G37 7speed transmission reprogram
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Joined: May 2010
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From: New York
Now that the new 2012 BMW 3 sedan is out, I'm wondering if anyone from this forum has test drive it's 8AT yet? How does it feel compared to our 7AT? Any gear hunting? Any noticeable lag? Or is it responsive and silky smooth?
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From: Toronto, Ontario
@Marc Collins:
A couple things to note:
ITB-075A has been around for almost 12 months, and is the currently available update for 09-11 G's.
ITB-075A makes the car like a late 2011, not a 2012. I know because I have a late 2011. In response to my complaints about the issues with the shifting they tell me that I already have the latest software available, the same version as what would be applied with ITB-075A.
I believe we do not know for sure yet if the software version is different for 2012 models or if it is compatible with 2011's (though I would think it should be).
I also don't think we have evidence yet that the 2012 "fixed" all of the issues that people have complained about with the 2011 and the current ITB-075A update. I will need to drive a 12 myself before I am convinced, because I have never experienced a G that did not have the same problems mine does.
SO, I would hold off on your update. ITB-075A will give you 2011 behavior, not like the 2012 you drove. This is based on the idea that 2012 is different than 2011. If true, then I would expect a new ITB soon after Infiniti is convinced the 12's produce less complaints. I have yet to drive a 12.
.
A couple things to note:
ITB-075A has been around for almost 12 months, and is the currently available update for 09-11 G's.
ITB-075A makes the car like a late 2011, not a 2012. I know because I have a late 2011. In response to my complaints about the issues with the shifting they tell me that I already have the latest software available, the same version as what would be applied with ITB-075A.
I believe we do not know for sure yet if the software version is different for 2012 models or if it is compatible with 2011's (though I would think it should be).
I also don't think we have evidence yet that the 2012 "fixed" all of the issues that people have complained about with the 2011 and the current ITB-075A update. I will need to drive a 12 myself before I am convinced, because I have never experienced a G that did not have the same problems mine does.
SO, I would hold off on your update. ITB-075A will give you 2011 behavior, not like the 2012 you drove. This is based on the idea that 2012 is different than 2011. If true, then I would expect a new ITB soon after Infiniti is convinced the 12's produce less complaints. I have yet to drive a 12.
.
As mentioned, my current DS mode is useless to me because it is too hyper-sensitive. If I needed to hold gears to that extreme, I better be in M mode. To think that any auto tranny can figure out what is needed for track day type driving is somewhat ludicrous. The new DS seems to be pretty much what I have in D now and I will get a smoother option with the new D that I suspect I will rarely use, but at least it's there as an option. That gives me three usable modes, which is one more than I have now.
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From: Chicago
What is the exact issue you are having with the '11? I presumed the '12 and '11 were the same. But remember I have had zero issues with my '09 though others complained so much that they came out with multiple revisions. I understand what they are complaining about, but it is either caused by jerky driving (too much stabbing of the throttle and brake) or an unavoidable consequence of having seven gears in an auto tranny.
As mentioned, my current DS mode is useless to me because it is too hyper-sensitive. If I needed to hold gears to that extreme, I better be in M mode. To think that any auto tranny can figure out what is needed for track day type driving is somewhat ludicrous. The new DS seems to be pretty much what I have in D now and I will get a smoother option with the new D that I suspect I will rarely use, but at least it's there as an option. That gives me three usable modes, which is one more than I have now.
As mentioned, my current DS mode is useless to me because it is too hyper-sensitive. If I needed to hold gears to that extreme, I better be in M mode. To think that any auto tranny can figure out what is needed for track day type driving is somewhat ludicrous. The new DS seems to be pretty much what I have in D now and I will get a smoother option with the new D that I suspect I will rarely use, but at least it's there as an option. That gives me three usable modes, which is one more than I have now.
I have all of these symptoms, which are described in the ITB10-075a TSB as
• At times, the engine rpm goes up (about 200 to 250 rpm) during the 3rd > 4th up shift, or the 4th> 5th up shift, and/or
• Engine braking feel is more than expected with deceleration, and/or
• The 2nd > 1st down shift is harsher than expected.
The TSB applies to these VINs: AWD vehicles built between -
JN1CV(*)AR(*)BM 350001 and JN1CV(*)AR(*)BM 351076
OR
JN1CV(*)AR(*)BM 400001 and JN1CV(*)AR(*)BM 403082
My serial number is 411xxx, so the TBS doesn't apply, and the dealer refused to apply it. They told me it's behaving normally, and couldn't reproduce the symptoms. The hard 2-1 shift is my biggest gripe - when it's cold it makes an audible "clunk" shifting into 1st, even in regular D mode.
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Because other competing brands had more serious problems than just a not-perfectly-smooth tranny. Try the A6 8-speed tranny next time, and tell me the G has problems.
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From: Where the Sopranos and Saguaros are
That's my question also. And another reason if you use magazines as an input to your buying process you have to be aware they might not necessarily have the complete picture.
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From: NJ
Finally someone has noticed the poor shifting of the 7AT...where was this article 3 years ago when the 7AT was introduced?
