2003 325Xi 5spd transfer case question

[H00sier]

I'm looking at a fixer upper E46 that is CHEAP. The front driveshaft came out going down the highway (failed at rear yoke) and when it did jarred so bad it set off all the airbags. Minus a small hole in the driveshaft tunnel and the airbags needing replaced the car is in great condition. The rear yoke is mangled and needs replaced, but there is no visible damage to any of the drive train.

Not having any experience with the Xi models I have a couple questions.

Before committing to the buy I want to make sure theres nothing damaged in the transfer case, tranny, etc. I started the car up hoping I'd be able to get it to move in RWD only (since front driveshaft is out) but when I tried it didn't move (not even the slightest). There was no jerkiness anywhere, putting it in gear felt smooth and like it engaged properly, when I let up on the clutch there was no grinding or clunking just a very slight hydraulic like whining sound.

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for or if theres some electrical sensor magic that won't let the car run only in RWD. What should I look for spinning things by hand to diagnose a axle or transfer case issue?

It's a bit of a what came first the chicken or the egg scenario. With 140,000 miles were the u-joints just worn in the driveshaft and the previous owner ignored the tell tell signs which led to a catastrophic failure..... or did something in the rotating assembly let go and cause the shaft to fail in such a manner.

[dhurley34]

The XI transfer case is not like other cases in the world. They had to make a small compact design to use so they used planetary gears instead of direct gears. It will not move without resistance from both the rear and front tires against the road.

Completely normal to not move when the front shaft is gone.

[floydr]

I had the front diff in my '01 330xi fail and freeze; transfer case (and rest of drivetrain) survived just fine. I skidded - all 4 wheels - for around 100' before coming to a stop, completely immobile. You have the opposite.

There are no electronics (or DSC or anything) associated with the E46 system; you can just drive around in RWD mode until you get it fixed.

[dhurley34]

Incorrect Floydr. The car is not moving without the front driveshaft connected. It is literally impossible. There is zero chance of using it as RWD or FWD only.

[dhurley34]

Also, the DSC does work in conjuction with the AWD system by selectively applying the brakes to each wheel that spins in low traction intances to provide axle resistance so the AWD system works properly.

[floydr]

Incorrect Floydr. The car is not moving without the front driveshaft connected. It is literally impossible. There is zero chance of using it as RWD or FWD only.

Aaagh. Thinking of xDrive (E9x and later) rather than E46.

[H00sier]

Thanks guys, I'll have a new shaft in it in a couple days and we'll see if she'll move under her own power then.