2020 X3 'jerky' braking experience

python152 · 12-04-2020, 07:52 AM

hello folks,

I got a brand new 2021 X3 xdrive, and I am having trouble to get used to the braking experience, especially when slowing down - it has a 'jerky' movement. I also read some conflicting reports and experiences on this, some say it is smooth, some say it is non-linear, part of the BMW deal. I wonder (1) is this something tunable? (2) is there a way to get in touch BMW regional field engineer to help? I had worked with Lexus field support before (it seems they visit local dealership based on needs), but I am not sure the right way to go about it for BMW. I'd appreciate if you can share your experience.

Best,
Oliver

Dandle · 12-04-2020, 08:16 AM

Are you in sports mode? as the engine braking is quite aggressive and not very linear. What version X3 do you have and does your car have M sport brakes as they are nicely progressive on my car?

383vett · 12-04-2020, 09:35 AM

My 2018 M40Ii was very jerky when braking. Not smooth at all. That combined with the nonlinear throttle made the car feel like a bucking bronco.

python152 · 12-04-2020, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dandle

Are you in sports mode? as the engine braking is quite aggressive and not very linear. What version X3 do you have and does your car have M sport brakes as they are nicely progressive on my car?

x3 xdrive30i (?) I think. No, I am just driving in comfort mode.

leon360x · 12-04-2020, 01:08 PM

Lexus is smooth, comfortable, my family had two before, lovely. BMW's are quite hard, initial bite is strong, if you tap only a little bit more, the car stops for you, so I think just more time, get used to it.

shutterbugny · 12-04-2020, 02:05 PM

I've test drove a few X3's the past week. One 30i in particular had very harsh brakes. I didn't check the mileage on it but it made me come back and try another which seemed a whole much better. I'm coming in as an X5 driver but test drove a 2020 X3 40i and a few 2021 X3 30i's. Maybe your X3 needs some mileage to run in the brand new breaks a bit?

pcarnut1 · 12-04-2020, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dandle

Are you in sports mode? as the engine braking is quite aggressive and not very linear. What version X3 do you have and does your car have M sport brakes as they are nicely progressive on my car?

Exactly, it's not the brakes people are feeling, it's the transmission downshifting. My '19 with 32k us this way so it's not something that's going to get better as things break in. (no pun

) It's just the "character" of the car.

vrships · 12-04-2020, 10:46 PM

For my m40 it was always there. Everytime the car downshifts while braked, the deceleration feeling jumps up suddenly. Comfort mode is just as bad as sport plus.

So this is a sign that the transmission is always in rigid connection and clutches engage as quickly as possible. Not sure if it is suppose to be like this.

Definitely feel sporty but it's a harsh ride for passengers.

Some people with m40i reported they always have smooth brake feeling with no downshift jerkiness.

Alias1431 · 12-04-2020, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 383vett

My 2018 M40Ii was very jerky when braking. Not smooth at all. That combined with the nonlinear throttle made the car feel like a bucking bronco.

Says the guy with that particular profile picture, lol. :-)

titomi · 12-05-2020, 05:53 AM

I have xDrive30i with adaptive suspension and 19' wheels. Try to turn off start/stop for a week or two. I have it turned off permanently, and braking is smoother. Or I just learned how to break better.

HighlandPete · 12-05-2020, 11:35 AM

I'm not following some of the comments on here.

Surely users can drive in such a way to isolate whether the jerkiness is caused by the transmission, or the brakes themselves.

