2003 X5 5 speed auto harshly vibrates
 

Hello all! I have a green ‘03 X5, and it’s been doing this since I got it a few months ago. It has the 5 speed automatic (I can’t be bothered to remember the code for it), the 4.4i, and is all-wheel drive. It starts off driving and shifting quite nice and smooth for an early 2000s slushbox, but after around ten minutes the transmission and transfer case warm up. Once this happens, it vibrates and downshifts harshly when going up a hill. If I slow down for something and press the gas pedal, it also vibrates. It feels like it’s coming from the rear of the transmission, or the transfer case. I’ve heard the transfer case is a problem when mated to the 5 speed auto, and figured you’d have a few suggestions. Thanks!

Not sure why it would not happen. Until warm but CSB will give some of the symptoms you described.

What is a CSB? Only thing I’m getting is Car Safety Belt, and I don’t think a seat belt would do this XD

CSB? vibrations only, or is any "clunking" detected?
 

I'm not yet familiar with X5's or even AWD yet, but I've had driveline problems on 2WD vehicles. Out-of-balance driveshaft, failing center support bearing, loose or ungreased U-joints can all contribute to vibrations, noises, and harsh upshifts. I've had to replace all of those many times in the past (hopefully not on my X5).

Now I'm reading about a driveline shock-absorber? called a Guibo...if missing, I'm sure it could be contributing to driveline problems.

The guibo (pronounced Joo bow), is a flexible disc used in place of a u-joint.

They can introduce both vibration and odd sounds like tick tick tick.

Do you have a scanner that can read BMW codes and the transmission details real-time? Eg solenoid pressures (usually as mA)?

Center Support Bearing. Often and under power especially up hill vibration ends up being csb.

Yeah I don’t have any transmission code readers, but what would I need to do to take out the center support bearing? I would assume transfer case and everything attached gets to come out?

All in all the CSB is pretty straight forward - spray a TON of penetrating spray on the bolts and let them soak before you get started. If memory serves, it's just two bolts that hold it too the floor - the main thing to be aware of is "clocking" your driveshaft, it is balanced in a specific orientation and has to be marked before being taken apart or it will vibrate. Before you do anything, take white paint or a paint pen and put a line from drive drive shaft section to drive shaft section so that you get it back together the same way it came apart.


I don't have specs, but you can "check" the CSB by pulling on the driveshaft from under the car, it should move some maybe +\- a 5/16" ish, but be pretty firm and the rubber surround shouldn't be solid, no damage.

2003 X5 5 speed auto harshly vibrates
 

Nope. Not a difficult repair if needed. There is a flexible joint so you can bend the two-part drive shaft enough to disassemble.

As mentioned. Prep with penetrant and I recommend using impact to reduce odds of stripping.

Thanks for the advice! I’m gonna have my town mechanic check out my transmission and transfer case. Just in case there’s more metal shavings than a manufacturing plant. If nothing pops up, I’ll certainly rip it apart!