2024 BMW X-Series Driveline Jerking or Shuddering TSB

Owners of certain 2024 BMW models, including the 2024 BMW X5, may notice a jerking or shuddering sensation from the driveline. This issue typically occurs during cornering, acceleration from low speeds, or when driving with low to medium loads. BMW has addressed this concern with Service Information Bulletin SIB 27 02 20, which outlines diagnostic and repair procedures.

This bulletin, SIB 27 02 20, is a revision of an earlier bulletin (SI B27 02 20 dated May, 2020) and includes updated correction procedures, clarified driving mileage requirements for clutch plate saturation, and revised claim information.

Symptoms

Drivers may experience a distinct jerking or shuddering sensation. This typically manifests under specific conditions:

• When cornering or accelerating from low speeds.
• While driving with low to medium loads.

It is important to note that these symptoms usually occur without any accompanying warning lights or Check Control messages appearing on the dashboard.

Cause of the Jerking or Shuddering

The primary causes identified for this driveline jerking or shuddering are related to the vehicle's tires or the transfer case oil. Specifically, the issue can stem from:

• Unevenly worn tires or tires that are not correctly fitted to the vehicle, failing to meet BMW specifications.
• The factory-filled transfer case oil not meeting the required BMW specifications.

Important Warnings for Owners

BMW has provided specific instructions and warnings regarding the diagnostic and repair process for this issue:

• During certain diagnostic procedures, such as temporarily deactivating the all-wheel-drive system, a specific message will appear. Technicians are advised that: "There will be a warning in the control display for the xDrive system that for this procedure is to be ignored. Cycling the ignition will re-activate the VTG."
• After the transfer case oil is changed, the new oil requires time to fully saturate the clutch plates. Owners should be aware that: "The new transfer case oil will still need to fully saturate the clutch plates inside the transfer case; a minimum of 125 miles of driving is required for this to occur. The shuddering should diminish during this run-in period before completely smoothing out."

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process for the 2024 BMW X5 jerking shuddering issue, as outlined in SIB 27 02 20, involves a multi-step approach:

1. Tire Inspection: Technicians will first check the vehicle's tires for correct size, brand, and fitment, referencing the tire placard. Extreme tire wear on one or more tires can keep the xDrive system engaged, contributing to the problem. If tires are new, the issue might have originated from older, worn tires. Staggered tire setups are also checked for correct matching across axles.
2. Powertrain Control Unit Diagnosis: If tire issues are not found or correcting them doesn't resolve the problem, technicians will check for and diagnose any faults within the powertrain control units.
3. Transfer Case Diagnosis: The transfer case (VTG) is then diagnosed. It is no longer necessary to physically unplug the VTG module. Instead, the VTG can be disconnected electronically using the ISTA diagnostic system. Technicians follow a specific path within ISTA to temporarily deactivate the all-wheel-drive system and then test drive the vehicle. This helps confirm if the transfer case is the source of the complaint.
4. Transfer Case Oil Change and Component Replacement: If disconnecting the transfer case resolves the complaint, the transfer case oil is changed. This involves following Repair Instruction 27 00 270 (Oil change in transfer box including used oil disposal). The transmission cross-member is removed (Repair Instruction 22 32 050), the oil filler plug is opened, and the old oil is extracted using special tools. New DTF-1 transfer case oil is then added, the filler plug is replaced and tightened, and the cross-member is reinstalled.
5. VTG Recalibration: Finally, the VTG is recalibrated using ISTA, following the path for Service functions/Drive/Transfer box VTG/Transfer box (VTG): Calibration. As noted, the new oil requires approximately 125 miles of driving to fully saturate the clutch plates, during which the shuddering should gradually disappear.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this repair, specific parts and special tools are required:

• DTF-1 Transfer case oil (1000 ml/1 liter): Part Number 83 22 2 409 710
• Screw plug with O-ring (M22x1,5-ZNS3): Part Number 33 11 7 525 064
• Special Tool for oil extraction/filling: 0 493 337 (also identified as 00 2 080)
• Special Tool for oil extraction: 2 457 963

Warranty Information

The procedures outlined in SIB 27 02 20, specifically steps 2 through 5 of the repair, are covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. The repair code associated with this service is 2710003800, for