G05
BMW X5
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04-30-2026LAST POST
07-22-2025
Csaint422 wrote
Mines in shop now under warranty for it. 2020 M50 only 23,700 miles. Pretty sure it had minor symptoms around 9k miles when I got it.
must be extended warranty. I looked at the warranty my credit union offers and they exclude whole transfer case swap in their verbiage, unreal (Route 66) as well as any weatherstripping which is a common issue with these sunroofs lol FML

So I'll just save up and hope for the best
07-23-2025
Here's a picture of the transfer case pan. You can see all the metal shavings in there.
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
08-25-2025
EDIT: Car went to BMW and they checked the front left suspension & rim, said it all checks out fine. Tech noted front control arm bushes leaking (very front) and consider replacing (car is only 55k kms) like wtf.?! Otherwise said they couldn't find anything wrong. Stated the TC issue would be present all the time and ours was fine (which I mostly agree with). Still that leave us with no explanation for its weird glitch. The only explanation was maybe the bang confused the electronics..


Wife's X5 2020 3.0L Diesel (55,000 km) standard tires with good treat. I was driving it yesterday and out of nowhere I get this vibration like driving on ruts (at low speed, slight incline). I backed off and it went away, then continued light throttle, vibration went, but still shudder binding feeling (while driving straight) under 40km per hour.

Quite alarmed I pulled into a parking area, put it in N and revved fine, tried a few slow take offs in D and R and it shuddered (kinda like binding / dragging feeling from rear).

I then drove to the end of said car park did a right U-turn and car seemed fine after that, drove it home about 1 hour on highway and this morning did some further tight U turns both ways and all seems normal, maybe some slight drag but no more than from a limited slip diff...

Found this thread and assuming this is the culprit?

We did hit a fairly large pothole earlier that day, seems like a coincidence.. no visible damage or wheel vibration at speed..

I'm going to book it into the dealer for a check over... :confused2
09-01-2025
My 2020 X5 with 80k is having minor shuddering at low speeds and mainly in reverse. Based on this thread - it could be transfer case is most likely issue. Maybe fluid change fixes, maybe not.
09-01-2025
@johndoc76 - I'm getting a local indy to do the TC oil change on mine in any case. As stated in this thread its a common issue. Many report low oil level and wrong grade oil from the factory.

Also extracting the oil and replacing isn't enough. You need a scanner that can perform a TC oil change, the reservoir needs to be opened so the shit oil drains from the clutches.
09-20-2025
Wife's (45e) is currently at the dealer awaiting replacement transfer case. It started shuttering about 5 or so months ago. They did the transfer case fluid replacement per the TSB back in April. It felt better after couple hundreds miles, but few months later it started doing it again. Usually when the car has been driven for 30mins or so, and only in lower speed in either direction forward or reverse. It must be pretty common, as my dealer got approval for new transfer case after a day opening case with BMW
09-20-2025
crazyinp wrote
Wife's (45e) is currently at the dealer awaiting replacement transfer case. It started shuttering about 5 or so months ago. They did the transfer case fluid replacement per the TSB back in April. It felt better after couple hundreds miles, but few months later it started doing it again. Usually when the car has been driven for 30mins or so, and only in lower speed in either direction forward or reverse. It must be pretty common, as my dealer got approval for new transfer case after a day opening case with BMW
By the time you feel it and need a transfer case fluid change the damage is already happening or done. The severity varies case by case. The fluid change is just a bandaid by BMW just hoping it makes it less noticeable and delay the inevitable TC replacement.
09-24-2025
Hey All...long time Bimmer guy back to 2006 and DONE with the brand after my 7th and final Bimmer, my 2020 X5 because of transfer case handling by dealer in Warwick, RI and bmwusa. Although discovered while still under warranty and needed replacement they charged me $700 for fluid change which lasted just long enough to put me out of warranty for the real repair. Then after much unnecessary hassle they agreed to charge me 50% of $9400 to replace TC, which is what likely covers their cost! Sad that my love of the brand ended this way. Bmwusa, playing games with your customers isn't smart. BTW, loving my new Tesla! So, thanks.
09-24-2025
My 45e started doing the very low speed shuddering recently. I had the TC fluid changed and it instantly fixed any and all shuddering forward/reverse. It also fixed the weird pulsing during regen. I think the regen and TC were constantly adjusting off each other 100s of times per second to give an ABS-like feeling.

Pretty sure I addressed the issue quickly enough... But if not, the extended VSC takes me to the end of 2031 for piece of mind.
09-27-2025
I just want to chime in here, since I'm also experiencing the TC shudders in my 2022 X5 X40i .

I took my X5 in under warranty to get checked since it was shuddering (not too aggressive), but enough for me to notice while turning near full lock at slow speeds. Dealer confirmed the issue and replaced the fluid under warranty per SIB 27 02 20. this was 4 months ago.

I noticed the shudders are back, so I brought in the X5 to BMW of Fremont to get it checked again, and sure enough, the technician confirm its the TC again. so they placed the warranty claim to BMW corporate. Good thing I took the car in as I have 2 months and/or 600miles left on the factory warranty.

