2010 528i xDrive 1st to 2nd shift hesitates when cold

[bigretic]

Car has 107k, trans is starting to shift weird when it is cold, it's like a hesitation going from 1st to 2nd when taking off. Advise?

[jclausen]

Do you let the car idle for a bit before taking off or do you just start and go

[jtbgonesailing]

Give that ZF a service. ZF recommends a fluid change with filter renewal between 50&60 k miles and not lifetime as BMW initially stated. BMW now recommends 100 k mile service. Go by what the manufacturer of the transmission has to say.

[JamesBondBimmer]

Give that ZF a service. ZF recommends a fluid change with filter renewal between 50&60 k miles and not lifetime as BMW initially stated. BMW now recommends 100 k mile service. Go by what the manufacturer of the transmission has to say.
I have the same issue called a shop to get a quote and was told to leave it alone and that if I changed the fluid it will get worse. I have 130k on the clock

[bigretic]

Yes, i've been letting it idle a bit (told wife to... her car) no noticable difference. I will have it serviced and hopefully that will solve the issue.

[interalian]

I have the same issue called a shop to get a quote and was told to leave it alone and that if I changed the fluid it will get worse. I have 130k on the clock

Because somehow the dirty fluid works better than new fluid would? The crud that might be in the pan leaps forth and clogs a passage? I like this 'old wives tale' about transmission fluid changes - probably propegated by people whose transmissions were about to die and they did a 'hail mary' fluid change hoping for a cure-all.

[tttomttt]

I would not hesitate to service the transmission. The philosophy of leaving it alone is just that a philosophy, that is unfounded. Minimally I would add fluid because it sounds as though your fluid is low.

[bigretic]

Just to follow up on this, i did service the trans, did filter, fluid and the 4 mech seals and sleave. Car shifts great now, no more hesitation or hard shifts with one exception; when going from reverse to drive it is rough. Not sure why as of yet.

[jtbgonesailing]

Great outcome. BMW loves preventative maintained and will reward you for your long term efforts.