Driveshaft failure
2011 BMW X5 transmission complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 58, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle shudders and hesitates when making a hard left of right turn from a full stop. (ie. Turning right on red or pulling out of a place of business onto an active highway.) I read about 30 other complaints about the same issue - all pointing a faulty "transfer case". My vehicle 2011 bwm x5 35i has 76,000 miles. I do see a power train recall for the 2011 x5's but mine (for some unknown reason is not included and it is a 2011 (recall 17v138000) my mechanic said it was the transfer case and will cost $3,000 to repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rumbling and banging noise. The emergency power down pull over message was displayed. There was oil emerging from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to bmw of wyoming valley (1470 highway 315, wilkes-barre, pa 18702, (570) 338-6955) where it was diagnosed that there was a transmission explosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was similar to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v138000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated that the vehicle shook hard whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure occurred at any speed. There was also a slight vibration in the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to bmw global imports (500 interstate n pkwy, atlanta, ga 30339, (800) 294-1853) where it was diagnosed that a new transfer case needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Front wheels of the vehicle shudder badly when turning at slow rates of speed. Online research shows this to be a common issue with the transfer case needing to be replaced.
This vehicle has numerous complaints about the vanos system. As I was driving on the highway with full traffic, my engine failed at 70 MPH causing to me almost get killed in traffic as I fought my way the the shoulder. The car would not start, I took the car to the dealer and it seems that the vanos bolt backed out of the camshaft and caused catastrophic damage to the engine. I went to my warranty and they would not cover the damage due to it being the bolt that backed out. As they do not cover bolts. Now I am paying for a car that I cant drive and is currently sitting at bmw of mt. Laurel in new jersey with an 18k bill. This can happen to alot of people in these vehicles. That vanos unit is dangerous and should be recalled again with the correct bolts reinforced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While operating the vehicle, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine had overheated. Upon inspection, it was discovered that hot water had leaked from the engine area. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer (united bmw, 11458 alpharetta hwy, roswell ga) where it was diagnosed that the water pump and thermostat had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but while leaving the dealer, the vehicle began to violently shake and rattle. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the drive shaft and transfer case failed. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While driving 35 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor from the air conditioning vents, and the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. There were no warning indicators illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (bmw of tulsa, 9702 s memorial dr, tulsa, ok 74133), but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was willing to pay half for a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed with the contact that they would pay half of the cost for a replacement engine. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was 69,000.
I notice when turning a vibration or shudder coming from the front of the vehicle. Doing some online research, including the federal safety agency site, I find that this is a common problem for x5s. The apparent fix for this is to replace the transfer case, a several thousand dollar repair. I bought this for my wife but I would not have her drive it because between the transfer case and the driveshaft, both known issues, I am concerned for her safety. My vehicle only has 69,000 miles on it, there is no way it should have these kind of problems barring a very poor design.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 17vv138000 (power train); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (global imports bmw in atlanta, georgia) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The VIN was invalid. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While accelerating from a red light, the contact heard a loud noise and the ABS and four wheel traction warning indicators illuminated. Also, "transmission malfunction" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost power and had to be maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and looked underneath, and noticed oil all over the road. The contact also noticed a u-shaped piece sticking out of the under carriage shield. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake because the vehicle was on an incline and called roadside assistance. When the tow truck arrived, the mechanic could not disengage the electronic parking brake and had to cut the cable. The vehicle was towed to bmw of arlington in arlington, texas where it was diagnosed that the transmission, front drive shaft, and electronic parking brake failed. The contact was advised that the drive shaft and transmission were going to be repaired per an unknown recall, but the electronic parking brake was not going to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Well last year at this exact same time the front drive shaft broke causing a domino effect of damages the front drive shaft snapped and smashed the transmission pan and dented the exhaust pipe. Service adviser at dealer was not wanting to repair the damages under recall program acted like they have never heard of this issue or the recall in effect. After I presented all my findings they contacted bmw na and they agreed to replace the transmission ,exhaust and the drive shaft at no additional cost to me. However I did end up paying over $4k for other oil leaks etc. Now the vehicle is back at the dealers with popping noise very hard jerking. This happens when the vehicle is in motion they now claim that the transfer case is bad and it'll cost $2700 (for the part alone) and labor to replace this to fix the issue. I looked up on line and there are several people having the same issue and bmw is not doing anything about this. Surely the front drive shaft and the transmission are connected to the transfer case. So if the drive shaft has caused the transmission to go out once then that malfunction must have damaged the transfer case also or if the install was not done correctly this could have damaged the transfer case. Which I believe bmw should address under the recall for front drive shaft. Why is no one taking any action on this matter. A faulty transfer case in the x5 can cause loss of drive and this can cause serious injuries or death if the occupants are on a freeway or in an intersection etc where they are stuck. What would it take for someone to look at this issue and hold the manufacturers accountable for such defective and poor quality products.premium dollar for these cars demands premium service and customer care. Currently my car sits in the shop with a repair estimate of almost $9k to replace turbo hoses and transfer case.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 17v138000 (power train). The parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (habberstad bmw of bay shore located at 600 sunrise hwy, bay shore, ny 11706; (800) 841-6950) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
It appears that the bmw x5 35i has this issue with the transfer case on a huge number of the vehicles. While there is a recall on some VIN #'s I feel that it is imperative to extend it to all of them. My x5 has an extended warranty on the front drive shaft but unfortunately it has expired because of mileage. This is a very dangerous safety issue. There may not be enough notice when it goes out to pull off the road safely. When it happens it can certainly cause injury and possibly death. Does bmw or the national safety administration really want to take a chance ? I think not only my VIN # needs to be included but all bmw 2011-2012 x5 should be included. Bmw has been made aware that this is a defect and needs to do the right thing.
