All wheel drive Transfer Case explained, why wheel size is so important, How to fix Diagnose BMW

[@KennethBostonian]

My BMW X5 E70 has 315 on the rear and 275 on the front, and I’ve gone through two rear differentials. I’m on my third now. It’s crazy. BMW put the tires on this beast and it’s killing my wallet. I got the wear code for my transfer case 54C6. I changed the oil last week and reset the box. I’m changing the front differential oil as well. My problem was a small jerky feeling through the drive shaft going from 0-45. Then bang rear differential blown.

[@phillmcaverty]

Cheers for the videos on this. It has helped sort a problem after changing tyres👍

[@naveedilyas4873]

Hi, just changed my run flats on my X3 all around to non run flats same set up however did not measure circumference etc… car drives perfectly so assuming all ok? Also assuming if there was an issue with tire size the car would shudder as mentioned in the video?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

This is a series of 3 videos, links at the end of each video. Watch them and you will have all these questions answered. MRT

[@naveedilyas4873]

Cheers Mark

[@zeesworld5092]

Thanks for the video. My tv doesn’t have the feel option.😂

[@Rambo9700]

Good stuff. So I’m about to change my rear continental run flats which are a summer only tyre for an all seasons tyre that doesn’t have the BMW star mark and the front tyres will remain run flats Continental as they still have some life in. Would it be better to just change all of them for the same brand as they should be the same? The tyre I’m thinking of switching to is the Vredestein Quatrac Pro, they do sizes to fit the X5 20” rims.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

I have lived in the USA on two occasions and both times I owned an X5. The tyre shops were adamant that ALL all wheel drive vehicles regardless of car brand had to change all four tyres. Because my cars had asymmetric set ups I didn’t and I got away with it. But I have also owned and x bmw that was more fussy and played up if there was more than about 7mm variance front to back. This isn’t a fault, just some are less tolerant and it does cause more wear on the transfer case. Not all tyre brands make the tyres the same size. Even though the numbers on the side are the same they vary widely when you actually measure them. See BMW X Drive Shuddering tire sizing issues. Driveline transfer case box issues. X3 X4 X5 X6 tyre AWD kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqnRqYyenad6eKs

[@Rambo9700]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials yeah I watched all your videos and they made perfect sense. I’ve ordered today the same brand and size to fit my car, so all 4 will be new and won’t be a mix of run flats on the front and normal all season tyres on the back. In the U.K. for BMW approved tyres they’re literally summer only tyres, now we can get a lot of rain most of the year and the summer tyre especially going down the motorway don’t feel like they give the best grip. That’s why I’m changing.

[@alklapaxida850]

keep up the good work mark,,

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Thanks

[@sir_lagsalot2061]

Just a quick questions. My 07 jeep runs 20x9 on the front and 20x10 on the back I want to change the backs to 20x9 so I can run the same size tires and rotate but I need to know if downsizing 285 40 20 to 255 45 20 all around would cause any problems. Tire calcs say it's 1% so hopefully it will be okay

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

I don't know how fussy Jeep transfer cases are? I would check on a Jeep forum

[@wordtruth6116]

Does the uneven wear makes this issue as well? I know tire wear is not as pronounced as the actual tire diameter but just curious.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

It can for sure. Need to check the rolling diameter.

[@ytfeverguy8367]

Good post. I have been dealing with TC issues for a while (2004 bmw x3 e83); low rpm jerking shuddering other driveline clunk. I already flushed my TC fluid with OEM fluid. I did notice fine metal shavings in my TC during fluid flush (stretched chain rubbing sidewall perhaps?). My front tires are worn more than my rears. I wonder if this is causing the TC issue. Before I go do a transfer case swap I will try to get the tire evenly matched. Also inspect front driveshaft for u joint play and rear shaft rubber guibo (look for cracks).

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

The e83 can have a different issue and just need a nylon cog replaced in the transfer case.

[@ytfeverguy8367]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials roger that. I think you are referring to the TC actuator plastic gear. Its on my to do list, makes a clicking noise but has not yet set the code. Thanks for the great info.

[@alen7391]

Did you figure out the problem? I just went through the exact same process as you but I still have the issue after I mounted 17 inch tires on my E91 325xi.

[@ytfeverguy8367]

@@alen7391 Out of spec tires can easily cause driveline issues. Try to use max air pressures to level out driveline.

[@victoromania]

Hi sir.i have same ezitation when i kick down...is it poaible.becaee fron is 4mm and rear is 6mm? 245.4020 and 275.35.20..thanks a lot..

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

It is possible. I have made a series of videos on this explaining it as much as I can. Watch these it will help you. Transfer case AWD Driveline shudder jolting Tire sizing issues Aspect ratios. BMW Mercedes Audi Subaru Mini All Wheel Drive kzbin.info/aero/PLRRErA3V0MY0vvfEq8GeRrakmw9QPLuZ_

[@System848684]

I’ve just watched your videos related to that problem. I live in Brazil and I own a 2016 X6M, in December I changed the tires and the nightmare started. The problem is that they changed some parts of the suspension. After 3 monts trying to solve it and changing many suspension parts because I’ve been having the same noise as you described, I discovered today that the pressure I put in the tires causes it to quit or to increase the noise. In lower pressures the noise quits. I have 4 brand new Delinte tires, with the standard dimensions. Is there some way that I can code the car for those new tires? Thanks for your information

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

No way to code. But if this is the issue. Measure your tires diameter or height. See the video about this. If front and back are different sizes this will be your issue. MRT

[@System848684]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials cool. I’ll do that as soon as I return back to my country and than I’ll tell you when it’s solved. Thanks

[@glenglene8473]

E83 M sport X3 using different tire size front vs rear. How does it compensate for it?

