BMW Transfer Case ISSUES PROBLEMS Plus DIAGNOSIS STEPS And Fluid Change 54C6 539E 5463 5F3A 54C4 

My 2011 BMW X5 had the exact same symptoms you described. My mechanic couldn’t diagnose the problem, after several failed attempts to diagnose the problem, he advised me to keep driving the vehicle the way it was with the hope that when the problem gets worse it will be easier to diagnose. After watching your video, I did the transfer case oil change myself and that fixed the problem. Thank you so much for saving me thousands of $$$$ . 👍❤

Mainly watched this to see if I would need to remove the mount bracket but your symptoms and info at the beginning was also great to hear. I have a tuned N55 and thought it could possibly be the engine or even the ZF8 on pulls between 3-5k rpm in taller gears. It took a lot of forums and brainstorming to get an idea of what you described in minutes. Great help!

Thank you for a great video and an easy to understand explanation. This was like a tutorial in BMW xDrive transfer cases....... "How To Save A Transfer Case for Idiots"...... like me. So I have a 2008 BMW 328xi Sports Wagon 6MT (e91 chassis). It has 131,000 miles. I have owned the car for two and a half years. I purchased it with 86,000 miles. From the day I purchased it, I always noticed the "misfire or chatter while driving or cornering", especially under moderate to heavy acceleration and very slow speed tight turns (like in a turning circle or parking lot). I installed OEM spark plugs and coil packs. Definitely ran a little bit smoother but the feeling of "misfire" was still occurring under certain conditions. I tried lots of different fuel treatments, but it did not remedy the problem of the "misfire". I ultimately got used to the "misfire" and figured out how to drive the car to minimize the feeling of "misfire". Recently, the "misfire" was becoming more severe, and I really had to carefully accelerate in order to minimize the effects of the "misfire". My car was not really feeling like the "Ultimate Driving Machine" and I was very frustrated driving it. Then I came upon your video.......and I fixed my car. I decided to try your idea and change the Transfer Case fluid. I found a great "How To" video facebook.com/watch/?v=1544711118910953 from FCP Euro on how to change the fluid on my specific car. When I drained the fluid from the Transfer case......... SURPRISE, it was probably only half full. I measured about 16 ounces (half a quart) of fluid. Prior to filling the Transfer Case with new fluid, I pumped new OEM BMW DTF 1, Transfer Case fluid (part # 83222409710) into the transfer case with the drain plug off and flushed out the remaining old fluid. I continued to flush the transfer case until the fluid coming out was clear. Then, I installed a new OEM BMW drain plug and I filled the transfer case with the aforementioned BMW fluid. I then installed a new OEM BMW fill cap. While I was under the car, I also changed the oil in the six-speed manual transmission and the front and rear differentials. Time for a road-test. Wow!!!!! No more "misfire" or chatter. I took it out for a "spirited" drive and drove it like the "Ultimate Driving Machine" was intended to be driven. It's a completely different car now. A couple of notes about my car. I have 18 inch OEM BMW style 416 wheels on my car. The wheels are 18" x 8". I run 225/45R18 tires on the front and 255/40R18 tires on the rear. Completely stock, OEM suspension. No rubbing whatsoever and the car rides beautifully. No fault codes of any kind, ever. The bigger wheels and tires give the car an aggressive look, kinda like it is lowered, but it is not. Thank you again for posting your video and sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate it.

Thanks for this professional explanation, recommendations, and demonstration.

Thank you for this video I’ve been searching for this video as you describe exactly what’s going on with my 04 bmw x3 . Now I know I need to start with the oil change. I replaced the gear’s first and that didn’t fix it next I replaced the whole motor that didn’t fix it. So thank you so much for you help!!!

Thanks for the video. You along with a few others finally led me to the solution to my problem. I've been trying to figure this one out for over a year.

