In a bind.. need some advice
 

The recent extreme cooldown in the Northeast has left me in a bind and I need some help with my 2005 X5.

The issues:

1. The 'Check Coolant level' message comes on.

2. The gears initially engage ok... it also runs fine in a straight line. However, as soon as I turn, the tranmission dis-engages.. almost like going into neutral and I lose all drive.

2. Also, when I put in back in P, it makes a loud grinding noise.


Since I need a car to get to work and the earliest the dealer can see is 7 days from now:

a. Is it ok to drive the car (even for a short distance) or do I risk more damage?

b. Is there anything I can do to make it driveable while I wait for my appt?


Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks much.

sounds like your transfer case died. I would not drive it.

Ok. Any idea what it would cost to replace it?

Get it looked at first. If it is the xdrive, $1000-$2000, independent shop. could be the drive shafts too.

:iagree: I wouldn't drive it.

Is there coolant in the expansion tank?

:iagree:

Rent another car if you have to. You will spend more repairing the X due to the additional damage then the cost of renting a cheap econ car.

:iagree:Yeah, not worth the risk.

:iagree:I'm piling on here. Don't drive if you are hearing a grinding noise. That can only be the sound of more damage occuring.

I wonder if you are low on transmission fluid, or if it is just not flowing well in the extreme cold (something wrong with fluid, or weak pump). Maybe it all runs to one side while you are turning and that is why it won't go when turning? Check fluid but unless you get lucky there, little choice but to get it looked at before you drive it.