Transfer case issues

tys90 · 07-01-2023, 11:46 AM

2013 535i xDrive

I recently got a nail in the front driver's side tire and had to get it replaced. I asked if I needed to replace both front tires since I have AWD and the tire shop told me I only needed to replace the one tire since the passenger side was like new and the tread difference would be close enough.

Immediately upon leaving the shop, I noticed hesitation and shuddering in third gear and above. I called them up and explained the issue and took it back in. They took it for a drive, acknowledged there was an issue but said it was not related to the new tire.

After some reading around, this appears to be a transfer case problem with mismatched tire sizes, even if it is a very small difference. I bought the xDelete app and turned off AWD and the problem went away so I think I pretty much confirmed that.

Now I have to figure out what to do. I've drove probably 40 miles with it like this, is my transfer case toast? If so, do you think the tire shop has any liability here? If it's not toast, is it possible getting matching tires would fix the issue?

Honestly, I was very surprised they didn't try to sell me 4 new tires, that's what I was prepared for given what I knew about the AWD system.

ChiNorm · 07-01-2023, 01:37 PM

How many miles on the car? My indy replaced my transfer case fluid at 80k miles. It made a big difference. You may be due for the same.

Good luck.

tys90 · 07-01-2023, 01:38 PM

125k miles

tys90 · 07-06-2023, 10:37 AM

In case anyone cares, the mechanic believes matching tires will fix the issue and there was no permanent damage to the transfer case. The AWD system is thinking there is tire slippage because of different wheel speeds and cutting power. Back to the tire shop to sort this out....

07-01-2023, 11:46 AM	#1
tys90 Private First Class 8 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2013 535i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest US iTrader: (0)	Transfer case issues 2013 535i xDrive I recently got a nail in the front driver's side tire and had to get it replaced. I asked if I needed to replace both front tires since I have AWD and the tire shop told me I only needed to replace the one tire since the passenger side was like new and the tread difference would be close enough. Immediately upon leaving the shop, I noticed hesitation and shuddering in third gear and above. I called them up and explained the issue and took it back in. They took it for a drive, acknowledged there was an issue but said it was not related to the new tire. After some reading around, this appears to be a transfer case problem with mismatched tire sizes, even if it is a very small difference. I bought the xDelete app and turned off AWD and the problem went away so I think I pretty much confirmed that. Now I have to figure out what to do. I've drove probably 40 miles with it like this, is my transfer case toast? If so, do you think the tire shop has any liability here? If it's not toast, is it possible getting matching tires would fix the issue? Honestly, I was very surprised they didn't try to sell me 4 new tires, that's what I was prepared for given what I knew about the AWD system. Last edited by tys90; 07-05-2023 at 08:28 PM..
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07-01-2023, 01:37 PM	#2
ChiNorm Second Lieutenant 92 Rep 233 Posts Drives: '13 535xi Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	How many miles on the car? My indy replaced my transfer case fluid at 80k miles. It made a big difference. You may be due for the same. Good luck.
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07-01-2023, 01:38 PM	#3
tys90 Private First Class 8 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2013 535i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest US iTrader: (0)	125k miles
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07-06-2023, 10:37 AM	#4
tys90 Private First Class 8 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2013 535i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest US iTrader: (0)	In case anyone cares, the mechanic believes matching tires will fix the issue and there was no permanent damage to the transfer case. The AWD system is thinking there is tire slippage because of different wheel speeds and cutting power. Back to the tire shop to sort this out....
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