Transfer Case Fault - E70 4.0d 2010

[X5Sport]

It has happened across all of the model options as far as I know.  It is rare though.

[kkx5]

Atc 450 (transfer box) same for all diesel cars 2010-2013.

[Aby1]

Thanks for replies, I'm a newbie so just learning about these motors

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[ckl139]

Hi all revival of a very old thread, but may as well add to this for completeness and useful need for others.

to confirm and check a few bits

1. In a previous post it was confirmed that the issue is possible across all models 30d and 40d - is that the case? I'd avoid a 40d if limited to that, as i'm currently looking to buy.

2. There was focus on 2011 and 2012 - what about 2013 - was it sorted by then?

[X5Sport]

There have been very few of either on here EXCEPT where non-homologated (marked with a ‘*’) tyres have been used. Only occasionally has the issue been happening with the right tyres fitted. That being said, numbers of E70 failures being reported on this Forum are still low regardless of model, tyres, towing use or any other factor even on cars with mega miles. There have been more front prop-shaft failures - for which there is a recall - than transfer/diff failures.

All BMW X cars up until the very latest models, (along with various other major names) with staggered wheel sizes are sensitive to transmission wind up and frequently where the tyre tread depths are widely different, or a different type of tyre has been fitted, they can break. Homologated tyres have matched rolling diameters, non-homologated can be significantly different.

This has applied to BMW X models from the mid-2000’s onwards with the E83/84 being the most sensitive. Tyres marked with a MO (Merc) or AO (Audi) are also ‘matched’.

Having the right rubber reduces the risks, as does changing all tyres as a set rather than one or a pair at a time.

You probably need to be more concerned about the front prop shaft on 2010-2013 builds and making sure if it hasn’t been done then it possibly needs to be, or at least getting it rechecked. Several owners on here have had the shaft checked under the recall, found to be OK by a Dealer and then suffered a failure shortly afterwards. If you’re lucky the damage is very minor, if not then it can punch a hole in the bottom of the engine! The problem is caused in part by the a/c vent pipe draining into the prop shaft joint and corroding it badly.

[mr angry]

My 40d had this issue at slow speed full lock turns. It transpired that the steering angle sensor was faulty and not the transfer case itself. This did show up as a fault code when scanned.

[ckl139]

Thanks guys useful...

so in summary

- Effected all LCI cars (incl 30d, 40d) and up until end production 2013; though rare.

So someone like me who is looking to buy what should i look for apart from match * tyres all 4 corners and even tread.

What about front tyres with heavy shoulder wear, one i've seen has that, i thought it needed alignment sorting only - would that effect?

[X5Sport]

The transfer case / diff risk applies to all E70 models be they LCI or otherwise. Also applies to earlier and later models up to the current G series. Ideally you should have ‘*’ marked tyres of the same make/model on each corner and tread depths within 1 - 1.5mm front to back. Depending upon tyre manufacturer you can (and some on here have) use non ‘*’ marked tyres but it must be a set and care needs taking. One owner on here saw a 32mm difference in the circumference on a set of correctly sized, but non ‘*’ marked tyres, between front and rear. That is per revolution hence the risk to the transmission. It’s all about tolerances and homologated tyres just have tighter tolerances,

Heavy shoulder wear on these cars is normal and not necessarily a sign of alignment issues or anything being amiss. My X6 has had it since new, front only, and the tracking is almost spot on. It’s more to do with how BMW have designed the suspension setup.

My E53 did it on front and rear (and was a known issue with that model) too. It can be just as much to do with tyre pressures, wheel sizes, tyres, suspension type (air or conventional), driving style, load or even location. Milton Keynes near me is full of roundabouts and all of our cars have suffered with high front tyre wear regardless of make, model or FWD, AWD or RWD since we moved here 20 years ago. The front near side is always slightly the worst.

[ckl139]

Got it.

Re front shoulder wear, do you know if this is an MOT issue or not?

Ie if rest of tyre is like new but outer edges worn?

Ps whereabouts are you I'm outskirts Luton but go MK a lot.

Be interested to hear what garages if any you use.

[X5Sport]

Not an MOT issue as it requires that the central 3/4 of the tyre tread area needs to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread.

It would be an issue if any of the chords etc were visible.

I’m up near the Cambs border.

Main Dealer work is Baron’s (was Elms) in Bedford and the Indy is Autowerks in Bradville (North MK) - they are all ex-BMW techies and specialise in all BMW/Mini cars. OEM parts and ~£60/hr labour so far cheaper than a Dealer.

[ckl139]

Cool thanks

Coincidentally I'm at autowerks tomo for the first time taking my e46 for oil issue problem.

Good experience?

[X5Sport]

They’re fine ..... and they look after our E46 too.

[Lyons]

Haven’t read all the posts, but I certainly wouldn’t let the transfer case issues put you off an X5. Mine has only had star rated tyres and the case went on it a few months ago. My BM specialist replaced the clutch pack for less than £500.

[ckl139]

What’s the relationship between case and clutch pack?