Transfer case or transmission issue?

[Snaffoo]

In the last few months my ‘17 X5 started to exhibit a sort of shutter when I take the foot of the gas but don’t apply any brakes and coast while in traffic at low speeds or when going into a corner and taking the foot off the gas. It seems to be worse after the truck is warmed up and especially when in sport mode. The RPMs don’t seem to move or jitter when it does this and nothing shows up on the screen for errors.

My local mechanic thinks it might be the transfer case but isn’t 100%. He thought maybe a flush might work but wanted me to take it to a BMW dealership to be sure.

Any thought on what this could be?

[Chilled]

The TC has a actuator (electric motor), just pull the plug on it and go for a drive. This will disable the TC and if the issue goes away, its was something with the TC.

If its the TC, start with a fluid flush and calibration.

[Snaffoo]

Sorry to be naive but where is the actuator located and is it visible under the car with access to unplug it?

[Snaffoo]

And is it ok to drive around to test it while unplugged?

[tlow98]

Yes. You could drive it forever like that. You just wouldn’t have awd.

[tfunk88]

Originally Posted by Snaffoo

Sorry to be naive but where is the actuator located and is it visible under the car with access to unplug it?

It’s tight but you can get to it under the car. There’s also a fuse you can pull but unfortunately I don’t remember which one.

What you’re describing sounds very similar to symptoms I had. Transfer case fluid flush and calibration took care of it

[stocktree]

I'd get the fluid changed in the transfer case while you're at it. It gets burnt and usually neglected.

[Burmo]

Hi, I am new to this, Just purchased a 61 plate X6 , 98000 miles , lovely smooth gearbox, but 1 time out of 6 when you shift into first gear,it goes in with a thump, especially after reversing,other times really smooth?
Only had it a week ?
Thanks Ian.