Very informative regarding the symptoms and diagnosis sections. Have an X3 which I was confident was gearbox slip having encountered it before on the older ZF 6HP box. Was all prepared for doing oil and pan on that but will be looking in to this first. Cant believe that this is the first video I've seen which specifically mentions the similarities to the gearbox slip. I've no fault codes and no other symptoms than the shudder at lower revs in the middle gears. Thanks for the information! 👍

Great video thanks for sharing. My 2011 F25 has a weird feeling when turning left out right at very low speeds. This haired after replacing the upper control arms, ball joints, and front brakes. Also replaced the drivers side cv axle after this happened-no change. Will now change transfer and diff fluids to see if this eliminates the issues.

Thanks for your video, very clear info. I had the same problem on my 2008 X3 E 83. Again I found a solution on RU-vid! I had to remove the transfer case and disassemble it and replace a plastic / fibre reinforced cog , which I purchased for 5$ on ebay. I also changed tje oil in the transfer case and the front and rear diffs. No problems afterwards. I now have an X3 F25 and my local garage has changed all the oils as a precausion.

Exact same symptoms on my 2020 BMW X5 45e. I had a mechanic change the transfer oil as you described ever so well and the fault has cleared. Thank you for such an informative and well presented video... ps I'll be changing this oil as per your recommendation

Useful video - thanks. It would be useful to show how to do the fluid reset in ISTA afterwards. Worth mentioning that in my case experience most transfer case problems are caused by the cog stripping on the servo motor though?

Just fixed 06 525 w this very procedure,great video.Ty

Excellent video as always Roger. Please see, if you can post how to replace Transmission cooler lines on X 5 E70 ?

I have had this issue in the past on our '15 F15 X5, our (3) '07 E83 X3's & '04 Chevy Trailblazer 4x4. ALL were fixed with a fluid change! Usually between 40 & 50 k miles. I will assume, like a limited slip differential, the friction modifier in the fluid degrades & causes the chatter. New fluid replenishes the friction modifiers. The last time I checked with the BMW published service, the E70's & F15's no longer need/call out, the 'reset'. Just R&R and drive. I made a cheaper fluid pump by using a Harbor Freight A/C vacuum pump ($16) hooked up to a compressor, with a qt. jar & clear PVC tubing from Lowes, as the collection container. Works on Transfer case & rear differential.

Perfect explanation. BMW changed the transfer case on my 2014 X50i at 54Kmi on an extended warranty. The symptoms were judder when going up hills at both partial and full throttle.

HI Great Advice. My 750li x drive has the slight issue and changed the fluid. flushed out the old oil and put in new the car is now smooth as silk.

Just did this with my 2013 E70. I actually put the wrong oil in. Symptoms were excactly what he said. Seemed like it was missing. Being a 3.0D it was wierd. Put some new Alien juice in and wow.. Car is like brand new. Thanks to this Vid I looked further as I used gear oil for the front diff. I am amazed.

Great info, have car in the shop that felt like a misfire, will be changing fluid tomorrow

So I drive the 2016 X5 F15, a couple of months ago while driving up the hill, the vehicle felt as if it skipped a gear for about half a second. It happened again last week on a different hill. Today it happened on a flat road, as I put my foot all the way down as I was in a rush. The vehicle is currently getting checked at the dealership. Hopefully just need the oil change...great video!!!

Hey Roger first video to pop up on Google when I was trying to confirm my symptoms and next diagnostic steps! I recently started experiencing a shutter under load especially once I get into higher boost (18lbs+) in my e90 335 The car will shutter/buck almost as if it’s a misfire like you mentioned Scanned the car when I got home because xdrive and abs were disabled at about 70mph on the highway plugged it up found 54c6, 55c6, and 55c3. I feel however I’m gonna give the fluid change a shot and reset the maint because my shutter has been very very intermittent.

Real informative video. I own a 2020 x7 x40i with 72k miles and noticed a shudder when turning. Took it to the dealership for diagnostics and came back needing a new transfer case. Quoted me $8550. They didn’t mention changing the oil. So I’m taking it to an independent bmw shop for a second opinion if changing the oil will help or if I do indeed need a new transfer case.

Great stuff thanks!

