BMW 2004-2010 X3 Transfer Case Actuator & Fluid Replacement DIY (BMW E83 X3, 2004-2014 X5, 08-14 X6)

►No matter how well the xDrive system was designed, the BMW X3 transfer case actuators do fail and will need to be serviced or replaced.

There are a few BMW X3 transfer case symptoms you might notice when it begins to fail. One of the first and most glaringly obvious signs is if you've noticed the 4x4, ABS, brake, or all three symbols illuminate on your dash; this could be a sign that your transfer case actuator gears are starting to fail. Another symptom that's less obvious is that you may also hear a clicking noise when putting the transmission in gear.

After this job is complete, you're going to want to have the BMW X3 transfer case reset. The adaptation values will need to be reset with a laptop running BMW ISTA, or by bringing it to a dealer/shop that can do this for you.

Shop Parts Used In This Video Here:

These Parts Will Fit The Following Vehicles:

BMW X3
2004 BMW X3
2006 BMW X3
2007 BMW X3
2008 BMW X3
2009 BMW X3
2010 BMW X3

BMW X5
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 4.4i
2004 BMW X5 4.8is
2005 BMW X5
2006 BMW X5
2007 BMW X5
2008 BMW X5
2009 BMW X5
2010 BMW X5
2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d
2011 BMW X5 M
2012 BMW X5 M
2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d
2013 BMW X5 M
2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d

BMW X6
2008 BMW X6
2009 BMW X6
2010 BMW X6
2010 BMW X6 M
2010 BMW X6 xDrive35i
2010 BMW X6 xDrive50i
2011 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
2011 BMW X6 M
2012 BMW X6 M
2013 BMW X6 M
2014 BMW X6 M

Index:
Intro 00:00
Drain the transfer case and expose the actuator 2:50
Remove the transfer case actuator assembly 6:04
Disassemble the transfer case actuator 7:35
Reassemble the actuator 11:30
Reinstall the transfer case actuator 18:00
Refill the transfer case with fluid 19:45
Refit the transmission crossmember 20:50

Get free parts from FCP Euro:

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[JG-gfho]

Couple of similar videos about Actuator replacement in Youtube. This one is the best.

[xiayu]

18:52 you missed a baby for the baby counter! Excellent video. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise! Do you absolutely have to remove the 18mm cross member bolt to remove the actuator motor?

EDIT: Finished the job already and the answer to my question is NO. Just have to lower the transfer case after removing the 4 cross member bolts to get access to the actuator screws.

[jbrown]

Man you are the best, my bmwx3 2008 having same issue but i have useless mechanics in New Zealand..you explain it better than bmw people

[peculiarliving]

I just want to say thanks for such a thorough and well produced DIY. Very helpful.

[carlos-kxsn]

You nailed this video with all the details man. Well done video

[luisg]

What's the oil i should be buying? How bad it is if i don't reset it with a computer after?

[aa]

What stops the plastic gear from coming out while the worm gear is still in place? It would seem the only reason to take the motor out is to make it easier to clean the worm gear. Perhaps dremel tool with a small grinder would be better than breaking the casting.

[mra]

What are your thoughts about using the URO brand brass gear instead of the plastic one again? Greater longevity?

[limecrew]

I just did this and saved a buttload of duckets baby! Gracias yo!

[chrisp.]

I definitely need to replace my fluid, 40, 000+ miles. I also need an ECU repair, it’s temperature sensitive and starting it 2-3 times in the winter really sucks.

[olymes]

Did I just hear you say you can replace the part for 500 bucks 🤯 I found the same part for 90 bucks… but great video.

[qollinsqollo]

very very well elaborated and explained, thank you

[cruzfernandez]

Very appreciated and worthy time watching the video. Thank you

[anthonythurman]

About to do this on my daughters x5..thanks for the thorough..lesson

[waynesalekin]

Amazing video. Great job. Thank you very much!

[fernandoruano]

Can you help? I changed the whole transfer case gear in my car, but the lights are still turning on.

[GabeeYankee]

I have the same problem but in my X3 2015. They come with that?

[quong]

hi mike love your work and appreciate all your expert advice and demonstrations.
i have a serious question...i had my auto mechanic change the auto transmission filter change and gasket...
he filled cold and did not check fill at correct temperature 2 weeks ago...and now
at idle the automatic transmission is about to blow up and make horrible loud sound....

but once i get going i dont have any gear change issues..

but it sounds like a grating sound 2006 bmw x3 and now i dont know what to do...thanks mike

[quartznation]

I was hearing the actuator clicking after turning off the car.. Before I had chance to replace the gear my x3 went into limp mode.. So I replaced the gear but now what do I do about resetting the limp mode? Or will it reset itself? Or should i push to mechanic? Please help thanks

Cleared all codes generic code reader..
Cleaned 4 speed sensors..spark plugs. camshaft/crankshaft sensors, maf and checked all fluids.. Disconnected battery for 3 days.. I'm scared to turn ignition and see the Christmas lights.. It's not even thanksgiving yet

[arnaudekko]

Hello, c'est la meilleure vidéo sur ce sujet, merci de France 🇲🇫, tres beau tee-shirt également 👍