[D-Pat Murph]

Went with the 265/295 setup. Did two launches. On the second one heard a loud bang and after taking it to the dealer it turns out to be a broken rear right axle and diff retaining bolt. Car is a 22’ with 20k miles on it. Don’t really beat on it. Just launch once in a while. The tire change is awesome, however a bit nervous that this happened. Has anyone had any issues like this? I am going after a warranty claim as it’s close to 4k for repairs. Car isn’t tuned!

[itslaff]

the diff bolt is a known failure point on these cars, plenty of people in similar situations. dealer should have no issue covering it under warranty.

[Dawgz]

They might say it broke because the tire sizes aren't stock.

The issue is that the bolt is weak AF.

Plenty of folks are breaking them.

RKAutowerks is currently working on making a beefier version of that bolt.

[cardtables]

Just curious - did you ever hear any noises? Like the metallic clanking some folks mention when adding or removing throttle?

[D-Pat Murph]

It was a bang when I launched, then got a warning message that I was in an accident. The message went away. I felt loose in the back end then took it in and they replaced the bolt. I just brought it back the other day dude to one of the tires being defective- that’s when that saw the grease again and said it needs the whole axle replaced. Would be pretty ridicules to not cover that under warranty considering it’s not tuned. It’s crazy that part is breaking with some people pushing 700+HP and not having an issue.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by D-Pat Murph

It was a bang when I launched, then got a warning message that I was in an accident. The message went away. I felt loose in the back end then took it in and they replaced the bolt. I just brought it back the other day dude to one of the tires being defective- that’s when that saw the grease again and said it needs the whole axle replaced. Would be pretty ridicules to not cover that under warranty considering it’s not tuned. It’s crazy that part is breaking with some people pushing 700+HP and not having an issue.

This is very strange indeed. I'm wondering if some of these diff bolts weren't properly torqued down & tightened from the factory.

[redbullfan]

This is becoming too common now, Im surprised BMW isn't looking into this and issuing a TSB or recall on this.

[Dawgz]

Originally Posted by D-Pat Murph

Went with the 265/295 setup. Did two launches. On the second one heard a loud bang and after taking it to the dealer it turns out to be a broken rear right axle and diff retaining bolt. Car is a 22’ with 20k miles on it. Don’t really beat on it. Just launch once in a while. The tire change is awesome, however a bit nervous that this happened. Has anyone had any issues like this? I am going after a warranty claim as it’s close to 4k for repairs. Car isn’t tuned!

Do you mind calling NHTSA to file a complaint about the failure?

I called BMW NA and they don't want to hear about it, they told me that it has to come from NHTSA.

I called NHTSA and they said they would also like to hear from people who have had the failure happen.

NHTSA # is 8883274236. If you call, don't select any of the options it'll take you to an agent, there tell him about the power train issue involving the rear differential bolt that sheared. Tell him other folks are having this issue as well and it just happened to you.

[gapband]

Damn, I just did the 265/295 mod too. I'll be following this one OP. Hoping you get this worked under warranty!

[itslaff]

Originally Posted by Dawgz

Do you mind calling NHTSA to file a complaint about the failure?

I called BMW NA and they don't want to hear about it, they told me that it has to come from NHTSA.

I called NHTSA and they said they would also like to hear from people who have had the failure happen.

NHTSA # is 8883274236. If you call, don't select any of the options it'll take you to an agent, there tell him about the power train issue involving the rear differential bolt that sheared. Tell him other folks are having this issue as well and it just happened to you.

I really like this idea, I think you should post this as a separate thread in General F97 here and see if we can get a ton of forum members to call and complain about this issue. Let’s see what we can accomplish as a group!

[TacosRule!]

Just read the thread and this scares me to hell. I have filed a complaint with them as well. Hopefully the dealer will cover it under warranty, since it seems to be a manufacturing defect, and I'm bone stock powertrain.

[D-Pat Murph]

For sure! I will call them and file a compliant. My fingers are crossed they will warranty it. It would sevearly impact me staying with bmw if not. The car is less than a year old and meant to be driven, without “tuning” and remain functional. I do not want to be afraid of driving this car and worry that things may break and the fact Bmw will not cover it. I’ll know Monday if they do. I will put up a fight if they deny the claim.

[redbullfan]

Originally Posted by D-Pat Murph

For sure! I will call them and file a compliant. My fingers are crossed they will warranty it. It would sevearly impact me staying with bmw if not. The car is less than a year old and meant to be driven, without “tuning” and remain functional. I do not want to be afraid of driving this car and worry that things may break and the fact Bmw will not cover it. I’ll know Monday if they do. I will put up a fight if they deny the claim.

I honestly don’t see why they wouldn’t cover it. I think you’ll be fine.

[Dawgz]

Originally Posted by D-Pat Murph

For sure! I will call them and file a compliant. My fingers are crossed they will warranty it. It would sevearly impact me staying with bmw if not. The car is less than a year old and meant to be driven, without “tuning” and remain functional. I do not want to be afraid of driving this car and worry that things may break and the fact Bmw will not cover it. I’ll know Monday if they do. I will put up a fight if they deny the claim.

Sounds good. Can you let me know once you file with NHTSA

[Stlnation]

Originally Posted by cardtables

Just curious - did you ever hear any noises? Like the metallic clanking some folks mention when adding or removing throttle?

Don’t quote me but I believe they have found that “clicking” issue to be the need for loctite to be applied to the driveshaft splines. Lemme see if I can find what I was reading.

fb link (don’t judge me lol)

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Stlnation That article is from December of 2018 before the F97 X3 M began production.

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

Stlnation That article is from December of 2018 before the F97 X3 M began production.

To add to that, another member here I believe tried to get the dealer to do that and they wouldn't because it wasn't 'intended' for the F97's per that article.

[Stlnation]

Originally Posted by joebie3

To add to that, another member here I believe tried to get the dealer to do that and they wouldn't because it wasn't 'intended' for the F97's per that article.

All I can tell ya is what the man said.

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by Stlnation

All I can tell ya is what the man said.

Oh yeah no doubt I'm not disagreeing with you. I'm just saying it's likely the anomaly that he got that approved to do. Because in BMW's eyes, for lack of a better way to put it, "ItS nOt FoR ThAt MODel".

[Ilyam5]

Does anyone have part number for that bolt? I can’t find one that looks like picture up top

[Dawgz]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

Does anyone have part number for that bolt? I can’t find one that looks like picture up top

Part # 4

[F80M3Daily]

Looks like the factory bolt is m14x1.5x133mm

McMasterCarr has a 14x2x140mm grade 12.9 bolt.

I wonder if it will work?

https://www.mcmaster.com/91290A776/ bolt

https://www.mcmaster.com/94223A109/ nut

https://www.mcmaster.com/91144A118/ washers


I dont have an x3m, but looking to get one.