[dashredder]

I have a 06 330i auto. While I love the car, I can't help but NOT love the trans. I've driven a newer 328i auto and a 128i auto, and I remember both of their auto transmissions were much more driver friendly than my 330i trans. I do not believe there is anything wrong with my trans, it just is slow to respond, it shifts earlier than I want it to, or it seems to redline when all I want to do is access the upper portion of the sweet inline six rev band with some satisfying acceleration, not WOT. Also, i notice that when turning a normal corner at normal speeds my trans is locked in 3rd or 4th with no stall in the trans. Like you left it in too low of a gear on a manual. Sounds funny, but the auto trans in a Honda feels much more satisfying to drive in nearly all driving conditions. I've had the car for some time now, but recent drives in other cars have brought the behavior of my trans to light. Very frustrating.

Is the trans the same as those used on the 328 and the 128? Is there a software update that will make my 330i more enjoyable to drive?

Thanks for any input.

[psre08]

Just get a BMS power box, cheap and easy installation. Unless I'm stuck in heavy traffic I always use steptronic rather than auto.

... and I will have to disagree with you on the responsiveness. I've driven newer 328i's and a friend's 2010 328i and they don't come close to the 330. Maybe your transmission fluids are low... dunno.. but 330i > 328i in almost every way. 128i is not comparable because it's a totally different car.

[3002 tii]

perhaps the ecu has adapted to your driving style previously and you're now driving more aggressively. i think disconnecting your battery might work? that did the trick on my other cars in the past. i also agree, bmw lifetime fluids are hardly that and fresh fluids might do the trick.

[Scottycs]

it is an auto after all....

[guerilla twang]

You need to reset your transmission, the ZF transmission in the 330i and 335i's are vastly superior to the GM tranny in the 328i.

You're crazy.

[dashredder]

Perhaps I am crazy. That does not change the fact that I don't like how my trans is behaves. A manual would be nice, but unfortunately the car must be shared at times and a MT is not an option at this time. I enjoyed a MT for many years, which may be partially to blame for my "crazy" opinion of the auto. I think what I miss most is the stall that is present on the autos I consider to be a pleasure to drive. It makes the car feel light and responsive compared to a heavy and labored drive when driving normally. I have the BMS and I enjoy the throttle response it provides. It does not adjust the trans specifically from what I understand. It does cause the trans to downshift due to the car sensing more throttle. I'll try that trans reset process I saw listed in the forums.

[angcd3]

Originally Posted by psre08

Just get a BMS power box, cheap and easy installation. Unless I'm stuck in heavy traffic I always use steptronic rather than auto.

... and I will have to disagree with you on the responsiveness. I've driven newer 328i's and a friend's 2010 328i and they don't come close to the 330. Maybe your transmission fluids are low... dunno.. but 330i > 328i in almost every way. 128i is not comparable because it's a totally different car.

+1