[Enabled]

Code it to 2wd and problem solved?
SoCal doesn't see much snow anyways.

[Johnny250]

Originally Posted by Enabled

Code it to 2wd and problem solved?
SoCal doesn't see much snow anyways.

I wish someone could figure out how to do this, i'd love to just run the wagon rwd.

[Enabled]

ESYS: DSC > 3000 > C_Funktion_LaengsMomentVerteilung_aktiv_e > aktiv change to nicht_aktiv

Leave everything electronic connected. You could pull the front driveshaft, differential, and axles if you want to improve efficiency (my hardware is all connected, however).

I have been running it like this for nearly the whole year. Lots of RWD powerslides in the rain, and burnouts possible all the way into 3rd gear.
Transfer case will remain in full open mode, proven on my lift (minimal viscous and bearing friction will move front wheels while in the air, but you can stop them by hand...)

NOTE: You will get a DSC error for "DSC Subfunction coded out", which will result in the traction (Chassis Stability) light on, and a check control message for it as well. So not for everyone if you like no lights.

The DSC module checks against the VCM and knows you are trying to trick it. But everything works, all the Sports and Eco Pro modes, and DSC off.

If you were to change the VCM and the whole vehicle VO, then it would not illuminate any of those. I didn't opt for that, because I wanted to keep my DDE tune version, and be able to easily switch between rwd and awd.


I am working on removing the check control message from cluster, when I have the time to play with it more.



I really need to create an intro and build thread on my wagon, it has quite a history and it's super special to me. All of which allows for a lot of testing and experimentation.

[Johnny250]

Originally Posted by Enabled

ESYS: DSC > 3000 > C_Funktion_LaengsMomentVerteilung_aktiv_e > aktiv change to nicht_aktiv

Leave everything electronic connected. You could pull the front driveshaft, differential, and axles if you want to improve efficiency (my hardware is all connected, however).

I have been running it like this for nearly the whole year. Lots of RWD powerslides in the rain, and burnouts possible all the way into 3rd gear.
Transfer case will remain in full open mode, proven on my lift (minimal viscous and bearing friction will move front wheels while in the air, but you can stop them by hand...)

NOTE: You will get a DSC error for "DSC Subfunction coded out", which will result in the traction (Chassis Stability) light on, and a check control message for it as well. So not for everyone if you like no lights.

The DSC module checks against the VCM and knows you are trying to trick it. But everything works, all the Sports and Eco Pro modes, and DSC off.

If you were to change the VCM and the whole vehicle VO, then it would not illuminate any of those. I didn't opt for that, because I wanted to keep my DDE tune version, and be able to easily switch between rwd and awd.


I am working on removing the check control message from cluster, when I have the time to play with it more.



I really need to create an intro and build thread on my wagon, it has quite a history and it's super special to me. All of which allows for a lot of testing and experimentation.

You are an excellent addition to this forum, thank you sir!

[Johnny250]

that would be awesome if the message could be removed.

[arkangyl]

2014 335 xDrive, square OEM 400M wheels & 225/45r18 wheels (2nd owner, but 1st was a lease who looked to run fully OEM)

Adding myself to the list, just got word from the dealership that my transfer case needs to be replaced.

I got the car with 45k on it (CPO), seemed to always have a faint friction noise (heard 5-30 mph) - became far worse this spring 2018 with about ~55k on the clock.
- BMW found nothing during the 60k service (done at 59k miles)
- brought it back due to friction/whirring noise during drive AND idle, dealer blamed it on bent wheels (accurate, but did not explain noise when stopped)
- 3rd time was the charm, brought it in this week (63k miles, new wheels & tires) and the noise was still there

What I've been hearing sounds like a race clutch - a cyclical noise that follows vehicle speed (not engine speed), and always sounded like it was coming from the front-middle of the vehicle (to the point I thought it might have been the ASD)

Unclear what the full failure reason was (wear or broken)

[Enabled]

Hmm. Friction noise at idle (car not moving) would not be transfer case. I would think accessory belt rollers/components, transmission flexplate, or something else.

