How to Diagnose BMW Transfer Case Actuator Gear Failure E83 X3 E53 X5 Brake ABS 4X4 Lights On 5F39

The weak plastic gear wears out over time and can be replaced for very little money. Don't let the dealer quote you $4,000 USD for a new transfer case. If you're experiencing any of the following, you may need to replace your transfer case gear:

*Brake, ABS, and 4x4 traction control lights on - sometimes intermittently
*If you hear the trademark clicking coming from under the car when you turn it off
*Scanning the car shows BMW specific trouble code 5F39
*Unusually poor gas mileage as a result of transfer case lock up

27107566296G
27107566296
27107541782

My CAMERA GEAR;

This description contains affiliate links. If you click my custom link to purchase a product, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Win!

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. BIMMERZEIT assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BIMMERZEIT recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BIMMERZEIT. Video and Content is owned by BIMMERZEIT © 2020

[xiayu]

Great video! I'm nearing 179k miles and mine just failed on me. Took it to the dealer and they said exactly what others have said (quoted me for $3k saying it's the transfer case). Definitely going to purchase a gear and DIY.

[Archangel]

I remember the first time that gear went out a couple years ago I think now. I watched your video a few times and sure enough you were a %100 correct. When I pulled out the gear at first it wasn’t really that bad, but just bad enough to through a code apparently. I’ve been plagued with the X5 4.4, so I got really good at fixing my own issues, thanks to you sir. We all appreciate the guidance 👍🏻

[albanbnushj]

In case any one wants to know if its their gear that is bad, i have done this replacement many times, start your car and shut it off with door open if you hear a noise under car after car is off then its your gear that need to be replaced, If you do not hear a noise its def your transfer case 99% of time

[philiplee]

Hi Rich,
REALLY VALUABLE information for owners with those cars !
Cheers!

[victorsergiu]

Great video. Exactly the information needed

[nolan]

Thank you. I read a whole lot of messages boards before seeing this. You nailed the location of the grinding sound. this gives me a lot of confidence I have the same issue.

And a low cost solution is available!!! Are you kidding me? Thank you, and well done.

[Rileylab]

Hey bro u just saved me A LOT of god dam money. Bless ur heart! Thought my transmission failed it was really just the gear teeth there

[asm]

Thanks for this - how can I be certain that I am buying the correct part or replacement for my x3? also should I get gear replacement or the one with servo included? TIA

[aidenp]

Mine failed around 118k miles about a year ago, very easy fix.

[briananderson]

Great video, spot on advise. Thanks so much!!

[ImStep-by-Step]

I don’t think I’ve ever acknowledged how much you e taught me @bimmerzeit…you’re really the best EVER!

[MollyMi]

Great vid!! But does this gear fit e90 335i? Im not sure if the x3, 5 has the same gear as the e90

[steves]

Great video. Does this fix ‘Trans Failsafe Prog’ warning on dash? Cheers.

[noneya]

Replaced that nylon gear with a aluminum one and bloody mint no more issue (for me that is
I also did over pack it with grease

[southpaw]

Hi, my X3 E83 have a noise, rough and clanking sound every time I start the car in the morning but after like 30 seconds or so it went off, what do you think the solution for this? Thanks for the help and more power to your channel.

[basiliomena]

@BIMMER ZEIT saludos desde Costa Rica excelente video podrías activar la traducción de tus videos con subtítulos en español sería genial gracias

[patriotyk]

Very good info, hopefully it is only the gear, dash says 4x4, and the suspension, no abs or check engine code, waiting for code reader!

[Jacobeh]

Can I program the transfer case with the scan tool your using??

[jamesbristol]

I replaced my actuator, on my BMW X3 2006, because the brake light and four-wheel drive came on, it went into limp mode. You can turn the key off driving down road for about 8 Miles. It does the same thing again turn key of, start route backup, and runs fine. Brake light comes on, four-wheel drive light comes back on. The actuator is brand new.

[silviataylor]

Hello, Problem solved thanks changed entire actuator! Should I go get the Transfer case fluid change have 185, 000 on the dash not sure it has ever been change, the dealer price 350.00 + Silvia