Should I Replace Transfer Case for $3400?

[SlickGT1]

Even if you do have to change the tc, you can buy a used one on copart for like $600.

[lo_jack]

Our TCs are light. You can probably get a low mileage one on ebay for less than a grand, I would bet. Definitely not worth 3000 to put a new xfer case into nearly an E53 at this point.

[BMW_E53]

So today I opened the TC actuator motor to see what the gear looked like before ordering parts and I found that its in relatively good condition. What are your guys' thoughts? I know I didn't take pictures along the gear itself because I didn't want to bombard you all with a ton of photos, but there wasn't any damage or much wear on the teeth like in the youtube videos from other DIYs.

Attached below are the pics of the black gear and the white gear as well. Looks like the white gear is starting to develop a crack so I was planning to purchase the whole Genuine BMW kit from ECS and replace the whole thing. Anybody know a reason why the three lights appeared and then went away?

[14thbmw]

Originally Posted by BMW_E53

So today I opened the TC actuator motor to see what the gear looked like before ordering parts and I found that its in relatively good condition. What are your guys' thoughts? I know I didn't take pictures along the gear itself because I didn't want to bombard you all with a ton of photos, but there wasn't any damage or much wear on the teeth like in the youtube videos from other DIYs.

Attached below are the pics of the black gear and the white gear as well. Looks like the white gear is starting to develop a crack so I was planning to purchase the whole Genuine BMW kit from ECS and replace the whole thing. Anybody know a reason why the three lights appeared and then went away?

There is enough black on your white gear to make me want to look at the gear it mates to - the one in the TC. Mine came out completely white after 165k miles.

The trifecta can come on for a sensor or a transient fault. I get them sometimes when a puddle or spot of ice makes one wheel slip, and it will reset after two minutes with the key out. Or there could be something wrong inside the tc.

[BMW_E53]

Originally Posted by 14thbmw

There is enough black on your white gear to make me want to look at the gear it mates to - the one in the TC. Mine came out completely white after 165k miles.

The trifecta can come on for a sensor or a transient fault. I get them sometimes when a puddle or spot of ice makes one wheel slip, and it will reset after two minutes with the key out. Or there could be something wrong inside the tc.

Here are some pictures of the inner gear on the transfer case itself. My car has just over 126,000 miles.

[14thbmw]

Originally Posted by BMW_E53

Here are some pictures of the inner gear on the transfer case itself. My car has just over 126,000 miles.

That looks pretty clean. Mine didn’t have any grease or dirt on the white gear/spline, and the TC side of yours looks clean too. Certainly no visible damage.

There are much better mechanics/diagnosticians on this forum than I; Pending their replies, since you have a new actuator coming I would put that in and call it good, unless/until the trifecta returns and stays on.

[BMW_E53]

Originally Posted by 14thbmw

That looks pretty clean. Mine didn’t have any grease or dirt on the white gear/spline, and the TC side of yours looks clean too. Certainly no visible damage.

There are much better mechanics/diagnosticians on this forum than I; Pending their replies, since you have a new actuator coming I would put that in and call it good, unless/until the trifecta returns and stays on.

I appreciate your reply and help though! Hopefully after changing the gears and fresh new fluid will help solve the trifecta issue for another 120k miles.

And I see you have a 2018 M5 in your signature......Great choice my friend that car is a BEAST!!!

[cn90]

Originally Posted by BMW_E53

...Anybody know a reason why the three lights appeared and then went away?

Classic reason is "low tire pressure".

Let's say the LF tire is 40 psi and the RF tire is 20 psi, you will get the Trifecta lights.
I learned it the hard way, don't ask LOL.

[wpoll]

Just FYI, this is what a stuffed gear looks like - you cannot see the wear if you look directly at the side profile of the gear (as in your pictures) - only when you view the gear from the edge.

The gear teeth should be flat in this view - like at the bottom of the gear. The wear is the curved hollow at the top.



(image from Johnnyvest at axleaddict)

I'm not saying you missed this (I'm sure you didn't) - I'm just adding this to the thread for future readers.

[BMW_E53]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Just FYI, this is what a stuffed gear looks like - you cannot see the wear if you look directly at the side profile of the gear (as in your pictures) - only when you view the gear from the edge.

The gear teeth should be flat in this view - like at the bottom of the gear. The wear is the curved hollow at the top.



(image from Johnnyvest at axleaddict)

I'm not saying you missed this (I'm sure you didn't) - I'm just adding this to the thread for future readers.

Yeah I was expecting to see my gear completely destroyed like in this picture and other pictures/videos from other affected cars, but when I took it out and cleaned the grease off, I was shocked to see my gear in good condition and with minimal wear so I'm confused why the computer tripped out like that.