Transfer case judder

[nick9one1]

I notice a quite bit of juddering on acceleration and it seems to be coming from the transfer case.

I've replaced the oil and added some Dr Tranny a coupe of times and the problem goes away completely. But a few months later its back.

I'm thinking its probably the clutch plates. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by nick9one1

I notice a quite bit of juddering on acceleration and it seems to be coming from the transfer case.

I've replaced the oil and added some Dr Tranny a coupe of times and the problem goes away completely. But a few months later its back.

I'm thinking its probably the clutch plates. Has anyone else had this problem?

I would redo your transfer case calibration within ISTA, that is what solved it for me. Also check your tires, if the circumference of the front and rear are off by more then 1.5 inches, its going to cause this issue to come back again and again. Measure it with a string wrapped around the tire to be exact, don't go off the sidewall specs as it can differ by 5% or more from manufacturer to manufacturer.

[Bengineer330]

Adding to what Sophisticated Redneck said, make sure to use the Genuine BMW oil DTF-1. I used the recommended RedLine just for the judder to come back after 2500mi. It’s been 15k mi and haven’t had an issue since using the DTF-1 and resetting adaptations

[Thecastle]

This problem can be tricky to solve. Bent wheels, bad tires, bad drive train bushings especially diff bushings, bad guibo, bad diffs, driveshaft out of balance, vanos problems, and etc. can be hard to solve.

What makes you think it’s the xfer case?

I’m going to mention it may not be the transfer case. I’ve had problems with this on my f10 xdrive as well. I’ve had the transfer case and guibo replaced which made it better but never fully went a way. Checked the wheels to make sure none are bent, replace tires. In my case I suspect a bad diff and or diff bushings or vanos is what we suspect. I get vibration under light to medium acceleration in 7-8th gear. Vanos is going to be replaced next as I sometimes get a lumpy idle when cold. Not the same car I realize.

[robinasu]

First things first - get the factory center diff fluid in there. If you believe the internet you need to use the BMW branded fluid. Start from there.

[Greggo]

I also had the dreaded Xfer case judder... (2012 x35i 140K)

After inspection, no axel, driveshaft or bushing issues etc.. Through inspection.

Computer did not show any issues or 'warn fluid.'

I followed the BMW TSB, changed fluid and reset adaptations. After 10K miles, not a singe 'jud,' from the transfer case.

Step two from the TSB, is to replace the Xfer case, if problem persists.


My independent (very good reputation,) was very skeptical about the issue and was preparing me for an expensive repair. I smiled and said I was going to do this and see. Cheap fix, no continuing issues.

My judder was only noticeable if warm, and turning full lock moving slowly. Maneuvering to park, for example. Very occasionally at ~3/4 lock starting from a stop.

BMW does warn against use of any additives. I believe, "Never use," is the language. But at some point, and mileage, and budget... you have to try what you can to get by.

YMMV.

[nick9one1]

Originally Posted by Thecastle

This problem can be tricky to solve. Bent wheels, bad tires, bad drive train bushings especially diff bushings, bad guibo, bad diffs, driveshaft out of balance, vanos problems, and etc. can be hard to solve.

What makes you think it’s the xfer case?

I’m going to mention it may not be the transfer case. I’ve had problems with this on my f10 xdrive as well. I’ve had the transfer case and guibo replaced which made it better but never fully went a way. Checked the wheels to make sure none are bent, replace tires. In my case I suspect a bad diff and or diff bushings or vanos is what we suspect. I get vibration under light to medium acceleration in 7-8th gear. Vanos is going to be replaced next as I sometimes get a lumpy idle when cold. Not the same car I realize.

I'm pretty certain it's the transfer case because when I add some Dr tranny to the transfer case (pic in my first post) the judder is completely gone for a couple of months, then slowly comes back. I've done this a few times now.

[nick9one1]

Originally Posted by Bengineer330

Adding to what Sophisticated Redneck said, make sure to use the Genuine BMW oil DTF-1. I used the recommended RedLine just for the judder to come back after 2500mi. It’s been 15k mi and haven’t had an issue since using the DTF-1 and resetting adaptations

Thanks. I'll try the BMW dtf1. When I did the fluid change I used this;

[nick9one1]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

I would redo your transfer case calibration within ISTA, that is what solved it for me. Also check your tires, if the circumference of the front and rear are off by more then 1.5 inches, its going to cause this issue to come back again and again. Measure it with a string wrapped around the tire to be exact, don't go off the sidewall specs as it can differ by 5% or more from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Thanks. Pretty sure the tyres are out, the rears are quite worn. I'll get them changed and do the calibration.

[BMWSingh]

for me problem resolved by

changing front and rear differential oil, redline
oem transfer case fluid
transfer case adaptation using insta

2012 x5 35i.

[Thecastle]

Originally Posted by nick9one1

I'm pretty certain it's the transfer case because when I add some Dr tranny to the transfer case (pic in my first post) the judder is completely gone for a couple of months, then slowly comes back. I've done this a few times now.

