Strange vibration when driving away/ turning (4.8is)

X54L1FE · #1 06-07-2015, 11:22 AM

Hi guys,

Short introduction; a few months ago I purchased my 3rd X5 over the last years, a 2004 model 4.8is looking brand new. Very proud and happy with the car, but I knew because of my experience with previous models I owned, that a second hand X5 needs a lot of work to get it in perfect condition. It's not very common here to maintain such vehicles in a good condition so you have to add several k's to the purchase price for renewing parts.

There's one issue left I can't solve though; everytime I drive away from 0 normally, the driver's seat & midconsole start to vibrate in a high frequency for a few seconds, very easily noticeable for passengers next to me too. It does not happen when you use the kickdown to drive away as fast as you can, nor on the highway. It's just something you notice when the car needs to start moving, starting from +/- 25-50km/h.

What's already done to solve this problem:

- Revised the transfer case (is that proper English for the part that's driving the automatic transmission?)
- Flushed and cleaned autom. transmssion
- Software updates for motor brain, autom. transmission, transfer case and DSC

After the revision of the transfer case the issue disappeared for 3 weeks and came back...
After the software update, the issue disappeared for 3 days and showed up again.

Anyone has a clue? I know there are many parts to mention which can play a role in this issue but most of them are already renewed. Thanks a lot in advance!

mbk · #2 06-11-2015, 08:42 PM

Sounds like a similar issue I'm having at the moment. I'm thinking the engine mounts might be worn and therefore under acceleration it's creating a shake while under load.
I'm renovation my house at the moment so haven't been able to find the time I fix it yet but that's what in going to look at first. It's weird in that it doesn't happen all the time, but like you it tends to be when taking off or at low speeds.. Only really under acceleration

thrillcat · #3 06-12-2015, 08:46 AM

I just had engine mounts replaced for an opposite situation - it vibrated when I was at a stop, but was smooth once I was in motion. Not to say they're not worth taking a look at, but my symptoms of bad motor mounts were the opposite behavior.

thrillcat · #4 06-12-2015, 08:48 AM

What do you mean by "revising" the transfer case?

X54L1FE · #5 06-12-2015, 04:13 PM

Revising the transfer case: you can either buy a new transfer case or you can let it 'revise' by a gearbox expert firm. That means they disassemble the part and change inner parts for new ones, clean the case etc.

I think 'transfer case' is not the right word maybe but I don't have a documentation to check how certain parts are called.

@mbk: I think it has something to do with one of the shafts; when it's worn it might show a milimeter backlash. Especially when I turn the steering wheel and accelerate a bit, the vibration gets worse. As soon as I passed the corner, it's okay.

I've already replaced almost every single moving or rubber part that starts to worn out after 10 years. Except the shafts. A mechanic took a look at the front side and said they're in good shape.

electricalserv x5 · #6 06-12-2015, 04:39 PM

I would check all drive shafts and Guido connections, really if I were You, I would get a PPI or a API [after purchase inspection] by a good BMW shop and get to know them well, this cars are needy Ladies [$] , trust me I went through the whole car but there so many things that need replacement.
It's better then planning on a road trip and Your drive shaft breaking off and doing a whole lot of damage.

thrillcat · #7 06-12-2015, 05:49 PM

Ahh, that's what I'd call 'rebuilt'.

Definitely check the drive shafts. Also, when my transfer case went bad it took a CV axle with it.

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X54L1FE · #8 06-15-2015, 05:11 PM

@electricalserv x5: I know. I knew this from my previous obtained models. Before buying the car, a BMW specialist checked it and came with a list worth over $3000 for renewals and in the next months I spent another $4000 for other renewals. That's the problem with 10-12 year-old cars, especially these. Allmost all of them passed the 80K miles and then several parts are awaiting renewal.

After updating the gearbox etc I discovered that when the car hits 4th gear, you hear and feel a rough 'bump', also sometimes just before you stop, the car 'bumps' into it's 1st gear. Maybe that's a first sign for a rebuilt aut. gearbox?