Hi. Thanks for the video, very useful info. I'm owning an X6 E71 from 2011, bought the car with bad tires (they were on the specs tho but the alignment was bad). I had this juddering when turning the wheels slightly so i changed the oil and used ISTA+ for oil reset function only. For few hundred kilometers it seemed that the juddering disappeared. In the meantime i got new tires on 20" following the bmw recommendations but the juddering re-appeared even worse now, when i accelerate smoothly it feels like it missfires. Do you think that if i'll replace the actuator it might fix the issue? Thanks

Hello, thanks for sharing this video. Where did you get that tool for the fill plug? It looks like you are able to undo the plug without taking the brace off? I’ve been putting off this service because I’ve heard removing that brace is very difficult.

Arrrrr, Roger 🏴‍☠ Awesome video. What a great tool. I can honestly say I've never seen nor heard of that ratchet tool. Very cool. Video idea: How the X-Drive transfer case/gears work. Or, can you recommend a good source that explains its function? My 1er is RWD only but my wife's E84 is X-Drive. BTW, we fitted full Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 full winter runflat boots on her car and it's amazing in the snow.

Thank you for your informative video. I just have one question. I have these symptoms and strangely in colder weather the problems go away. This is why it led me to this video because I figured its either a liquid or rubber component causing this. Is it safe to assume it is the transfer case? Car is a 2012 750I Xdrive.

Mine did this years ago, and it's doing it again. I'm hoping that I can change the fluid again and keep running it. 🤞

Great video! But I'm confused about transfer case fluid and differential fluid. I have Valvoline 75w-90 (GL-5 spec) can this be used in transfer case and differentials? My car is a 2004 2.5l x3. If not, can I use Valvoline Transfer case fluid? I read that DTF-1 replaced TF0870. Advanced auto site shows Valvoline Transfer Case fluid is exact fit but I do not see DTF-1 spec. Thank you

Nice and direct video Is the Fill/drain plug magnetic?

Hoooly i had a battle with these errors: 54C6 (oil wear - replace transfer oil), 54C8 (resistor, it holds old values). So as long as 54C8 holds old values you'll have both errors appearing non stop. What to do is quite simple, delete the module error, it'll ask you to turn off ignition -> it'll delete the errors -> DO NOT SCAN the car for errors as it'll save the old values again, instead -> enter the ISTA (i've used ISTA+) or any other tool -> go to resistor exchanged, reset the resistor value -> then do the oil wear reset or vice versa, i don't think it matters -> you should be good to go as long as the resistor doesn't have faults in memory!

Nice explanation. Next week i will do this on my 2017.540i. But i have more simptomes. Usually uphill when i turn steering wheel fully right in first gear (parking manouvers mostly) i hear shutter on front left wheel one time ....sometimes i heared it from rear of the car two times...much louder when i go reverse...fully right again...Never fully left or when driving straight. No shuttering while driving....no strange noises...vibrations...grinding....the car has 60.000 miles...stock car..very strange sensation...feels like you touch the edge of the road with your rim....Any ideas ...? Cheers 😊

Thank you.

Thanks for this video. I have an X7 40i and this issue started by shuddering when accelerating, kind of a loss of power or transmission. So, first I thought it was a fuel issue, then the dealer said it might be the tires (it started after I put on a new set on Pirelli P Zero's). Then I took it again, and they diagnosed the transfer case issue and quoted about EUR 6000 to replace it. They never mentioned changing the fluid, so I think I'll try that first.

I'm experiencing these exact symptoms on my BMW 750i - 2020. With my car only being 3 years old I wouldn't have expected to experience this and initially thought it was the tires rubbing. I'm still not confident it's the transfer case but your video describes my issue. I'm now trying to find someone who can do the flush to see if I can avoid spending 10k to get this transfer case replaced. Do you have any recommendations on where to get the flush done? And thank you for the video.

Good video! Its a shame BMW wont replace the fluid in the transfer cases as i understand they didnt use the correct fluid? I have these symptoms on our 2020 X7 xdrive. Maybe I missed it but what is the NEW fluid we are supposed to use? Is there a part number?

