Transfer Case / Transmission issues on the newer X-Drive models?

[gavsadler]

Hi all,

Something I've been wondering about for a while, are there any known issues or failures with the newer generation cars with these drivetrains?

In years gone by, the F-Series models had the well-known issue with the gear in the transfer case wearing out, as well as being particularly sensitive to tyre wear across the front and rear axles.

I'm specifically wondering about the newer G-Series cars, whether this is still a thing or not?

(Asking while I quietly browse the classifieds doing some window shopping, haha)

 

[Bugger]

I had a transfer case failure on my 760, was about R80k to replace (under Motorplan). G12 7 series. One of a myriad of problems I had with the car.

 

[AshG108]

Hi all,

Something I've been wondering about for a while, are there any known issues or failures with the newer generation cars with these drivetrains?

In years gone by, the F-Series models had the well-known issue with the gear in the transfer case wearing out, as well as being particularly sensitive to tyre wear across the front and rear axles.

I'm specifically wondering about the newer G-Series cars, whether this is still a thing or not?

(Asking while I quietly browse the classifieds doing some window shopping, haha)

Nah nothing at all, but from what I have read it is not healthy to have an X-drive vehicle in the garage parked next to an E90 M3. So lets get your new xdrive in the garage and let me empty out my garage for the ///M in the meantime.

👀 😬

 

[Nastaliq]

Hi all,

Something I've been wondering about for a while, are there any known issues or failures with the newer generation cars with these drivetrains?

In years gone by, the F-Series models had the well-known issue with the gear in the transfer case wearing out, as well as being particularly sensitive to tyre wear across the front and rear axles.

I'm specifically wondering about the newer G-Series cars, whether this is still a thing or not?

(Asking while I quietly browse the classifieds doing some window shopping, haha)

This is still very much a thing. Apparently the transfer cases have not been "redesigned" for a very long time. Circa 10+ years if american forums are anything to go by. They have simply been incrementally updating them. Meanwhile the cars get heavier, with more perfor\\\Mance and thinner tyres (which are prone to a phenomenon called tyre scrubbing - google it). All of these things create added wear on these transfer cases (more evident on xDrive cars versus S drive).

Instead of a recall, BMWs tricky solution to the problem is cover you (under warranty for a fluid replacement - since you can be convinced that a fluid change will resolve a mechanical issue). If youre under MP the TSB/SIB says fluid change first, then TCase replacement (and they simply replace with the exact same transfer case (problematic design and engineering) that was there to begin with.

Some have success with the fluid change - enough that it is largely imperceptible, or largely tolerable.
Some require full t/case replacement until 20-30k KMs or more and then the issue reappears.

Figuring out which bucket you fall into seems largely down to the following:

1. What powerplant the car has (more power, more drama - those be the rules, I dont make them).
2. Auto Stop/Start behaviour
3. What fluid was filled at the factory
4. What tyres are fitted
5. What road conditions you drive on
6. What driving style you use.

Ultimately, it seems to be a very well known and publicised issue in BMW NA and BMW EU, with threats being made about class action and NHTSA involvement.

 

[PsyCLown]

This is still very much a thing. Apparently the transfer cases have not been "redesigned" for a very long time. Circa 10+ years if american forums are anything to go by. They have simply been incrementally updating them. Meanwhile the cars get heavier, with more perfor\\\Mance and thinner tyres (which are prone to a phenomenon called tyre scrubbing - google it). All of these things create added wear on these transfer cases (more evident on xDrive cars versus S drive).

Instead of a recall, BMWs tricky solution to the problem is cover you (under warranty for a fluid replacement - since you can be convinced that a fluid change will resolve a mechanical issue). If youre under MP the TSB/SIB says fluid change first, then TCase replacement (and they simply replace with the exact same transfer case (problematic design and engineering) that was there to begin with.

Some have success with the fluid change - enough that it is largely imperceptible, or largely tolerable.
Some require full t/case replacement until 20-30k KMs or more and then the issue reappears.

Figuring out which bucket you fall into seems largely down to the following:

1. What powerplant the car has (more power, more drama - those be the rules, I dont make them).
2. Auto Stop/Start behaviour
3. What fluid was filled at the factory
4. What tyres are fitted
5. What road conditions you drive on
6. What driving style you use.

Ultimately, it seems to be a very well known and publicised issue in BMW NA and BMW EU, with threats being made about class action and NHTSA involvement.

This is interesting, makes me wonder how often transfer case issues pop up on the quicker G series M cars which are dragged - like what NV Performance and 357 are often posting and what the solution is or if they just replace them with the same stock ones when they break?

@Xcede Performance Do you guys have any idea?

 

[Nastaliq]

Also interested to know how this is being dealt with. Apparently in the US, new owners are having the transfer cases rebuilt before they break, like preventative maintenance where aluminium gears are used, higher density metal is used for bearings etc (resulting in less fracturing inside). Ive found forum posts where chaps have opened the actuator motors and had new spring parts machined and installed and are using different lubricants from the get go.