[F30_320D_UK]

Adding myself to the list.
Bought my 2013 F30 320d M-sport xDrive in April 2017 with 21000miles.
I'm the 2nd owner. This is my 4th BMW, first diesel and first xDrive though.

In August 2017 I noticed all of the 'usual' transfer case malfunction symptoms at 28000miles
I didn't know what it was, then read the internet...and I regret the purchase of this car daily, ever since becoming enlightened on transfer case failures...

Took it to an independent for an inspection (£85), they confirmed it might be the transfer case

Took it to BMW dealer, they did tests, changed the transfer case oil (£480 parts & labor)

Not even a month later, symptoms returned.
They quoted me £4196 for the repair
I contacted my extended 3rd party warranty company, they said they won't pay.

I told BMW I'm sitting with a 4 yr old 'new' car that is essentially unusable, asked them for a good will claim.

Few months and more miles passed, I got the transfer case replaced and got 80% goodwill from BMW UK at 33990miles in Jnauary 2018.
I paid £1221 of which the warranty company paid 50%
Looking at the invoice, they fitted part nr B27.10.7.649.725...apparently NOT the uprated version as I've come to learn from reading through this thread.

Car is now on 49000miles...and I'm waiting for the next time I feel those symptoms.

setup currently with 403M wheels (as per factory) and Good Year Eagle F1 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 at the rear.

Never again will I get an xDrive...and now BMW US is recalling N47 and N57 because of the faulty EGR...but BMW UK is not? FFS
-

[jseeleybmw]

Originally Posted by F30_320D_UK

Square setup currently with 403M wheels and Good Year Eagle F1 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 at the rear.
-

It doesn't seem like your setup is "square"; I had the same 403M wheels and tires sizes on my 328d xdrive which results in a 0.4% difference in diameter. BMW North America claimed this is enough to damage the transfer case and wouldn't warranty my failure (or even diagnose the car with that setup) which makes no sense since that comes as a stock setup in the UK.

FWIW I put 225/40R19 all around on mine for now so the tires are "square" and I've been looking for another set of 403M's to make a true square setup of wheels and tires...

[F30_320D_UK]

Originally Posted by jseeey

It doesn't seem like your setup is "square"; I had the same 403M wheels and tires sizes on my 328d xdrive which results in a 0.4% difference in diameter. BMW North America claimed this is enough to damage the transfer case and wouldn't warranty my failure (or even diagnose the car with that setup) which makes no sense since that comes as a stock setup in the UK.

FWIW I put 225/40R19 all around on mine for now so the tires are "square" and I've been looking for another set of 403M's to make a true square setup of wheels and tires...

Thanks for pointing that out. Post edited.

Ridiculous to think BMW says the factory setup will cause failure and won’t diagnose or warrant a repair.

[jseeleybmw]

Originally Posted by F30_320D_UK

Ridiculous to think BMW says the factory setup will cause failure and won’t diagnose or warrant a repair.

They claimed its not offered that way here in North America, like the transfer case is somehow magically different over here (even though it has the same part number)

[Enabled]

Honestly I don't believe there is much difference between the part numbers, in terms of a strength update.


Such an early clutch failure should be investigated. Why? Because it will happen again.
Check your differentials for matching gear ratio and as cool as a staggered setup looks, it's not helping prolong transfer case life.

[jimmyfloyd]

What are the symptoms? I just purchased a F31 with the staggered 18" rims, and would like to keep an eye on this while still under warranty.

[jseeleybmw]

Originally Posted by jimmyfloyd

What are the symptoms? I just purchased a F31 with the staggered 18" rims, and would like to keep an eye on this while still under warranty.

It's feels like small shudders/stutters while accelerating, almost like the engine is missing, or traction control is slipping.

[Enabled]

Keep in mind there are at least 2 different failures being described in this thread.
One where the clutches are worn, and another where the output flange is sheared.

They will have different symptoms.

[F30_320D_UK]

Originally Posted by jseeey

It doesn't seem like your setup is "square"; I had the same 403M wheels and tires sizes on my 328d xdrive which results in a 0.4% difference in diameter. BMW North America claimed this is enough to damage the transfer case and wouldn't warranty my failure (or even diagnose the car with that setup) which makes no sense since that comes as a stock setup in the UK.

