[TonyW1967]

Hi All, I have a 2011 5 Series Xdrive 3.0d Automatic, with Full Dealer Service History and 140,000km. Over the past 2 months, I have noticed a faint whine from (I presume) the gearbox, and it only happens on pedal lift off, when decelerating from 90kmh to 70kmh. It doesn't happen at any other speeds, and doesn't happen during acceleration.

Any clues to what it could be? The gearbox oil hasn't been changed, and BMW told me it was normal for this age of the car - they took it for a test drive last week.

[johnhva]

ZF transmission manufacturer recommends fluid change at 100,000 km so you're past due. It's also time to change fluids in the x-drive transfer case and the front and rear differentials. My understanding is that although any indy can change differential fluids, the car's brain needs adaptation/reset by a dealer after a transfer case fluid change.

[TonyW1967]

Many thanks, so which of the 3 areas you mention are the likely culprit for the noise? I need to plan this, from a cost aspect and am inclined towards doing the transmission oil change first, but if one of the other issues is more likely the issue, then would be good to know.

Just had both rear (active) shocks and airbags replaced, plus rear pads and discs, the car is eating my money....

[johnhva]

I would say transmission fluid first since it's overdue anyway and you say the whine is from the gearbox area. The transfer case would be next, since it's near the center of the car. Then the differentials.

[TonyW1967]

Thanks for your service!

[Surly73]

I've heard this from my F10 too, at way lower mileage.

It could be anything in the driveline - transmission, transfer case, differentials.

Change all the fluids (with the proper fluids) and see where things stand.

[Profssor]

Personally, I would change the differential fluids first, having noise on the coast side of the ring gear could indicate differential issues. I have changed both differential fluid and automatic transmission fluid in my 550i, and the differential fluid is much easier to do. If you do change the differential fluid, look for metal shavings in the drained oil.

Joe

[TonyW1967]

Thanks all for the kind replies.

What I would ask is that could you let me know the parts needed/labour involved in the differentials oil change and the x-drive transfer case.

For the transfer case, does the shaft seal need replacing, and is only 1 litre of oil needed?

Then it helps me with asking for quotes from my local independent BMW specialist garage - I am not completely trusting them just yet....

Many thanks,

Tony

[johnhva]

From what I've read it seems that the transfer case has to be removed to change its oil. Yikes.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...box/1VnXaQfcwe

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...r-box/HnXV8Rd9

[Surly73]

My 535i does NOT require the transfer case to be removed to change the oil, but I have heard that some do. Perhaps that's the TC used in the 528? Best to check your specific model.

[Bmw doubles]

Also be sure it's not coming from your valve cover. There's a permanent PCV valve diaphragm that can go bad that whistles/wines when it's ruptured.

[TonyW1967]

Originally Posted by johnhva

From what I've read it seems that the transfer case has to be removed to change its oil. Yikes.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...box/1VnXaQfcwe

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...r-box/HnXV8Rd9

Those are both for the 528i, hopefully not the same for the 530d....

[TonyW1967]

Originally Posted by Bmw doubles

Also be sure it's not coming from your valve cover. There's a permanent PCV valve diaphragm that can go bad that whistles/wines when it's ruptured.

Thanks for the info, would that not be a more widespread whine, rather than specifically between 90 - 70kmh (on deceleration only)?

[johnhva]

Originally Posted by TonyW1967

Those are both for the 528i, hopefully not the same for the 530d....

Same procedure indicated for 535xi and 530d, but this is just one resource.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...box/1VnXaQfcwe

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...box/1VnXaQfcwe