Transfer Case Adaptation Reset - What are my options?

[Auto Parts Guy]

Hello everyone, I bought my wife an e83 (07 X3) with 109k miles and I'm changing the fluids... I have and use INPA for my cars but the TC adaptations has me somewhat frustrated. I really don't feel like spending a day or weekend trying to make ISTA or DIS/GT1 work just for a 20 min fluid change job, plus my laptop works great as is with INPA. Are the dealer tools really all that will reset the TC adaptations? Will the Foxwell NT510/NT520 or the Schwaben Scan Tool or Bav Tool do this? Or some other tool? I can't find this specific answer anywhere. I posted on the e46 Forum bc I think the xi has the same problem and way more traffic here. Thanks!

[randy72877]

The plastic gear in the transfer case motor is probably broken/worn. This is a common problem and causes adaptation to fail.

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[Auto Parts Guy]

Thanks and yes I know this common failure mode, but that has nothing to do with my question.

[randy72877]

Are you getting the dsc/4x4 light and a fault code for transfer case adaptation? If so it's probably the gear. If you are just getting the fault code for "vtg oil wear" and want to reset the oil life, I use an autel scanner at my job that will reset t/c oil life and perform the adaptation process after repairs. I recently replaced the gear in an e83 (a week or two ago) and had no issues with adaptation/calibration after the fix. Prior to replacing the gear, I tried to run the adaptation process for the hell of it and it would not complete. The gear had a good size section of worn teeth. I have not messed with inpa much because I use the scanner at the shop, but I would think it would perform these functions.

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[Auto Parts Guy]

No I am not getting the lights on the dash and I have no issues with the car. I'm simply changing the fluids (already done the complete coolant system: radiator, expansion tank, hoses, water pump, thermostats, etc). The TC actuator gear has already been flipped 180 degrees by the PO, and I have a replacement gear to install. I will do this at the same time as the fluid change as preventative maintenance. I will also change the trans filter and fluid, and diff oils. But currently, i have no way to reset adaptations in the TC. INPA absolutely will not do it. I wish it would. What model Autel scanner are you using? And yes INPA tells me the VTG has a stored 54C6 code for oil abrasion, only visible by direct communication to the Verteilergetriebe.

My original question is what other options are there besides ISTA to reset TC adaptations? Will the Foxwell NT510 do it? I read it does engine adaptations, but no one specifically can confirm it will do the TC. If I need to spend a couple hundred on a new scan tool, this is ok, but I won't spend several thousand on one, and I really don't want to spend all day trying to get ISTA to work. I would rather avoid the dealer as well.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Somebody has to have changed the oil in the transfer case for their xi and been in this situation.

[dhurley34]

E46 XI's use a completely different transfer case that has zero electronics.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Seriously?? You guys are lucky. Thanks for the info. I'll report back if I figure out my question.
Update: I bought the Foxwell NT520 and reset the TC adaptations in about 10sec. Very nice scanner and worth the money for sure.

[gwmckee]

Does anyone know why I would get the following error when trying to reset the adaptation of my transfer case in my 2010 535xi sedan?

"The function could not be performed without problems. Do you wish to repeat the function?"

Repeating the function results in the same message. I did the oil change in the t-case but can't get the adaptation reset. I'm using a Schwaben Scanner 14020SCH.

Thanks in advance.

[nonturbodan]

When the plastic gear in my wife's e83 stripped I replaced the fluid at the same time and did not reset any adaptations. Its been years since and we have had no issues.

[Ervin]

Hi all, please can someone help me reset adaptations for the transfer case. For the life of me I cannot find instructions online or locate the function via OBD or BMW scan options. Thanks

[RobertDenali]

You need a software program.

[jclausen]

Find a shop that has an autologic or Ista and ask them to reset it, be nice. It's a fluid change reminder fault, I don't believe it will change anything as far as apatations when reset

[kimokk]

You need a software program.

which software program can reset the TC adaptation? I DIS, INPA, Progman and NCS.

thx.

[jpoduje]

Would you be willing to detail the steps on the Foxwell to reset the TC adaptations? Screens, steps etc.?