Front kind of hops on low speeds?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 BMW 328XI
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 129,000 MILES
I bought this car with this issue where the front kind of hops on low speeds like it stutters, this is a 14 428i x drive, but I didn't see an option for it. How can I convert it to a 2wd to see if it's the transfer case or axle issue? No clicking from any of the axles.
Monday, September 4th, 2023 AT 11:40 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,144 POSTS
The only way to make it into a 2wd is to remove the front driveline, but I would raise the front of the vehicle to spin the front tires, if they spin in the same direction the differential is no good, also do the same for the rear, either differential can cause this issue. Here is information on the system, also you should do a CAN scan. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Yes, I have already scanned it no codes. You mean raise it and move it by hand? Or put it in drive and see if they move in same direction?
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Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Move it by hand, you are working the spider gears to see if they are locked up.
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Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Okay, I'll try.
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Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please let me know what happens.
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Friday, September 8th, 2023 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Does it need to-be running?
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Friday, September 8th, 2023 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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No, do not start the engine.
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Saturday, September 9th, 2023 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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  • 2,010 POSTS
Jacked it on all 4, turned one front wheel to the front the other side turned back.
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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  • 2,010 POSTS
Removed front shaft and all is good. So am guessing either fluid in transfer case needs changing or assembly is bad.
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is what it sounds like.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 9:48 AM

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