383vett · 12-05-2020, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alias1431

Says the guy with that particular profile picture, lol. :-)

Oldguysrule · 12-05-2020, 07:42 PM

Brakes have a lot of bite and it takes some getting used to. I have no issues with jerkiness as the trans downshifts in comfort mode. Its almost imperceptable.

mattldm · 12-25-2020, 03:07 PM

I test drove (and ordered) 21 x3 sDrive30 with M sport. The brakes felt smooth and easy to modulate on the test drive. I hope they are the same when my X3 arrives. The brakes on my 2018 Audi S4 are IMPOSSIBLE to slow down smoothly, the transmission aggressively downshifts even in comfort mode. It’s rather annoying.

thecritikal1 · 12-25-2020, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by python152

hello folks,

I got a brand new 2021 X3 xdrive, and I am having trouble to get used to the braking experience, especially when slowing down - it has a 'jerky' movement. I also read some conflicting reports and experiences on this, some say it is smooth, some say it is non-linear, part of the BMW deal. I wonder (1) is this something tunable? (2) is there a way to get in touch BMW regional field engineer to help? I had worked with Lexus field support before (it seems they visit local dealership based on needs), but I am not sure the right way to go about it for BMW. I'd appreciate if you can share your experience.

Best,
Oliver

I came from Audi and have had Infinitis and Nissans prior. Brake dive is quite intense on my M40i and it definitely isn't the transmission.

I've chalked it up to the M brakes and have gotten used to it.

I'm now wondering if this is normal.

TXSchnee · 12-25-2020, 09:56 PM

I have an '18 M40i, never any jerkiness when braking, transmission is smooth and brakes (M Sport) easy to modulate. Either you need to adjust how you are braking, or get it looked at (possibly both). I highly recommend buying some "barefoot" shoes (limited to no padding) as they will help you feel modulations easier and get smoother braking. If you are coming from a domestic or Japanese brand, the brakes on German vehicles take some getting used to.

Joker Eh · 12-26-2020, 07:04 AM

Turn off Auto Start Stop and Auto Hold and see what you experience is like.

I find especially with Auto Start Stop on the car shuts down the engine a little to early and causes this jerky braking to happen. At least for me.

nord1899 · 12-26-2020, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joker Eh

Turn off Auto Start Stop and Auto Hold and see what you experience is like.

I find especially with Auto Start Stop on the car shuts down the engine a little to early and causes this jerky braking to happen. At least for me.

Was going to suggest something similar as well. Granted my X3 M40i is still very new (250 miles on it), but I have found the Auto Stop Start to be very aggressive in turning off the engine. Like to the point where pulling into my garage, which is not a very long/deep garage and thus I need to be careful about how far in I go, I'd use a bit too much brake and the car would shut the engine off. And then restart as I try to get into the proper place in the garage. Not a smooth sensation at all.

One would think if the parking distance control is turned on (cameras and ultrasonic sensors), the auto stop start would turn off, but nope.

But I've also noticed since making a point to turn it off, the car is smoother around town at stop lights and whatnot.

clivem2 · 12-26-2020, 09:40 AM

Stay in Sport...start/stop is disabled.

mrsnickers · 06-29-2021, 05:04 AM

I had a '20 briefly before just getting a '21 and experienced the same. It was a loaner and one initial symptom of vibrations mutually exclusive of the 'jerking' was due to the front rotors which was resolved by on-axle resurfacing. After that, some of what felt 'off' was complicated by downshifting but it wasn't that. What also felt off was complicated by a very disconnected vague feel of braking in general, but it wasn't that. The 'jerking' was not experienced during harder or light braking. This left the rear rotors as a possibility but I got out of the car before having them resurfaced. The '21 braking is much more connected, it feels much better. Whether or not there were any systemic differences between the two, I do not know, perhaps a tuning adjustment, a particular part difference... the '20 was made 3/20 while the '21 made 5/21, if there were manufacturing differences or corrections, they could have been made after yours came off the line.

x3Prancer · 06-29-2021, 03:47 PM

Maybe try new brake pads. I had this issue with my Infiniti, I changed pads to Akebono ceramic, and they were much more subdued.

mentbase · 06-30-2021, 11:09 AM

I 'afraid' I know what you are talking about, python152.
Unfortunately - same here, and that 'jerky' feelings is when it's close to the full-stop point. Not a huge problem, though quite noticeable for me after driving MB for a few years...
IMHO it has nothing to do with the start/stop function (the way it's configured and coupled with brakes it's a disaster on its own), or a transmission behaviour.
Since it's not a common problem (considering the thread's subjects here), my hope is that yours and mine brakes are like a couples (pads and disks) with irreconcilable differences - won't get any better until a new pairs will be created/installed. 'Hope' is because if not, then it will never be fixed.
To get used to it? I am not sure, because it's your car should be for you - not you for your car.

