[Rockin-The-F10]

Hey guys,
So my 2011 X3 35 X-drive is acting up.
It seems like there is some slack in the drivetrain or drive shaft or U-Bolt when turning somewhat sharply. Oddly enough it seems to be only in reverse, but I assume that is because the issue is in the front wheels.
So in reverse and with the wheel turned going at an idle speed with no gas pedal... It seems like the drive shaft gets locked up like maybe the U-joint is locking up or is loose.
I know the transfer case generally goes bad but is this a symptom of a bad transfer case gear?
It helps a little when you give a little gas to keep the drivetrain from binding up or it seems like it keeps the slack from getting knotted up.
PLEASE HELP guys!!

[Tjalle]

"When turning sharply", does not indicate transfer case - rather front driveshaft joints.

There are two schools re. transfer case:
- incl. BMW - dont touch transfer case
-change oil in transfer case.

[Rockin-The-F10]

Definitely not the cv joints. I think the sharp turn part affects it because more load is put on the front portion of the the drivetrain when the tires are turned fully while in reverse. So the added load accentuates the drivetrain issue

[brissim]

I know its BMW's official line for the F25 X3 is that the transfer case is a "sealed-for-life" unit and should not be touched, but on two occasions - probably around 2-3 years ago with ~60,000 km (36,000 miles) - they (my local BMW dealer) flushed the transfer case to overcome jerkiness issues particularly with low speed turning. At the time of the second flush when I queried the practice, I was told it was becoming increasingly common with the F25 X3. Have had no problems since then and now up to near 120,000 km (72,000 miles).

Tony

[mxr250]

Same things happened to my F25 2014 (50000) miles. I was forced to take it to the dealer to get it repaired thankfully I was still under warranty

[malicem3]

Steering rack has known issues for the MY 2011's.

[VikingOne]

My then 4 yr old 92,000 mile 2011 X3 had play on steering, had rack replaced 'out of warranty', but on a BMW good will, I had to pay for fitting only.

[Rockin-The-F10]

So I finally gave in and had to take it to someone for a diagnosis..
Turns out the ABS sensor on the Front Left wheel is bad. That causes a signal to be sent and tells the system the wheel is doing this or that which causes all the lights and the odd symptoms.
So I ordered the ABS Sensor and we shall see how it goes after. I will post to finalize the thread.