MotorTrend:
"The biggest complaints revolved around the Infiniti's seven-speed automatic transmission, which is an elementary school dropout in terms of programming intelligence. The car was never in the right gear coming out of a turn, and sport mode did little to correct the problem. The only time the sport setting did anything was in the constant, tight sweepers of Decker Canyon, when it was unnecessary. The tranny would downshift one or more gears for no apparent reason, each time letting out a spooky wail from the relatively gutless 2.5-liter V-6."
Sporty Luxury Sedan Comparison - Mercedes-Benz C250, Volvo S60 T5, Infiniti G25, Lexus IS 250, Buick Regal GS, Acura TSX, BMW 328i, Audi A4 - Motor Trend
I've learned to live with the problem, but I wish I knew about this before buying the car.
MotorTrend:
"The biggest complaints revolved around the Infiniti's seven-speed automatic transmission, which is an elementary school dropout in terms of programming intelligence. The car was never in the right gear coming out of a turn, and sport mode did little to correct the problem. The only time the sport setting did anything was in the constant, tight sweepers of Decker Canyon, when it was unnecessary. The tranny would downshift one or more gears for no apparent reason, each time letting out a spooky wail from the relatively gutless 2.5-liter V-6."
Sporty Luxury Sedan Comparison - Mercedes-Benz C250, Volvo S60 T5, Infiniti G25, Lexus IS 250, Buick Regal GS, Acura TSX, BMW 328i, Audi A4 - Motor Trend
I've learned to live with the problem, but I wish I knew about this before buying the car.
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Joined: May 2005
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I also just found a leak in my trunk so next time I take it in for an oil change, I'll see if there is any update on the tranny issue.
Finally someone has noticed the poor shifting of the 7AT...where was this article 3 years ago when the 7AT was introduced?
MotorTrend:
"The biggest complaints revolved around the Infiniti's seven-speed automatic transmission, which is an elementary school dropout in terms of programming intelligence. The car was never in the right gear coming out of a turn, and sport mode did little to correct the problem. The only time the sport setting did anything was in the constant, tight sweepers of Decker Canyon, when it was unnecessary. The tranny would downshift one or more gears for no apparent reason, each time letting out a spooky wail from the relatively gutless 2.5-liter V-6."
Sporty Luxury Sedan Comparison - Mercedes-Benz C250, Volvo S60 T5, Infiniti G25, Lexus IS 250, Buick Regal GS, Acura TSX, BMW 328i, Audi A4 - Motor Trend
I've learned to live with the problem, but I wish I knew about this before buying the car.
MotorTrend:
"The biggest complaints revolved around the Infiniti's seven-speed automatic transmission, which is an elementary school dropout in terms of programming intelligence. The car was never in the right gear coming out of a turn, and sport mode did little to correct the problem. The only time the sport setting did anything was in the constant, tight sweepers of Decker Canyon, when it was unnecessary. The tranny would downshift one or more gears for no apparent reason, each time letting out a spooky wail from the relatively gutless 2.5-liter V-6."
Sporty Luxury Sedan Comparison - Mercedes-Benz C250, Volvo S60 T5, Infiniti G25, Lexus IS 250, Buick Regal GS, Acura TSX, BMW 328i, Audi A4 - Motor Trend
I've learned to live with the problem, but I wish I knew about this before buying the car.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: NJ
I know...I think there is and thread on this article, but the part about the 7AT is what got my attention. Until now the 7AT hasn't had any bad reports from car magazines. They should have noticed this earlier.
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From: Denver, CO
Now that it has come under the radar of such a reputed auto magazine like Motor Trend, hopefully Infiniti will take notice and work on getting a fix in place for us G owners.
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From: VA
Link to the June 2011 article: CAR: Infiniti G37S long term test review
"The transmission ... just feels old-tech and dim-witted - the very antithesis of what Infiniti is all about."
"The seven-speed automatic gearbox ... just never seemed to deliver the requisite gearshift quality when it was needed. I got slushy when I wanted crisp, jerky when I wanted smooth and ponderous when I wanted quick ... Note to Infiniti engineers working on the next-gen G ... make sure it and the engine fully understand each other."
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From: AZ
One can only hope and pray for this. But I have a feeling this will be an exercise in futility!!!
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: NJ
Actually Motor Trend is the second car magazine that noticed the problem.
Link to the June 2011 article: CAR: Infiniti G37S long term test review
"The transmission ... just feels old-tech and dim-witted - the very antithesis of what Infiniti is all about."
"The seven-speed automatic gearbox ... just never seemed to deliver the requisite gearshift quality when it was needed. I got slushy when I wanted crisp, jerky when I wanted smooth and ponderous when I wanted quick ... Note to Infiniti engineers working on the next-gen G ... make sure it and the engine fully understand each other."
Link to the June 2011 article: CAR: Infiniti G37S long term test review
"The transmission ... just feels old-tech and dim-witted - the very antithesis of what Infiniti is all about."
"The seven-speed automatic gearbox ... just never seemed to deliver the requisite gearshift quality when it was needed. I got slushy when I wanted crisp, jerky when I wanted smooth and ponderous when I wanted quick ... Note to Infiniti engineers working on the next-gen G ... make sure it and the engine fully understand each other."