[MrsGX3]

Hello everyone:

I have had my X3 for 3 years. I recently noticed a shaking when making sharp turns such as in a traffic circle or turning into a driveway. The shaking seems to be coming from the rear of the vehicle. I thought it might be a brake/rotor issue because I needed brakes. The brakes have been serviced, but the shaking not only persisted, but now is joined by a knocking in the rear as well. A mechanic is looking into it and thought it might need a software update as well. I was rear-ended in March 2015 and all body work and mechanical repairs were done at a BMW dealership. I don't know if the shanking/knocking is or could be related to the accident.

Has anyone else experienced this and what was done to remedy the issue.

Many thanks
Mrs. G

[dreaming440i]

Since it's when turning, it could be a problem with the center differential not allowing enough slip between the front and rear. Also could be any number of suspension components in the rear. Best of luck with it.

[malicem3]

Could also be the play in the steering rack. An unfortunate but known issue with these cars.

[ba ba boosh]

Steering Rack, Wheel Alignment, or Bent Wheel/Rim. I had this shimmy in my 2006 E90 previously and one of the rims were bent, so I had to buy a new one.

[poiuytre111]

As has been said - sounds like the 4wd components are unhappy - first thing I would do is check that the tyres are not a cause i.e. worn to different tread depths - they need to be similar.

[MrsGX3]

Thanks for the suggestions - turns out it was something I would have never guessed. I was terrified it was something much worse. But at the same time hoping it was something simple like a software upgrade or new tires.

I (reluctantly) took it to the dealer and was told the transfer case is malfunctioning. Am having it replaced this week. I hope this fixes it, because it isn't a cheap fix.

Thanks again.

[malicem3]

Originally Posted by MrsGX3

Thanks for the suggestions - turns out it was something I would have never guessed. I was terrified it was something much worse. But at the same time hoping it was something simple like a software upgrade or new tires.

I (reluctantly) took it to the dealer and was told the transfer case is malfunctioning. Am having it replaced this week. I hope this fixes it, because it isn't a cheap fix.

Thanks again.

Thanks for following up. Any idea of your total cost?

Some other helpful info if you're willing: mileage, packages, etc?

[brissim]

Haven only seen this thread today, I was going to suggest the transfer case. We had the same over a couple of occasions although in our case the shaking was coming from the front. On both occasions (and this happened within 6-months of each other when the car was about 3.5 years/65,000km old) the dealer simply flushed the transfer case. Done under warranty and didn't cost me anything. At the time I was told it was common issue with the F25 X3 - although nowhere near as bad as the transfer case issues that plagued the E83 X3.

Given the transfer case is supposed to be a "sealed for life" item - I'd be pressing for no cost.

Tony

[Tjalle]

Flushing the transfer case sounds less costly than replace!?

Suggest to dealer to flush before/instead of replace?

[MrsGX3]

The total cost from the dealer is $2,000. I hope they don't try to slip any extra costs. I had not thought about a transfer case flush, I will bring it up with them. I am scheduled to be there tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for your help.

2011 BMW X3
68,000 miles (est.)
xDrive 28i
I don't have any special equipment or aftermarket equipment.