Everything is just fine now. No more oil leak. Dealer did it so I can't comment on how hard this job is but keep us posted and I'd be interested in some pics if you can take a few on your DIY..... Good luck!

I'm now stuck at removing the last bolt! Everything went smoothly until I reached that one last bolt...seems the front differential needs to be unbolted and moved a little to the side to access that one last f*&*&%%$#@@{};%$ bolt :rolleyes: I've pointed it out in the picts.

bmw doesn`t make it easy to work on these things ,over engineered.

Yes. You need to remove front driveshaft and unbolt front differential. Than use two pry bars and slightly pry differential out. About 1/2 inch. You will be able to rotate diff clockwise and get that last bolt out. I just did this job 2 month ago. If you have any question please PM me.


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BTW , Welcome to the forum.... :thumbup:

Can we get DIY for that seal replacement?

Wooooohoooo! Eureka! The Lucifer bolt is out!!! A big shout to Axgordon for his guidance and encouragement- I was almost giving up and ready to have the X towed to my Indie. Thank you very much, sir. :thumbup:

This project is a P-I-T-A and not for the faint hearted. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, I'd rate it 10+. To me this project seems like a very challenging video game with traps everywhere blocking you from proceeding to the next level. The initial levels are easy and just when you think you're almost done, trap! And thereafter it's trap after trap! It's as if the designers of this engine deliberately made things very difficult to access and tricking you along the way;)

I heeded Axgordon's advice to lift the engine from the top and remove the front driveshaft and unbolt the front differential. Then use two pry bars and slightly pry the differential out about 1/2 inch. I was then able to rotate the diff clockwise and get that Lucifer bolt out. What a pain! And for good measure, I had to use an "S" wrench since regular wrenches wouldn't fit. All these additional steps just to remove that one bolt! Trust me, there's no other way as evidenced in the picts of that bloody bolt location in my earlier post. TIS and Bentley are deafeningly silent about the alternator bracket.

Here're a few additional picts.

:bow:

Welcome to the forum!!! This must be a First. Most first time posters come to this forum seeking help for their BM Trouble U. You on the other hand offer advice to a member that was having problem with his BM Trouble U. Hope that you will continue to post help.


:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I'm about to attempt this over the next few days.. what gaskets do i need other. So far this is my list

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...38#11427520214
11421702917 2pc O Ring for oil cooler connections at alternator housing.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...42#12317507808
Gasket 1PC 12317507808

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=17_0293
2 of number 3, O-ring 13,4X1,78 4 17222245358 $1.18

Did you replace any seals on the differential?

Do you have any important pointers?

1. disconnect battery
2. remove electric fan
3. remove alternator belt
4. remove alternator
5. remove plastic and metal skid plate.
6. remove plastic wheel wells on driver side.
7. remove drive shaft between Transfer case and front diff.
8. unbolt top bolt of driver side motor mount.
9. unbolt front differential.
10. lift motor on driver side.
11. pry front differential to gain 1/2 inch clearance to rotate differential clock
wise to gain clearance of hidden bolt.
12. Unbolt oil coolant lines,
13. unbolt alternator backet
14. replace seals
15. everything in reverse.

Is it necessary to lift motor on driver side to rotate differential clockwise?
Will the subframe be in the way?