This in regard recall number 16v311000. The driveshaft is compromised. The joints on the shaft are abraised and the car is becaming dangerous to drive as the clanking noise will get louder. Potential of not being able to move vehicle if not fixed. Symptom: loud clanking noise when turning.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated that the recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) was received in february of 2016 and 17v138000 (power train) was received in march of 2017. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 17v138000 (power train). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 17v138000 (power train); however the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 06/21/17*lj the consumer stated the power train was repaired. Updated 08/30/2017
Noise and vibration coming from drive shaft when turning and driving straight ahead.
2011 bmw x5 35i xdrive - my drive shaft broke (violent banging noise from the front of the car) while I was going 65 miles per hour on the freeway causing me to swerve to the left lane back over to the right lane. Super lucky that I barely missed hitting the cars next to me! I had hardly any control of the vehicle and the engine was still running while I coasted over to the side of the road / ditch. I lost almost 7 quarts of oil on the side of the road. My engine has a hole in it from the drive shaft. I did not receive a recall notice in the mail. The manufacture will be replacing my engine and some hoses that were destroyed. The dealer said this wasn't a recall, just an extended warranty since we have approx. 70,000 miles on the car. The dealer gave us a loaner car to use until our car is repaired. My concern is that owners should be notified immediately! Had I known, I would of had my car inspected... Now I'm out $325 dollars for towing expenses, a car that might not ever be quite the same, live 1hr 20 minutes from the dealer, and the memory of the dramatic event.
I am requesting an emergency recall of my automobile. When crossing the gandy bridge over tampa bay in rush hour traffic a couple of weeks ago, my car emitted a very loud bang and a rapid series of shaking and extremely hard knocks. The car lost power, smoke billowed out the back and I saw a stream of oil in the mirror behind me. I was able to safely pull out of the traffic lane. The problem, I have found, was that the front drive shaft failed due to a manufacturing defect in the universal joint. When it failed, the spinning parts cracked open the transmission case, the oil pan and broke several nearby parts. The event occurred on a long bridge in heavy traffic and could have resulted in serious injury. The front end of the spinning drive shaft broke loose and fell down, parts were ejected onto the highway, the transmission was cracked open and all transmission oil discharged onto the bridge. Had this occurred, for example, while passing another car on a two lane road, there could have been a serious, perhaps fatal accident. This vehicle, from production dates beginning april 5 2011, was officially recalled in may 2016 for this exact issue. My car was manufactured in march, 2011, a couple of weeks before the apparently arbitrary recall date of april 5. I now find there have been many similar failures, with photos and descriptions exactly like mine. The bmw recall notice, which I did not receive because my vehicle was not included, states that a vibration will become noticeable, and, if it fails, power to the front wheels will be interrupted, but that the rear wheels will continue to work. That is simply not true. The transfer case had to be replaced in may 2016. Updated 03/07/17.
