[KGB_123_99]

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Hi folks,

A good buddy of mine at work just had his auto tranny (ZF8) fail on his 2013 F30 328iX at 30k miles. For a couple of days it was slipping really badly and when the gear was engaged (P or N to Drive or Reverse) it would kick really hard. Felt like someone was hitting a sledge hammer against the drivetrain. In any case, it was replaced under warranty so all is good but the reason I'm posting this is the following...

My friend coded 2TB (SAT) on his car as the car didn't come with it. I'm not trying to spread panic but just wanted to get your opinions if there's any chance coding 2TB could have caused this. I have this coded myself so maybe I'm being a bit paranoid.

Your input is appreciated as always

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Hi folks,

A good buddy of mine at work just had his auto tranny (ZF8) fail on his 2013 F30 328iX at 30k miles. For a couple of days it was slipping really badly and when the gear was engaged (P or N to Drive or Reverse) it would kick really hard. Felt like someone was hitting a sledge hammer against the drivetrain. In any case, it was replaced under warranty so all is good but the reason I'm posting this is the following...

My friend coded 2TB (SAT) on his car as the car didn't come with it. I'm not trying to spread panic but just wanted to get your opinions if there's any chance coding 2TB could have caused this. I have this coded myself so maybe I'm being a bit paranoid.

Your input is appreciated as always

New to all this coding stuff. So the code change made his auto behave like a sport unit?

[KGB_123_99]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

New to all this coding stuff. So the code change made his auto behave like a sport unit?

Yes, you can code the standard transmission to behave like the sport auto. Changes the shift points and increases the shift speed. Just better overall imo...

From what I understand, the normal auto and sport auto have the same hardware and it's just the software that is different. But again, the reason for my thread is to get a second opinion from the pros.

[KGB_123_99]

Admins, please move this thread to the coding forum. Thanks!

[Daftasabrush]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Yes, you can code the standard transmission to behave like the sport auto. Changes the shift points and increases the shift speed. Just better overall imo...

From what I understand, the normal auto and sport auto have the same hardware and it's just the software that is different. But again, the reason for my thread is to get a second opinion from the pros.

It *cannot* change the shift points, it just changes the speed of shifting and holds gears for longer (amongst a few other smaller things).

[G30 B58]

Was the car tuned? That might be the bigger question. ..... .. ..

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Yes, you can code the standard transmission to behave like the sport auto. Changes the shift points and increases the shift speed. Just better overall imo...

From what I understand, the normal auto and sport auto have the same hardware and it's just the software that is different. But again, the reason for my thread is to get a second opinion from the pros.

I remember seeing in a different thread talking about the AT vs SAT, that besides the paddles, you also get a bigger radiator for the gearbox.

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

It *cannot* change the shift points, it just changes the speed of shifting and holds gears for longer (amongst a few other smaller things).

I think this is what he meant by changing shift points ... it holds gears for longer.

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by F32 N55

Was the car tuned? That might be the bigger question. ..... .. ..

I'm going to assume it was if the guy was already coding it. The ZF's failing on these cars is the last thing I'm worried about. They are almost billet proof.

[KneeDragr]

Did the dealer give him a hard time about the coding with respect to the warranty?

[raqautle]

That sucks to hear, but I'm sure a lot of people have coded it and no problem, unless maybe something was coded that shouldn't have been, I'm not too familiar with coding though. Also, I haven't read a post here about one failing, I'm sure if one did someone would have posted, which means there is an extremely low chance for one to break, making it a lemon.

[Earthmaster]

I doubt it was coding. Chris styles had his ZF tranny go in his 335i and he was pure stock. Sometimes its luck of the draw. Ive been tuned for almost 20k km now and Im always in manual mode and sport mode and I'm pretty heavy on the tranny so far so good. I hope it lasts another 100k hahah.

[KGB_123_99]

Originally Posted by F32 N55

Was the car tuned? That might be the bigger question. ..... .. ..

Car was not tuned.

[KGB_123_99]

Originally Posted by KneeDragr

Did the dealer give him a hard time about the coding with respect to the warranty?

No, he reverted the coding back to 205 (standard auto) before taking in it. Dealer didn't say anything.

[KGB_123_99]

Originally Posted by stormlv

I remember seeing in a different thread talking about the AT vs SAT, that besides the paddles, you also get a bigger radiator for the gearbox.



I think this is what he meant by changing shift points ... it holds gears for longer.

Real OEM shows the same cooler. Is there another part involved?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=17_0638

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Real OEM shows the same cooler. Is there another part involved?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=17_0638

Hmmm, you're right, seems to be the same one.
I remember looking for my car, but the heat exchanger wasn't displayed:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=17_0607

I assumed it was the same for everyone.

Anywho, it means it's indeed just software then...

[BavarianFanatic]

I wonder if there's more to it than just enabling the option code. Auto boxes are not uncomplicated. It's plausible that there might be other alternate operating parameters to change (I'm thinking pressure values). If it was slipping, it wasn't running enough pressure. It could just be a mechanical failure, but who knows...

[CalCarNut]

From the little I know, line pressure dictates the firmness of the shift...and the pressure can be monitored/adjusted by the ecm or by a separate transmission ecm...so if there was a software issue, it certainly could have been the cause it seems and coding it alone can't be ruled out I'd think.......

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

From the little I know, line pressure dictates the firmness of the shift...and the pressure can be monitored/adjusted by the ecm or by a separate transmission ecm...so if there was a software issue, it certainly could have been the cause it seems and coding it alone can't be ruled out I'd think.......

Line pressure is what makes an automatic transmission function. It's hydraulic pressure that's clamping down on the clutch packs (unless you're in full lock-up overdrive). Low pressure is akin to keeping your clutch pedal partially depressed while driving.

[KGB_123_99]

High pressure shouldn't be a bad thing. Also, faster shifts actually reduce the operating temperature because there is less slippage hence less friction hence less heat.

BTW, my friend's mechatronics unit was replaced and the transmission is working just fine. Looks like it wasn't caused by coding after all. Good news

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

High pressure shouldn't be a bad thing. Also, faster shifts actually reduce the operating temperature because there is less slippage hence less friction hence less heat.

BTW, my friend's mechatronics unit was replaced and the transmission is working just fine. Looks like it wasn't caused by coding after all. Good news

good to hear! ^