I got a call this morning that BMW denied my claim, and the reason is that the front and rear tire thread depth is slightly different..

it gets better..

The front tires are 9/32
The rear tires are 7/32
OEM installed by the BMW dealer.

both sets of tires are well within spec, and they are only 2/32 difference.
my mind is blown that BMW requires less than 2/32 thread wear, which seems quite aggressive and a BIG REACH to deny a claim. The car is also getting an oil change and tire rotation per regular maintenance.

what are your thoughts on this? (I don't mean to thread jack OP, will gladly move this to a new thread if needed, but i thought this would be a good place for this information if someone is in the same situation with the TC)

My service advisor is also baffled that this claim is being rejected and is trying to escalate.
When i called BMWNA, they stated i could not talk to the warranty department to get more info on the rejection reasoning, and i could only have my SA talk to the BMW warranty folks. BMWNA placed a claim for goodwill to see if they would cover this repair but no feedback yet.

I'm shocked they treat their customers like this
09-27-2025
bayG05 wrote
I just want to chime in here, since I'm also experiencing the TC shudders in my 2022 X5 X40i .

I took my X5 in under warranty to get checked since it was shuddering (not too aggressive), but enough for me to notice while turning near full lock at slow speeds. Dealer confirmed the issue and replaced the fluid under warranty per SIB 27 02 20. this was 4 months ago.

I noticed the shudders are back, so I brought in the X5 to BMW of Fremont to get it checked again, and sure enough, the technician confirm its the TC again. so they placed the warranty claim to BMW corporate. Good thing I took the car in as I have 2 months and/or 600miles left on the factory warranty.

I got a call this morning that BMW denied my claim, and the reason is that the front and rear tire thread depth is slightly different..

it gets better..

The front tires are 9/32
The rear tires are 7/32
OEM installed by the BMW dealer.

both sets of tires are well within spec, and they are only 2/32 difference.
my mind is blown that BMW requires less than 2/32 thread wear, which seems quite aggressive and a BIG REACH to deny a claim. The car is also getting an oil change and tire rotation per regular maintenance.

what are your thoughts on this? (I don't mean to thread jack OP, will gladly move this to a new thread if needed, but i thought this would be a good place for this information if someone is in the same situation with the TC)

My service advisor is also baffled that this claim is being rejected and is trying to escalate.
When i called BMWNA, they stated i could not talk to the warranty department to get more info on the rejection reasoning, and i could only have my SA talk to the BMW warranty folks. BMWNA placed a claim for goodwill to see if they would cover this repair but no feedback yet.

I'm shocked they treat their customers like this
Wow, total BS. Makes me worried now... And I just spent $7k on an extended warranty “just in case“ something like this happens after the factory warranty expires. So unless you've got new tires, it is rejected? Whatever BMWNA...

The tires being 2/32 difference is not a variable at 3mph where you're feeling the shudder. Lame
09-27-2025
crazyinp wrote
Wife's (45e) is currently at the dealer awaiting replacement transfer case. It started shuttering about 5 or so months ago. They did the transfer case fluid replacement per the TSB back in April. It felt better after couple hundreds miles, but few months later it started doing it again. Usually when the car has been driven for 30mins or so, and only in lower speed in either direction forward or reverse. It must be pretty common, as my dealer got approval for new transfer case after a day opening case with BMW
I'm in the same boat and will make an appointment with the dealership before my warranty is up in about 5,000 mi. It's a shame BMW will not address this from a design perspective.
10-04-2025
Those that have had transfer case issues what size tires did your vehicle come with?

I’m wondering if the non-square setups are a bit more prone to this than those with square setup. (Square meaning Identical tires sizes front and back)
10-05-2025
6SPDG82 wrote
Those that have had transfer case issues what size tires did your vehicle come with?

I’m wondering if the non-square setups are a bit more prone to this than those with square setup. (Square meaning Identical tires sizes front and back)
I'm on a square 20 setup and my transfer case is being replaced.
10-06-2025
I'm also on the 20" square setup, and I also rotate tires every 10K to try to keep the tread even front-and-rear. Just had the oil in the transfer case changed by the dealer last week under warranty.
10-06-2025
denaliman wrote
By the time you feel it and need a transfer case fluid change the damage is already happening or done. The severity varies case by case. The fluid change is just a bandaid by BMW just hoping it makes it less noticeable and delay the inevitable TC replacement.
But then, is the replacement unit a fixed one or will it eventually need replacing? Is there a solid replacement unit?
10-07-2025
Pottscb wrote
But then, is the replacement unit a fixed one or will it eventually need replacing? Is there a solid replacement unit?
Nope same tc and the Russian roulette begins again lol
10-12-2025
bayG05 wrote
I just want to chime in here, since I'm also experiencing the TC shudders in my 2022 X5 X40i .

I took my X5 in under warranty to get checked since it was shuddering (not too aggressive), but enough for me to notice while turning near full lock at slow speeds. Dealer confirmed the issue and replaced the fluid under warranty per SIB 27 02 20. this was 4 months ago.

I noticed the shudders are back, so I brought in the X5 to BMW of Fremont to get it checked again, and sure enough, the technician confirm its the TC again. so they placed the warranty claim to BMW corporate. Good thing I took the car in as I have 2 months and/or 600miles left on the factory warranty.

