X5 E53 Specialist
 

Hi All,

Does anyone know an X5 E53 (6 speed auto, 3.0d) indy specialist in Australia (pref Sydney).

I dont mean a BMW indy that has more experience with BMW sedans, I mean someone I can say this is the transmission/drivetrain noise I am getting and know exactly the area it could be... Even with test driving it, they can say, yet, I can hear it rather than "it must be the driver we cant hear or feel anything".

My X5 is very sick after the Transfer Actuator was replaced back in May and I am getting a "moaning" sound (like a bearing maybe) when cruising, and sometimes I get a low pitch screech sometimes, which sounds like maybe clutch on metal (I have a 6 speed auto). most times, you can feel the slight vibration through the car, steering wheel, gearstick, etc. There were a few things changed at the time including the alternator, transfer case fluid replaced, front bearings replaced and the harmonic balancer was pulled off thinking it had a crack in it.. it didnt.

It actually feels like whatever the issue is, it is holding the car back.. It is not smooth motoring like it used to be before the transfer actuator was replaced (yes, all the programming was redone after the actuator was replaced as per BMW recommendations).

All the above was done by an indy.

Any response greatly appreciated..

front drive half shafts? wheel bearings?

Thanks for the reply.

I got the front shafts changed when I got the CV's done (boot ripped and cheaper as you know to replace all of it, rather than the CV's themselves). They were fine up until the transfer actuator went, but knowing my luck, they could have developed a problem at the same time

The front bearings were done at the same time as the actuator, so it is possible that they weren't done right.

I must admit, sometimes the "moan" sounds like it might come from the rear but more so the front, but as mentioned, you can feel the slight vibration in the floor, gearstick and steering wheel.

Rob

Why don't you (I mean any mechanics of yours) try to disconnect both drive shafts (front and rear) and see if the noise is still there?

Mike, good idea... Do you mean one at a time, or just remove both, then startup the car, put it in drive and see if the noise is there.

What about load on the drivetrain. I would have presumed it would need some form of load before the noise occurred?

Thanks,
Rob

Rob, I'm not gonna pretend that I'm anyone that close to a "specialist", just try to throw some ideas to help isolating the problem.
Just poping up in my mind that there's something can be done before touching the tranny:
1. Scanning while driving (with INPA or GT1).
2. Hook up a multimeter (or more simpler, a pilot light) to the actuator electrical connectors.
If fault reported, or the pilot light is flashing like in a disco then the problem is electronic.
After ensuring all controls and electronics are fine, we'd touch the mechanical.

Mike, I will take all the ideas I can and test them out.

I have both Inpa and GT1, so that is a good idea. I also have a large standalones scanner that will record everything while driving, so I should try that as well.

I like #2 idea.

Thanks,
Rob