2019 BMW X5: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The vehicle experiences repeated jerking and shuddering from the driveline during low-speed cornering, acceleration from a stop, and under light-to-medium loads. No warning lights or Check Control messages appear. This matches the symptoms described in BMW Service Information Bulletin 27 02 20 regarding the xDrive transfer case on my vehicle. In November 2025, the authorized BMW dealer confirmed the concern, performed a transfer case oil change as the first diagnostic step required by the bulletin, and advised that if the problem returned the transfer case would need replacement. The oil change did not resolve the issue. The same symptoms have persisted. After being driven for about 8,000 miles, vehicle is currently back at the same dealer - BMW of Escondido - in order to address the issue. The manufacturer has directed the dealer to repeat the oil change yet again, although this oil is a lifetime fill and not subject to scheduled maintenance, and conduct an evaluation drive of approximately 200 miles before deciding whether to replace the transfer case.

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Transmission · FL

My transfer case is in bad condition. Initially I was getting really bad jerking in my car when turning. I was recommended by BMW of [XXX] to do a fluid flush. I have spent money to do this flush. Starting of August my mechanic as well as other mechanics that my transfer case is in really bad condition and is making really bad noises. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 30, 2026 · Transmission · VA

I am writing regarding my BMW X5 xDrive40i, model year 2019. For this G05 model coded cars, repeated transfer case failures have been reported due to a known issue: on the factory they put a wrong oil in it and then published a Technical Bulletin about it as if they are not the ones responsible for that. The problem is, due to that mistake, transfer cases of cars manufactured between 2018-2020 becomes dead in time. Cars shudders, jerking at low speeds, cannot deliver the power to the ground effectively due to intermittent and very disturbing, powerful shudders. This creates a huge safety concern cause: 1) if you are on an intersection the car might not join safely to the traffic in a perceived timing due to the shudders, intermittent power delivery. 2) If you are on a driveway and moving to the street the car might not move to the street for the perceived timing or once moved cannot move safely to join the traffic. 3) If there is a failure on the transfer case and if there is a sudden stop is needed. On the road with no shoulder access or if this is a bridge where there is no shoulder, it creates a huge risk to safely move the vehicle. An unavoidable sudden stop can create a huge accident risk for everybody. This is a very known and very common problem for BMW cars equipped with B58TU engine especially years 2018-2020. BMW is also definitely aware of that and this safety concern but instead of fixing it they moved away their responsibility as if they are not the ones made the mistake. But, when contacted with BMW NA, they refused to help.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CT

Failed components 1. oil pump $8769.41 2. Cylinder Head Assembly- Valve Cover $4280.83 3. center console control panel $3051.93 4. transfer case replacement TBD 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i has multiple major component failures at 70,000 miles. Oil pump failed causing loss of oil-level monitoring. The cylinder head assembly was diagnosed with oil consumption, the transfer case exhibited driveline shuddering, and the center console control panel developed internal electrical faults that affect vital vehicle components. All have been diagnosed by BMW of North Haven, CT. The oil pump and transfer case failures have created potential loss of engine lubrication and vehicle control putting my safety at risk. The oil-level test aborts at 16% making it impossible to verify oil quantity or pressure while driving. The shuddering occurs during low-speed turns and acceleration. BMW North America reviewed my case and approved goodwill coverage for transfer-case fluid change ALL other safety-related repairs have been denied. Supporting BMW Service Bulletins: •SIB 27 02 20: Jerking or Shuddering from Driveline xDrive Transfer Case ATX13-X (faulty factory oil specification). •SIB 11 03 17: N20/N26 Engine Timing Chain and Oil-Pump Drive Chain Warranty Extension (pattern of oil-pump failures in prior engines). •SIB B01 13 23: Front Center Console Cupholder Liquid Ingress (electrical faults from liquid intrusion in 2019–2022 G05 X5). •SIB 65 12 22: Roof-Mounted Antenna Housing Seal Not Adhering (water ingress from shark-fin antenna affecting interior electronics). Note: I paid out of pocket to replace and reprogram theTelematics Communication Box (TCB) due to faulty seal around shark fin. A class action lawsuit is currently in happening for this exact issue in California. These issues are not normal wear and tear. They represent premature mechanical and electrical failures on a well-maintained vehicle as well as posing a safety risk to me and other drivers.

Filed Oct 5, 2024 · Transmission · GA

BMW jerking and shuttering sensation and rough grinding noise when driving at low speed 2-5 mph and while turning at 2-5 mph. Safety was put at risk with while turning with oncoming traffic and when vehicles directly behind me. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the BMW dealership service department. The service department change the left tire and replaced the transfer oil on 5/10/23. This did not solve the problem. The vehicle was returned to dealership for same reason on 7/19/24 and the dealership replaced the right tire. The problem still exists. The vehicle has been not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative. No warning lamps or messages appear to diagnose the problem.

Filed Apr 20, 2019 · Steering · 5,000 miles · KS

1) several instances of driving at highway speeds in dry conditions, the steering drifts slightly to the left and right requiring constant steering corrections. I have the steering wheel centered in the lane but the car will slightly drift in one direction, once corrected it will drift in the other direction. It doesn't happen all the time but is noticeable when it does. Wind and road crown were not a factor. It reminds me of cars built in the 1970's that had a bit of "play" in the steering. 2) x5 was parked outside on a road trip through des moines in early february. Overnight temperatures were in the mid-teens. Departing the next morning and immediately driving (dry road conditions) on the highway the steering wheel had slight jerking movements taking the car left or right at highway speeds. You could definitely feel the movement in the steering and it required constant adjustment. This went away after about 15 minutes. It appears the steering is receiving uncommanded inputs from sensors or software which is unsettling when it occurs.

Filed Mar 3, 2019 · Brakes, Steering · 1,000 miles · MI

#1: steering wheel jerks from side to side almost like a twitch in very cold weather on a cold start. Almost feels like driving on ice. Taken to dealer twice and they said "bmw is aware of this issue and not sure on eta for fix". Unacceptable and unsafe in cold climates. #2: automatic emergency braking doesn't work. I've had multiple instances when the car did not respond to emergency situations. Both on city streets and highway driving