BMW i3 Transfer Case Issues Causing Multiple Problems

Hey there! I've got some experience with BMWs (I'd say moderate expertise level) and actually faced something very similar with my 2020 BMW i8 Hybrid last year. Those symptoms sound exactly like what I dealt with. My car was also jerking and had rough shifts, super annoying! Took it to my trusted mechanic and turns out the transfer case had worn gears. Not just a fluid issue like I initially thought. They had to replace some components in the transfer case assembly, set me back about 330 Euro, but it fixed the problem completely. Since you've got an i3, the system might be a bit different from my i8. Could you share: Current mileage? When did you first notice these symptoms? Any unusual noises when the jerking occurs? This info would help me give you more specific advice based on my experience. Just as a side note, these hybrid transfer cases can be pretty complex, so I'd definitely recommend getting it checked by a BMW specialist rather than trying any DIY fixes.

Thanks for your detailed response! Mileage is currently at 113962 KM and just had my service last month. The jerking started about 2 weeks ago, and yeah, there's definitely a whining noise when accelerating, especially between 50-70 speeds. Your experience with the worn gears sounds really similar to what I'm experiencing. Good call on the BMW specialist recommendation, I'll probably need to book it in soon before it gets worse. Did your mechanic mention how long the repair took? Just trying to plan ahead since I need the car for daily use.

Hey again! Yeah, looking at your mileage and those symptoms, especially that whining noise, it's definitely giving me flashbacks to my i8's issues. Funny enough, mine started acting up right after the 110K mark too. For the repair time, my case took about 2 full days at the shop. The first day was mostly diagnostic work and getting the parts ready, and the actual repair was done on the second day. But here's a tip, make sure they check the surrounding components too. In my case, they found some minor wear on the coupling assembly that they fixed while they were in there, which probably saved me from another problem down the road. The whining noise you mentioned between 50-70 is exactly what I experienced. If it helps, I managed to limp along for about a week before getting it fixed, but honestly, I wouldn't recommend pushing it like I did. The jerking got progressively worse, and I was pretty nervous about causing more damage. One thing though, when they fixed mine, they also updated some software related to the hybrid system. Might be worth asking about that when you take it in. The total job ended up being a bit pricier than initially quoted, but it's been running smooth as silk for the past year now.

Really appreciate all this info! That's super helpful to know about the two-day repair timeline, guess I'll have to sort out alternative transport. And thanks for the heads-up about possibly needing a software update too. I'll definitely mention that when I book it in. Actually feeling a bit better knowing your car's been running smoothly for a year after the fix. Think I'll get it booked in for next week, don't want to risk making it worse like you mentioned. The whining noise is getting more noticeable anyway, so probably best to sort it sooner rather than later. Thanks again for sharing your experience, really helped me understand what I might be dealing with. I'll make sure to insist on them checking those surrounding components too. Better to catch any potential issues while they're already working on it!