[Drifter2090]

Hey guys I recently purchased a 535 xDrive for cheap to fix up.

The car has what feels like a drive train vibration/shudder (whole car shakes) when putting the engine under load in high gears around 2-3k ish rpm (most noticeable when engine is up to temp). This happens most often in comfort mode since the RPM's are lower and it won't downshift as quick as sport.

There are no codes. It has been to 3 different shops.

Recent shop said they unplugged the transfer case and the issue was still there. They are thinking its the torque converter and trans.

I have tested xDelete as well and the issue remains in RWD.

Work done at other shops to try and fix the issue:
- Replaced all coils and plugs
- Replaced rear driveshaft giubo
- Replaced rear differential bushings
- Walnut blasting

Anyone have any ideas? Could the ZF8 be the issue? Should I try a transmission fluid/filter service?

[Drifter2090]

Going to check the center support bearing.

[Unspec]

Check center support bearing and guibo

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Check center support bearing and guibo

Checked the center bearing today, looks like it spins too freely and has a tiny bit of play. Going to replace that. I already replaced the rear giubo. The front metal one doesn't usually fail right?

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Checked the center bearing today, looks like it spins too freely and has a tiny bit of play. Going to replace that. I already replaced the rear giubo. The front metal one doesn't usually fail right?

Haven't heard about problems with the front one.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Haven't heard about problems with the front one.

Changed the center support. Same issue.

Could trans fluid/filter service help?

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Changed the center support. Same issue.

Could trans fluid/filter service help?

It could. How many miles?

[strongislemax]

I had this same issue, it took a lot of effort to track it down.

535i 6MT.

at 50k miles!, turned out to be a faulty Diff...after replacing guibo, fluids, and some other bushes.

i replaced with a very lightly used (20k mi @ $150) diff from a totaled 528i (diff has same part number). Significantly cheaper than from BMW. Now at 90k, and no issues.

EDIT: This was a GIF, i do not know how to post a gif or video. It shows the significantly play in the diff

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Unspec

It could. How many miles?

160k KM so 99k miles.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by strongislemax

I had this same issue, it took a lot of effort to track it down.

535i 6MT.

at 50k miles!, turned out to be a faulty Diff...after replacing guibo, fluids, and some other bushes.

i replaced with a very lightly used (20k mi @ $150) diff from a totaled 528i (diff has same part number). Significantly cheaper than from BMW. Now at 90k, and no issues.

EDIT: This was a GIF, i do not know how to post a gif or video. It shows the significantly play in the diff

Oh I didn't consider the differential. What year is your 535 and what year was the 528? The manual's are probably different ratios but I can most likely find a rear dif from a 535.

This might also explain why xDelete doesn't change the symptoms.

Can you explain the issue you were having? also if possible can you email me the GIF?

Thanks!

[strongislemax]

My 535 is a 2014.

I bought a differential from a 2015 528i on ebay.

I was experiencing a shudder under acceleration. It was the type that you could feel through the floor boards and seat...not as much through the steering wheel (like wheel balance issues).

The faster I drove, the worse the vibration got. You can see in the pic, some scoring. PM me your email, and ill send you a vid.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by strongislemax

My 535 is a 2014.

I bought a differential from a 2015 528i on ebay.

I was experiencing a shudder under acceleration. It was the type that you could feel through the floor boards and seat...not as much through the steering wheel (like wheel balance issues).

The faster I drove, the worse the vibration got. You can see in the pic, some scoring. PM me your email, and ill send you a vid.

Ah I see, I dont think that's my issue since mine only happens at high torque low rpm. If I floor it there is no issue.

I took down my driveshaft yesterday and checked the yoke splines on the differential and transfer case to be sure. All the teeth were perfect. So back to square one lol

[chipguy]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Ah I see, I dont think that's my issue since mine only happens at high torque low rpm. If I floor it there is no issue.

I took down my driveshaft yesterday and checked the yoke splines on the differential and transfer case to be sure. All the teeth were perfect. So back to square one lol

Also check the rear diff bushing. Very common failure.

[beegeezy]

Yes, you should try replacing the trans fluid and pan/filter. If it's never been replaced, that could cause all sorts of issues.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by chipguy

Also check the rear diff bushing. Very common failure.

I already changed all of them

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by beegeezy

Yes, you should try replacing the trans fluid and pan/filter. If it's never been replaced, that could cause all sorts of issues.

Will give it a shot.

[Dkf11]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Will give it a shot.

Did you solve this? Mine is acting exactly the same.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Dkf11

Did you solve this? Mine is acting exactly the same.

Nope, got rid of the car

[Dkf11]

Originally Posted by strongislemax

My 535 is a 2014.

I bought a differential from a 2015 528i on ebay.

I was experiencing a shudder under acceleration. It was the type that you could feel through the floor boards and seat...not as much through the steering wheel (like wheel balance issues).

The faster I drove, the worse the vibration got. You can see in the pic, some scoring. PM me your email, and ill send you a vid.

Was the vibration worse when warm, and did it have a pulsing vibration? Thx.

[OnlyGerman]

Mine doing the same for quite some time. Already did rear diff fluid and trans service before this issue arose. Have warranty so may need to try for center support or maybe entire rear diff.

[Hoa]

There is a possibility that the clutch in the transfer case is slipping as well. If you unplug the harness to the transfer case actuator and it drives smooth, your clutch in the transfer case is gone.

[aa240sx]

Did you end up doing a fluid service? At 99K, if it was never done, not so sure I would go that route. Best to just leave a transmission alone if it's an automatic at that mileage.