[E46G07fanatic]

I'm noticing an ever so slight shudder under slow turning and know its the TC. I have a 2019 xDrive 50i with 50,000 miles. Being out of warranty, does this TSB make any difference for me? Or, does the TSB only apply to vehicles under warranty still?

[itiongo]

Originally Posted by E46G07fanatic

I'm noticing an ever so slight shudder under slow turning and know its the TC. I have a 2019 xDrive 50i with 50,000 miles. Being out of warranty, does this TSB make any difference for me? Or, does the TSB only apply to vehicles under warranty still?

Unfortunately, BMW will not replace it, since you are now out of warranty. Cheapest option is have a shop replace the transfer case oil, and then pray, that the oil resolves the issue.

[zionn]

Originally Posted by E46G07fanatic

I'm noticing an ever so slight shudder under slow turning and know its the TC. I have a 2019 xDrive 50i with 50,000 miles. Being out of warranty, does this TSB make any difference for me? Or, does the TSB only apply to vehicles under warranty still?

Does it feel like a tire slipping or a shudder in the rear? Been trying to track this down...if we coast through a turn then accelerate after straightening the wheel, it doesn't happen, but if we slow down to an almost stop, then accelerate some while turning, a shudder happens. Trying to see if it's just the wheels in the back turning, or the transfer case.

[E46G07fanatic]

Originally Posted by itiongo

Unfortunately, BMW will not replace it, since you are now out of warranty. Cheapest option is have a shop replace the transfer case oil, and then pray, that the oil resolves the issue.

OK - understood. I actually just drained and re-filled the TC with BMW fluid and its improved greatly. I think its almost all gone. Maybe just needs to be driven a bit more. I'm going drain it again in a few thousand miles after an oil change. I'm shocked at how much its been improved, the fluid didn't look too bad either.

Originally Posted by zionn

Does it feel like a tire slipping or a shudder in the rear? Been trying to track this down...if we coast through a turn then accelerate after straightening the wheel, it doesn't happen, but if we slow down to an almost stop, then accelerate some while turning, a shudder happens. Trying to see if it's just the wheels in the back turning, or the transfer case.

It feels like the rear shuddering. Like when turning and accelerating into a turn (5mph or less). Going to change the front/rear diff fluid, but I can confirm that the TC fluid flush has worked wonders. Maybe I caught it in time?

[Orcas]

Is it 100% reproducible? Or more intermittent? Wonder if I should just take to dealer for them to change the fluid. I think mine is very rare to happen though.

[E46G07fanatic]

I think its a degrading fluid issue. Even though the fluid doesn't 'look' bad, it still might have broken down. Remember, its a sealed system with no combustion so its not going to look like motor oil would.

I'll provide an example of my experience: when I would first drive the car for the day, I wouldn't have any issues. Then as I would drive the car a few miles, I would notice the issue come about. It wasn't always 100% reproducible, but pretty close. At first I thought i had an issue with the rear wheel steering, but this makes more sense now. I would say this is likely just a design flaw, the TC probably would have benefited from a larger fluid capacity.

Change you TC fluid folks.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by E46G07fanatic

Change you TC fluid folks.

This.

And do your diffs as well. All three fluids were 'meh' looking after 25k miles on my X7.

[X7Oatmeal]

Makes me wonder those out of warranty who had their transfer case replaced instead of changing fluid.

Maybe it was something wrong with the TC itself.

I’m out of warranty, had the symptoms and changed fluid. Zero issues so far. So yea changing the fluid will be added to my regular maintenance along with differential fluid.

[DishoomX2]

My M50i has just over 45k (with warranty expiring in Jan 2025), and I felt like I've experienced the issue described in SIB 27 02 20 though I haven't been able to reproduce on-demand. In any event, I referenced the service bulletin and asked the dealer look into this before warranty expires. They went ahead and replaced the xfer case fluid and re-calibrated. I'm hoping no further issues in the minimum 125mi needed to fully saturate the transfer case clutch plates. SA mentioned that they've had to perform this on a few vehicles for this issue, but not many have had a complete transfer case replacement after the fluid change. I'm assuming no reason to push for a replacement if not actually experiencing an issue. Keeping fingers crossed!

For some reason, I thought front/rear diff fluid would also be replaced as part of this bulletin, but apparently not. I'm assuming the recommendation is to go ahead and do so?

[e30 4 life!]

Slightly off topic but can anyone confirm the correct fluids and quantity needed for both the front and rear diffs? I think it's G2 and G4, but curious if it's the same for DHP equipped vs. non.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by DishoomX2

For some reason, I thought front/rear diff fluid would also be replaced as part of this bulletin, but apparently not. I'm assuming the recommendation is to go ahead and do so?

Yes. Get those changed out. My rear diff was short filled (no leaks, just not full). Both the front and rear diff fluids looked iffy and mine only has 25k miles!

