Transfer box

[Louise Barker]

Hi,

I've got a 11 plate BMW X1 and I've just forked out £1200 to get it through its MOT and also paid for the mass dual fly wheel to be replaced as the car was juddering on acceleration. It's still a problem and the garage have advised it's the transfer box which has been quoted at £2-6k to fix. Has anyone come across this problem?

Thanks 

[Greydog]

Morning Louise

Welcome to the Forum

First the price quoted was that by a BMW Dealer (they replace not repair)? I guess it was. Second check your tyres carefully, have any been changed lately if so are they the correct size and make? If the tyres are not all correct for your car then transfer case damage is common (Not just to BMW but most AWD cars)

When did the transfer case have its fluid changed?

There are several Transmission specialist out there who now rebuild transfer boxes, Google is your friend to find them

Dave

[gyislander]

Louise  , how did you get on, I have the same problem. 

 

[Greydog]

Quote

 

Morning Gary

As above first check the tyres is wear even are they correct sizes are the all the same make? Are your tyres/wheels staggered (wider at the back) if they are particular attention needs to be paid to the tyres and sizes

Now what are the symptoms you are experiencing? Often if odd tyres have been fitted damage occurs to the Transfer case actuator gear.

If you have reasonable DIY skills the actuator motor is not difficult to either change the actuator or repair it. If incorrect tyres have been fitted over a long period damaging the transfer chain there are specialists out there who will repair the box or if you have good skills rebuild it yourself.

So if you stop your car and as its shutting down you hear a whirring clicking noise it is probably a damaged actuator motor/gear. If reversing on full lock you feel a snatching through the wheel it could be the transfer chain skipping.

Dave

[gyislander]

Greydog,  I don't actually know what the problem was, I was investigating a rattle having just bought the car (auction) and found the front prop missing! The output flange is loose and rattling so I fear it's significant internal damage.  The cars done 100k and although it has a full dealer service history, I see that the mot history is full of advisories about individual tyres so that's probably what's killed the box.

I'm pretty competent in the garage but I suspect a used box might be the quickest easiest fix.

 

[Greydog]

Morning Gary

At 100k that is very early to have that sort of issue so I would guess it was very likely a tyre issue behind the cause. With mismatched tyres damage can occur in literally days. Bit worrying as it has a Dealer history they weren't very observant !!

Not good but not a disaster, I know a guy locally who brought an X3 same issue. He got a replacement transfer box from Ebay, a tip here, use www,realoem,com to make sure you have the correct part number to make sure you have the right box. His first was for a manual so had to be returned, luckily they had the correct box and this time he remembered the propshaft too 🤣.

Whoever had owned his car before had liked the look of wider rear tyres, instead of buying the correct wheels they just fitted wider tyres?? So he could see the cause I put a chalk mark on the rear tyre at the ground same on the front, we rolled the car forward 3 revolutions and the front was almost 1/3rd behind the rear no wonder the transfer box gave up.

He brought a set of staggered wheels and had the correct rated tyres fitted, 3 years on and he is still driving it.

Dave

[gyislander]

Christ what a faff, had to remove the box mount and lower it just to be able to get a boroscope in to read the right part number!

I hope changing the tranfer box isn't going to need the gearbox out too  though if it does I'll do the chains too. Anyone done the job ?

[Greydog]

Morning Gary

Take a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model then search the sections The site is a BMW Online Parts list same as the Dealers use. When you find your part double click the part number and it will show you any alternates that can be used, The small exploded drawings will also help with location. 

Saves rolling on the ground to get part numbers 🤣 Mind now you have had a practice run 😁

He and his son did the job in his driveway over a weekend so apart from the weight of the casing you should be fine

Dave

[gyislander]

Hi, I've got a 2nd hand box and a front prop. Ive had a look on realoem for prop bolts and although the site shows prices there doesn't seem to be a way to buy ,,,, or I'm I doing something wrong? Hopefully when they list a bolt at $0.98 a bmw dealer won't rip the p...

[Greydog]

Hi Gary

Realoem shows prices in US$ and are just an indicator talk to your BMW Dealer give them the part number and ask for a price you may be pleasantly surprised. Or find an Industrial Fastener specialist realoem gives the bolt specs so ask them the same question

When I rebuilt the rear suspension on my E53 I fitted new eccentric adjustment bolts and my BMW dealer was cheaper than Ebay 

Dave