Transfer Case compatibility 2004-2010?
 

I am considering putting a new transfer case in my 2004 X3...and while looking for both new and used cases it looks like the part number changed in 2006 from #27103455134 to #27103455137...both are called an ATC400 and both have the same list price of $2340.11.

Are they compatible? Can I pick up a case from a later model and install it on my 2004?

Steve

I'll cross post in Bimmerforums as well....

Reviving old post. SrHorn, did you complete the replacement as described? Nobody replied to this one . I am getting ready to attempt this swap myself. 2007+ LCI E83 atc400 TC into a 2004 E83. I’ve talked to 2 rebuilders and both said rear flange has to exchanged. I will report back with updates as I progress. If anyone has info to share, that would be helpful.

So I ended up using the earlier model transfer case from a salvage yard to avoid any compatibility issues. 100,000 miles later I had to replace it again (it had 50K on it). Can't complain...my '04 X3 now has 275,000 miles on it with the original 2.5 liter engine! I just picked up an '06 X3 3.0 with 100K as a new project car.

I've dropped transfer cases from both the 2004 and 2007 LCI and didn't notice any difference :dunno:

Rear flange for the driveshaft?

So I finally got the transfer case replaced. The rear output flanges are different but can be swapped out. Easy. All finished. Trying to add pics but having a hard time. Will try later. Thanks for everyone’s input

Do you have a picture of the flange?

Just curious what the differences are.

Rear flange pics
 

The bright silver flange is from the LCI version, it has a larger prop shaft mounting hole circumference and a shorter installed length. I did not take actual measurements, they may be documented in a parts catalogue. The installed depth and snap ring location are the same. Swapped over with no problems.

Interesting :thumbup:

Thanks for that

- My friend's 2004 X3 2.5i Auto with 165K miles...Transfer Case is kaput.

- If I read this thread correctly, then I can buy a low-mileage LCI TC (such as 2007-2010 E83) and swap the REAR Flange from the kaput TC into the good TC. Is this correct?

So one thing i've discover on the transfercase is checking the conditions of the clutches. If you remove the actuator and move splines with like a pair of pliers, you should have great "springy" tension. In addition, the thickness of the clutch pack should correlate to about 90 degrees of stop give or take.

I did the same thing of getting a "good used" Tcase from the wrecking yard. I noticed 90 degrees about of actuation.

On my "worn out" Tcase, I noticed that the actuator splines would spin to nearly 180 degrees before it stopped! Needless to say, that Tcase is worn out via the clutch pack.

I would say it is absolutely CRUCIAL the Tcase oil changed every 50k and most likely SOONER if any amount of towing/off roading is done.