Change transfer case fluid, reset needed by BMW?

[Gee3]

I changed my transfer case fluid on my 2004 X3 but the fault light keeps on coming on once in a while. It goes away for a while once I turn off the engine and restart it. But am I suppose to reset the transfer case/computer via the dealer?

Thanks in advance!
Gary

[JCL]

Yes, BMW call for a reset when the fluid is changed. If not the dealer, then someone with the appropriate computer tool.

[Gee3]

Thanks JCL!

Anyone in San Francisco have the reset tool so I don't have to go to the dealer? I'll buy you the beer and lunch!

[Gee3]

How much are dealers and independent mechanics charging for the computer reset? I called my local dealer and they said $180! WTH?!?

[JCL]

I don't know, but I would have hoped more like $100

[Gee3]

Maybe I'll see if an independent shop can do it.

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by Gee3

I changed my transfer case fluid on my 2004 X3 but the fault light keeps on coming on once in a while. It goes away for a while once I turn off the engine and restart it. But am I suppose to reset the transfer case/computer via the dealer?

Thanks in advance!
Gary

that light is an indication of an error in the system, the fluid wear values does not cause the light to come on.

[newX3user]

I changed my transfer case oil around five months ago and has not reset anything. I hope it is not destroying anything. I thought as long as the oil is new the transfer case should be ok, but I might be wrong.

Also, the reset does not turn on any warning lights. It only activates an OBD code that say something about transfer case oil having excessive friction. I am sorry I cannot remember the exact wording now.

To be honest, I cannot imagine how anyone would know about this if they did not have a scanning device. I read mine because I have the Bavarian Technic device. I was resetting after an oil change and I noticed the warning. It even said the error would not cause a warning light to come on.

So, the question is: if the reset was so necessary, why doesn't it turn on a check engine light? What does the reset to anyway? Isn't the transfer case a stationary set of gears that transfers the vertical rotation to a horizontal one? What does the computer reset exactly?

[JCL]

I believe there are two different items that are affected by a reset, or whatever it is called.

The fluid condition monitor is supposed to know that there is new fluid in there, so it will know when the fluid is out of spec.

The transfer case just splits the power front and rear. However, you have x-drive, with a variable torque split. The x drive clutch packs have an actuator that applies pressure to shift torque front/rear. There was a reset procedure I read based on the actuator measuring its travel, so it knew where the engagement point was for the clutches. This is the one I would worry more about, as clutches not fully engaged could wear quickly.

It doesn't turn a light on because the driver is not supposed to change the fluid. The service manual describes the procedure.

[rdc8118]

Originally Posted by JCL

...It doesn't turn a light on because the driver is not supposed to change the fluid. The service manual describes the procedure.

Is there a service manual out for the X3?