E92 M3 DCT not automatically downshifting in D?

[kamikazi26]

Originally Posted by dparm

Which DriveLogic setting are you in? (the rocker switch with 5 bars)

My experience was that if you are in 1-3, it is very reluctant to downshift.

All the way up to 5. It use to drop a few gears with the gas pedal 50-60% depressed on the hghwsy at setting D5.

[kamikazi26]

Originally Posted by codinge90

I had a similar issue, whenever I was in M mode it would be fine but a tad too sporty for everyday driving. Normal drive was dreadful as it would keep me in 7th. You need to reset adaptations, that's what I did and it fixed my issue.

I thought of that as an option... thank you. I’ll look up the procedure (I’m sure I can find it in the laptop ISTA software).

I have to go out of town for a few days. I’ll reply back with the results when I get back.

[kamikazi26]

Originally Posted by kamikazi26

I know this is an old post, but I'm having the EXACT same scenario going on with my 2011 E93 M3. I cannot lfind any other information on it.

Can the original thread starter advise what was done to correct the issue?

I'm in D7 mode on the hwy doing 100kmph (rev at approx 3k), and i push the throttle slowly all the way (just prior to the kickdown switch - not activating it). In the past if i'm in D7 mode (M button pushed), the car would drop a gear or two in order to assist me passing a car or just be more agressive. Now, it just falls on it's face and VERY slowly (still in D7 gear) accelerates.

If i slow down to a stop; yes, it downshifts to first gear automatically.

When slowing down, it downshifts automatically, when accelerating, it does not.

This just started this week. I've owned the car since 2012.

Yes i will be going to the dealership to have it diagnosed as a last resort. Figured I'd try here first.

Map sensor, vaccum line, TPS, must be something wrong...

FYI
I had the GTS DCT flash done 3 years ago (fantastic mod!)

Sorry. I meant D5 (7th gear).

I tramp the gas pedal down all the way (without clicking the kickdown detent), and the car falls on its face and just bogs down and slooooly gains speed. No downshifts happen (just like it would act in shift pattern 1or2)

[codinge90]

Originally Posted by kamikazi26

I thought of that as an option... thank you. I’ll look up the procedure (I’m sure I can find it in the laptop ISTA software).

I have to go out of town for a few days. I’ll reply back with the results when I get back.

Just drive your car a bit more aggressive when you reset it so the car learns the new driving habits. This is definitely one of the flaws with the dct transmission though, I'm running e85 and it's even worse almost like I misfire when it downshifts in drive. Downshifting in manual mode is completely fine on e85 though

[amrazM]

Checked to see if your DCT pan is leaking? Mine was leaking over the past few months and overtime the car did a lot of funny things when driving most of which went away after servicing the unit(new fluids, pan, suction filter and side filter). I drove the car the other night and when in D4 or higher at 7th GEAR 50-60% throttle input the car will happily drop 3 gears into 4th sometimes 3rd.

Also in ista-D there is a function that lets you relearn the clutch pressures.

[kamikazi26]

Thanks guys. I’ll try one thing at a time starting with the adaptations. I’ll probably clear them all (good idea?)

My car has no leaks at all.

I’m in Vancouver for a few days, then returning back to Toronto on Friday. I’ll hook up my laptop, boot up rheingold and clear adaptations.

I’ll report back then.

I’ve been driving like a grandpa for the past 6 months. That’s probably why it recorded those driving parameter levels.

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by codinge90

I had a similar issue, whenever I was in M mode it would be fine but a tad too sporty for everyday driving. Normal drive was dreadful as it would keep me in 7th. You need to reset adaptations, that's what I did and it fixed my issue.

I was wondering when someone would recommend this or fluid level inspection. You win sir!

[guop]

Same thing was happening to the m3. wouldn't downshift in D mode, it ended up being that the DCT oil pan was leaking alot of fluid. Got the pan fixed with fresh oil and it works great now.

[TTony]

The SMG in my E60 M5 downshifts better and more predictable than the DCT in my '11 M3. I expected better from the M3 because the DCT is a better transmission in all other respects.

[kamikazi26]

No luck. I reset all engine adaptations, and reset the two dct transmission adaptations. No change at all.

Any other idea?

[kamikazi26]

I’ve reset all engine adaptations and also both in the transmission. No joy. Same symptoms.

I’ve changed gas stations for better fuel quality and replaced my air filter ( it needed to be changed anyways), no joy.

It’s like my shift patterns lost their programming. I don’t feel like my shifts are aggressive anymore with the higher selections.

Car will down shift on the highway as normal with shift patterns up to 5 or 6, not never in 7.

Full throttle ( not hitting the defend), and the car just falls on its face and sloooooowly accelerates ( no downshifting).

Could I have lost programming? Should I contact Alex and have him re-flash the GTS firmware on the transmission?

[msan]

Originally Posted by kamikazi26

My car has no leaks at all.

Just to make sure, you removed the transmission cover and looked at the pan itself to confirm no leaks? You won't be able to tell if it's leaking just by looking under the car without taking the cover off.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by kamikazi26

Could I have lost programming? Should I contact Alex and have him re-flash the GTS firmware on the transmission?

You can't lose programming. I would definitely ask him to reflash it, or to put it back to stock.

[kamikazi26]

Originally Posted by msan

Just to make sure, you removed the transmission cover and looked at the pan itself to confirm no leaks? You won't be able to tell if it's leaking just by looking under the car without taking the cover off.

I have not removed the cover. Maybe I should look into this possibility a little more.

[kamikazi26]

Originally Posted by dparm

You can't lose programming. I would definitely ask him to reflash it, or to put it back to stock.

It’s been flashed for 3 years now; I will however ask him to re-flash. I don’t want to go back to stock (it was one of the best mods I’ve done!).

[dparm]

Originally Posted by kamikazi26

It’s been flashed for 3 years now; I will however ask him to re-flash. I don’t want to go back to stock (it was one of the best mods I’ve done!).

Understood, but you need to start eliminating potential causes.

[JDM_CL9]

+1 on checking your DCT fluid levels and potentially just having your transmission serviced with new filters and fluid.

I had similar issues with my previous M3 where the transmission felt like it did not want to downshift in Auto mode but after replacing the pan, gasket, suction filter, and side cartridge filter, then performing the proper fill procedures - car was back to normal without any adaption resets etc.

There was some "sweating" of DCT fluid from the pan but not enough to leak on my driveway to tell that there was a problem. I had to remove the felt cover to discover the leak.

[msan]

Update?

[kamikazi26]

I have not had the opportunity to jack the car up and check the pan for dampness.

It’s been +28 and higher here in Toronto for a few days during the past two weeks. The car acts, shifts and downshifts just as it did when it was new. I don’t get it. How can it be temperature sensitive.

Swing how the car has been acting “normal” lately, I’ve postponed the servicing until a later time when it will be more convenient for me.

I don’t get it, but accept what’s going on.

[Timujin]

Warm weather may have caused greater fluid expansion. Also might mean you have lost some fluid.

[sergbaja5t]

So what is the general consensus on how to fix this issue? I had my engine replaced last week at BMW of NW Arkansas under warranty. I would take it back to have it checked, bit I live in Atlanta.

[kamikazi26]

I can only speak for myself, but my issue was fixed by changing my tires. I had two winters and two summers (different sizes).

After installing my 4 summers, it fixed itself.

Just speaking on my experience.