Blown Transmission?

[eeee36m3]

I just wanted to provide an update.

The driveshaft is in and has been working great so far, no vibration issues.

The job was pretty tough without removing the exhaust. In hindsight, I should have just removed it and the job would have been much easier. There are NINE torx bolts that hold the transfer case to the transmission, and the ones on the top side are a bear to get out, because the subframe can only drop so much with the exhaust in. I ended up using a combination of extensions and swivels to break the bolts free, and then used a small 10mm ratcheting wrench where I could.

It's done, I'm happy, it works. The X5 lives to die another day. Thanks for all the help!

[kwalk]

Originally Posted by eeee36m3

Interesting, I did not see that option. My drive shaft measured 29 1/4", and the one I bought is advertised as 30", so maybe it's only 3/4" longer even though it is advertised as 1".

I bought this one: BMW x5 Front Drive Shaft 00 03 1"Extended Splines BMW Part 26207508629 | eBay

Called the guy and is supposed to overnight it for me so I can install it this weekend. Hopefully it all works out. I'll report back.

Thanks for all the help. This forum is great!

So how did things work out with the driveshaft you bought from this seller? I need a new one as well as the output shaft and was thinking about buying here as well if his product is good.

[eeee36m3]

So far so good, everything is still working. Seller was easy to work with in getting the Core charge refunded as well.

[kwalk]

Okay, thanks a lot! I will be ordering today!!

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by axgordon

Ricky, at your mileage, I would not do that. Instead, remove front drive shaft, inspect, clean and put fresh grease on the splines. As far as TC chain replacement – I didn’t see any failures on 3.0 cars. It looks like higher engine torque and lower final drives gear ratio (4.10 vs 3.64) on 4.4 pre-facelift cars is major contributor to stretched TC chains. My car is also 2003 3.0 and I inspected / lubed front drive shaft at 115k miles when I bout the car and once again at 175k. The first time I remove it - it was completely dry and rust started to develop. There was slight (normal) wear on the splines. Not that bad to justify replacement. As of today, at 201000 miles, both TC and drive shaft perform without issue.

Higher gear ratio of 3.64 puts more stress on the entire driveline. I am about to change from a 3.90 ratio to the lower 4.10 ratio for just that reason. The driveline in my X5 is all original at 115,000+ miles.