Transfer box actuator gear worn

JamieX5 · Post by **JamieX5** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:32 pm

Seems my X has decided to eat it's actuator gear like many others I have read about, also a lot of x3's do this too. I have just ordered a new gear from America for just over £100, much better than £900 that BMW want to replace the whole actuator. If anyone is intrested i will take a few pics when I fix it incase anyone ever needs to do there own?

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:44 pm

Bloody hell - yes please.

And can you REALLY dumb it down for me please? I know that's a ball-ache when you're trying to just-get-the-job-done. But will be much appreciated.

Good luck with the rebuild though.

JamieX5 · Post by **JamieX5** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:15 pm

[quote="Sanj"]
Bloody hell - yes please.

And can you REALLY dumb it down for me please? I know that's a ball-ache when you're trying to just-get-the-job-done. But will be much appreciated.

Good luck with the rebuild though.

[/quote]

It should be quite simple but i will get some pics when i do it next week end. I had it in pieces monday to confirm the fault and was quite straight forward.

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:51 pm

Pics man, pics!

Really that easy?

JamieX5 · Post by **JamieX5** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:23 pm

[quote="Sanj"]
Pics man, pics!

Really that easy?
[/quote]

I will get some pics when I fit the new gear mate. It really is quite straight forward.

northernlight · Post by **northernlight** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:52 am

Yep, know the story. This has happened to mine as well.

Still at the garage 2 weeks later whilst they try to sort it out.

Anyone know if the manual and auto X5's use different transfer cases/actuators? Have heard of a few more manual ones going than autos and given there rarity, wondered if there was a link.

northernlight · Post by **northernlight** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:54 am

Jamie,

Through my own research on this issue, it seems to be important that you calibrate the actuator after it is installed. You will need a BMW diagnostic tool to do via the OBC apparently.

JamieX5 · Post by **JamieX5** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:15 pm

[quote="northernlight"]
Jamie,

Through my own research on this issue, it seems to be important that you calibrate the actuator after it is installed. You will need a BMW diagnostic tool to do via the OBC apparently.
[/quote]

After the research that I have done I tend to disagree. The actuator goes through a learning procedure every time you start the car. If the procedure doesn't complete that's when you get the fault. Therefore when the new gear is fitted the learning procedure will complete with ignition on and that should be job done. I'm getting a lifetime warranty on the parts also so should be ok

northernlight · Post by **northernlight** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:28 pm

You could be right. I'd just read in a few places that you needed a 'GT1 OBD Diagnostics Interface' (whatever that is) to reset the resistor values of the the actuator. All sounded rather complex so was rather glad mine was covered under warranty!

Sure many of these things sound more complex than they are in reality, will be good to hear how you get on.

garethdeb · Post by **garethdeb** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 1:50 pm

For the benefit of a complete thicky here, what r the symptoms of this actuator failing, or beginning to fail?
Cheers
Gareth

northernlight · Post by **northernlight** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 2:23 pm

Mine started up with a clunk when reversing, followed by juddering at low speed and a feeling like the a brake caliper was stuck on. I think there are various ways it manifests itself. Usually the DSC, ABS and brake warning lights come on as well.

JamieX5 · Post by **JamieX5** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 8:48 pm

[quote="northernlight"]
Mine started up with a clunk when reversing, followed by juddering at low speed and a feeling like the a brake caliper was stuck on. I think there are various ways it manifests itself. Usually the DSC, ABS and brake warning lights come on as well.
[/quote]

I get all the warnings intermittently. Also do get occasional reverse clonk

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