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      06-27-2011, 09:52 PM   #1
XenaBimmer
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"Lurching" acceleration off the line

I have had my X3 for about a week now and am still having an issue with acceleration. The trouble comes between 1-3k rpm. Once I get past 3k rpms the acceleration is smooth, controlled, and quick. However, when accelerating from a start the car barely moves when I lightly try to roll off the line. I have to keep pushing and pushing the pedal and before you know it the car lurches forward and accelerates to 3k+ rpms fast. I am not sure how to get off the line at a normal stoplight without looking like a complete jerk trying to race at every light.

Anyone else notice this or have suggestions?
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      06-27-2011, 10:56 PM   #2
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My observations are consistent with yours -- I noticed that the 28i has very conservative throttle tip-in when I test drove. Seemed anemic to me at first. Once you get used to it, the 28i actually has plenty of power. So I think it's a matter of figuring out how to step on the gas to make it do what you want. I adjusted by the end of the test drive, but wasn't thrilled about it -- all of my current cars have a more linear throttle tip-in, and it's something you get used to.

I will say, the throttle behavior was one thing that pushed me towards the 35i. It's not as smooth as the 28i (tip in is more edgy), but it has more linear throttle response off the line. It's almost like the 35i has a pseudo-"sport mode" throttle map compared to "normal" in the 28i.
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      06-27-2011, 10:57 PM   #3
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My X3 xDrive 28i is having the exact response as you did. I've talk to the dealer and a friend who owns a BMW 3-Series and 5-Series.

Ans from BMW Dealer: it will get better after the break-in period
Ans from my friend : this is BMW. Try Sport mode if u want a more responsive start.

I don't like both answers either but it appears that I've to take it.
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      06-28-2011, 01:39 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by QooQoo View Post
My X3 xDrive 28i is having the exact response as you did. I've talk to the dealer and a friend who owns a BMW 3-Series and 5-Series.

Ans from BMW Dealer: it will get better after the break-in period
Ans from my friend : this is BMW. Try Sport mode if u want a more responsive start.

I don't like both answers either but it appears that I've to take it.
Given my experience with my 5 series E60, i concur unfortunately :-(
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      06-28-2011, 07:33 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by QooQoo View Post
My X3 xDrive 28i is having the exact response as you did. I've talk to the dealer and a friend who owns a BMW 3-Series and 5-Series.

Ans from BMW Dealer: it will get better after the break-in period
Ans from my friend : this is BMW. Try Sport mode if u want a more responsive start.

I don't like both answers either but it appears that I've to take it.
Mine did actually smooth out after a couple of hundred miles (I have 1,400 miles currently)
I chalk it up to the “learning” transmission adjusting to my style and me adjusting to the car’s characteristics.

give it some time and if it continues have it checked out.
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      06-28-2011, 09:16 AM   #6
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Virtually every BMW I've driven that has the N52 engine, which is what's in the 28i's, has this issue. It does get better over time and you adjust to the odd throttle response so it's not as jerky.
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      06-28-2011, 09:29 AM   #7
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It does improve, but what you can do to accelerate that process (pun intended) is to be a little more aggressive on the throtle... I've noticed in some previous BMWs that if you try to 'ease it' it can be that way.
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      06-28-2011, 06:38 PM   #8
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Don't try to lightly roll off the line unless you're doing and idle roll. The feather of the throttle we naturally do to accomplish a slow roll to acceleration produces lurching. Just go. It's a sport activity vehicle. Take off and let folks enjoy th exhaust note. When you want to go, apply pressure and steadily increase pressure -- don't pause or lift off. Increase the rate of application to take off faster. The more often you do this, the more you can cater to the shift points and accomplish the amount of acceleration you're looking for at the time.
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      06-29-2011, 10:42 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XenaBimmer View Post
I have had my X3 for about a week now and am still having an issue with acceleration. The trouble comes between 1-3k rpm. Once I get past 3k rpms the acceleration is smooth, controlled, and quick. However, when accelerating from a start the car barely moves when I lightly try to roll off the line. I have to keep pushing and pushing the pedal and before you know it the car lurches forward and accelerates to 3k rpms fast. I am not sure how to get off the line at a normal stoplight without looking like a complete jerk trying to race at every light.

Anyone else notice this or have suggestions?
In my experience, this is characteristic of BMW transmissions. They are designed to clearly distinguish between slow, luxuriating stop and go, and rapid, race-like driving manners. Don't confuse the transmission, if you want to go, just GO, and if you want to take it easy, pause before hitting the gas, and tap it so very very lightly. Stop signs are a problem, so I have no answer for you there.

In terms of suggestions, I can't offer you much other than the assurance that the transmission is programmed with complex algorithms that learn your driving style over time. So pick the way you want to drive and give it a few months.
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      06-29-2011, 12:45 PM   #10
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If you have a 35i, it's the turbo spooling. Turbo kicks in at ~1500 RPM.
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      06-29-2011, 08:39 PM   #11
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It's not the turbo.
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      06-30-2011, 08:45 AM   #12
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ya join the club, for us X35is it's the turbo, just put it into sport mode and burn more fuel!!
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      06-30-2011, 11:07 AM   #13
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If you get lurching when accelerating after a stop light what I found that helps is to either put the car into sport, sport+ which helps but doesn't completly get rid of the problem or to give yourself a couple inches between you and the car in front. If you give yourself a couple inches between cars then when the light turns green you can idle roll then accelerate as hard as you want with no lurching effect at all. However the down side (no pun intended) is that this only works on flat or steep roads, you obviously can't idle roll when going up a hill.
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      06-30-2011, 12:36 PM   #14
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After driving more than 3,000 km and some adjustment to my driving style, I don't have this experience with my 28i anymore......
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      06-30-2011, 02:38 PM   #15
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It does seem to be a quirk these cars have, but I've found that the problem is 100% curable by adjusting my throttle inputs.
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      06-30-2011, 04:44 PM   #16
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This seemed to be a problem with my 35i for the first 1000 miles or so. Now with over 3000 miles it's really not an issue. Did the car get used to me or did I get used to the car? Maybe both.
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      06-30-2011, 04:58 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marmik View Post
This seemed to be a problem with my 35i for the first 1000 miles or so. Now with over 3000 miles it's really not an issue. Did the car get used to me or did I get used to the car? Maybe both.
It's a new feature...

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