I have 2 part question: 1) Where do I buy that pump. 2) My 2006 X3 shudders at low speed. It feels like misfire, if unplug the two connectors at the transfer case module and the problem goes away. Plug the connectors back, problem comes back. I changed the transfer case (with a used TC along with motor). After replacement, if I place the vehicle in gear, at low speed, the vehicle feels like grinding and popping. If I unplug the connectors, problem goes away. I used the Foxwell NT710 to do all three resets (fluid, TC and servomotor), but problem still exists. What else can I look for? Thanks

Hi, Great video! Suspecting this issue on my 2017 320d, the thing is that I’ve only experienced the symptoms three times over 2 months and about 4000km. It started happening shortly after changing the EGR valve. Can the EGR valve cause similar symptoms? Rather difficult to diagnose the problem when it’s not consistent

So I have a question for you if I put my foot on the break on cold startup and put my car in reverse my idle air on the dash goes up and down is that caused by a bad transfer case it does it once in a while but when I turn on the AC you don't get to see the idle going up and down

Thanks for the video for better understanding 😊. On my F10 xdrive, i started using R20 wheels and after couple of months of usage the car started jerking . Bmw requested me to change transfer case. Then i done some research and i put my old 18 inch wheel back. Then the issue disappeared. Google helped. I believe it was cause by different manufacturers on front and back. Something new what i found was, even if the configuration is the same different manufacturers has differences in circumference which effect the transfer case . But i don’t know if i put my R20 back with same manufacturer the problem will still be existing.. any idea? :-)

Changed fluid on transfer box and both Diffs on F25 2013 auto xdrive. Car feels amazing now and shifts quicker and quieter than before considering it’s done 124000m However since changing the transfer fluid I’ve noticed when car heats up it has a slight shuddering feel to it when accelerating up to 3 gear almost. I’m taking to a local mechanic today to see if he can reset DTF? If not I may change fluid again.

Very help

Hi Roger, question bud. I have BMW X5 2012 E70 35i, lately on cold start the RPM jumps up/down and after 1 min it goes to normal level. Wondering, what would cause this and what should I me looking at? thanks bud.

Hey Roger, unrelated question but I recently got my zf8hp45 rebuilt on my f30 and I’m experiencing harsh shifting from 1-2, 2-1. My fill pressure for clutch c is 750mbar and 998mbar for clutch e and all other ones are 12mbar , 200mbar and -150mbar. During the rebuild all clutches were replaced since clutch pack C, and E were messed up as well as the torque converter. The only thing that wasn’t replaced was the TCM and solenoids but I was also experiencing this harsh shifting before the rebuild, the shop that did the rebuild said that a trans software update will fix the issue but I don’t want to drop 400 dollars for a software update if it won’t fix the issue. Thanks Btw you’re videos have saved be an insane amount of money!!

i have a stutter only at highway speeds. i first thought clutch slipping but it pulls absikutely fine at lower gears. i have no codes for tcase when scanned but after putting 2 grand into it and still having a stutter im thinking tcase???

So I had this issue where it felt like I needed a tune up when I was giving the car light acceleration up to speed. The car would jerk throughout the gears. I could go WOT and it seemed like no issue. Well the jerk started getting worse and I changed the transmission fluid and pan, changed HPFP, changed plugs and wires, changed VANOS solenoids... I changed it all until I ran across the word transfer case while researching. So I purchased a XDelete license and used the app to put the car in RWD mode and the problem immediately went away. I'm hoping just a fluid change can get my AWD back.

I have a f34 that looses power when the wheel is just off center and will not go into park. I get a dash warning that states park can only be selected when stopped. I checked all the wheels speed inputs and they show stopped but still won’t go to park. Customer has had the shifter replaced, and transmission replaced prior. Also getting a code for input speed mismatch

Hey, one more question. Leaving the transfer disconnected for few miles will do any more harm? It's an ATC 450.

My X3 has had a hesitation occasionally when accelerating uphill or under power. Worse in Eco Mode. Just had some new tyres fitted and it’s horrendous. Just crawling along any slight acceleration cause a jerk and a bump, less than 10mph. Take off the gas and it’s ok. Over 30 mph it seems better, negligible. Gets to 60/70 and cruises fine. It could be transfer case or it could be tyres. I hate to say I swapped warn out Pirellis for a lesser mid range tyre. Obviously supposed to be same size/spec. I fear these tyres are under size. What’s your opinion on possible front rear tyre sizes on this problem?

