BMW i5 AWD Issues: Transfer Case Warning Signs & Fixes

Hey there! I've got some experience with EVs and had a very similar issue with my 2022 BMW iX. The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I went through. I'm a hobbyist mechanic with some experience working on EVs. When I had those AWD warnings and jerking, it turned out to be a glitch in the ABS module that was causing havoc with other systems. The dealership diagnosed it under warranty and found that the ABS issue was triggering false alerts in the drivetrain control unit. Luckily, it was just a software update and recalibration job, didn't cost me anything since it was a known issue. The whole thing took about half a day at the shop. Could you share more details about when these symptoms started and if you notice any pattern? Like does it happen more when the battery is at a certain charge level or after driving for a specific time? This info would help narrow things down.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've got 174708 KM on the clock and just had my service last month. My symptoms are a bit different though, they seem to happen out of nowhere regardless of charge level or drive time. Yesterday it acted up again on a longer drive, and the jerking was pretty concerning. I'll take your advice and have the dealer check the ABS module. They should still cover it under warranty since it's a 2024. Really hoping it's just a software thing like in your case. The transfer case issues with these new EVs seem pretty common from what I've read in other threads.

Yeah, I totally get what you're dealing with, these EVs can be tricky sometimes! After seeing your latest update, I'm actually thinking it might be different from what I experienced with my iX. The fact that it's happening completely out of nowhere, regardless of battery level or drive time, makes me wonder if it could be related to the power electronics module rather than the ABS system. Since my initial reply, I've actually had another similar issue pop up on my iX, turned out to be a faulty sensor in the drive unit that was sending incorrect signals to the control module. The symptoms were almost identical to what you're describing, unusual jerking and those pesky warning lights. With your mileage being pretty high for a 2024 model, I'd definitely push the dealer to do a full diagnostic scan. While software updates fixed my first issue, the second time around they had to replace that sensor I mentioned. The good news is that both repairs were covered under warranty. Keep us posted on what the dealer finds, I'm really curious if it's similar to either of my experiences. These new electric drivetrains are still evolving, and it helps everyone to share these stories.

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! You've actually made me feel a lot better about this whole situation. I hadn't even considered the power electronics module or sensor issues. Just called the dealer and got an appointment for next week, made sure to mention both the ABS and power electronics possibilities you brought up. You're right about the mileage being high, I do a lot of driving for work, which makes these issues even more stressful. Thanks again for sharing both your experiences. It's really helpful to know what to expect and what to push for at the dealer. I'll definitely update the thread once I get it sorted. It's great to have knowledgeable like you in the community who understand these new EV systems. Fingers crossed it's just a sensor or software update like in your cases and nothing more serious!