12-04-2020, 07:52 AM	#1
python152 Registered 4 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X3 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Knoxville, TN iTrader: (0)	2020 X3 'jerky' braking experience hello folks, I got a brand new 2021 X3 xdrive, and I am having trouble to get used to the braking experience, especially when slowing down - it has a 'jerky' movement. I also read some conflicting reports and experiences on this, some say it is smooth, some say it is non-linear, part of the BMW deal. I wonder (1) is this something tunable? (2) is there a way to get in touch BMW regional field engineer to help? I had worked with Lexus field support before (it seems they visit local dealership based on needs), but I am not sure the right way to go about it for BMW. I'd appreciate if you can share your experience. Best, Oliver
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12-04-2020, 08:16 AM	#2
Dandle Lieutenant 218 Rep 541 Posts Drives: G05 X5 M50i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: West London iTrader: (0)	Are you in sports mode? as the engine braking is quite aggressive and not very linear. What version X3 do you have and does your car have M sport brakes as they are nicely progressive on my car?
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12-04-2020, 09:35 AM	#3
383vett Major 627 Rep 1,046 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2012 X3 Xdrive35 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Moraga, California iTrader: (0)	My 2018 M40Ii was very jerky when braking. Not smooth at all. That combined with the nonlinear throttle made the car feel like a bucking bronco. __________________ 2016 Z06 Vette, 10.53@132 1984 Vette, 406, 10.23@131 2021 SQ5
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12-04-2020, 01:08 PM	#5
leon360x Thermal&Mechanical 140 Rep 243 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Lexus is smooth, comfortable, my family had two before, lovely. BMW's are quite hard, initial bite is strong, if you tap only a little bit more, the car stops for you, so I think just more time, get used to it.
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12-04-2020, 02:05 PM	#6
shutterbugny Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New England USA iTrader: (0)	I've test drove a few X3's the past week. One 30i in particular had very harsh brakes. I didn't check the mileage on it but it made me come back and try another which seemed a whole much better. I'm coming in as an X5 driver but test drove a 2020 X3 40i and a few 2021 X3 30i's. Maybe your X3 needs some mileage to run in the brand new breaks a bit?
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12-04-2020, 10:46 PM	#8
vrships Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 203 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	For my m40 it was always there. Everytime the car downshifts while braked, the deceleration feeling jumps up suddenly. Comfort mode is just as bad as sport plus. So this is a sign that the transmission is always in rigid connection and clutches engage as quickly as possible. Not sure if it is suppose to be like this. Definitely feel sporty but it's a harsh ride for passengers. Some people with m40i reported they always have smooth brake feeling with no downshift jerkiness.
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12-05-2020, 05:53 AM	#10
titomi Colonel 928 Rep 2,046 Posts Drives: X3 G01 30i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: EU iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 G01 [0.00]	I have xDrive30i with adaptive suspension and 19' wheels. Try to turn off start/stop for a week or two. I have it turned off permanently, and braking is smoother. Or I just learned how to break better. __________________ '18 G01 X3 xDrive 30i xLine, Sophisto grey, Vernasca Mocha, Adaptive
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12-05-2020, 11:35 AM	#11
HighlandPete Lieutenant General 6663 Rep 15,858 Posts Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland, Highland Region iTrader: (0)	I'm not following some of the comments on here. Surely users can drive in such a way to isolate whether the jerkiness is caused by the transmission, or the brakes themselves.
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12-05-2020, 07:42 PM	#13
Oldguysrule Lieutenant 326 Rep 432 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: WI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 M40i [10.00]	Brakes have a lot of bite and it takes some getting used to. I have no issues with jerkiness as the trans downshifts in comfort mode. Its almost imperceptable.
