Manual X5 drive issue, need help

[kgibson79]

I have a 2001 E53 3.0 with manual trans. I have lost drive 2 different times with it returning a day later???

I have owned it since March and bought it with what I thought was a center support bearing going bad in the rear driveshaft. When I am under hard acceleration in 2nd gear between 3-4k rpms I would get a vibration (non metalic) that almost sounded like I was hitting a rev limiter but could feel it in the seat, I again could make this happen in 3rd gear in roughly the same rpm range. Brought to my BMW mechanic and he said it feels like the transfer case but I was not ready to sink money in for diagnosing, we changed the fluid and it did help some, and you can drive the X5 leisurely and not have it happen.

On Saturday I broke down about 3 miles from my house, just lost all drive. Initial thought was clutch went out, even though PO told me it had been done within the past year, of course no paperwork. I have never had problems with the clutch, it has always felt very strong and I have had no slipping. I pushed it into a lot and left it. No metal to metal noises or grinding, just kind of a whistling noise, engine was running and no check engine lights.

Sunday night I drove back to leave a note on dash so the business who's lot I was in would not tow it. I decided I would try it just for shits and giggles and to my surprise it moved. I drove it about 2 miles, once again clutch felt fine, but I didn't push it and everything seemed normal again. I downshifted into my neighborhood and could feel it start to whine again. I again lost drive about a mile from the house.

I have yet to return to see if drive is back again with a waiting period, but any idea what this could be???

Thank you,

Woody