HELP!!! Please read below - Hesitation to complete loss of drive!

[bionicmanc]

Morning all!
I've been suffering from what feels like a hesitatation/misfire on my 2007 X5 3.0d for a few weeks but put it down to the DPF which I've had the Particle Filter warning come on for. However, yesterday that hesitation/misfire became a mechanical sound (like slipping gears/cogs) which then caused juddering from standstill to complete loss of drive within a few meters of travel.
The engine runs fine, the gears select fine, but when I accelerate the engine revs but the car doesn't move (or actually it starts to move slowly after a few seconds when revved like a really bad clutch slip).
It didn't do it at the time but a few minutes later I got the 4x4, DSC, ABS, EBV warning message.
Anyone else experienced anything similar? Do I take it it's the transfer box and/or is it possible that there's more damage?
Any advice on local garages around South Manchester/Cheshire where you've experienced a good solution (I see some websites saying they can rebuild it instead) would be very much appreciated.
Cheers!
Mark

[X5Sport]

Oh dear.  kkx5 is our on Forum specialist who may be able to point you in the right direction and he is ‘in the industry’ but I don’t know where his workshop is based.

Just out of interest, what tyres are fitted?

[bionicmanc]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I saw another thread and sent him a PM - he's in Blackburn I think so actually not too far from me.

Bridgestone Duelers all round. I read something about uneven tread being an issue which if true sounds totally nuts!

[X5Sport]

It depends upon how big the difference is, but normally only becomes an issue with a brand new pair on one axle and almost completely worn out pair on the other.

There have been one or two on here that have just failed for no obvious reason - not that that helps much though 

BMW xDrive transmissions don’t always seem to be made with the best materials chosen!  Fingers crossed it’s less serious 

[bionicmanc]

I messaged Chris who kindly replied even though he's on his holidays and says it's unlikely to be the transfer case as it would still drive the rear wheels...so it's either the rear diff or (OMG please no!) the gearbox.
It's actually at my local garage now who will take a look on Monday.
Thanks for the quick replies.

[bionicmanc]

Garage has just confirmed that it's the rear diff that's gone.
Any recommendations on where to get a used/refurbished one?

[X5Sport]

Oh  :rant:

You’ll need exactly the right part number and then it will be a search of on line breakers.  These diffs are very hard to get hold of unless you go to BMW themselves.

I don’t remember anyone on here finding refurb units - probably because getting the bits is very difficult.

Use Realoem (BMW Parts Database) on line with the last 7 characters of your VIN and that will pull up your model.  From there check the ‘rear axle’ parts lookup page to find that actual part number that you need.

If there are refurbishers then kkx5 will very likely know if them.

[bionicmanc]

Thanks again for the quick reply! I've messaged kkx5 for advice but I know he's on holiday and probably already wishing he hadn't replied to my original text!

In the meantime, Real OEM gives the following part number...

33107552524

...which has been superseded by this one...

33107552523

So does that mean either of the above are OK to fit on my car or there's something else I need to check?

[X5Sport]

Correct.  It just means that BMW have updated the diff from a certain date.  Usually either a different supplier, design change/modification is the reason behind it.

[bionicmanc]

OK all, just wanted to report back. I was hoping to get the diff remanufactured but it's completely destroyed and costs the same to fix as a new one. So I'm now in the position of finding a new/replacement.
Local BMW dealer want £2500, can order a new one from Germany for £2100, or can get one from ebay for £1200 approx which is from a breaker so no idea of the history except the mileage.
Before I press the "buy it now" button (and cancel Christmas for my kids), any last minute advice from anyone?

[kkx5]

£2500?? :'(

[Alan Gunn]

Might be of help to you.
Bit pricey but.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-E70-H ... SwCmFbQ1WU

[bionicmanc]

I tried that link but he didn't have any available! I bought the following...nice guy, good feedback, delivered quickly, etc.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283000518876

OK...HELP!!!

Just had a call from the garage and the splines on the output shafts are smaller than the mating hole in the diff! Is this possible? Is there more than one internal diameter on the diff?!?!

This is a disaster...any help or advice is very much appreciated!

[henrym3]

On some of the older stuff you can put the output flange from your diff into the new diff. It’s worth checking if it’s possible

[bionicmanc]

So it sounds like there may actually be two parts for the same part number on the diff!
Anyone any advice on the difference between one with and without the "increased towing capability" on the diff and mating output shafts?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgr ... d&mg=33#25