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12-25-2020, 03:07 PM	#14
mattldm M40i Soon! 27 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i coming soon Join Date: May 2005 Location: So Cal - 909 iTrader: (0)	I test drove (and ordered) 21 x3 sDrive30 with M sport. The brakes felt smooth and easy to modulate on the test drive. I hope they are the same when my X3 arrives. The brakes on my 2018 Audi S4 are IMPOSSIBLE to slow down smoothly, the transmission aggressively downshifts even in comfort mode. It’s rather annoying.
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12-25-2020, 09:56 PM	#16
TXSchnee Major 1323 Rep 1,388 Posts Drives: 2024 XM Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I have an '18 M40i, never any jerkiness when braking, transmission is smooth and brakes (M Sport) easy to modulate. Either you need to adjust how you are braking, or get it looked at (possibly both). I highly recommend buying some "barefoot" shoes (limited to no padding) as they will help you feel modulations easier and get smoother braking. If you are coming from a domestic or Japanese brand, the brakes on German vehicles take some getting used to. __________________ 2024 BMW XM 2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S 2023 BMW iX M60 (sold) 2020 Porsche Cayenne E Hybrid (sold) 2018 X3 M40i (sold)
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12-26-2020, 07:04 AM	#17
Joker Eh Enlisted Member 18 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	2020 X3 'jerky' braking experience Turn off Auto Start Stop and Auto Hold and see what you experience is like. I find especially with Auto Start Stop on the car shuts down the engine a little to early and causes this jerky braking to happen. At least for me.
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12-26-2020, 09:40 AM	#19
clivem2 Colonel 541 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Stay in Sport...start/stop is disabled.
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06-29-2021, 05:04 AM	#20
mrsnickers Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW X3 sDrive 30i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	2020 X3 'jerky' braking experience I had a '20 briefly before just getting a '21 and experienced the same. It was a loaner and one initial symptom of vibrations mutually exclusive of the 'jerking' was due to the front rotors which was resolved by on-axle resurfacing. After that, some of what felt 'off' was complicated by downshifting but it wasn't that. What also felt off was complicated by a very disconnected vague feel of braking in general, but it wasn't that. The 'jerking' was not experienced during harder or light braking. This left the rear rotors as a possibility but I got out of the car before having them resurfaced. The '21 braking is much more connected, it feels much better. Whether or not there were any systemic differences between the two, I do not know, perhaps a tuning adjustment, a particular part difference... the '20 was made 3/20 while the '21 made 5/21, if there were manufacturing differences or corrections, they could have been made after yours came off the line. Last edited by mrsnickers; 06-29-2021 at 05:11 AM.. Reason: additional comment
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06-29-2021, 03:47 PM	#21
x3Prancer Enlisted Member 43 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 sDrive30i Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: SouthEast USA iTrader: (0)	Maybe try new brake pads. I had this issue with my Infiniti, I changed pads to Akebono ceramic, and they were much more subdued.
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06-30-2021, 11:09 AM	#22
mentbase Enlisted Member 7 Rep 37 Posts Drives: X3 xDrive30i Join Date: May 2021 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I 'afraid' I know what you are talking about, python152. Unfortunately - same here, and that 'jerky' feelings is when it's close to the full-stop point. Not a huge problem, though quite noticeable for me after driving MB for a few years... IMHO it has nothing to do with the start/stop function (the way it's configured and coupled with brakes it's a disaster on its own), or a transmission behaviour. Since it's not a common problem (considering the thread's subjects here), my hope is that yours and mine brakes are like a couples (pads and disks) with irreconcilable differences - won't get any better until a new pairs will be created/installed. 'Hope' is because if not, then it will never be fixed. To get used to it? I am not sure, because it's your car should be for you - not you for your car.
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