi A5 may sway me away).

[veightkiller]

atleast they are honest about it and didn't give you the fck around first before doing their job and replace the whole thing for you

[chicagolab]

Originally Posted by veightkiller

atleast they are honest about it and didn't give you the fck around first before doing their job and replace the whole thing for you

I'm definitely happy they swapped out the trans. The service has been good. They got me in a loaner quick and are making efforts to make things right.

[smellthebeans]

There is something faulty with that transmission. Your the first one I have seen on the board with a problematic ZF. Kind of makes me wonder....I have just swept passed 70K on mine and I autocross & attend DEs not every weekend but a couple times a year.

Good Luck.