“Hiccups” in BMW X6 with automatic transmission – how to fix?

BMW driver question

I have a problem with the automatic transmission on a cold engine. The problems occur when driving at low speed with the engine revs around 1200/min.

When I start it, instead of driving smoothly, it has a kind of hiccup. The problem stops when the engine warms up or when I immediately start dynamically. The mileage is 130,000 km – documented. At 120,000 there was an oil change in the transmission using the dynamic method. After warming up the engine, the transmission works without any problems. Please help to solve the problem.

The problem concerned a 2011 model BMW X6 E71 with automatic transmission, but it may also occur in other models.

Response from BM Cars service

The problem you described may be related to a problem on both the transmission and engine side. Very similar symptoms are given by faults in the torque converter clutch – this is related to the operation of the automatic transmission.

The problem of jerking when starting or rippling when accelerating can also be related to engine speed ripple or a problem with getting enough engine power/torque – especially at low engine speeds.

In the X6 model additionally equipped with a VTG box – which engages xDrive to the front axle, there is sometimes a problem of “clutching” and “decoupling” of the front axle during acceleration. This is felt as jerking, loss of grip/sliding, driving on “square” wheels or “hiccuping” of the vehicle.

Making an accurate diagnosis requires performing a full diagnostic on the vehicle.

We also refer you to our page on oil changes in automatic transmissions.

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