[calle_enell]

Are there anyone who can explain some more about what kind of gearbox the GM sourced Hydra-matic 6L50 is that is used in the E9X 328 models?

http://www.autospectator.com/modules...p?storyid=4501

To me, this seem to be a traditional auto with planetary gears but what does "GM’s new Hydra-Matic six-speeds also use technically advanced clutch-to-clutch operation" mean?

Either way, it is nowhere near as guick and engaging in its shift patterns as the ZF auto in the 335 but it would still be interesting to know more about the type of construction.

Thanks!

[jmonier]

Are you sure this is the same one used in the 328? The story said that it is made in Michigan and said nothing about production in France. The story also seemed to indicate that it is used only in GM vehicles.

[calle_enell]

Originally Posted by jmonier

Are you sure this is the same one used in the 328? The story said that it is made in Michigan and said nothing about production in France. The story also seemed to indicate that it is used only in GM vehicles.

Yes, this is the model, there are other wesites if one Googles the name of the gearbox stating that its used in the E9X 328s and build both in France and U.S.

[jmonier]

Ah yes, you're absolutely right. Here's another reference for those interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_6L50_transmission

Here's a reference that I found that may partially answer your question:

http://media.gmcanada.com/us/powertr...New/07_MYB.doc

[flipmde786]

This transmission sucks (my opinion after experience).

[calle_enell]

Yes, I agree, it is a shame that BMW charges the same price (1,250 USD) for an auto in both the 328 and 335 and then installs this piece of crap in the 328s!!!

Don't get this wrong, I do like good autos (after having driven manuals for 15yrs straight) but this auto makes my BMW everything but the ultimate driving machine.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by calle_enell

Yes, I agree, it is a shame that BMW charges the same price (1,250 USD) for an auto in both the 328 and 335 and then installs this piece of crap in the 328s!!!

It is unresponsive, shift patterns are always to late after breaking before corners, it even downshifts while hard cornering which can make car lose track and makes the driver lose the ability to predic/support cornering with trottle (by staying in gear and let the driver enjoy the nice torqe in the midrange, 3'-5' RPM) And if I use manual mode to stick in midrange, it sounds like gearbox is about to exlopde or something. Please BMW learn from AUDI, their S-tronic (DSG) is amazing an even their Multitronic beats the BMW 328 steptronic by far!!

My CA told me that the 335 and 328 had the same auto...and I test drove the 335 (which has a great auto) and did not spend enough time in the 328 on roads that would allow me to realize that this was not the same tranny. My next BMW is either a manual or I will make sure to research first and not trust the salespeople. ("they both have the same BMW steptronic...") Sure, -Not! I am so sad and it feels like I paid 1,250 only to destroy a big part of the joy in this elsevise great car.

Dont get this wrong, I do like good autos (after having driven manuals for 15yrs straight) but this auto makes my BMW everything but the ultimate driving machine.

Sounds like a software problem to me. Something is not right with the software and it is making it downshift early, etc

[calle_enell]

Hmm, it would be great if it was so simple. How can I find out if this is the case? I know that the 328 and 335 does not have the same gearbox. So maybe adjusting software does not help..

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by calle_enell

Hmm, it would be great if it was so simple. How can I find out if this is the case? I know that the 328 and 335 does not have the same gearbox. So maybe adjusting software does not help..

Well it doesn't have the same tranny, it won't have the software. Anyway, my family also has the new Saturn Aura XR. It has GM's new 6T70. It was an October build and it shifted rough especially when cold with the 3-4 shift. But, GM released a TSB for the transmission and it made the transmission shift smoothly.

[calle_enell]

Originally Posted by quagmire

Well it doesn't have the same tranny, it won't have the software. Anyway, my family also has the new Saturn Aura XR. It has GM's new 6T70. It was an October build and it shifted rough especially when cold with the 3-4 shift. But, GM released a TSB for the transmission and it made the transmission shift smoothly.

What is a TSB? Is there anyway to find out about any updates/software versions etc.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by calle_enell

What is a TSB? Is there anyway to find out about any updates/software versions etc.

Technical Service Bulletin. I would ask your dealer if there are any updates. I would also search on the forums. It might come up with something if there were any updates.

[tl9015]

Yea I don't like it when I am slowing down to turn around a corner and JERK it downshifts for me out of no where. Hahaha o well it stills feel pretty smooth and i like it.

[calle_enell]

Originally Posted by tl9015

Yea I don't like it when I am slowing down to turn around a corner and JERK it downshifts for me out of no where. Hahaha o well it stills feel pretty smooth and i like it.

Exactly, these JERK downshifts happen when I do not want them (i.e driving slowly around a corner) and when I really want them (in DS while breaking before entering a corner) it does not downshift to be prepared in midrange RPM's to allow for accellerating trough corner..