DCT failed at first dragstrip launch

dwspen01 · 03-27-2016, 06:00 PM

I am waiting on my Hexon RR600s and thought I would see what my car would run on stock turbos since the 1/8 track near me just opened. On my first pass (ever in this car), I accidentally initiated Launch Control and the car started to hop and immediately something snapped and I began coasting down the track.

There was not any clunking as I coasted so I don't think it was axles or diff. When stopped, I put in D or M1 and the engine revs but the driveshaft does not turn. I thought the weak point in the DCT was the clutches but I have never had any clutch issues (39,000 miles). Anyone experience any other DCT failures.

Lambobimmer · 03-27-2016, 06:06 PM

You probably want to Post in the 335i section, as you will get a lot more responses. I would first read the codes to see what comes up. I never used launch control in my Z4, but I would be very surprised if you broke something. The only issue that I ever see with the DCT is leaking and the clutch slipping. Did you have to tow it home?

dwspen01 · 03-27-2016, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lambobimmer

You probably want to Post in the 335i section, as you will get a lot more responses. I would first read the codes to see that comes up. I never used launch control in my Z4, but I would be very surprised if you broke something. The only issue that I ever see with the DCT is leaking and the clutch slipping. Did you have to tow it home?

Thanks for input. I had AAA tow it to my mechanic but I will stop by in the morning and read the codes. I had started a log and the peak boost was 15psi and i was on street tires (275/30/19 Continental Extreme Contact DW).

ttuner · 03-28-2016, 01:48 PM

could the guibo. same thing happened to a buddy of mine (335 though, not Z4). Flex disk exploded.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...c/26117605629/

dwspen01 · 03-28-2016, 02:54 PM

My mechanic confirmed that the driveshaft failed near the diff housing (see attached pic). I have a used driveshaft being shipped from a junk yard for $275 plus shipping and will also be looking for a spare!

Since wheel hop caused it to fail, I am looking at ways to reduce wheel hop and my research has found:

1) improved Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTAB) - either shims or stiffer bushings
2) 17" or 18" wheels with drag radials (Nitto NT05R)

Any recommendations/thoughts?

Lambobimmer · 03-28-2016, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwspen01

My mechanic confirmed that the driveshaft failed near the diff housing (see attached pic). I have a used driveshaft being shipped from a junk yard for $275 plus shipping and will also be looking for a spare!

Since wheel hop caused it to fail, I am looking at ways to reduce wheel hop and my research has found:

1) improved Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTAB) - either shims or stiffer bushings
2) 17" or 18" wheels with drag radials (Nitto NT05R)

Any recommendations/thoughts?

I would say that is extremely rare and probably the result of a faulty part.

ttuner · 03-28-2016, 03:34 PM

drag radials will likely cause you to break your axles too.

BQTuning · 03-31-2016, 09:10 AM

Wheel hop if your enemy, take it from the drag strip king whom broke 3 drive shafts same way every time. Roll racing is fine..........

dwspen01 · 04-05-2016, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Wheel hop if your enemy, take it from the drag strip king whom broke 3 drive shafts same way every time. Roll racing is fine..........

I have found that it takes a special BMW tool to remove the driveshaft from the diff housing. Is there another way to remove or does anyone know where to get the tool?

BQTuning · 04-05-2016, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwspen01

I have found that it takes a special BMW tool to remove the driveshaft from the diff housing. Is there another way to remove or does anyone know where to get the tool?

I heard this come up couple of times when I broke mine but never really paid attention. I did bring it up one time to the shop that kept replacing my driveshaft and it was a special tool but nothing that wasn't standard

dwspen01 · 04-06-2016, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

I heard this come up couple of times when I broke mine but never really paid attention. I did bring it up one time to the shop that kept replacing my driveshaft and it was a special tool but nothing that wasn't standard

I found it takes a thin 50mm wrench and you can search for a 50mm ATV axle tool that appears to work. I found one for $35.

03-27-2016, 06:00 PM	#1
dwspen01 Private 8 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Louisville, Ky iTrader: (0)	DCT failed at first dragstrip launch I am waiting on my Hexon RR600s and thought I would see what my car would run on stock turbos since the 1/8 track near me just opened. On my first pass (ever in this car), I accidentally initiated Launch Control and the car started to hop and immediately something snapped and I began coasting down the track. There was not any clunking as I coasted so I don't think it was axles or diff. When stopped, I put in D or M1 and the engine revs but the driveshaft does not turn. I thought the weak point in the DCT was the clutches but I have never had any clutch issues (39,000 miles). Anyone experience any other DCT failures. __________________ 2009 Z4 DCT - Hexon RR600, MMP Inlets/Outlets, Wagner EVO 2 Comp FMIC, Fuel-It TBI, Fuel-It Stage 2 LPFP, ER CP, Forge DVs, N20 TMAP, BQ Tune 93/E65, BMS DCI, AR Catless DPs, BMS OCC, RB PVC
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-27-2016, 06:06 PM	#2
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	You probably want to Post in the 335i section, as you will get a lot more responses. I would first read the codes to see what comes up. I never used launch control in my Z4, but I would be very surprised if you broke something. The only issue that I ever see with the DCT is leaking and the clutch slipping. Did you have to tow it home? Last edited by Lambobimmer; 03-27-2016 at 06:13 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-28-2016, 01:48 PM	#4
ttuner First Lieutenant 67 Rep 378 Posts Drives: z4 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: phx iTrader: (0)	could the guibo. same thing happened to a buddy of mine (335 though, not Z4). Flex disk exploded. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...c/26117605629/ __________________ 2011 BMW Z4 35i \| FBO \| VTT Stg 2+ (EK, 20T clipped)\| Motiv PI\| Motiv Tuned \| Fuel-IT Stg 2 + inline fuel pump \| Spec Stg 3+ clutch \| MFactory flywheel \| 606whp 575Lbs \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-28-2016, 02:54 PM	#5
dwspen01 Private 8 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Louisville, Ky iTrader: (0)	Driveshaft failed My mechanic confirmed that the driveshaft failed near the diff housing (see attached pic). I have a used driveshaft being shipped from a junk yard for $275 plus shipping and will also be looking for a spare! Since wheel hop caused it to fail, I am looking at ways to reduce wheel hop and my research has found: 1) improved Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTAB) - either shims or stiffer bushings 2) 17" or 18" wheels with drag radials (Nitto NT05R) Any recommendations/thoughts? Attached Images __________________ 2009 Z4 DCT - Hexon RR600, MMP Inlets/Outlets, Wagner EVO 2 Comp FMIC, Fuel-It TBI, Fuel-It Stage 2 LPFP, ER CP, Forge DVs, N20 TMAP, BQ Tune 93/E65, BMS DCI, AR Catless DPs, BMS OCC, RB PVC
	Appreciate 1 Quote

03-28-2016, 03:34 PM	#7
ttuner First Lieutenant 67 Rep 378 Posts Drives: z4 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: phx iTrader: (0)	drag radials will likely cause you to break your axles too. __________________ 2011 BMW Z4 35i \| FBO \| VTT Stg 2+ (EK, 20T clipped)\| Motiv PI\| Motiv Tuned \| Fuel-IT Stg 2 + inline fuel pump \| Spec Stg 3+ clutch \| MFactory flywheel \| 606whp 575Lbs \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-31-2016, 09:10 AM	#8
BQTuning Banned 469 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	Wheel hop if your enemy, take it from the drag strip king whom broke 3 drive shafts same way every time. Roll racing is fine.......... Last edited by BQTuning; 04-05-2016 at 07:38 PM..
	Appreciate 1 Quote