2014 X3 Front Driveshaft Spline Play - Is this normal?

[Cyrix2k]

Please see the included videos. This is a 2014 X3 xDrive28i w/ 55k miles. There appears to be play at the front driveshaft splines where they join the transfer case. TIS says to check for radial play (any play while twisting) and there's none. However, there appears to be significant lateral (?) play meaning I can move the driveshaft up towards the floor of the vehicle, down towards the floor, and side-to-side. This is accompanied by a metallic noise. I've found references to the same kind of play on E70s which have a similar drivetrain arrangement. Is this actually normal? The vehicle drives fine - maybe a slight vibration at 70 mph, but nothing worrying.

Videos:

<a href="https://youtu.be/2WPZjpNXadM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">
<a href="https://youtu.be/uwDqdC3dT3o" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">

[Cyrix2k]

bump?

[theblob640]

It could be that your U-joints are bad. I could be wrong but usually when there is play on the drive shaft where the U-joints are, it is a sign of the U-joints going bad, which is odd since those rarely need to be replaced.

[Cyrix2k]

It could be that your U-joints are bad. I could be wrong but usually when there is play on the drive shaft where the U-joints are, it is a sign of the U-joints going bad, which is odd since those rarely need to be replaced.

Thanks for the reply. I think the play is from the spline fitting loosely into the transfer case; the u-joints seemed fine. It seems really odd but I don't want to jump to conclusions.

[ThereliableM3]

I have the same issue on my x5 35d did you ever find out if this was an issue? Thank you!

[Cyrix2k]

I have the same issue on my x5 35d did you ever find out if this was an issue? Thank you!

No, I never did anything about it. The X3 is still running fine.

[ThereliableM3]

No, I never did anything about it. The X3 is still running fine.

Got it you dont get any stutter or anything like that?

[Cyrix2k]

Got it you dont get any stutter or anything like that?

Nope, it drives fine. No stutters or apparent play in the drivetrain.

[CHihat]

My X3 front drive shaft has the same play. I took it apart and inspected it with no apparent wearing on the splines and the U joints moved fine side to side and no movement in and out. Come to find out my vibration is coming from bent wheels from hitting a pothole going 75 mph.


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