BMW x drive system

[Davechantry92]

Hi All got a 54 plate 3.0 Petrol 6 speed manual on 97k, I am led to believe that it has the x-drive system which I’m having a problem with. It’s as if it is winding up in low revs then has a surge of power and launches the car forward not to aggressive but very noticeable, when I remove the fuse for the transfer box it drives spot on no noise and as smooth as anything then plug it back in and same again. I’ve had the gear wheel in the transfer changed there was nothing wrong with the old one and the oil change. It has 17” non staggered wheels on I’ve read that the wheels could possibly cause this could anyone shed any light anyone else had this problem TIA

[Horizon]

Tyres are the main problem, my X3 was winding up the transmission as it had 3 different makes of tyres on it.
Mine is an Msport and was running the staggered setup, as there was only half an inch difference in wheel widths front to back, I fitted the same tyres all round. After the swap, all has been well.
Unfortunately this can lead to diff and transfer case damage , so changing the tyres may be too late.
Good luck and keep us all posted

[Davechantry92]

[kkx5]

If its bad on 17", it could only be worse on 19". Try swapping wheels, front to rear, rear to front.

[X5Sport]

17” non staggered are standard on the base spec model, 19” staggered are an option (standard on the Sport) and just go straight on as the rolling circumference with the correct tyres is the same.  No special set up needed. 

20” were also available as an option, again no different setup with the correct tyres.

[Davechantry92]

So it’s looking like I need a new transfer box then

[X5Sport]

Have you had any diagnostic check done to see what has been logged?  It might be something else - just in case you end up spending money on the wrong thing 

[Davechantry92]

I plug it in with a cheap one off eBay and nothing came up not sure if a more advanced one would come up with anything