[@jqahir]

I got a 2018 bmw m550i it’s xdrive 70k miles had it since 20k. This issue started a couple of weeks ago is it common with the low miles?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Watch the series of videos. There is a playlist at the end of each video. What is described here has nothing to do with mileage and everything to do with tire sizes. YES the tires can wear unevenly and this can happen without you changing tires. MRT

[@jqahir]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials so the recommended tires is 245/40 (front) 275/35 (rear) from the manufacturer for 19 inch rims, but I got 20 inch rims. So do I get the same sizes in 20 inch tires?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

@@jqahir For X3 X4 BMW recommends 245/40 20. and 275/35 20. Get all the same brand and style of tire. MRT

[@chetanvangadi]

Hi, When my tires get old, can i choose a different brand tires with exact same size as factory.?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

This video has some more videos linked at the end, which WILL answer your question. Not an easy answer lots of things to consider. see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZabpJ-Poql_mKc

[@OulyHussain]

Hi pal, I've got the same issue with my 320d XDrive. I've just bought the car. On the front I have 225/45/18 On the back I have 225/40/18 What should I change them to? Also do they need to be run flat or will normal do. Thanks pal

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

There are four videos here in this group, see the end screens at the end of the video. Watch them and you will get a good understanding. basically all 4 tyres need to be the same rolling diameter. Watch the videos it will save you lots $. Doesn't have to be run flats does have to be same rolling diameter.

[@OulyHussain]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials hi yes I checked and they have the same rolling diameter it is exactly what the manufacturer has recommended. Put it on a website and percentage change is 0.23% and circumstance change is 1.5mm. still juddering. I have Michelin on front and Bridgestone on the back could this be the issue?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

@@OulyHussain Yeah tires vary greatly from what they say on the side. watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpDZpqyEmr6CotE You need to actually measure your tires against each other. MRT

[@decadG]

Hi Mark, I got 245/40/20 front p zero and 275/35/20 p zero at the back. I used a string and measured the perimeter and its about 1cm difference front to back (221cm vs 220cm). Do you think that is within the tolerances of the transfer case? (do you have a link to the tolerances spec?) Cheers for the info, very helpful when trying to diagnose this.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

1cm perimeter shouldn’t upset it. To check swap your wheels front to back and go for a short drive. My car that was fussy was happy with the difference one way and not the other. 🤷‍♂️ But it will answer the question for you if it goes away.

[@nickdamour9675]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials thanks your answer. I re-measured and it's 1.83cm, still within the 1%. I will try adjusting tire pressures and make it come closer and see it goes away. If it does, I guess it's time for new tires set.

[@rubengalvao856]

I have an bmw x3 f25 xdrive, every time i accelerate i get a wobbling on the left side and then stops more hard i accelerate more it does ,that started to happened when i changed my wheels to 275/35/20 245/40/20 before i had 245/50/20 and i didnt have any problems should i put 275/40/20 245/40/20 ?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

There are a series of videos here watch the whole playlist to understand what is happening here. The mismatched tyres create a jolt in the drive train. Not a wobble on one side. That sounds more like a tire fitment issue or a balancing weight has come off. Take it back to where the tyres were fitted and get the balance checked. MRT

[@rubengalvao856]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials maybe I didn’t explain my self well ,what you are saying in this video about acceleration and then like a few hits like something is loose feeling ,I have it like when I take off then goes away and if I accelerate to hard I also feel it then goes away

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

@@rubengalvao856 Watch this Playlist I believe it will help you. kzbin.info/aero/PLRRErA3V0MY0vvfEq8GeRrakmw9QPLuZ_

[@rubengalvao856]

I did take it to the shop and made the balance and weight check everything is alright, but stays the same

[@rubengalvao856]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials hi again I watch them all , I have an issue with me EDC it’s off today it came on again and that shaking from the left front wheel was gone then it turn off again and the issue was back like a jumping feeling from the wheel , I changed the 2 shock dampers in the front but I still have the fail with the EDC system

[@kevinmenendez2759]

So if I get 245/40/19 in front And 275/35/19 in back On a 2011 F10 Will that cause this ?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

There are three videos in this little series. Watch them and you will get an understanding of what is going on with tyre sizes and transfer cases

[@giorgikevkhishvili5204]

my bmw x3 f25 I put new tyres front, and rear tyres are worned. during driving, a car is a little shuddering, so is the tyre pritector size fault of this? when I disconected a transfer case, shuddering dissapeared,

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

There are three videos in this series watch them all to understand but yes it sounds like different tyre sizes is what is causing the problem

[@h_aseeb]

Excellent video

[@GdUbz11]

I got the same thing… took it to bmw and they tried saying it needs replacing and tried charging me £2960… am I too late to try changing the tires?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

No not too late. If the wheels are different sizes then fixing that will in many cases make the issue go away 100%

[@deaniedee330]

What happened in the end with this.

[@ChozenNYC]

Update?

[@giorgikevkhishvili5204]

all tyres are the same size, 254/50/18

[@joejones6764]

Hi Mark. I have a 06 x5 with 19" rims. Tires on the rear are supposed to be 285/45 and I put on 265/50. I started having a whining sound. I think that is the whining issue. Thanks for the video. Any help would help.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Yes that will upset the transfer case on almost all wheel drive cars. You can put taller tyres on these cars but you must do all four. Not easy w asymmetric. Probably best to get the right size tyres fitted