E90 320d Auto rev hesitation

[KiLLRoYza]

Hi guys,

I have a 08 320d auto. The last week or so when driving, I get this weird rev hesitation. This is most noticable when I'm off the throttle between 1 and 2k rmp. The revs jump up and down probably about 100 rmp, very little, and you can sometimes feel it jerking ever so slightly. It feels very much like I have a manual car and I'm gently engaging the clutch.

This also happens when accelerating gently but is almost unnoticeable then. When giving it some beans it seems to disappear.

I've had it before and thought it might just be some dirty diesel. But now it's returned. Half way through a tank, I don't think it could be related to the diesel anymore.

Been looking at the forums for quite a while but haven't been able to find something on this.

Anyone have an idea of what it could be?

Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[tinovittee]

could it not be your clutch packs slipping in the 'box? what's your mileage and have you changed your gearbox oil??

 

[tman]

Hi guys,

I have a 08 320d auto. The last week or so when driving, I get this weird rev hesitation. This is most noticable when I'm off the throttle between 1 and 2k rmp. The revs jump up and down probably about 100 rmp, very little, and you can sometimes feel it jerking ever so slightly. It feels very much like I have a manual car and I'm gently engaging the clutch.

This also happens when accelerating gently but is almost unnoticeable then. When giving it some beans it seems to disappear.

I've had it before and thought it might just be some dirty diesel. But now it's returned. Half way through a tank, I don't think it could be related to the diesel anymore.

Been looking at the forums for quite a while but haven't been able to find something on this.

Anyone have an idea of what it could be?

Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I had a similar issue on my old E46, and it turned out to be the fuel pump. With your issue disappearing on hard acceleration I think you can rule out the pump tho?

When last did you replace your diesel filter?

 

[KiLLRoYza]

Just saw this thread now. New fuel filter sorted this out for anyone that sees this thread later on

 

[FerdiBotha]

@KiLLRoYza gooi in die vervolg Wynns of Liqui Moly injector cleaner elke 5k km of so. Ek sweer by daardie goed :thumbs:

 

[KingJonesXV]

Hey everyone

In 2025 and experiencing the same problem.
1. I did a major service last month in which the fuel filter was changed --issue still persists.
2. I threw in NF diesel boost --issue still persists.
3. One of my injectors were leaking, had the washer replaced which solved the issue. But now after ±300km, the issue is back. Could it be the injectors again?

 

[VernyMac]

Hey everyone

In 2025 and experiencing the same problem.
1. I did a major service last month in which the fuel filter was changed --issue still persists.
2. I threw in NF diesel boost --issue still persists.
3. One of my injectors were leaking, had the washer replaced which solved the issue. But now after ±300km, the issue is back. Could it be the injectors again?

Howsit bud

The issue here is the NF Diesel Boost, On my N47 the car ran like a dream until one day I decided to use the NF diesel boost. About a day or so after filling it with about a tank of fuel my car has that horrible shudder on throttle and whilst driving on the highway, The car felt like it had the worst misfire had to actually stop on the highway cause the car was unbearable to drive.

Long story short the car did this on and off for a few weeks until i took it for a night run and used the whole speedo I paid for lol seems to have burnt out all the extra debris that was pushed out of the tank into the fuel filter..

Never used any additives again...

 

[NikN47]

Hi guys,

I have a 08 320d auto. The last week or so when driving, I get this weird rev hesitation. This is most noticable when I'm off the throttle between 1 and 2k rmp. The revs jump up and down probably about 100 rmp, very little, and you can sometimes feel it jerking ever so slightly. It feels very much like I have a manual car and I'm gently engaging the clutch.

This also happens when accelerating gently but is almost unnoticeable then. When giving it some beans it seems to disappear.

I've had it before and thought it might just be some dirty diesel. But now it's returned. Half way through a tank, I don't think it could be related to the diesel anymore.

Been looking at the forums for quite a while but haven't been able to find something on this.

Anyone have an idea of what it could be?

Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Currently experiencing the same issue. I was told by a technician at a "reputable" private BMW service center that it is most likely is the gearbox and swirl flaps. The cost for each is +- 15k to 20k to repair. Obviously I did not choose this option as I knew they were taking chance. After reading a lot of forum threads I believe the best place for me to start is the injector seals and fuel filter.

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

Just throwing an odd one in here.

I have the same with my car, a 320i that I rebuilt and replaced almost everything on.

Replacing the MAF sensor did improve the fault but I have narrowed it down to the inlet VANOS unit.
I would hazard a guess that over time with the unit adjusting constantly to allow for best power delivery and fuel consumption the metal vanes wear and oil passes by with the result it takes longer to build oil pressure in the unit and thus adjust valve timing and or lift causing a hesitation or flat spot.

 

[KingJonesXV]

Update:

My car is still having this rev hesitation which I now know it's gear 2,3, and 4 slipping. It only happens on these gears where it feels like the car struggles shifting in between them. There is currently no engine or transmission warning light.

I took my car to a reputable bmw specialist. He says it's a gearbox issue and currently it's not bad, but will require replacement in the near future. ±R44 000.
Unfortunately, I'm not willing to spend such an amount of money on it, so I'll be selling the car.

 

[NikN47]

Not sure if this is related, but I had my battery changed to the correct spec. Interestingly, my fuel consumption improved slightly. Is it possible that the previous spec battery was not providing the correct charge to the ignition system thus causing the rev hesitation?