Very disappointing. My pampered bmw x5 2011 mileage only 38200. I went to the dealer for driveshaft recall fix. Dealer told me that in my bmw transfer case has gone bad and needs replacement soon. Cost is $6000+. They also told me that I should sell it if I don't want to get this fixed. But after that recall fix, I hear some weird sound coming whenever I am driving. Don't know what to do? Spent so much money to buy this car and now this? Not ready to spend this big amount because of poor part quality by bmw. Car is in the garage now and I am scared to drive :-(
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags), 16v3110090 (power train), 16v364000 (air bags) and 16v746000 (air bags, fuel/propulsion). However, the parts to do the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Driving in the city, 20mph. I felt a slight but noticeable vibration. I stopped at a stop sign, turned right, accelerated to 10mph. At that time the front u-joint broke causing an yet to be determined amount of damage to the vehicle. Had I been traveling at highway speeds, lives would have been in danger. This appears to be a well known and well reported issue which the bmw x5. I urge the federal safety agency to take the appropriate steps to investigate the many similar complaints file with you.
My vehicle has 80,886 miles and just had oil changed at bmw dealership, fields bmw winter park fl. I requested a check on the vehicle as there has been a grinding/vibration noise on turning left and right at intersections or moving from a parked position. The dealership said the transfer case is failing and to replace it would be $6,666.40. I am shocked to hear this diagnosis for a vehicle that has less than 81,000 miles on the odometer. I am really concerned about the gearbox failing while driving and this could be a high safety hazard for myself and the family. I certainly think that bmw gearbox should last longer, however the vehicle is out of warranty and the dealer said I really cannot afford to pay another ~$7000 and wondered if this is a recall issue?
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost power. The engine temperature warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine service and the technician stated that there was a failure with the engine fan. The vehicle was diagnosed and produced diagnostic code 3792. The contact was unsure about what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v521000 (engine and engine cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 01/04/17*lj updated 7/5/18*jb
On 21 oct 16 at approximately 3:10 pm, while driving on route 30 in hampstead, md and approaching a roundabout at 30 miles per hour, the vehicle stalled without any warning lights on the dashboard. Lights were operable, but the vehicle would not restart or disengage out of park to move the vehicle from oncoming traffic. The vehicle was towed to the bmw dealership. If this had happened just 30 minutes before, we would have been on an interstate 795 traveling at 60 MPH. There was not collision. At the bmw dealership, the service department stated it was the starter. The starter was replaced but the vehicle still would not start. The service manager stated that the 'engine has seized up' and the cost would be $17,000 to take out the engine and replace the engine. The vehicle was less than two months out of an extended warranty. We are contacting bmw as the vehicle was traded because of the prohibited cost of repairs. The symptoms displayed match the part 573 safety recall report 16v‑746.
After driving for an extened period of time, I pulled over to place a new destination in my GPS. I noticed as I was positioning my vehicle perpendicular to the road, I felt a shuttering in my traction. It felt like a locked differential 4x4. I placed my new address and proceeded to turn right onto the roadway with heavy traffic. I felt a huge hesitation in my acceleration nearly causing my vehicle to be broad sided (t-boned). At that point, I had to floor the vehicle, which caused me to shoot across the road into on-coming traffic. Luckily, the vehicles were far enough to avoid a major accident. My whole family could have been severely injured. I brought my vehicle to bmw to have it diagnosed. They found a faulty transfer case as they were replacing my front drive shaft under a recall.
We were driving our 2011 bmw x5 on interstate 405 in bellevue washington, going north bound with normal thursday afternoon traffic when we felt a vibration coming from under the car. We were fortunate to pull to the shoulder quickly, and we heard a loud thud. This was found to be the front drive shaft breaking off at the forward universal joint. This is a huge safety concern for me and our family. We were lucky to drive along the shoulder having the rear drive shaft propel the car forward slowly to the exit, and into a service station. The destination we had was over 100 miles away, so we were fortunate this did not happen at high speeds on the two lane steven's pass highway 2. Please see that bmw makes this a recall on the bmw x5 models manufactured during the period of 2011-2012. The manufacturer currently has this item as a "warranty" only- si b26 01 14. All damage cost was covered, which included replacement of the transfer case and the transmission due to contact or resulting effects. Bmw has stated the part has a warranty for 10 years or 120,000mi. The drive shaft was inspected only 18,000 miles prior and was not replaced by bmw service. I do not feel bmw has taken enough consideration to the safety of drivers placed in dangerous situations when the front drive shaft is at risk of failure, despite a reasonable inspection interval of the part. There is no requirement interval for inspecting the front drive shaft. Please require that bmw change the x5 front drive shaft warranty to a recall for the safety of all drivers and passengers. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated that while parked, the engine was running however, a large amount of coolant leaked onto the ground and the engine compartment. The oil reservoir melted onto the engine. There was no flame visible. In addition, the vehicle failed to shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump would need to be replaced. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v521000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,400.
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