Need help to ID transfer case

[David.X5]

Hi - I've been looking for a replacement transfer case and just received one (before I saw the recent thread that mentioned one for sale...). Anyway, I have a 2001 4.4i Sport with the NV125 transfer case with the typical round metal ID plate with red printing.

The transfer case I received has no round metal plate, but had a VIN 5UXFB335X2LH37948 on a printed tag from the breakers. That is a November 2002 X5 4.4i without sports package.

The transfer case has stamped numbers:
2710-7 515 748.0
SPT LWX 1220800
0028616 16-05-02

I take that to be part 27107515748, which is a LWX500 transfer case in realoem. with a build date of May 16 2002.

Is this equivalent/interchangeable to the NV125? I have already ordered a new chain and seals for the NV125 - will they fit on this?

The Cobra Transmission website seems to list them as if they are the same part - as in "this part fits the NV125 LWX500 transfer case" etc.

Thanks,

David

[David.X5]

Hearing crickets on this one.

Spent some time last night on realoem comparing part numbers for the NV125 and the LWX500 parts and managed to get some help from the smart guys at Cobra Transmission.

1) All three seals have different part numbers for the two transfer cases. The rear output flange and rear output nut also have different part numbers - the flanges on the LWX500 seem more protective against splashes and dirt.

2) Realoem lists the Front and rear drive shafts with the same part number for both generations of transfer case - think this shows they have the same output sizes and locations.

3) Cobra Transmission guy said the chains are the same and they do sell two different seal kits (verifies #1). He said the transfer cases were interchangeable, but that the input shafts are different so make sure not to discard or mix them up.

4) I saw that Cobra Transmission lists different 1" extended front drive shafts for the two transfer cases, which scared me, but the guy pointed out they link to the same part number. So, verifies #2.

I guess I will try to install the LWX500 where the NV125 was. Should have a test drive in a couple weeks after the correct seals arrive and I can find the time.

[GSXRliterbikz]

Any update? Did you install the lwx in your x?

[David.X5]

Got the lwx installed last weekend. It's been great. Exact bolt in replacement for the nv125. Had to get a new front shaft from Cobra Transmission because of other problems.

[GSXRliterbikz]

Sweet. I have a parts x that has the lwx. It's in really good shape so I'd prefer to just throw a new chain on it and install that one vs. rebuilding the nv125.

[romeokc10]

The LWX-500 is the transfer case in the 4.6is, as you already know it will fit, maybe it's beefier than the NV-125, which is not a bad thing.

[lo_jack]

Is the LWX-500 the clutch pack driven unit, as opposed to chain?

[David.X5]

It's another chain drive unit. No clutches. Exact same chain as the NV125, but slight differences in the bearings and seals.