X5 2001 3.0 E53 TRANSFER BOX - NEED YOUR HELP

[vinzer]

Good day everyone,

I am owning X5 2001, 3.0 Automatic. Recently I got a strange sound from under the vehicle. After I lifted up I found the noise comming from the Transfer Case (box) NV125 model. I am assuming it may be the bearings since the sound goes only when the front drive shaft (the one which goes to the front wheels) is active. It also may be the chain inside. I checked with BMW and found this unit to be extremely expensive here in Canada (over 4K with labor). Since I am mechanic I think I may open it and try to rebuild.

My problems are: where to get rebuild kit for this box ? Also I need bearings and chain. I did a search on the net and found nothing Well, I found a chain only, but no kit and no bearings. Did any one from this forum tried to fix this issue with transfer case by him self ? Does any one have any suggestions on this ? Maybe you may suggest me where to get parts or some source of tech info regarding the transfer box. I am planing to open it on this weekend in order to estimate what is wrong inside, but I want to make sure that I may be able to get these parts.

I would apreciate any help. And sorry for my English (I am French Canadien)

Thank you to anyone who respond.

[vinuneuro]

These guys should be able to help you. http://www.europeantransmissions.com/

The other option would be to try to find a used transfer-case.

[vinzer]

Thank you very much !!! I will try to check with them.

[supersteve]

BMW doesn"t make there own transfer cases. They are made by either Borg Warner or more commonly New Process (New Venture). if you go to a transmission shop that deals with 4X4's they can order all the parts you need from the distributor they use. It's been done before.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...=transfer+case

[vinzer]

Thank you ! Very usefull info. I found the red sticker on my transfer case which says: New Process.

[desert X]

I've been doing a bit of research because the TC on my 01 4.4 is about to go. Apparently these guys (www.transfercases.com/transfer-case-models.htm) are one of the few shops that will sell you a rebuilt unit. I believe cost is around $900US plus core return. They might be willing to sell you parts only.

[Weasel]

Just be sure to check the front shaft as well, it is a splined slip shaft. What happens is the splines get worn and rusted and start to strip out causing loss of power to the front wheels, and a horrible noise. The rear output is a shaft straight through the case, so the rear wheels will never loose power. If you want to check it without removing the front drive shaft, maybe raise the rear tires off the ground and secure the vehicle from moving with a strap to a tree or something and try to spin the front wheels. (with DSC turned off naturally)

Either way, if/when you replace the t-case be sure to clean and lube the splines with either bearing grease or anti-seizing compound. GOOD LUCK!

[vinzer]

Thank you for all your comments and suggestions.
Tonight I am planing to lift up my car at friend's garage and open the Transfer Case. I want to inspect what exactly causing this noise: chain or/and bearings. Also I found something interesting: when driving straight at 50-70km/h noise is comming out of the T/C and also vibration goes thru all vehicle, but as soon as I am starting to make RIGHT turn (light curve) while keeping the same speed - all vibration goes away and only noise stays the same. When I am making left turn (same light curve) vibration and noise still present. It looks like I also might have a right engine support mount broken or maybe the rear one....

Will post here what I found tonight. If I decide to go with rebuilding my T/C by my self I will make a pictures of each step and post them here, maybe some one will need it in the future.

[Weasel]

If you have a broken engine support mount, replace THAT before you pull down the t-case. It may be the only problem you have. if not, the splines as I talked about have been a more common problem than any other t-case issue I've come across.

[dville]

Originally Posted by vinzer

Will post here what I found tonight. If I decide to go with rebuilding my T/C by my self I will make a pictures of each step and post them here, maybe some one will need it in the future.

Sure wish there was some follow up on this one, especially the promised pictures. I am debating opening up my transfer case to replace the chain.