Transfer case problem - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

idungknoe · 06-22-2012, 12:01 AM

Hi I have a 2007 328xi and my transfer case went bad. Do you guys think its my wheel setup that can make it go bad? I am running some m3 zcp wheels with 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 rears (those tires are what came with the rims when I bought them and the tires are pretty much brand new)

I am getting the transfer case replaced soon and was wondering if the wheels are the cause of it. I don't want it to go bad again. Please let me know what you think. Thanks

AWD Addict · 06-22-2012, 10:58 AM

There has been some speculation that tire sizing could impact the transfer case.

Typically, people try and have a rolling diameter variance from front to rear of less than 1%, and you're somewhere near 1/4 of 1%. Most people with 19s seem to be running 265 35/235 40 (closer to 1/3 of 1%).

I had mine replaced, and while it could have been a wheel diameter issue, I tend to doubt it.

idungknoe · 06-22-2012, 11:27 AM

I bought the rims thinking that oem tires are ok for this setup. I don't want to get into the hassle of buying new tires and selling the ones I have. Transfer case is getting replace next week. If this happens again I'm screwed.

Carl Morris · 06-22-2012, 12:03 PM

If you're rolling diameters are that close, I don't think it has anything to do with your wheels and tires.

idungknoe · 06-22-2012, 09:50 PM

My car has 68k. I know that might also be a factor. I need more feedbacks please. What do you guys think

ska325xi · 06-24-2012, 12:56 AM

there are hundreds of ppl here running stagger setups on their XI for years and never had a problem...so the answer is "No"

BAMxi · 06-28-2012, 08:13 AM

I'd say it probably just went bad. I had my transfer case servo motor replaced before I even put my 19s on. Seems fairly common for our cars. There are a few posts on transfer case issues going on right now, so you're not alone.

obert · 06-28-2012, 08:18 AM

I believe the 335xi come stock with a staggered set up.

As long as you are not running a crazy size difference I would say it has nothing to do with the size your running.

Fly1ngSqu1rr3l · 10-24-2012, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

There has been some speculation that tire sizing could impact the transfer case.

Typically, people try and have a rolling diameter variance from front to rear of less than 1%, and you're somewhere near 1/4 of 1%. Most people with 19s seem to be running 265 35/235 40 (closer to 1/3 of 1%).

I had mine replaced, and while it could have been a wheel diameter issue, I tend to doubt it.

BMW dealership just tried to tell me that I can't run the brand new VMR V718s I bought w/ 225/40R18 and 255/35R18 tires.

225/45R17 = 24.97" / 634.23mm
225/40R18 = 25.08" / 637.03mm (+0.44%)
255/35R18 = 25.02" / 635.50mm (+0.20%)

I go in tomorrow to see if they can reset my computer or repair my transfer case (extended warranty) on my 2007 335xi

. However, I don't know what to do about the wheels. I put the stock wheels back on to get the calibration done, but could the technician be right when he says there is NO fix for my computer throwing errors with the new wheels?

Jeffman · 10-25-2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly1ngSqu1rr3l

BMW dealership just tried to tell me that I can't run the brand new VMR V718s I bought w/ 225/40R18 and 255/35R18 tires.

225/45R17 = 24.97" / 634.23mm
225/40R18 = 25.08" / 637.03mm (+0.44%)
255/35R18 = 25.02" / 635.50mm (+0.20%)

I go in tomorrow to see if they can reset my computer or repair my transfer case (extended warranty) on my 2007 335xi

. However, I don't know what to do about the wheels. I put the stock wheels back on to get the calibration done, but could the technician be right when he says there is NO fix for my computer throwing errors with the new wheels?

I don't believe the wheels and tires are causing the problem. Mike Miller of BMWCCA Roundel "Tech Talk" fame recommends transfer case fluid change at 30,000 miles as part of preventive maintenance, which I just did a few months ago on my 2008 335xi with 18 inch Apex wheels 235 40 front / 265 40 rear first mounted with Dunlop Direzza Star Spec (17k miles) and now with Michelin PSS. No problems yet.

Mspeed_1 · 10-25-2012, 11:14 PM

I had my transfercase just gone bad and replaced a few month ago, my tires were 225/40/18 all around, but i was lowered. however, i doubt that's what's caused the problem. Just comes with age of the car, I have an 07 e90.

Fly1ngSqu1rr3l · 10-26-2012, 12:17 AM

Here's to hoping I'm not chasing codes this week. VTG motor replacement in the AM should clear all the codes, then time to test the wheels again.

Thank you all for the technical and emotional support. /sniff.

I love you guys.

