Transfer case issue which is well known across different BMW vehicles. While driving, reversing , slow parking maneuvers there is a very evident jerking sensation coming from the drivetrain. As if gears within the transfer case are slipping. Potentially dangerous while driving because the transfer case distributes power to the rear axle Issue has been confirmed by a BMW mechanic No warning lights
BMW X5 slipping problems
12 of the 3,177 owner complaints about the BMW X5 describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 78,000
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20201
- 20191
- 20161
- 20121
- 20111
- 20081
- 20061
- 20051
- 20042
- 20021
- 20011
Often reported together
What owners say
I have received two emails from two different shop foreman’s. One from Niello BMW and the other BMW Fairfield. They both said the malfunctions I am experiencing- slipping, delay in accelerations- is the way BMW manufacturer made the car. One foreman said all the cars like mine he has driven have the same issue. It is a hybrid that needs the hybrid battery to have charge to not experience these malfunctions, but the car was not made to allow me to have constant battery charge as it only lasts up to 14 miles for 2016 X5 40e hybrid. I’ve been in situations where charging is not possible- like on vacation at a hotel with no way to charge car. Due to this, I have to deal with these malfunctions that BMW says is not fixable. This has put me in situations where I’m at risk of an accident because my car won’t properly accelerate when I need it to. The approximate date I’ve given is only one situation, but has happened several times before and after.
Transfer case: slipping and hesitation in motion/driving and acceleration. Also popping and slipping in front end near front wheels... Looked up online troubleshooting and found problems with 2011 model design
When the vehicle is operated in cold temperatures (<10 degrees f), the steering will randomly "twitch". The wheel will move several degrees in either direction usually opposite the direction of the current wheel position. This pull is not caused by the driver or external factors -- the car's autonomous driving mechanisms seem to be malfunctioning. The car essentially feels like it is slipping or "floating". This happens at all speeds, but only when the temperature is very cold. This is an extremely hazardous problem, which makes the car a danger to anyone inside it, or within the vicinity of it. Bmw is supposedly aware of the issue, but no fix has announced. The website below details other users issues and complaints. Https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1577605
I bought 4 run-flat bridgestone tires from a bmw dealership: dueler h/l 400 [36110427162] on june 21, 2017 with my SUV mileage of 169,318. Yesterday, 1/15/2018, I found out my two rear tires were almost bald after driven 10,384 miles due to summer road trip. Several times these past few days I felt the SUV was slipping and sliding even thought no ice around. The two rear tires have markings of dot h491 dje0716 and dot h491 dje0216]. The front two tires [dot h491 dje4015 and dot h491 dje3160] look new compared to rear - please see images.
Car was purchased used with about 50k miles. Repairs have been normal throughout. Car now has about 78k miles. Under the recall bmw replaced the driveshaft bc they apparently sheer in half under normal stress. Got the car back and noticed the transmission was slipping when accelerating. Brought the park ave bmw in nj and complained that it just started happening after the recall was preformed. They diagnosed it was the transfer case that needs to be replaced $2750. I'm going to speak to manager and also contact bmw na considering online it seems like transfer cases are being replaced very frequently around 75k miles. The part seems to be a weak link that will need to be replaced at some point. Will update when I have more info.
After driving for an extended period, intermittently the transmission gear slips with big jolt when accelerating from 5-10 miles uphill.
After vehicle is parked for a few hours, when you crank it and put the transmission in reverse it slips and does not want to engage. Problem does not appear when vehicle is in drive, only reverse so far. As the vehicle warms up the problem goes away.
2005 bmw x5 4.4 has a transmission problem. The car seems to slip out of gear when slowing down and then accelerating then violently lurches forward. The sensation and sound gives the impression that you were just rear ended by another car traveling at a high rate of speed. This has happened at least 50 times over the 2 years I have had the car. It has been reported to bmw at least 3 times and they always claim they cannot find a cause.
The 2008 bmw x5 3.0i has major transmission issues which severely affects the throttle response time and gears slips occasionally. While driving on high way vehicle will not respond to gas paddle and gears slip and make metal noises. Also when vehicle starts from a stop, gears slip and it moves the vehicle backward as if it is in reverse 'r' gear and you have to hit brakes then it will move forward with a severe jerk. Similar gear slipping happens while stopping the vehicle. The hesitation and gear slip are big safety issue as vehicle will not move fast enough as needed (while merging on highway ramp or changing lanes) and could get in to a side or rear collision. Similarly when starting from stop the sudden backward movement could result in crash with vehicle moving behind. The dealer said it is happens with x5 as it a heavy vehicle, which no body would buy as a justifiable reason for a premium luxury vehicle. These issues happen everyday and affect the safe operation of the vehicle on roads. These issues should be investigated and bmw should recall the affected vehicles.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
- Risk
- Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 23V821000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
- Risk
- If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V138000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
- Risk
- If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 16V311000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2012 x5 xdrive 35i sports activity vehicles, manufactured from december 19, 2011, through december 21, 2011. Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the transmissions parking lock may not occur even if the p position has been selected and is displayed.
- Risk
- If the driver believes that the transmission is in park and does not use the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away after exiting the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. The safety recall began on february 2, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 12V019000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
- Risk
- This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑332‑4269.
Recall number 05V504000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles with 3.0 l engines and manual transmissions, if the vehicle is in first gear, and moving slowly, with the accelerator pedal held in a constant position of low engine speed and with the clutch pedal held in a partially depressed position, engine speed may increase.
- Risk
- The vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's digital engine management control unit. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 04V409000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
- Risk
- As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 04V344000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the bolts that hold the front differential, the right output shaft housing flange at the engine, and the right-hand engine support may be insufficiently tightened.
- Risk
- With prolonged driving, these bolts could become loose, cause damage to the engine and transmission housings. The right output shaft could become disconnected, affecting the ability to control the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and retighten the drivetrain fasteners. Owner notification began november 28, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 03V475000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, "trans. Fail-safe prog." in this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output.
- Risk
- If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 01V196000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW X5 slipping
Which BMW X5 years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (2 complaints), 2001 (1 complaints) and 2002 (1 complaints).
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