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      06-21-2022, 07:55 PM   #1
mikee30
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2012 x3 3.5 delayed acceleration only from standstill

Hi,
Curious if anyone has some suggestions on if this is normal behavior or if something needs attention.
2012 x3 3.5 with about 45,000miles
When the truck is at a standstill (normal mode) and I give a bit of gas to take off, there is a delay before the car starts moving (1 sec or so), however, when the car is in motion, it accelerates perfectly and shifts perfects. If I switch to sport mode and try the same acceleration from a stop, the car will still have that slight delay but then accelerate with what I would describe as a slightly jerky take off, but then perfectly fine in the next gear.
The car is new to me having been owned by an elderly lady. She had not changed the oil in ~2 years but only did 4-5k miles during that time- I just flushed the oil with 5w30 liquid moly. I plan on changing the air filter and spark plugs this weekend but is there anything else I should do at the same time? Overall the truck drives great...gears shifts are smooth once in movement, but this "delayed acceleration" is rather annoying when in stop and go traffic or city driving. Check Engine light is off.
My only other thought was if it is time for a walnut blast - I don't have another automatic transmission n55 to compare with to determine if this is just normal behavior.
Any ideas?
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      06-21-2022, 09:21 PM   #2
pungo
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Have you tried resetting the throttle adaptations?
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      06-21-2022, 09:52 PM   #3
mikee30
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Hi, I have not tried that - how do I go about doing so?
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      06-21-2022, 10:09 PM   #4
brianhinton77
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A 2012 with 45k miles! Wow! Was she the original owner? Also, on the F series, in my opinion, the throttle adaptation is an urban myth…there is however software upgrades that were down at the dealer with complaints of F servers with hesitation. I would guess that if she was the original owner and only drove 4-5k miles a year, then there was little service ever done to the vehicle. First place I would start is at the dealer to have them scan the car and check for software upgrades. Or…if you are the tinkering type, get a copy of E-says, ISTA+, or Bimmer Utility and you can check which I-Step Level you are on currently
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      06-22-2022, 12:34 PM   #5
pungo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brianhinton77 View Post
in my opinion, the throttle adaptation is an urban myth…

Maybe you should inform the BMW engineers that developed the dealer diagnostic software that the adaption clearing function is a urban myth
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      06-22-2022, 02:58 PM   #6
mwat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pungo View Post

Maybe you should inform the BMW engineers that developed the dealer diagnostic software that the adaption clearing function is a urban myth
In this same context I swear I read that the throttle adapts to your use overtime, IE if you are not an aggressive driver in month 1, but are an aggressive in month 2, by the end/middle of month 2 it should have adapted to your driving style...

I can say myself that my car seems to have adapted when I bought it to my driving style, can't say how long it took though.
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      06-22-2022, 11:36 PM   #7
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Turbo lag?

Is turbo lag a consideration since this could be his first turbo? Mine lags till the boost is up and then WOW!
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      06-27-2022, 05:57 AM   #8
pole1980
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unless there is no error logged, I would say it's just the turbo lag. I have this too on a 2016 X3 (diesel though)
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      06-27-2022, 12:04 PM   #9
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When we bought our 2012 35i new, it’s did have a problem with delayed throttle response. We took it in twice for software adaptations which solved the problem. Still have the car today.
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      07-05-2022, 07:19 PM   #10
RL325xi
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Hi OP, I also have a 2012 35i M sport with 50k when I bought it 3 years ago. currently have 60k.

I also experience the exact same thing you described right now. So far, I drained and filled Transmission oil with new pan, both front and rear differential oil, Transfer case, New spark plugs, Reset the throttle adaption. But no help.

It is slightly better in sport mode. I spoke to the BMW dealer. They said they can do a software update for $300.00 but no guarantee. so I did not do it.

Hence I only put 10k miles for three years is I found that the delay make the driving experience unpleasant. And I am giving up since some people said it is normal....
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      07-05-2022, 10:23 PM   #11
pole1980
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RL325xi View Post
Hi OP, I also have a 2012 35i M sport with 50k when I bought it 3 years ago. currently have 60k.

I also experience the exact same thing you described right now. So far, I drained and filled Transmission oil with new pan, both front and rear differential oil, Transfer case, New spark plugs, Reset the throttle adaption. But no help.

It is slightly better in sport mode. I spoke to the BMW dealer. They said they can do a software update for $300.00 but no guarantee. so I did not do it.

Hence I only put 10k miles for three years is I found that the delay make the driving experience unpleasant. And I am giving up since some people said it is normal....
offtopic, the dealer charging people for software updates it's such a swindle imo, imagine apple charging your card every time there is an IOS or MacOS update. Offering the best functionality of a product you bought via software updates (improvements i.e.), should be always free of charge.
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      07-15-2022, 10:35 AM   #12
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Sounds like “Auto Off” Feature

Not to offer up something you may have checked already, but I see two possibilities here:

(1) Could be the turbo lag mentioned above. IF newer to a well tuned turbo vehicle, it can throw someone off at first. However, based on your description of the problem, I think it could be #2 below:

(2) Does your X3 have the auto motor off feature at stops? My 2017 does. Default setting is turned on. Motor turns off when you come to a complete stop to save on fuel. Turns back on when you push on the gas pedal. However, there is a noticeable delay to “restart” the actual motor.

To disengage or turn off this fuel efficiency feature, you have to push the button (attached picture, button in circles the push start button - labeled “A Off”).

It helps save gas, BUT produces the exact effect you mention: delayed motor/vehicle start from a dead stop. I found it VERY irritating, and keep it off. If I wanted to maximize fuel efficiency I’d drive my wife’s hybrid, and not have a turbo BMW…lol My contribution to fuel efficiency was switching from a 6.2 L V8 to this Turbo 4. Not interested in going further in compromising performance.
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