2001 325xi transfer case/transmission question

[antonioseet]

Repair Update:
Got both the diff and the oil pan extension thing. will start working on replacing the extension and then the diff.

Old Diff:
I unscrewed all the bolts and tried to pry it open but couldn't. will try again later.

[antonioseet]

It started to rain so i had to pack up and stop for the day. I got as far as putting in the oil pan extension. I'm going to be getting the new diff oil tomorrow. I stuck the axle into the new diff and when i turn the flange, it is no longer slipping! Very excited to put everything back together.

I got the old diff open with a few hits with a hammer and I wouldn't be able to tell which gears are called what to properly inspect them, i'll post pictures tomorrow.

[antonioseet]

Eureka! Diff installed and put everything put back together, Shifts perfectly now, took it around the block a couple of times!! Only thing missing is the passenger sway-bar link and new inner tie-rod boots (and perhaps the inner tierods themselves) because they were torn. Other than that, there are a few codes ill check and it should be good to drive! will update again once everything is put back together 100% and we'll see how it drives.

Question about the sway bar; when i took the car for a test drive without the sway bar, the steering felt odd, and the wheel would pull towards the way i was steering, this is just because i didn't have the sway bar installed, right?

[dhurley34]

Could be a combination of things. AWD's will always pull in the direction of the steering just because you have power being delivered to the front wheels. Glad to hear it's coming together. Happy wrenching.

[antonioseet]

So even if i let go of the wheel when turning, its going to pull towards that side?

As opposed to it going back to the center in a RWD?

[dhurley34]

So even if i let go of the wheel when turning, its going to pull towards that side?

As opposed to it going back to the center in a RWD?

It should return to center. Being an '01 I would believe that most of the front suspension needs to be R&R'ed with an alignment. You'll get it figured out.

[Rolasprint]

I got the half-shaft off and the diff is loose. Ready to drop the cradle and remove the diff.
Would this seem like a good place to put the jack to hold the transmission/engine?
Attachment 569325

Hi There, trying to revive an old post. I have the same problem. My car 2003 BMW 325 xi (or AWD) die while driving in a highway. All of a sudden a... puff takataka taka taka noise and I pulled over hoping it was a blown tire. But it was not. My car would move in any direction while in gear and will move if pushed in Park.

That being said, which is the most effective way to diagnose this issue? Certanly Tranny, Transfer Case, Differentials, shafts...

Thank you very much,
Rod