X5 Transfer Case Actuator Motor Gear Replacement

[dkl]

Originally Posted by Crowz

According to fcpeuro that part number on the link I posted above will work on my wifes 2005 x5 3.0.

I may order it and try it.

Please let us know how this works out. I may order one too if it's only $135 since I can't seem to be able to open up my original case. Thanks.

[14thbmw]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

FYI, there is an upgraded gear available, not sure if it is aftermarket or is now the BMW replacement. I really don't think it matters as original gear usually lasts a 100,000 miles or more.

I’m not sure what the “upgrade” is, but if it risks the other gear on the motor shaft, I’ll pass. I’d rather sacrifice an easy-to-replace gear every 100k miles (mine went 165k), than have to deal with the motor shaft and that gear.

Sealant for the opened case is interesting, and not part of the OP video. I’m thinking I may lay a small bead of silicon on the outside of that to provide some seal that is easy to open if ever needed; a more permanent seal from inside would be a bearcat to open again I think.

[14thbmw]

I just did this repair. Took just under two hours including getting the beast on 4 jack stands and back off, plus a drive to ensure all is good.

Getting the thing off the beast is a bit harder on your back mainly because it is hard to see even with a good light. Patience.

The cover removal was particularly difficult as someone already posted. I used a utility knife to go around the edge and clean it out. I used an old flat head and hammer to tap out the edge of the case. I sharpened a jewelers screwdriver on my bench grinder to get into one of the corners and it finally popped out. I did not remove the motor.

I did not put any sealant on the case/cover. With 165k on the beast, I’m happy to get whatever life I can!

Thanks again to OP and others who posted tips/experience in this thread!

[richardb]

Originally Posted by 14thbmw

I just did this repair. Took just under two hours including getting the beast on 4 jack stands and back off, plus a drive to ensure all is good.

Getting the thing off the beast is a bit harder on your back mainly because it is hard to see even with a good light. Patience.

The cover removal was particularly difficult as someone already posted. I used a utility knife to go around the edge and clean it out. I used an old flat head and hammer to tap out the edge of the case. I sharpened a jewelers screwdriver on my bench grinder to get into one of the corners and it finally popped out. I did not remove the motor.

I did not put any sealant on the case/cover. With 165k on the beast, I’m happy to get whatever life I can!

Thanks again to OP and others who posted tips/experience in this thread!

Nice work! I'm surprised your stock gear made it to 165K! Ours failed at 128K

[SlickGT1]

Easier way to open up the case is to remove motor, and put a flat head through the motor gear hole. Pry up on opposite edge of the cover from inside, takes 2 minutes and any flat head will work.

[richardb]

Opening the case:

https://youtu.be/UR7Vv5SQvDc?t=283

(should start at time 4:43)

[richardb]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

FYI if it wasn't mentioned, BMW now offers a repair kit for the transfer case servo, pn: 27102413711. Comes with everything needed including new cover plate and sealant to weatherproof the opened case for about $140 online

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

wow thanks for posting, when I first did this video there was no official repair kit (to my knowledge) from BMW. I wonder what date they first started offering it? The BMW dealer told my wife the repair would be a new transfer case for $4000+

[iansanderson]

Originally Posted by richardb

wow thanks for posting, when I first did this video there was no official repair kit (to my knowledge) from BMW. I wonder what date they first started offering it? The BMW dealer told my wife the repair would be a new transfer case for $4000+

First offered (I believe) sometime in 2017, but because our cars are soon going into the “classic” catalog, not a lot of BMW techs/parts guys working on/talking about them nowadays

[richardb]

Originally Posted by iansanderson

First offered (I believe) sometime in 2017, but because our cars are soon going into the “classic” catalog, not a lot of BMW techs/parts guys working on/talking about them nowadays

That makes sense. BMW looked at the X5 in December 2015 and that is when we got the "it needs a transfer case, we can do it for $4000" line from them.

Anyway that kit looks well worth the money for the extra parts and cover that does not come with the gear sold on amazon

[richardb]

posted a new write up guide here:

https://bimmerzeit.com/2020/09/04/x3...placement-diy/