VIBRATION at low speed in 2003 4.6L!!! Help!

[VDRZANE]

Hello all,

I am a 99% happy new owner of a 2003 X5 4.6L. I love the X5 in just about every way except for a few issues. I have experienced a strange shudder or vibration that is DEFINITELY coming from the vehicle at low (usually under 30mph) speeds during easy acceleration. It is defintely not caused by tire or suspension, but most likely the transmission itself. Any ideas as to what the issue may be? Luckily I still have some BMW warranty left!

Thanks!

[spider33]

I got same problem on 2001 X5 4.4. it happends only after 15 minutes drive.
Does anyone know the answer?

[NINCHS]

I think there might be a tranny software update from the dealership you might want to look into.

[stabmasterflex]

might be a seized caliper. after driving for a while it will appear.

[sondek]

I've just bought a 4.6is 2003 end of March, and I've got the same vibration happening at anything from 20-60mph, the dealer has done a software re-boot but problem still exists, it's in again tomorrow, I'll post how they get on. Also got an issue with occasional very lumpy running (feels like engine is missing badly) this happens at low speed and when engine comes under load, eg. going up hill, it may happen for a split second (which feels like you've gone over a bump) or can continue for several seconds in which case car almost kangeroo's. Again they will look at this again but if anyone has any ideas, it would be good to point them in the right direction.
Thanks.

[VDRZANE]

Originally Posted by sondek

I've just bought a 4.6is 2003 end of March, and I've got the same vibration happening at anything from 20-60mph, the dealer has done a software re-boot but problem still exists, it's in again tomorrow, I'll post how they get on.

For what it's worth, BMW NA actually called me a couple weeks ago because of my posting about this vibration issue (from another BMW board). I was quite surprised! At any rate, they seemed VERY interested in my situation and are monitoring my X5's progress. I see this as a GOOD thing and hope that it will put a little exclamation point after my name at my local BMW dealership when I take it in this week. I'll keep you and everyone else posted as to what is found...or not!

[NINCHS]

Originally Posted by VDRZANE

For what it's worth, BMW NA actually called me a couple weeks ago because of my posting about this vibration issue (from another BMW board). I was quite surprised! At any rate, they seemed VERY interested in my situation and are monitoring my X5's progress. I see this as a GOOD thing and hope that it will put a little exclamation point after my name at my local BMW dealership when I take it in this week. I'll keep you and everyone else posted as to what is found...or not!

what board is this? PM me if you dont want to call it out.

[VDRZANE]

Originally Posted by NINCHS

what board is this? PM me if you dont want to call it out.

I don't care! It's roadfly.com (or what used to be bimmer.org), on the E53 page. The NA rep also made a comment on that page. When he called me on the phone he told me that BMW NA has a whole team of people who read various web pages looking for issues. Hopefully they do more homework than that and are taking notes on what the real customers want and need. I've seen NA make some comments on the board before, but very infrequently.

[alpac]

Originally Posted by VDRZANE

Hello all,

I am a 99% happy new owner of a 2003 X5 4.6L. I love the X5 in just about every way except for a few issues. I have experienced a strange shudder or vibration that is DEFINITELY coming from the vehicle at low (usually under 30mph) speeds during easy acceleration. It is defintely not caused by tire or suspension, but most likely the transmission itself. Any ideas as to what the issue may be? Luckily I still have some BMW warranty left!

Thanks!

How many miles do you have on your X? Are your front tires wearing unevenly?
It could be a worn tie rod or bearing. That happened to me once, worn tie rod which resulted in vibration in the steering when accelerating.

[VDRZANE]

Originally Posted by alpac

How many miles do you have on your X? Are your front tires wearing unevenly?
It could be a worn tie rod or bearing. That happened to me once, worn tie rod which resulted in vibration in the steering when accelerating.

I only have about 37k miles on my X, and I bought it with ~35k. The only problem (if you can call it a "problem!!") is that it came with brand new rubber when I bought it. Therefore, I can't answer the uneven wear issue, which is a great point though!

I take the X in on Friday, so we'll see what they come up with. I have a laundry list a mile long and they are NOT going to be happy whenever they see an Estoril Blau X5 roll up the drive from now on!