2012 X5 35i Differential Gone Bad
 

Hi All,

I have a 2012 X5 35i with the M sport package (my wife's car), 8,000 miles on it, and the car has been making horrible noises when the steering wheel is turned either right or left and the car is advanced forward or backwards :wow: :banghead: :mad:.

I was blown off by my local BMW dealership, of course, and had to take it to my indy BMW service center that helps me with my E46 M3 to get it properly diagnosed. They thought it was OBVIOUSLY either the front diff or front drive axle. It's back a the BMW stealership again. We'll see what they say this time........

I wonder if anyone else has had a transmission or diff go bad on their 2012 X5? From what I have gathered the transmission is a new item this year?

More to follow........

Matt

Usually, when you have noise turning the wheels and putting charge on them (by accelerating), it could be caused by the external cardan joint (or Constant Velocity joint / CV joint).
The SAV's pretty "young" to experiment such a failure, but it's possible.

Those will fail from the start (defective part) or after several years.

Not uncommon on FWD and 4WD vehicule, since those have a lot of stress (power transmitted to the wheels when turning).

When new, they could have a spot on one of the bearing or poor lubrification that causes the noise.
When old, could simply be worned, or have a CV boots damaged, which cannot hold the lubricant anymore.

Usually, the noise will be stronger when turning the wheels in 1 direction than the other, that helps diagnosis which side needs to be replaced.

How can you get "blown off" by a dealer on a virtually new car in warranty? If the dealer is not responsive, which doesn't make sense, than why not take it to another dealer?

Hi There. Your points are well taken. After taking it to the dealer, they also felt it was the diff. The noise wasn't a clicking type CV noise, it was a much more sinister/awful sound. They ordered a new diff which will be in on Tuesday. I will keep you posted on what they find.....

The answer to your question:

a) I inherently do not trust the dealership.
b) All the dealerships in my area get poor marks in the service department.
c) I trust the indy shop that works on my M3 and have an excellent rapport with the owner and many of the techs.
d) My indy shop techs have worked at all the dealerships in my area and called the dealer to tell them what was wrong with the car to expedite the repair process.
e) I didn't want to waste my time "if" the next dealer I went to gave me the run around too. My time is precious.

My multi-quote button wasn't working.

Matt

Wanted to update everyone.

So the stealership changed the differential and that did not fix the problem. They then changed the transfer case which finally fixed the issues. Car has been down over 30 days in the 8 months that I have owned it.

I have an open case with BMW NA to receive complementary extended warranty since I have had a catastrophic failure within 8 months of owning the car (8,000 miles on it). If they deny, then I will involve a lemon law lawyer to explore my options.

do'nt give up,good-luck.

Why piss away your money on a lemon lawyer?????????

You DO know they take a "cut" right? And the total they settle for is usually defined by state law...

Here's the deal: lemon lawyers fees will be paid by BMW..>BUT, the deal you sign with the atty is for ALSO a % of the settlement. BMW is pretty cut and dried once they decide to lemon it. They do a calc based on miles and the state rules- which YOU can do as well.

Here is the problem with your 'request': If they give you the 'deal', what does it buy them? NOTHING. You can still lemon it- now or in 6 months. They will be more likely to say 'sorry' and see what your next move will be. MOST people simply do not have the willpower to prosecute a lemon.

ive posted a lot on doing lemons, FYI

A