2023-2024 BMW X-Series & Sedans Jerking or Shuddering TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2023-2024 BMW models, including the X-Series and Sedans, may experience a jerking or shuddering sensation from the driveline. This condition typically occurs during specific driving scenarios, such as cornering or accelerating from low speeds, or when driving with low to medium loads. Importantly, there will be "no warning lights or Check Control messages" displayed on the instrument cluster, making the issue less obvious to diagnose without specific knowledge.

Cause

BMW has identified two primary causes for this jerking or shuddering. The first is the installation of unevenly worn or incorrect fitment tires on the vehicle. The second cause relates to the factory-filled transfer case oil, which may not meet current BMW specifications for the XDRIVE TRANSFER CASE ATX13-X system.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

• No Warning Lights: Owners should be aware that this jerking or shuddering condition does not trigger any dashboard warning lights or Check Control messages.
• Diagnostic Procedure Note: During the diagnostic process, if the transfer case (VTG) module is temporarily deactivated, a "warning in the control display for the xDrive system that for this procedure is to be ignored" will appear. This warning is normal for the diagnostic step and cycling the ignition will reactivate the VTG.
• Warranty Coverage: Procedure steps 2 through 5 of BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 27 02 20 are covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.
• CPO/Extended Service Contracts: Standalone transfer box/case oil change procedures are generally not covered or claimable under an active BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program or Extended Service Contract. An exception applies if the vehicle returns with a continuing related concern, and the oil change becomes part of the diagnosis for a covered transfer box/case assembly replacement.
• Post-Repair Run-in Period: After a transfer case oil change, the new transfer case oil requires a minimum of "125 miles" of driving to fully saturate the clutch plates inside the transfer case. The shuddering should gradually diminish during this run-in period before completely smoothing out.

Diagnosis

If your 2023-2024 BMW X5 jerking shuddering occurs, the first step involves a prerequisite vehicle tire inspection. A technician will check the tire size and brand against the vehicle's specifications (e.g., the tire placard on the driver's B-pillar). Unevenly worn tires or incorrect fitment can cause the xDrive system to remain engaged, leading to the shuddering. If tire issues are not found, or if the problem persists after correcting them, the technician will then:

1. Check Powertrain Control Units: Diagnose any faults present in the powertrain control units.
2. Diagnose Transfer Case (VTG): The transfer case diagnosis no longer requires unplugging the VTG module. Instead, it is performed using the ISTA diagnostic system. The technician will follow a specific path within ISTA (Vehicle Management/Troubleshooting/Function structure/Drive/Transfer box/[!] Current fault patterns/Temporary deactivation of all-wheel-drive system) to deactivate the transfer case clutch for a test drive. This helps determine if the transfer case is the source of the complaint.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the jerking or shuddering is eliminated after the transfer case is disconnected during diagnosis, the following repair steps are outlined in BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 27 02 20:

1. Transfer Case Oil Change: The oil in the transfer case will be changed. This procedure follows Repair Instruction 27 00 270, which covers oil change in the transfer box, including used oil disposal. The process involves extracting the old transmission oil using special tools 0 493 337 (00 2 080) and 2 457 963, then topping up with new DTF-1 transfer case oil.
2. Transmission Cross-Member Removal/Reinstallation: The transmission cross-member must be removed and reinstalled, following Repair Instruction 22 32 050, which details replacing the cross member for the transmission bearing.
3. VTG Recalibration: After the oil change, the transfer case (VTG) must be recalibrated using ISTA. The ISTA path for this is Service functions/Drive/Transfer box VTG/Transfer box (VTG): Calibration.

Required Tools or Parts

For the repair described in SIB 27 02 20, the following parts and special tools are necessary:

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

Warranty and Claim Information

The repair code for this issue is 2710003800, labeled as "Transfer box, complete jerking." Labor operations covered include:

• 00 00 006: Carrying out vehicle test (Main work)
• 00 00 556: Carrying out vehicle test (Plusposition work)
• 61 21 528: Supporting voltage of the vehicle electrical system / recharging vehicle battery
• 27 00 000**: Disconnecting the transfer case (VTG) with ISTA and test-driving vehicle for diagnosis (6 FRU WT)
• 27 00 770: Oil change in transfer box

Note that labor operation code 27 00 000 should only be claimed once for a total of 10 FRU. For bulk materials, Sublet Code 4 is used for reimbursement. Further documentation for claiming is referenced in SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20.

What Owners Should Do

If your 2023-2024 BMW X5 jerking shuddering occurs, especially during cornering or low-speed acceleration, contact your authorized BMW dealer. Describe the symptoms accurately, noting that no warning lights are present. The dealer will perform the diagnostic and repair procedures outlined in BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 27 02 20. Ensure to inquire about warranty coverage for the repair.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11002858