I already have the 4x4 and abs, as well as brake caution light on, I'm trying to figure out the source of the issue. I've heard the 4x4 actuator is a common problem and when the gear strips, it takes x-drive offline. But any additional input would be appreciated.

Hi. Im changing transfer case fluid on my g30 and I was only able to extract 200ml. How much were you able to extract and what car is in the procedure? Thank you

Hi, I have been having the similar symptoms. My mechanic thinks it could be the transfer case. Is it common knowledge for them to know how to change the fluid?

would it make a whistle noise when accelerating? Even if I step off the gas completely, it makes a whistling noise.

If my 2016 bmw 228i xdrive send random abs and traction light while driving is that my transfer case? Would changing the fluid help? Thank you.

I have 2014 X3 I recently got some nice 21" rims and excellent condition Michelin tires for a steal, but I'm wondering if mounting them will cause any issues with transfer case/xDrive All 4 tires are 265/35/21, all 4 rims are 21x9 and identical 2 of the tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sport The other 2 are Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tread depth is also about identical Of course I would put the matching types together on each axle. The tread patterns are extremely similar, and tread depth is nearly identical. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm hoping I dont have to sell these and go searching for new ones. Thanks in advance 😅🙏🏼

Interesting…. I have the exact same transfer box on my 530d G31 and I cannot get any size pipe to fit it the plug hole. There doesn’t appear to have any gap between the inner bearing and cover

From experience fluid change in the VTG usually doesn't fix it. Quote a VTG and sensor unit and be done with with. Just advise the owner to replace all 4 tyres each time.

Sorry if you mentioned and I missed it. If you have this trouble and you fix it. 1: How often after that is indicated to replace the transfer case fluid? Also 2: Is it recommended to replace the transmission fluid also? At how many miles? I know that "they" say that is "lifelong" but I am talking here about what is the best to do to preserve the transmission and transfer case. It is like - synthetic oil changes at 5-6k miles instead of 10k situation. Thanks.

This exact problem happened on my 2019 G05 X5 M50D with 69000kms. BMW have a Service Bulletin published ( SIB 27 02 20 ) that suggests to do as you say - Change the transfer case fluid - after first checking for uneven tyre wear or mismatched tyres. My local BMW shop tested the car, by disengaging the transfer case and subsequently, changed the fluid - Problem solved. This was done under BMW goodwill as my car is out of warranty. This must be a known issue! I am very curious to see if the problem re occurs and if so, how BMW address it?

I've been experiencing the chatter for more than a year before I knew what it I was. This is on my 2011 X3. I just today got a drivetrain malfunction warning along with a clunky idle. Are they most likely related or am I dealing with a spark plug issue also? Thanks!

How do you reset vtg oil after servicing the t-case?

No mention of tires and alignment? I have solved a plethora of TC shudder with tires and alignment. The BMW SI B even tells you to check this first.

I have a 2007 BMW x3 and I am having this problem smh 🤦🏾‍♀️ i don’t know what to do.. it makes a knocking noise when I drive it .. does that mean it’s the transmission going out or I just need to change the fluids ?

Changing the fluid fix my problem in F26 2.0d

How do I distinguish between rear differential and transfer case problems? I am getting symptoms when turning but my instincts tell me it's rear diff. Thank you!

I had this problem on my f30 328i, when I was driving at 60 kmh or 80kmh and I just started slowly acceleration, the car was shaking for about 2 seconds then transmission changed gear, that was horrible fillings like transmission problems. Also whole car was shudder vibration on highway, in beginning i though because of wheel balance is bad, but it is not. So I sold the car and bought 2016 x3 35i, this car is so smooth and doesn't have this problems. I think this f30 problems only. Because i saw many of them with this problem.

Hi i have a x3 35d 2009, i have the same problem, i did unplug the the cable from the transfer case after i drove it a little and the problem was still there, what can it be ? Best regards from Portugal

okay so it has nothing to do with the Transfer Case Shift Motor/Actuator? Please let me know thanks

What fluid can you use other then bmw fluid ? Red line 75W90 fine?

