X5 x70 Front Differential Fault

[X70Dave]

Good morning All, just joined the forum as just bought a 2012 X70 X5 30d.

However, i have found an issue after driving it for a week or so now.

So, when coming to a halt normally, the downshifts (or what feels like the downshifts) are very harsh. Feels almost as though there excessive binding / looseness or grabbing in the front somewhere - a bit like if you had an Extremely warped brake disc. This is only when coming to a slow stop at say 20mph down to 0.

I have gone underneath today and found an oil leak from the front Diff (appears to be from Nearside driveshaft output seal on the diff) as it’s VERY wet everywhere. When roating the wheels, the prop shaft input from the transfer case

 

 

in to the front diff also seems excessively worn / too much play. I’ve taken a video and will atempt to attach. I’ve looked on other forums at previous posts and it maybe that this movement is normal, but this isn’t just backlash but lateral movement also.

personally i think the oil leak has damaged the front diff to a point that i need to replace it..

Has anyone seen silimar or able to advise please..?

many thanks in advance,

 

Dave.

[Greydog]

Hi Dave

Welcome to the Forum

Gear changes up or down should be really smooth the movement shown in your Video definately isn't right. It raises some issues for you as BMW don't repair anything just replace assemblies then retain the damaged item so few appear on the aftermarket 

If you aren't aware look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model. Then search the front axel assembly for the part number you need.

If I recall the 8 speed transmission has 1-3.15 ratio diff but check that as I am an old bloke 🤣 Once you have the part number search onine for the best price a low milage Diff from a Dismantler may be the best cost option, I would expect a Dealer to be around £1k+ plus fitting if you can DIY then a refurbished Diff may be available I would guess £6-700 plus fluid would be my guess

Most cases of Diff damage and Transfer case damage I have seen are the result of incorrect tyres or in one instance a single tyre replaced on the front (nearside new ofside around 5mm tread the difference was enough to cause damage. The E70 up to 2010 and F15 that followed were more robust in the transfer case than the E53 but the result is Diff issues

Hope this helps

Dave

[X70Dave]

Hi Dave,

 

Many thanks for your reply,

 

yes i would always DIY this …

 

I am fully aware of realoem and have indeed been researching a replacement front diff.

anything i’m looking at will be factoring in new oil seals to be fitted also, along with the correct spec diff oil..

 

will keep this post informed of the outcome.. 

 

Dave 👍