Jerking in a hybrid BMW with automatic transmission – how to fix it?

Driver’s question: jerking in a hybrid BMW with automatic transmission – what is the reason?

I am experiencing jerking in a hybrid BMW with automatic transmission. The car currently has 233,000 kilometers of mileage. The problem is that sometimes I feel as if the transmission is late to clutch.

Especially when I am on a slight incline or when I slow down to walking speed and want to move on. I can hear the electric motor pick up speed, but the car only starts after a while, and if I don’t let off the gas to let the revs drop, I end up feeling a “clutch shot”. It is quite a strong jerk, caused by the instantaneous clutching.

I am convinced that this is not healthy for the components. I have learned to live with it a little, as soon as I feel the problem, I immediately let go and wait until it starts to catch. However, it is mega annoying. Especially when I have to drive a little uphill, for example, when parking. Sometimes it happens that the car then rolls minimally.

History of repairs so far

At the stage of about 180,000 km in the car was done oil service of the box by the previous owner. I bought with 198,000 km and at about 215,000 km had the timing chain replaced. I did it prophylactically, because I decided that it was better to blow on the cold. Incidentally, the oil service of the transmission was done again. Basically, the problem had been there since I’ve owned the car, but I think it was much smaller.

In addition, I have noticed that when the car is warm, the transmission changes gears extremely smoothly. Under load, I don’t feel the slightest jerk when shifting gears. However, when the transmission is cold, there are times when gear changes are felt. These are not very strong jerks, but nevertheless the difference is noticeable.

I would like to ask for advice in this regard. What do the symptoms indicate, what kind of costs are involved, what parts are most likely to be damaged, and is it better to look for someone to remanufacture or buy a used transmission with low (about 50-100,000 km) mileage?

The problem concerned a hybrid BMW F30 330e with automatic transmission, but it can happen in other models as well.

BM Cars service response: jerking in a hybrid BMW with automatic transmission – technical advice

The described problem of jerking in an automatic transmission often occurs when the wrong oil is used during an oil change in the transmission, or when too little oil is used. ZF 8 HP series automatic transmissions work properly only with the use of genuine ZF oil. The use of any substitutes usually causes problems in their operation.

You pointed out that the transmission works properly when the engine and automatic transmission are warmed up. This may indicate a problem with the viscosity of the (non-original) oil used. The automatic transmission behaves similarly when the oil level is too low. By the time the oil has warmed up and its pressure has reached the correct operating parameters, the automatic transmission jerks when shifting gears and operates with a delay, and slips on the torque clutch also appear.

Similar symptoms of jerking under acceleration also occur when the flexible shaft link is torn or when there are clearances in the drive joints of the half-shafts. It is important to keep these two issues in mind because of the vehicle’s mileage.

Suggested service steps

1. Checking the level and quality of the oil in the transmission.
2. Replacing the oil with genuine ZF 8HP oil.
3. Deleting the transmission adaptation.
4. Upgrading the vehicle’s software, including the transmission, if necessary.
5. Checking the transmission system, the condition of the flexible shaft coupling.
6. Checking the play of the half-axle joints or possible replacement.

We do not recommend buying a used transmission, as it is not possible to check the condition of the transmission without dismantling it. We invite you to take advantage of our service.

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