FWIW I put 225/40R19 all around on mine for now so the tires are "square" and I've been looking for another set of 403M's to make a true square setup of wheels and tires...

Just had another look as the 0.4% sounded so small.
According to this calculator the rolling diameter of the front wheels are 663mm and the rears are 661mm (with the factory 403M configuration)

That's a difference in 2mm which equates to 0.3%
It's really pathetic to think that BMW designs a transfer box and sells a car with this wheel configuration and saying the transfer box can't cope with this difference in rolling diameter

(http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.j...r%20H2%20wheel)

Also, are you running 225/40/R19 all round?
Does this mean you're running in effect a 'stretched' rear tire, as the 403M rear rims are 8.5J?

[F30_320D_UK]

Originally Posted by arkangyl

2014 335 xDrive, square OEM 400M wheels & 225/45r18 wheels (2nd owner, but 1st was a lease who looked to run fully OEM)

If you say square OEM 400M, are you running 225/45/R18 all round?
Or is it 225/45/R18 front and 255/40/R18 rear?
If that's the case, it's not 'square'. There's a 0.3% difference between rolling diameter...same as 403M setup...

[jseeleybmw]

Originally Posted by F30_320D_UK

Also, are you running 225/40/R19 all round?
Does this mean you're running in effect a 'stretched' rear tire, as the 403M rear rims are 8.5J?

Correct, I’m currently running slightly stretched on my rear, BUT it’s the same diameter now, to appease the BMW dealer. However the rear’s are brand new and the fronts are worn which my dealer said will also damage the transfer case.

I’m also trying to find 2 more 403m’s to run either 8” all around or 8.5” all alround, pending what I can’t find...

[F30_320D_UK]

Originally Posted by jseeey

Correct, I’m currently running slightly stretched on my rear, BUT it’s the same diameter now, to appease the BMW dealer. However the rear’s are brand new and the fronts are worn which my dealer said will also damage the transfer case.

I’m also trying to find 2 more 403m’s to run either 8” all around or 8.5” all alround, pending what I can’t find...

BMW has gone mad I tell you. It’s what my UK dealer told me, if there’s more than 1% difference in rolling diameter between front and rear, you run the risk of damaging the case.
I’ve had the rears at 5.5mm tread and the fronts at 2.8mm and I went out and got new tyres all round before sending it back to BMW to ask for a good will claim just so that they can’t blame uneven tyre wear for denying me good will

BMW built in such a small tolerance with these transfer cases, they assume tyre wear is even on xDrive cars (which it isn’t), and fit them with staggered setups
400M setup is 0.3% difference
403M setup is 0.3% difference

You won’t be able to run a square setup without the use of spacers, as the ET is 36 for front and 47 for rears
And I bet you’ll run square setup, have your transfer case blow up, and BMW will tell you it’s because you’re not running the factory setup and you’ve got spacers and wtf else...

[Enabled]

Mine is equipped with square setup 18 inch wheels, 225 width all around, from factory.

[jseeleybmw]

Originally Posted by F30_320D_UK

You won’t be able to run a square setup without the use of spacers, as the ET is 36 for front and 47 for rears

I haven’t tried swapping the front and the rear for fitment yet, but I assumed the offset differences were to compensate for the different widths. 11mm is about a 1/2 inch.. I think there would just be more or less wheel extending inwards...

Square 400m setups are 18x8” wide with a 34mm offset; i would think running 19x8 with 36mm offset all around would workout... but you’re right, I would probably want spacers to dial it in... then BMW would blame that.

[peter12321]

I have just picked up a used 2014 328d x-drive and currently started to experience the hesitation under load on acceleration, at first I thought I had an injector issue. the car is about to roll 80k and I have only put 10k on it and this started! I'm wondering if I should have stuck with my usual VW tdi? I like the car but I'm not to impressed so far. is there a way to verify that this is the issue? I have no codes whatsoever