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

[kgibson79]

Also, 150K miles

It does have a check engine light on it, but it has been on for an O2 sensor. When I go back tonight I will see if there are any new codes.

Anything I can check for to determine if it is trans or transfer case? However I have ruled out transmission with the fact that I was able to drive it again.

If the chain is bad in the transfer case, wouldn't I still be able to have rear wheel drive?

Thanks any help would be appreciated in diagnosing. I plan on doing repairs myself and just need a direction.

Cheers

[e39_touring]

That's a strange one. I can't think of anything that would cause you to lose propulsion but would then remedy itself (at least temporarily) after time.

You've got the early transfer case that's pure mechanical, no electronics. If the chain goes, it's not going to fix itself. It's an open differential without clutches so if you do lose one side of it, the car's not going anywhere.

Same with the clutch. When a clutch goes, it will start slipping under heavy load but feel ok under light load. The clutch usually goes gradually (I'm talking about wear and not a hydraulic failure), and it gets easier and easier to cause slippage. Once the friction material is completely gone, it doesn't stop slipping because the car's sat.

I don't think you're going to be able to diagnose this without getting it in the air with all 4 wheels off the ground. Since the e53 has 3 open differentials (front, back, and center), it's pretty easy to see what's going on by blocking various corners from turning while manually rotating the drive & axle shafts.

[cn90]

For 2001-2003 years, search forum for FRONT driveshaft issue...

[andrewwynn]

Others have had similar problems when the front drive shaft is too short but usually that will make some horrible snap sounds as the spline slips repeatedly. I would check if the front wheels are connected back to the TC. (Lift one front wheel and make sure you can't turn it when in park). If you can, see if the front drive shaft is turning (TC failure) or not (front diff failure).

If either front CV pops out of the front diff you will have the symptoms you describe. Very recent threads on that topic and they can pop in and out giving you intermittent drive. That can be either front or rear CV.

[kgibson79]

Thank you for responses. Yes I have searched and found the common issues of the front drive shaft splines wearing out in the auto trans X5's due to the constant pressure when the car is in drive and brakes are applied. Figured this was different and a non issue on the manuals being there is no pressure be exerted on TC while clutch is in.

I did just have the front drivers side axle replaced, and the passenger side front wheel bearing and wheel speed sensor. I wonder if any of these could be an issue.

I will keeping searching and report back. Thanks.

[andrewwynn]

The rational for the spline wear makes no sense. The spline will only ever wear if the drive shaft is not long enough to engage properly into the TC. Will make absolutely no difference auto or not.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by kgibson79

... I did just have the front drivers side axle replaced, and the passenger side front wheel bearing and wheel speed sensor. I wonder if any of these could be an issue. ...Thanks.

This....

Sounds like an axle may be popping in and out of the front diff....