I finally uploaded the DIY video for repairing the transfer case actuator with a new gear. I completed the repair in December 2015 and we have had zero issues since!
The BMW service centers will tell you that the entire transfer case needs to be replaced at a cost of over $4,000 simply because they do not replace the actuator motor or the plastic gear inside it. We also did a drain and fill of the transfer case with fresh BMW fluid after replacing the gear. Hope this helps someone get back on the road!
Great video how-to, thx!!!
Hello rbelton,
great video on how to fix that problem. In the video title it says for the E 53 X5 and the E 83 X3, but I own a E 70 X5 2007 model. In my dashboard I have the ABS, the 4X4 and the DCS lamp on permanently plus that my break pad wear lamp is also on permanently (even tho the pads are no where near worn out. Might be an separate issue and not related to that).
I was wondering if you have any experience with the E 70 and that issue. I will definitely have a look at the actuator on my transfer case and check the wear and tear on its parts. I guess I should be able to find a replacement gear for it.
I will drop an update on how it went.
Hope to hear from you, even tho your post is almost 3 years old.
Bump
Im have the same issue other than the brake pad wear. Varg, have you changed your brake pads recently? Did you also change the brake pad wear sensor?
I doubt that has anything to do with the trifecta but i know that once those lights turn on you need to buy a new sensor you cant just replace the pads. This happened to my 08 m3, once those sensors wear to the point where they trip the sensor they will always throw that light up.
Please keep me updated because my girlfriends car is throwing the trifecta in her 08 4.8 x5 and i cant figure it out. I replaced the battery and the alternator. That solved it for about 4 days but then it started happening again. I bought a 230 amp alternator from autozone for literally fractions of what ecs or anybody else was offering(160 vs 475). However im a bit concerned because i could look at the wrapping on the wires in the alternator and it looked like the resin was flaking off. Im going to take the car to autozone now to test it.
If it comes back fine what is my next step. I had the car on ramps but couldnt locate the transfer case actuator gear replacement.
I literally cant find a single video for how to get to the actuator on this car...(plenty of vids on how to replace the gear just not how to get to it for a e70) anyone have a link? Most people say the e70 actuator is usually fine... truth?
Should i replace my fluid before i try this does anyone have any experience here? Im lost m gonna go test it then Ill run codes with inpa and update this. Thanks for any help you could give me.
The E70 also has this issue apparently. I will update when we buy one... soon...
posted a write up here:
https://bimmerzeit.com/2020/09/04/x3...placement-diy/
Just need to update this with an additional "how to diagnose" video
link: https://youtu.be/Rn6fEjPcXzk
Just an FYI for those whoe aren't aware: If you have a shudder when turning, try changing the oil before springing for a new t-case. We had the shudder a couple of years ago and the oil change fixed it.
2007 FJ Cruiser (best vehicle to date)
2012 X6 35i Sport
2013 ML350 BT
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