13 problems related to transfer case have been reported for the 2011 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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. 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.
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.
I notice when turning a vibration or shudder coming from the front of the vehicle. Doing some online research, including the NHTSA 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.
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.
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.
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?.
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 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 :-(.
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.
At 84,500 miles, during front driveshaft recall service, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transfer case. Symptoms include vibration during acceleration, and turning.
Front drive shaft snapped on the highway almost causing me to crash and when it snapped destroyed the the transfer case and the transmission causing 8k worth of damage.