Broke down on fwy friday

[Blowout]

Loud squealing coming from the front end while driving down the fwy, but no vibration with the car. Pulled over and found it doesn't move when put in gear. just a lot of squealing. Serpentine belt was intact. Had to get towed to a repair shop.


Backing off the flat bed tow truck the car rolled off while still in park. The tow truck driver was also a mechanic on the side and said it's probably the flexplate.


Repair shop called tonight and said the front drive shaft likely needs to be replaced. Said it's different from a normal drive shaft because it's AWD. Said they've had other come in like this in the past 2-3 years. Quoted $900 but will let me know once they get into it. Aftermarket drive shaft is $400, installation the other $500.

I don't see how a drive shaft would have anything to do with the car not going into gear when not it's not moving.

[andrewwynn]

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typical failure on the front driveshaft is the spline where it comes out of the transfer case. that’s common but not uncommon. Is when one of the front CV axles will pull out of the front differential either of those will cause your symptoms.

It’s pretty easy to diagnose

[Blowout]

Thank you for your input. I should find out tomorrow what they find.

[X5chemist]

Here's a good video on spline failure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT8gtGjJdAE

LCI models don't have the problem. A spacer can be used to push the front shaft in further on too.

[Henn28]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Here's a good video on spline failure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT8gtGjJdAE

LCI models don't have the problem. A spacer can be used to push the front shaft in further on too.

Assuming it is the front driveshaft splines, which seems likely, they should install the longer version that BMW and aftermarket places have. Its such a common problem that I’m not sure anyone makes the original, shorter splined shaft.

Also, the leading culprit in why it happens is that the AC condensate drain line drips right on top of the front driveshaft/TCase splines on some models. BMW fixed this at some point by moving the drains slightly.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by Henn28

Also, the leading culprit in why it happens is that the AC condensate drain line drips right on top of the front driveshaft/TCase splines on some models. BMW fixed this at some point by moving the drains slightly.

Just a week ago I changed the transfer box oil and looked that stupid design of condensation draining straight on the rear of front propeller. As mine is one of the last rolling from the line (9/2006) they didn't take care of the business.

[X5chemist]

Interesting. My US spec one drains on the right side. I can see a condensation puddle on humid days. Even left and right roof drains on really humid days.

[Blowout]

Thanks for the replies!
Shop sent a text that the new drive shaft fixed the problem and it's ready to pick up. $900

Hard to believe the drive shaft splines failed while just cruising down the highway.

139,500 on this 2003 X5

[andrewwynn]

Usually people first see a sign on hard left turns. A few click click click.

Bummer not cheap but makes me happy to see any e53 saved from the bone yard.

[andrewwynn]

The high labor cost is because the shaft is installed into the transfer case from the front and into the front differential from the back so to install you need to pull the TC off the transmission to pull it away from the shaft. I think you need to remove the rear drive shaft from the back of the TC to allow that as well!

At least it's not the 105 page instructions on changing the oil pan gasket on the N55 motor!