Transfer case jerking recalibration issue

[Brendenv]

This has been discussed a million times, I know. I did search. And search. And search. My apologies if I’ve missed the correct thread if this specific issue has been discussed.

Anyway, 2014 X5 35d. Been dealing with the transfer case jerking/tugging for over a year. I replaced the fluid and didn’t have the tool to do the VTG calibration. I’ve finally got ISTA set up and ran the calibration. The results were 0 degree change. No change at all to the calibration per ISTA. I ran it 2-3 times to make sure.

The jerking has not gone away. No error codes. Nothing.

Any ideas?

[_ObiJon]

Just throwing this out there: Do you actually hear the TC calibrating? When I did my service, I recalibrated three times as well (once before driving away, once after a 500 feet and once again after a few miles) and got a different value each time.

You can also unplug your TC to make certain it's your TC.

[Fknid]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

You can also unplug your TC to make certain it's your TC.

^^ This, … and then you’ll know if you have a bigger issue than just fluid.

[m4forum]

I had similar issue. Recalibration didnt fix it. Couple weeks after the issue showed up I recalled rotating the tires. They were overall similar in wear.
I decided to rotate again and install the tires on their original position. Issue is gone.
Was really surprized but happy issues was fixed.
Not sure why BMW built a car with such sensitivity I am pretty sure lot of people faced the same situation.

[sukhk527]

Wanted to ask about your tire sizes and wear. Even unevenly worn tires can throw off the tcase.

[m4forum]

my tires are 255/50 19"

[Brendenv]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

Just throwing this out there: Do you actually hear the TC calibrating? When I did my service, I recalibrated three times as well (once before driving away, once after a 500 feet and once again after a few miles) and got a different value each time.

You can also unplug your TC to make certain it's your TC.

No I don’t hear anything and the recalibration is very quick with 0 degree changes. I haven’t tried unplugging the TC so I’ll have to try that if it ever stops raining in Virginia.

In terms of the tires, they’re all the same oem size. One was replaced recently but the other 3 were relatively new as well.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by Brendenv

No I don’t hear anything and the recalibration is very quick with 0 degree changes. I haven’t tried unplugging the TC so I’ll have to try that if it ever stops raining in Virginia.

In terms of the tires, they’re all the same oem size. One was replaced recently but the other 3 were relatively new as well.

Ok. When it actually calibrates, you'll hear buzzing and clicking for ~10 seconds. Loud enough to hear in the cabin because it's so close.

I used the ProTool phone app and a Thor OBD dongle to accomplish this.

Where in Virginia are you, if you don't mind me asking?

[tlow98]

Yeah just buy a foxwell coder. Shipped to your house in days. Super easy and fast.

Something tells me something is wrong with your ISTA. Not so easy to set that up and get it working sometimes.

[Wesley Snipes]

Can you describe the jerking? I recently changed the fluid in my transfer case but I did not do the calibration, I heard both stories that its required and that it's not required. So I left it.

On cold days at low speed I get a little bit of jerking for about 5-10 seconds and then it goes away. Do you think doing the calibration on the transfer case will fix this issue? I am not turning, this jerking happens going in a straight direction. Thanks for any recommendations.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by Wesley Snipes6969

Can you describe the jerking? I recently changed the fluid in my transfer case but I did not do the calibration, I heard both stories that its required and that it's not required. So I left it.

On cold days at low speed I get a little bit of jerking for about 5-10 seconds and then it goes away. Do you think doing the calibration on the transfer case will fix this issue? I am not turning, this jerking happens going in a straight direction. Thanks for any recommendations.

Calibration is definitely suggested after fluid change.

To answer your question: Yes.

I had many weird feeling issues that were solved by changing the fluid and recalibrating the TC.

-Judder from 30 -> 20 mph off throttle.
-Judder from 20 -> 30 mph on throttle.
-Clunk on/off throttle quickly.
-Clunk in stop/go traffic.
-Clunk when stopped on a hill and then accelerating.

Both of the clunks felt like a motor mount was broken, that's how bad it felt.

Before doing the service, I inspected the motor mounts, trans/TC mount, rear diff mounts, front drive shaft, sway bar mounts, end links. All looked good.

Old fluid looked like tar.

[tlow98]

If the fluid is super nasty. Consider flushing it once driving around the block. Only take 15 minutes after you do it once.

Then code it when you’re done.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by tlow98

If the fluid is super nasty. Consider flushing it once driving around the block. Only take 15 minutes after you do it once.

Then code it when you’re done.

Great point. Here's a picture of my before/after I forgot i took.

[Wesley Snipes]

Thank you for both of your replies!

I will definitely do the calibration and I suspect that will fix my issue. My transfer case fluid was dark but not as dark as what I see in your photo. Either way, I will do the calibration.

I also flushed my transmission fluid at the same time, the issue I have with that now is that it seems to shift at different RPM's than before. There's times where I'm driving on the highway and it feels like a manual transmission when it should be downshifted. I am assuming this transfer case calibration will not fix that issue.

Either way, I Appreciate the help!

[c00lbeansdude]

I got same issue. Did my tranny and transfer case on my 17 40e. Wife says the car shudders for a second in the morning when she makes her first right turn then goes away. Did the calibration after fillling the transfer case but with out driving first. Ill try it agian maybe it needs some driving to mix the new fluid aorund first.