1998 528i automatic transmission

[chicagotrader]

I recently bought my first BMW. My 1998 528i automatic transmission does not shift very smoothly, at least to me. I took it in and the dealer downloaded some new software for the transmission and said this is how BMW transmissions are, "deliberate" in their shifting, in his words. Can anyone else tell me if this is true? I'm ok with it if so but it is not seamless shifting as in many autos. Thanks for you help!

[CiscoKid]

is it in sport mode maybe?

soprt mode shifts higher, lowers gas milege, and jerkier shifts.

[CosmosBlack]

Something must be wrong, All BMW auto transmissions should shift smooth and seamlessly. Sport mode shifts should not be any different.
That "deliberate" shifting nonsense doesn't make sense to me, I doubt that mechanic knows what he's talking about. I have driven many BMW auto transmissions and they all shift smooth.

[goedhart]

That is the way they shift. My 97 has been the same way and all of the ones I have driven ahve been the same. Now it is sitting outside my house with a blown up transmission and 98000 miles on it. They shift hard and wear out fast so be nice to it. I found a used one for 1500 shipped and aamco will put it in for 585.00. Then it is straight to the dealer along with my wife's 325 for a trade in for her M3 convertable. I just bought a 2002 540ia and with the steptronic shifting. It is much smoother. feels like there is a clutch. I am hoping this transmission will stand the test of time.

[CosmosBlack]

I'm sorry, but that's not how BMW auto transmissions shift. They should shift smooth and seamless. You must have been just unfortunate to encounter with just the ones with bad transmissions!