Wonder why it stops working? Something else causing it? Good tires makes a difference.

On my F10 xdrive we replaced the xfer case and it didn’t cure my issue.

Nor did replacing the front and rear diff fluid. I too used redline. I’m guessing it’s a bad bushing, bad drive shaft, or bad diff.

I had a bad diff on my 335d that was only revealed when i switched to poly sub frame mounts. Bad diffs in the sense of noise or vibration are not uncommon on bmws.

[nick9one1]

I resolved the issue so just a quick update in case anyone else has the same problem.

As I mentioned before, I changed the oil a while ago, and added some 'judder fix' which worked for a while. Adding more 'judder fix' would make it better but it would always come back. I also recalibrated the transfer box using ista-p.

New tyres on the rear and its completely solved. It drove into the tyre shop juddering quite badly, and drove out with no judder at all. A month later and still perfect.

[msan]

2012 X5 here. I had the judder during slow turns and I'd say it went away after a transfer case fluid change and getting new tires.

[bhuang1103]

I just acquired a 2012 X5 35i with the "vibration" problem. Also got the service records.
Previous owner had BMW diagnose it, and the problem goes away after disconnecting the transfer box. Guess BMW dealers will only quote a transfer box replacement, not the fluid change.

I am preparing to try the fluid change. I am curious if people can recommend any shops in the Seattle area. Or else I'll do it myself. As for the tool to recalibrate or reset, which scan tools work for the list members?

[jbash87]

Originally Posted by bhuang1103

I just acquired a 2012 X5 35i with the "vibration" problem. Also got the service records.
Previous owner had BMW diagnose it, and the problem goes away after disconnecting the transfer box. Guess BMW dealers will only quote a transfer box replacement, not the fluid change.

I am preparing to try the fluid change. I am curious if people can recommend any shops in the Seattle area. Or else I'll do it myself. As for the tool to recalibrate or reset, which scan tools work for the list members?

Are you pretty OK turning a wrench? The xfer case fluid isn't too bad but you do have to drop the brace. I'm also in Seattle. I'll PM you.

[bhuang1103]

Originally Posted by jbash87

Are you pretty OK turning a wrench? The xfer case fluid isn't too bad but you do have to drop the brace. I'm also in Seattle. I'll PM you.

Yeah I am OK turning a 14mm hex. I do live on Whidbey Island, though Seattle area. Would really like to hear what you have to say.

[pnw535xi]

Originally Posted by bhuang1103

Yeah I am OK turning a 14mm hex. I do live on Whidbey Island, though Seattle area. Would really like to hear what you have to say.

Tracking this post as my F10 has the same issue. It's not exactly consistent but it definitely will do it about 75% of the time.

[heatmizr]

Hi Guys -
I am seeing TWO totally different symptoms in the posts here.

1 - I (and many others) have had the "crabbing/grabbing" feel at slow speed when turning sharply (in parking lots or tight intersections). This can be confirmed to be caused by the Transfer Case by disconnecting the wiring, and driving the vehicle. If grabbing is gone under tight turning, it is confirmed.
The first time - under CPO warranty - my dealer just replaced the entire TC with a factory rebuilt unit. Problem 100% solved. (I assume it was recalibrated at install)
The second time - not under warranty - I simply asked the dealer to replace the fluid and recalibrate. INSTANTLY upon driving out of their parking lot it felt like a brand new car to me, with zero symptoms. (thanks Redneck!!)

2 - The OP here described a different symptom - shudder under straight line acceleration.
This is a symptom that I have never experienced; it's totally different and the many possible causes are listed in the posts above. OP even states it was solved by replacing worn rear tires, NOT the TC.

So Bhuang1103 be sure you are tracing the right issue. Stating clearly which symptoms you have will help folks here to troubleshoot with you.
Good Luck!!

[15F15BIMMR]

I'm doing quite a bit of research on this as my 2015 X5 50i (F15) has the shudder problem at acceleration. Stops shuddering in higher speed turns. I've heard it all. Tire size, XCase, Traction/XDrive system.... I took it in to a local shop who only works on these types of vehicles and they couldn't figure it out. No warning lights or anything. Bought it about a year ago and has done it ever since. I cannot for the life of me believe it's the wheel and tires but who knows... brand new tires on 22x12's with 335 wide tires lowered on KW Coilovers. The local shop told me to take it to BMW which is 2 hours away. I do have warranty on it that i purchased with the vehicle given the mods already on it. What's the process of using this "Shudder Fix" stuff and where do i buy it? Just curious if i put in the xcase and fixes it it would narrow down my problem rather then spending thousands on smaller wheels. Thanks all!

[argento]

My friend has exactly the same problem in her F15. BMW recommended to replace the transfer box, but with no reason why or actually any idea if that would solve the problem. Indy’s couldn’t find the issue either. Keep us posted. With a warranty at least you have some leverage.