Front Driveshaft Broken

[bmwarg]

Hi everyone! Unfortunate news on my 2012 X5 50i M sport. First it was vandalized with paint stripper (re-painted and looks gorgeous) and now my wife was driving in the highway and the front driveshaft broke. She pulled over and had the X5 towed. Was towed with rear wheels on ground off the highway and then on a flat bed truck to the BMW dealer.

Here's what the BMW dealer found and fixed:
Front driveshaft came apart and damaged transmission sump and heat shield. Replaced front driveshaft and bolts, transmission sump and transmission underbody shield. Added 1 quart of transmission fluid.

Part number of driveshaft is 26-20-8-605-866 drive shaft A 2

Service advisor said the driveshaft part is an updated part that fixed the problem.

Funny thing is that I asked them to check the driveshaft just a few months ago as a precaution because I knew this was happening to others.

I have two questions for the forum:

1. Should I be worried about any other transmission damage? Will problems come up in the future? Should I replace all the transmission oil? Car rides fine now.

2. Should I be concerned about the rear driveshaft? Should I have them replace it with an updated part?

Thanks!

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by bmwarg

Was towed with rear wheels on ground off the highway

[Crazy1323]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

If he had no front driveshaft, it would just be like towing a RWD car. Should be fine for the center diff

[bmwarg]

Originally Posted by Crazy1323

If he had no front driveshaft, it would just be like towing a RWD car. Should be fine for the center diff

Yeah I told my wife about it but she needed to get towed out of the highway for her safety. It was about a mile. Hopefully ok?

I thought RWD BMW also had to be towed on a flat bed?

[jfiore13]

Same thing happen to mine... Except they replaced my complete transmission, front driveshaft and transfer case. Over 16K in damage all warranted.

I'd like to think in your case they replaced all necessary. You should be okay.

[racermp]

Hey what year and type of x5 do you have? Wondering if its just 2011s that experience this

[jfiore13]

Originally Posted by racermp

Hey what year and type of x5 do you have? Wondering if its just 2011s that experience this

Mine was a 2011 50i

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by racermp

Hey what year and type of x5 do you have? Wondering if its just 2011s that experience this

Yes, mostly all MY2011 X5 and earlier with drive shaft p/n 26207597649 will fail!

Although mine is a MY2012 and it has the doomed drive shaft ...

See also - http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=995198

[bmwarg]

Mine is 2012 X5 50i M sport.

[bmwarg]

Originally Posted by jfiore13

Same thing happen to mine... Except they replaced my complete transmission, front driveshaft and transfer case. Over 16K in damage all warranted.

I'd like to think in your case they replaced all necessary. You should be okay.

did they say how they diagnosed to know the transmission and transfer case had to be replaced?

[Flying Ace]

Damn, were there any warning signs?

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Damn, were there any warning signs?

No warning signs ... depending on speed, can be catastrophic failure. BMW Aug 2015 letter is to only offer extended warranty.

Find out if you have the doomed part number and stand your ground on having it replaced BEFORE it fails!

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by PAX5

No warning signs ... depending on speed, can be catastrophic failure. BMW Aug 2015 letter is to only offer extended warranty.

Find out if you have the doomed part number and stand your ground on having it replaced BEFORE it fails!

Thanks. The PN you posted is the replacement # or the doomed number?

[yoandry]

So,
Is this a recall or no? I don't have any noise or vibration but I will like to check if I need it or no before it fails at high speed.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Thanks. The PN you posted is the replacement # or the doomed number?

[xpl0sive]

Does this issue affect the M cars as well?

[JGard]

Originally Posted by PAX5

No warning signs ... depending on speed, can be catastrophic failure. BMW Aug 2015 letter is to only offer extended warranty.

Find out if you have the doomed part number and stand your ground on having it replaced BEFORE it fails!

easier said than done. The dealer won't replace it under warranty if it's not broken, even if it's destined to break some day. Unless you are already out of warranty and/or feel like dropping a few grand out of pocket, it's probably best to just wait.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by JGard

easier said than done. The dealer won't replace it under warranty if it's not broken, even if it's destined to break some day. Unless you are already out of warranty and/or feel like dropping a few grand out of pocket, it's probably best to just wait.

Disagree ... I had mine inspected just yesterday ... For warranty replacement, BMWNA defers to the dealer's opinion and diagnostic results: I asked for the shop foreman and the dealers most experienced tech (he has a MSc in mechanical engineering from a highly respected local university and speaks German) to inspect mine. The diagnosis? "You have grease splatters on the transmission housing and surrounding area. Drive shaft universal joint is leaking grease. No failure yet, but drive shaft will be replaced ..."

To get a diagnosis like that may in part depend on your relationship with the dealer.

[bmwarg]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Damn, were there any warning signs?

No warning signs.

[gc9538]

Took delivery of a 2012 X5 and 24 hours later the front driveshaft came apart wasting the transmission, transfer case and twisted the skid plate like it was make from a soda can. Dealer said they have never had this happen before. That may be correct for that dealer but sounds like a design flaw. Some $19k in repairs later I am enjoying the car and have some comfort in knowing I have 2 years of warranty on the replaced parts.

[Poppyboy]

Warranty does not apply here. It is a TSB.

[yoandry]

This is mine and it doesn't have the sticker
How does it looks?