Not really. The older one can have the chain slack problem like this thread, and the front output shaft splines can strip on some of them as well. The x-drive is not going to have the output shaft splines problems and is not going to have the chain slack problems... because all the abuse gets thrown to the clutch pack, which is what wears on them causing replacement costs.

Pretty much either one is just as likely to get worn to the point of repalcement over the years. But that is with anything with a transfer case. I've repalced them on fords, chevys, dodges, jeeps, etc. Unavoidable costs of having a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Deville,

You make the Bavarian auto-Gods proud with your work!!

Excellent job and thank you!

Nice work. Is that a VW van from 70s in your garage?

those in the know, know that it is called a "bus" ;)
Yes, that is a 1967 VW bus.

Well guys, I still have the X5. I ended up buying a used minivan off craigslist for $5k with power doors, and dvd player, so the X5 can stay....

Awesome write up thank you for sharing the photos

Dville is the sh#t....Thanks for the write up. I just took one of these apart with the chain looking as sloppy as yours. I did not pull the transfer case and just slid out the output shaft for the front diff by releasing the internal ring. Left the shaft from the front diff to the transfer case in place as well.

Thanks again, Chad

Amazing post my friend! :)

Dville,

What problems / symptoms were you having before you made this repair?

Update.....

I you don't remove the tranfer case to do the repair like I did, make sure you don't flip the lip of the seal for the output shaft seal for the front diff.

Werewolf,

Not Dville, but I have one that was doing the same thing and under heavy accelleration and loads, there is a loud popping underneath the vehicle that can be felt through the driveline. Pop-pa, Pop, Pop, Pop. You'll thing something is getting ready to come apart hardcore. It's just a nasty sounding noise. If I let the trans kick down at under 30mph I could get it to do it as well, but definitely from a standing start and lunge forward(or attempt to), you'll hear it.

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fantastic write-up! almost inspired me to attempt this job, myself...almost.

my x5 (2001 4.4, 190k mi) has the same symptoms as described here. i have been talking with an indy tech about changing out the chain, instead of replacing the entire transfer case. he says he'll do it, but if he gets inside the case and there's more damage (bearings, gears, or damage to the case itself caused by the loose chain), he'll still have to replace the case...and charge me for the internal inspection and the Xfer case replacement. so i have decision to make, and am asking for advice. should i risk it, and let him open up the case in the hopes that we can get away with just changing the chain? is there frequently more internal damage when the chain wears out? or should i just bite this bullet, buy a case and have him install it? what are your opinions? upon successful repair, i plan to keep this vehicle at least a couple more years.