Launched in 2003, ‘xDrive‘ is the brand name of BMW‘s modern all-wheel-drive system.
Initially more common in Europe and North America, this move to include more AWD vehicles to keep pace with competing brands proved popular, and today, most BMW car and SUV models include an xDrive variant of some kind in all global regions.
And it’s pretty darn good, too. Newer systems electronically control the torque split ratio between the front and rear axles resulting in BMW‘s famed ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ experience, but with the benefit of increased grip and stability when cornering.
So what’s the downside? Well, for many owners, it’s the voided rubber bush housed in the transfer case that wears, allowing excessive movement and twist of the transmission at the centre of the vehicle and the associated on-off throttle drive-train ‘clunk’!
This week, for the E9x, X1 E84, and X3 E83 models, we are pleased to introduce an easy-to-fit bush insert solution designed to fill the voiding in the OE rubber bush, restricting overall movement and prolonging bush life.
PFF5-1526R Transfer Case Bush Insert (Diesel) is made from our softest Red 65A durometer material. It effectively restricts deflection on standard Diesel vehicles while limiting NVH transmission into the cabin.
PFF5-1526 Transfer Case Bush Insert (Petrol) is made from our Yellow 70A durometer material, providing an excellent balance of strength and compliance for improved performance on standard Petrol vehicles.
PFF5-1526P Transfer Case Bush Insert (Tuned/Track) is made from our signature Purple 80A material to restrict movement further for Tuned Petrol/Tuned Diesel vehicles and occasional track use.
An increase in NVH should be expected when stiffening the connecting mount between the transmission and chassis. The harder the material, the greater the NVH transmitted.