I used to have this shattering on highway steady rpm and MAJOR shattering when WOT , data log was all over the place , unplug the actuator and everything was gone ... proceed to oil change and fix 95% of the shattering!!!

Hey is this a ATC13 ? I drive a G30 530d xDrive and I try to change the oil but I didn’t have any problems. I just want to change the oil preventive to save the transfer case. But I only get about 350ml out. I also use the diagnostic tool BMW ISTA instructions It’s difficult to find a position where the oil is. Greetings from Germany.

Do I have to make sure the car is lifted evenly when I put the fluid like I do with the transmission fluid or is it alright if I just drive it up on a ramp ? My car feels like it skips a gear once in a while when I’m driving. Hopefully this is the cause of the problem

Hi, how do you know it is not the longitudinal torque module problem?

My BMW dealer had the car for a few hours and told me I needed a new transfer case. Do you have a sense for whether the simple fluid change addresses the issue most of the time? Or by the time you feel the problem, is it too late and the transfer case is a goner and needs to be replaced? These things are incredibly expensive to replace!!! :((((. AWESOME video!

If I leave transfer case unplugged can I drive the car like that for a week or 2 ? Until new transfer case comes in

My 2019 X5 BMW has the same problem. The technician checked the car for 2 weeks and finally told me the transfer case deactivated, if I want to fix it, I need to pay $7050😂 Can I I fix it according to your video? Thank you so much!

another thing how do you deal with code 0578E on 2008 BMW X3...thank you

Hi,i changed rim size from 20 to 22 inch of my bmw x5m f85.and transfer case shuddering happens.i run 295/30 22 with 335/25 22inch tyres.someone told me to change front tyre size to 285/30 with 335/25. What would you suggest? I want to run with 22 inch rims. But i dont want my transfer case shudders and slips. But i didnt use after this problem maximum 250 km.reset of transfer case without oil change is helpful?? Bmw is on 70000km.

Ive just got my self a 2013 x3 3.0d on 76k and when driving it normally feels smooth but when im in traffic and just roll along in drive i get a feeling im driving on a flat tyre? it feels like transmission or a prop shaft banging any ideas

Replaced transfer case but can’t get all wheel drive to work still. Have a code that says transfer oil wear. And I can’t erase the code. Any ideas?

My bmw x1 shudders when driving at 5mph / 10 mph …. Up and down the gearbox the car is just fine ! Smooth as butter !

Awesome thank you so much

There are windows 10 version ista+. Remember to buy a enet cable

How many quarts go in transfer case

Will a bad or low fluid transfer case cause the rear end to lock up?

So I have a 2014 335xi and it popped a code Transfer box: Temporary fault, protective function 95k miles?

I got the chatter literally during a tire change. I'm so confused. Confirmed by disconnecting the front and chatter stopped. Trying a fluid change for $1k and fingers crossed we're not in for a $12k new transfer case. The car is at 52k miles. Absurd

i think im having similar issue with my 07 328xi shuddering at low rpm or going to a complete stop. The first thing i noticed was the 4x4 abs light coming on and after researching, not too long ago i have replaced my transmission fluid, TC fluid and the TC motor only yet till now car still jerks going at low speed & when doing a complete stop. There’s no codes though after replacing my TC motor. Please help guys is the problem really the whole TC?

I don’t have a chatter but after putting a new control motor in I can’t calibrate it. I get a message that says the transfer case has reached the end of its life

I brought my BMW to the dealership, and they never brought it to my attention at all

no transfer case = fixed😀

I broke my transfer case and got used one. Anyway to analyze if old module Is bad or reprogram used case module!?

BMW has had this transfer case problem since it introduced XDrive. BMW does not solve the technical issue as the oil leak from oil pan.

Chatter just started on my e39 I’m pissed off now

Changed fluid on transfer box and both Diffs on F25 2013 auto xdrive. Car feels amazing now and shifts quicker and quieter than before considering it’s done 124000m However since changing the transfer fluid I’ve noticed when car heats up it has a slight shuddering feel to it when accelerating up to 3 gear almost. I’m taking to a local mechanic today to see if he can reset DTF? If not I may change fluid again.