I got a call this morning that BMW denied my claim, and the reason is that the front and rear tire thread depth is slightly different..

it gets better..

The front tires are 9/32
The rear tires are 7/32
OEM installed by the BMW dealer.

both sets of tires are well within spec, and they are only 2/32 difference.
my mind is blown that BMW requires less than 2/32 thread wear, which seems quite aggressive and a BIG REACH to deny a claim. The car is also getting an oil change and tire rotation per regular maintenance.

what are your thoughts on this? (I don't mean to thread jack OP, will gladly move this to a new thread if needed, but i thought this would be a good place for this information if someone is in the same situation with the TC)

My service advisor is also baffled that this claim is being rejected and is trying to escalate.
When i called BMWNA, they stated i could not talk to the warranty department to get more info on the rejection reasoning, and i could only have my SA talk to the BMW warranty folks. BMWNA placed a claim for goodwill to see if they would cover this repair but no feedback yet.

I'm shocked they treat their customers like this
Wow, this is a pretty shocking post to read bayG05's user avatarbayG05 . Would love to hear what the latest is on this.
10-13-2025
BMW Transfer Case Class Action Litigation is in the works.

They pretty much ALL fail prematurely.
10-13-2025
starlights wrote
Curious about the comment above - do the wheel spacers contribute towards early TC failure?
My e70 did not have spacers - the TC failed at about 65k miles and was replaced under aftermarket warranty.

My F15 had spacers. The TC started to fail at about 85k miles - I traded out of it.

My current G05 does not have spacers and at 35k miles has just begun to display the very early signs of TC failure.

Hypothetically, a 40mm change in track (ie 20mm spacers) COULD impact the stress put on the TC during tight turns at parking lot speeds. The wider the track, the greater the speed differential between the inside and outside wheel in a turn.
10-14-2025
M Fiddy wrote
My e70 did not have spacers - the TC failed at about 65k miles and was replaced under aftermarket warranty.

My F15 had spacers. The TC started to fail at about 85k miles - I traded out of it.

My current G05 does not have spacers and at 35k miles has just begun to display the very early signs of TC failure.

Hypothetically, a 40mm change in track (ie 20mm spacers) COULD impact the stress put on the TC during tight turns at parking lot speeds. The wider the track, the greater the speed differential between the inside and outside wheel in a turn.
Your hypothetical statement above is accurate from physics perspective and I agree with your assessment, however my counter argument against BMW’s stance to blame spacers would be that there are many OEM wheel options with high enough offset which push out the wheels similarly. From physics perspective both scenarios should have same effect on TC. No?
10-14-2025
bayG05 wrote
I just want to chime in here, since I'm also experiencing the TC shudders in my 2022 X5 X40i .

I took my X5 in under warranty to get checked since it was shuddering (not too aggressive), but enough for me to notice while turning near full lock at slow speeds. Dealer confirmed the issue and replaced the fluid under warranty per SIB 27 02 20. this was 4 months ago.

I noticed the shudders are back, so I brought in the X5 to BMW of Fremont to get it checked again, and sure enough, the technician confirm its the TC again. so they placed the warranty claim to BMW corporate. Good thing I took the car in as I have 2 months and/or 600miles left on the factory warranty.

I got a call this morning that BMW denied my claim, and the reason is that the front and rear tire thread depth is slightly different..

it gets better..

The front tires are 9/32
The rear tires are 7/32
OEM installed by the BMW dealer.

both sets of tires are well within spec, and they are only 2/32 difference.
my mind is blown that BMW requires less than 2/32 thread wear, which seems quite aggressive and a BIG REACH to deny a claim. The car is also getting an oil change and tire rotation per regular maintenance.

what are your thoughts on this? (I don't mean to thread jack OP, will gladly move this to a new thread if needed, but i thought this would be a good place for this information if someone is in the same situation with the TC)

My service advisor is also baffled that this claim is being rejected and is trying to escalate.
When i called BMWNA, they stated i could not talk to [...]
Does it say anywhere in the owners manual that tread wear differences between tires must be less than 2/32" to avoid mechanical damage to their crap designed transfer case (must include "crap designed" to be legally binding - lol)? Even if it did, this would be something not reasonably known to a consumer prior to purchasing the vehicle. Since it's not "normal" practice to require such minute differences between tires (not even for safety reasons), BMW is treading into dangerous territory should a lawyer be engaged to enforce the warranty. I suspect the lawyer would include claims of fraud in addition to the breach of warranty agreement.

I suggest you go back to the stealership and ask them to show you where you were presented with documentation and where you consented to maintain tires with less than 2/32" of tread difference during the life of the vehicle and/or it's manufacturers new car warranty.

In other words, dumbest crap I ever heard. BMW is asking for a class action which will likely result in a settlement that will cost them way more in the long run. Honestly what they should be doing now (or should have done years ago) is to add a scheduled fluid change to the maintenance schedule for xdrive models. This preventative fluid change would likely save them $ and reputation damage. But seems they prefer to learn the hard way. Tough to fix corporate stupidity.