Blown Transmission?

[eeee36m3]

Hi. Long time lurker, first time post.

2002 BMW X5 4.4L auto 187K miles.

As I was rounding my last corner before my driveway, I heard a "ping" and then "whiiiiiiiz" and there was no more power being delivered to the wheels. The ping may have been something snapping, and the whiz sounded like the a shaft free spinning against something. I tried putting into Reverse, Drive, power cycled the vehicle, Drive, Reverse... nothing. No power delivered to the wheels.

Luckily I coasted into my driveway, and got about half way up before I ran out of momentum.

Even with the Gear selector in Park, the X5 would roll backwards down my driveway.

I haven't had a chance to crawl under there yet. From realoem, it looks like maybe the power is not being delivered from the transmission to the transfer case, because I don't have power to either the front nor the rear wheels. Or, could it be the transmission itself.

No dash lights, no trans failsafe warnings.... just nothing.

Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

[X53Jay4.8is]

If its wizzing it could be failed Torque Converter. At that mileage and the noise its makiing you may very well need a new transmission.

[g300d]

Ugh, sorry to hear that.

Stripped drive shaft to transfer case splines maybe? Common on the X and does result in loss of power transmission, but am not sure if it co-relates to all your symptoms.

[eeee36m3]

Just talked to a buddy of mine and says if any of the 4 wheels became disconnected (half shaft, CV joint, etc), that all power would go to the axle without any load on it, assuming the X5 does not have limited slips.

I'll crawl under it in a bit and see if I see any of the axles just free spinning when in drive.

[dykstra]

Originally Posted by g300d

Ugh, sorry to hear that.

Stripped drive shaft to transfer case splines maybe? Common on the X and does result in loss of power transmission, but am not sure if it co-relates to all your symptoms.

Agreed

[Spanker]

Please do not get under the vehicle with it in drive to check the axles. Should be done on a lift.....or put jacks under each wheel. I know its common sense....but....

[puddinboo]

if you do go under there please block the wheels at least.

[axgordon]

+1 for stripped front drive shaft splines. All listed symptomps make sense on pre "X-drive" cars. On 2004 and newer you'll still have power to the rear wheels. If stripped front drive shaft splines confirmed - search this forum for custom made replacements. There are few options available to address this issue on the budget.

[eeee36m3]

Thanks for the help guys. Stripped front splines seem like a good candidate. I put the car in gear and it sounded like the grinding was coming from the transfer case, and no spinning shafts that I could see.

[iansanderson]

What about a completely failed flex disc (guibo)?