Fly1ngSqu1rr3l · 10-28-2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly1ngSqu1rr3l

Here's to hoping I'm not chasing codes this week. VTG motor replacement in the AM should clear all the codes, then time to test the wheels again.

Thank you all for the technical and emotional support. /sniff.

I love you guys.

Fixed

. VTG motor did the trick, computer has stopped complaining.

bmw32atexi · 11-04-2012, 11:09 PM

Does anyone know of symptoms of a failing transfer case ? EG. makes some type of noise ?

kamek · 11-05-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly1ngSqu1rr3l

BMW dealership just tried to tell me that I can't run the brand new VMR V718s I bought w/ 225/40R18 and 255/35R18 tires.

225/45R17 = 24.97" / 634.23mm
225/40R18 = 25.08" / 637.03mm (+0.44%)
255/35R18 = 25.02" / 635.50mm (+0.20%)

I go in tomorrow to see if they can reset my computer or repair my transfer case (extended warranty) on my 2007 335xi

. However, I don't know what to do about the wheels. I put the stock wheels back on to get the calibration done, but could the technician be right when he says there is NO fix for my computer throwing errors with the new wheels?

Huh...? 225/40 and 255/35 are just fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw32atexi

Does anyone know of symptoms of a failing transfer case ? EG. makes some type of noise ?

Creaking/grinding from a stop was my symptom.

06-22-2012, 12:01 AM	#1
idungknoe New Member Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tacoma Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	Transfer case problem Hi I have a 2007 328xi and my transfer case went bad. Do you guys think its my wheel setup that can make it go bad? I am running some m3 zcp wheels with 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 rears (those tires are what came with the rims when I bought them and the tires are pretty much brand new) I am getting the transfer case replaced soon and was wondering if the wheels are the cause of it. I don't want it to go bad again. Please let me know what you think. Thanks
	Tweet

06-24-2012, 12:56 AM	#6
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,874 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 2006 325xi [0.00]	there are hundreds of ppl here running stagger setups on their XI for years and never had a problem...so the answer is "No" __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals

06-28-2012, 08:13 AM	#7
BAMxi First Lieutenant Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 378 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 328xi [5.00]	I'd say it probably just went bad. I had my transfer case servo motor replaced before I even put my 19s on. Seems fairly common for our cars. There are a few posts on transfer case issues going on right now, so you're not alone. __________________ Eibach Pro Kit \| 19" Avant Garde M341 \| BMS PBX

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

06-22-2012, 10:58 AM	#2
AWD Addict Chief Executive Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston Posts: 2,325 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	There has been some speculation that tire sizing could impact the transfer case. Typically, people try and have a rolling diameter variance from front to rear of less than 1%, and you're somewhere near 1/4 of 1%. Most people with 19s seem to be running 265 35/235 40 (closer to 1/3 of 1%). I had mine replaced, and while it could have been a wheel diameter issue, I tend to doubt it.

06-22-2012, 11:27 AM	#3
idungknoe New Member Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tacoma Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	I bought the rims thinking that oem tires are ok for this setup. I don't want to get into the hassle of buying new tires and selling the ones I have. Transfer case is getting replace next week. If this happens again I'm screwed.

06-22-2012, 12:03 PM	#4
Carl Morris Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335xi 6MT Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 557 iTrader: (0)	If you're rolling diameters are that close, I don't think it has anything to do with your wheels and tires.

06-22-2012, 09:50 PM	#5
idungknoe New Member Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tacoma Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	My car has 68k. I know that might also be a factor. I need more feedbacks please. What do you guys think

06-28-2012, 08:18 AM	#8
obert Major Drives: 08 E90 N54 335xi Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Seattle Wa Posts: 1,265 iTrader: (15) Garage List 2008 BMW 335XI [2.75]	I believe the 335xi come stock with a staggered set up. As long as you are not running a crazy size difference I would say it has nothing to do with the size your running.

10-25-2012, 11:14 PM	#11
Mspeed_1 Second Lieutenant Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: GTA Posts: 289 iTrader: (7)	I had my transfercase just gone bad and replaced a few month ago, my tires were 225/40/18 all around, but i was lowered. however, i doubt that's what's caused the problem. Just comes with age of the car, I have an 07 e90.

10-26-2012, 12:17 AM	#12
Fly1ngSqu1rr3l New Member Drives: 2007 E90 335xi Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 11 iTrader: (0)	Here's to hoping I'm not chasing codes this week. VTG motor replacement in the AM should clear all the codes, then time to test the wheels again. Thank you all for the technical and emotional support. /sniff. I love you guys.

11-04-2012, 11:09 PM	#14
bmw32atexi New Member Drives: E90 328xi Space Gray Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 5 iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know of symptoms of a failing transfer case ? EG. makes some type of noise ?