The front diff runs ridiculously hot. It took forever to cool down to where I could touch it without burning my fingers. That can't be good for the fluid.

[Madsen203]

Originally Posted by admranger

Yes. Get those changed out. My rear diff was short filled (no leaks, just not full). Both the front and rear diff fluids looked iffy and mine only has 25k miles!

The front diff runs ridiculously hot. It took forever to cool down to where I could touch it without burning my fingers. That can't be good for the fluid.

+1

[PenguinX7]

Saved

[Spoold_on_u]

I just came across this thread. My wife’s 2019 X7 Xdrive50i started making some noise at low speeds when turning, the noise only happens at low speeds. The car has 44k miles and it was purchased new with all maintenance done at BMW. I will be replacing the tires and TC fluid soon to see if that fixes the issue, the warranty expired about 6 months ago. Hopefully new tires and a fluid change helps, I also found this online, this seems to be a common issue that BMW doesn’t want to address.

https://www.rbk-law.com/bmw-x7-trans...se-defect/amp/

It’s ridiculous paying over 100k for a car that doesn’t even have 50k miles to have issues like this, specially being a family SUV that is used often. Our X7 is sitting in our garage not been used and Im having to haul my family in my Audi S3 which is not very comfortable. I would understand these sort of issues at 100k miles or so but not 44k miles. If the new tires and TC fluid change doesn’t work I will be reaching out to that law firm, hopefully we can get more people involved in this so BMW can get this fixed.

[Madsen203]

Originally Posted by Spoold_on_u

I just came across this thread. My wife’s 2019 X7 Xdrive50i started making some noise at low speeds when turning, the noise only happens at low speeds. The car has 44k miles and it was purchased new with all maintenance done at BMW. I will be replacing the tires and TC fluid soon to see if that fixes the issue, the warranty expired about 6 months ago. Hopefully new tires and a fluid change helps, I also found this online, this seems to be a common issue that BMW doesn’t want to address.

https://www.rbk-law.com/bmw-x7-transfer-case-defect/amp/

It’s ridiculous paying over 100k for a car that doesn’t even have 50k miles to have issues like this, specially being a family SUV that is used often. Our X7 is sitting in our garage not been used and Im having to haul my family in my Audi S3 which is not very comfortable. I would understand these sort of issues at 100k miles or so but not 44k miles. If the new tires and TC fluid change doesn’t work I will be reaching out to that law firm, hopefully we can get more people involved in this so BMW can get this fixed.

If fluid change doesn’t fix it, trade it in or have an independent shop do it. A recap TC case is only $1500 or so. Install is not terribly difficult. The front differential is a beast and if I had issues there, I’d light the car on fire and walk away. 🙃😁😁😭

[zippytank49]

Originally Posted by Madsen203

If fluid change doesn’t fix it, trade it in or have an independent shop do it. A recap TC case is only $1500 or so. Install is not terribly difficult. The front differential is a beast and if I had issues there, I’d light the car on fire and walk away. 🙃😁😁😭

I'd think fluid changes are more preventative, as once there is mechanical damage to one of the components in the transfer case, it will have to be replaced/fixed. (although I would agree it is worth trying).

The question is why are the clutches/bearings/other internal components failing in these xDrive TCs? Can they not handle the loads? Is the drivetrain software to aggressive? Or do we need to start looking at the TC as a wear item...like brakes?

[FSociety]

I paid Dealer to do Transfer Case Fluid Flush, and after 500 miles I contacted my SA and no questions asked he told me to bring it in. While it was there they replaced Transfer Case and Thermostat covered by CPO warranty.

2020 X7m50 bought with 46k miles now 50,689miles (already put another 500 miles on the new TC) no issues now.

[MPower10s]

I have this issue and have to do the fluid change next week. Hope to get the TC replaced as I am sure issue won't be solved by fluid change. They told me if it wasn't CPO, they wouldn't have to do the fluid change and would just replace the TC if it was standard warranty.

[Tanbuu_phan]

I’m having the same issues and have about 1500 miles left in warranty. Anyone in NJ recommend a dealer familiar with this that may just change the TC instead of the fluids only?

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by Tanbuu_phan

I’m having the same issues and have about 1500 miles left in warranty. Anyone in NJ recommend a dealer familiar with this that may just change the TC instead of the fluids only?

Springfield or Bridgewater BMW

[Tanbuu_phan]

Originally Posted by FSociety

Springfield or Bridgewater BMW

Thanks Bridgewater is close to me so I’ll check them out. I usually go to Flemington

[ColoradoOutdoors]

We had the fluid change twice, and that didn't work. Then our dealer replaced the T-case. Somewhat better but still there. So we live with this slight vibration as a feature of our X7, not a bug.