My M3 not shifting properly - DCT - Video

[PeteV]

So, my transmission on my 2009 M3 was leaking, and took it back to the dealer for them to fix it under warranty, which they did. Since then, I have had an intermittent problem, where the car is not shifting properly. It happens mostly between 3rd and 4th, and 6th and 7th. It is most notable when I go to shift the car with no throttle applied, and the shift does not happen. You can see the shift happen, but you will notice that the revs don't change. Once I then step on the gas, the shift occurs, as you can see with the change in revs.

I have taken it back to the dealer for this, and they were unable to repeat the problem (which is why I took the video), and now I have to take it back to them, but was hoping some might have an idea what this might be, since the dealer can't seem to be able to figure it out.

[Tracyis300]

Looks like a software issue? It's like it's out of sync or something?!

Hope a reboot will fix your problem

[PeteV]

Originally Posted by Tracyis300

Looks like a software issue? It's like it's out of sync or something?!

Hope a reboot will fix your problem

They already did that. At least that is their claim. No worky.

[PeteV]

The transmission worked flawlessly, until the dealer touched it.

I agree with you about the leak, a transmission should not leak after 30,000 miles, but fixing a leak should not suddenly cause the transmission to go batty.

[8k3]

Man sorry for your issues. I wanted a DCT after daily driving my M in traffic two years in a row but now I guess not, too many gremlins. One of the reasons I stayed away, the E46 SMG. Hope you get it resolved

[thekurgan]

It's difficult to hear if the revs are really reducing/increasing. Could it be a gauge cluster issue for the tach?

[Kurt_OH]

I have DCT and love it.

[BzsBimmer]

Wow that is odd. I wonder if they replaced your fluid with the right DCT fluid. It almost looks like there is slippage happening.

1. Maybe have them reset your DCT adaptation
2. Ask (or look) at your service invoice for BMW DCTF-1 (83 22 0 440 214) 1-litre can
3. Go to another dealer that may be more experienced with DCT's

[Helmsman]

Agree with Bimmer, I'd double check what fluid they used. Make sure you get the part number yourself rather than take the dealers word for it.

Had a DCT leak sortet myself recently where the dealer filled MT fluid. Resulted in a new box, cooler and pipes.

Good luck

[to///m]

Here come the DCT bashers lol Its an excellent transmission and I have had 0 problems with it @58K miles. Shits all over my E46 SMG...

OP, my guess is software too. If it was working fine before the service, I don't think something hardware related.

But like another member said, check to make sure the right fluid, and then ask again for a reset.

Also, increase your shift speed and see if it still occurs.

[Helmsman]

Hi TO//M, I totally agree, following the M-DCT issue history it seems to be as close to bullet proof as it gets. Heck people have loaded S/C onto it for years and they still run fine.

The infamous leakage is annoying and I think a clumsy design by BMW, costly too if not covered by warranty. Filling with wrong fluid is potentially much worse, and even more clumsy by the dealer.

Looking after these things I wouldn't be surprised if the box out live the rest of the car.

[PeteV]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

It's difficult to hear if the revs are really reducing/increasing. Could it be a gauge cluster issue for the tach?

Understood, the audio is not that great, but for sure the revs are matching what is on the tach.

[PeteV]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Wow that is odd. I wonder if they replaced your fluid with the right DCT fluid. It almost looks like there is slippage happening.

1. Maybe have them reset your DCT adaptation
2. Ask (or look) at your service invoice for BMW DCTF-1 (83 22 0 440 214) 1-litre can
3. Go to another dealer that may be more experienced with DCT's

I believe they already did #1. I will inquire about #2. The issue with #3 is that my extended warranty is through this dealer, although at this point, I just want it fixed.

Also, I neglected to mention that this happens intermittently, not all the time. As far as I can tell, it's when the transmission gets hot.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a location with an experienced DCT tech? I am in Irvine, CA, and work in Corona, CA.

[BzsBimmer]

Mckenna

[PeteV]

Took the car back to the dealer again (BMW Murrieta), and they say that the car is functioning properly, and to drive it for 1,000 miles for the transmission to "re-learn" how to shift properly. Sounds like BS to me. Anyone have another opinion?

[BzsBimmer]

I can send a video of a properly functioning DCT, and yours is not.

I'll try to drive it the way you desribe and see if my car behaves the same. I'd give Charlie at Mckenna a call since he is in LA and a forum sponser. Maybe he can give it a go.
At least PM him to check your video.
If it needs 1,000 miles to readapt... wow. Never heard of that fixing what you showed.

[Alohaaaaa]

DCT problems are such a blast. I was to the dealer 4 times for mine and they kept denying/talking their way out of it.

Now mine is leaking, so at least they have to fix it.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by PeteV

Took the car back to the dealer again (BMW Murrieta), and they say that the car is functioning properly, and to drive it for 1,000 miles for the transmission to "re-learn" how to shift properly. Sounds like BS to me. Anyone have another opinion?

Pete, if its the "re learn" they refer to, I believe this is done even without driving the car through SW programming. This was done when I recently got a new box, they did drive a few miles also but I believe this was for final check only.

[PeteV]

Thanks for the replies. I PM'd Charlie.

[issmeihede]

The transmission worked flawlessly, until the dealer touched it.

[PeteV]

Originally Posted by issmeihede

The transmission worked flawlessly, until the dealer touched it.

That is correct. At this point, I think their ploy with the 1,000 miles of driving is that I will get used to how it is functioning, and accept it.

Not going to happen!

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by PeteV

That is correct. At this point, I think their ploy with the 1,000 miles of driving is that I will get used to how it is functioning, and accept it.

Not going to happen!

Spot on !