Transmission and bridge problems in BMW

Transmission and bridge problems in BMW – how to fix them?

October 19, 2017 | Author: Mirosław Bodera – Członek Zarządu BM Cars | 6 comments | Categories: Advice • Series 3 • Series 7

BMW driver question

I have three problems:

Automatic transmission – six months ago replaced after failure. It locked up a gear and jerked terribly in lower gears. Now after the replacement there are similar jerks, when shifting from R (reverse gear) to P (park mode) and in lower gears. The jerks can be felt especially strongly when adding gas faster.

When slowly rolling the car, for example, arriving at a traffic light, some friction can be heard from around the front axle. Similar, though louder noises can be heard when driving in a traffic circle.

At a standstill, when the auto start-stop mode (automatic engine shutdown) is activated, I feel a rhythmic vibration on the steering wheel. As if something is gently hitting the steering column.

I was told at previous service centers that it is difficult to reproduce these errors. Therefore, it is impossible to diagnose and repair them. Please advise.

The problem was with a 2015 BMW 5 (F10) 2.0d xDrive, but it can happen in other models as well.

BMW 5 F10 | By Manoj Prasad [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Response from BM Cars service

Based on the symptoms described, it can be assumed that you have a problem with the distribution box. This is the component that engages the front axle drive. Its mechanical failure very often manifests itself in jerks during acceleration or monotonous driving under heavier load, e.g. uphill. Computer diagnosis very often shows no indication of the fault. No warning light is displayed either.

Repair requires disassembling the box, assessing the degree of wear and reconditioning the worn components. The BMW catalog does not provide any spare parts for such a repair. The manufacturer suggests replacing the box with a new one.

As for friction noises from the front while driving, it is necessary to verify the source of the sound. Friction noises coming from one side while driving on a curve (in a traffic circle) suggest damage to the wheel bearing or problems with the front axle.

The above remarks were based only on the description of faults, making an accurate diagnosis requires performing a full diagnostics of the vehicle in service and during a road test.

We invite you to take advantage of BM Cars’ services.

BMW 5 F10 interior | By Benny Hiltscher [CC BY-SA 3.0]

Transmission and bridge problems in BMW – how to fix them?