[Everglide]

Hi

I'm not sure how to label this thread but hopefully I can describe the issue..

I've a 2011 X3, auto, diesel with 145k on the clock.

When driving the ride is like you're constantly driving over cats eyes. It happens at low speed, high speed, mild acceleration or heavy acceleration. The gearbox cuts drive. Imagine a manual car and you're driving along engaging / disengaging the clutch every second.

It's worse when towing.

When cold it's better for maybe a mile untill it's warmed up.

It became much worse (my wife noticed it) after a recent MOT. The rear tyres were changed. Different brand to the front but the same size. Pressures are all ok.

The gearbox oil has been changed in the past 2 years (not sure on transfer box). It has been checked and it's still full and clean.

The car shows no errors on a code reader.

When you stop after a drive the car shows on it's screen (something like): Drivetrain, possible to continue journey, have the problem looked at service. This happens even if you just start up and move the car on the drive.

I think that's all the useful information I can provide.

Where should I start on resolving the issue?

Many Thanks.

[pungo]

Use a better code reader, i.e. ista+

[bmwPower99]

As mentioned get ISTA. If you are not mechanically minded just take it to a transmission specialist.


Personally I would drop the transmission pan and see how much metal is stuck to the magnets. Then change the pan and and trans oil and transfer box oil.

[Everglide]

Thank you. I've downloaded "ISTA+_v.4.39.2x Standalone".

Could anybody tell me the best / correct lead to buy to use with it please? I'm based in the UK.

Thank you.

[bmwPower99]

Bought mine 4 years ago and can't see it in my eBay history. it needs to be an Enet cable for modern BMW's
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185804470...mis&media=COPY

https://ohptools.com/blogs/news/whic...k-dcan-or-enet

[Everglide]

Thank you. You’re very kind.

I’ve ordered that cable, I’ll report back when I get some info. I’ll do some reading up on how to use the software. 😀

[E36M3]

If you didn’t have the transfer case guild changed it sounds like the clutches are acting up from old oil. Once you get ISTA it will tell you if it tripped an dirty oil code in the transfer case. If so and you’ve changed it then you need to redo the transfer case reset procedure in ISTA. The only real way to see if the fluid is clean is to suck it out of the fill plug hole since there isn’t a drain. A finger dip in the fluid will only tell you it’s full not it’s condition. Once you suck it out if it is good fluid then it will be golden in color.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by E36M3

The only real way to see if the fluid is clean is to suck it out of the fill plug hole since there isn’t a drain.

Depends on which transfer box it has, mine has a drain plug

[Everglide]

Originally Posted by E36M3

If you didn’t have the transfer case guild changed it sounds like the clutches are acting up from old oil. Once you get ISTA it will tell you if it tripped an dirty oil code in the transfer case. If so and you’ve changed it then you need to redo the transfer case reset procedure in ISTA. The only real way to see if the fluid is clean is to suck it out of the fill plug hole since there isn’t a drain. A finger dip in the fluid will only tell you it’s full not it’s condition. Once you suck it out if it is good fluid then it will be golden in color.

Sorry to bump my old thread but I still have the issue and it's not been resolved.

I do have the ISTA software and lead. I'm able to read the car.

Are you able to tell me where I see the dirty oil code and how to reset it please?

Thank you.

[E36M3]

It would show up on your list of detected codes.

[Everglide]

Originally Posted by E36M3

It would show up on your list of detected codes.

ok. I'll run another scan over the weekend and screen shot it here. Hopefully it will mean something to people how know.

Thank you.

[DPick3er]

Hi Everglide
Did you manage to resolve this issue?
I am experiencing what seems to be a similar issue but in additional when engaging into Drive or Reverse when the gearbox is hot, the car doesn't move easily. I need to attempt putting it into the gear a 2-3x to get it moving smoothly. No codes registered whatsoever.
Before we start replacing parts, I wanted to get some insight.
Appreciate the feedback in advance.

[Everglide]

Hi.....I have resolved my issue...

So, the check drivetrain warnings that came up after every drive was a red herring. That was the DPF needing to be replaced. Also explains why I had no gearbox codes in ISTA.

The oil in my transfer case was fine.....but unfortunately it's knackered. I've removed the prop turning the car into RWD only and all issues have gone.

So i'm looking to replace the case. Costs look to be about £500 from eBay in the UK. Dos anybody have any advice regarding a trustworthy supplier?

Thanks so much

Dan

[deyrag]

Are you sure it is the transfer case and not the front driveshaft? Have seen a couple of posts where either the u-joint failed or the splines stripped.

[Everglide]

Yes, the UJ on the prop look fine, splines etc.