Replacing the transfer case will take a couple of hours, and it’s a heavy part. It’s important to go in knowing exactly what to do and how to do it right. We have some tips for you: To remove the driveshafts, you may want box end wrenches.
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How much does it cost to replace a transfer case on a BMW X3?
The average cost for a BMW X3 transfer case shift motor replacement is between $1,634 and $1,801. Labor costs are estimated between $166 and $209 while parts are priced between $1,468 and $1,592.
Does a BMW X3 have a transfer case?
Because it has all-wheel-drive, the X3 is built with a transfer case, which assists in moving power from the transmission to the rear and front axles.
How do I know if my BMW transfer case is bad?
- Shifting Issues.
- Hard to stay in 4WD?
- 4WD Won’t Engage or Disengage.
- Fluid Puddle Under the Transfer Case’s Location.
- Strange Grinding, Growling or Humming Noises.
- Possible Causes of a Bad Transfer Case.
What is a transfer case on a BMW X3?
The transfer case in BMW 4×4 vehicle is what gives the vehicle its namesake capability. The transfer case is responsible for dividing the drive from the engine and sending it to all four wheels, rather than just two.
Is it worth it to replace transfer case?
Should you drive your car with a bad transfer case? Driving your car with a bad transfer case is a bad idea. If you continue to drive with a transfer case that has a serious mechanical problem, you could destroy it beyond the point of repair, and possibly damage your transmission, driveshafts and axles in the process.
Can a BMW transfer case be repaired?
The transfer case actuator motor is a small motor that is bolted onto the transfer case and can be removed and replaced (or repaired with a new internal gear).
How long do BMW transfer case last?
The transfer case itself apparently wears out after 100k miles or so, especially without oil changes.
How do I reset my BMW transfer case?
The easiest reset is using ISTA. Scan the vehicle and then select “vehicle management” tab then select “service functions” then go to “Power train” then select ” Transfer box/ transmission control” then select “repair.” Click on display and this service function will take you through the transfer case reset.
How long does it take to replace a transfer case?
Labor guide says replace front part of transfer case is 5.2 hours, rear part of transfer case 3.0 hours.
What happens if a transfer case goes bad?
When your transfer case goes bad, your car might jump in and out of 4-wheel drive on its own. This indicates an inability to stay in a drive mode which can damage the transfer case, other systems on the vehicle, or cause an unsafe driving situation.
How much does it cost to fix a transfer case?
The average cost for transfer case replacement is between $2,640 and $2,756. Labor costs are estimated between $441 and $556 while parts are priced at $2,199. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Can you drive without the transfer case?
Without a transfer case, you will not be able to drive the vehicle since the power is split 50/50 to the front and rear drive shafts and in 4WD or 4H mode. Alternatively 100% of the vehicle power is transferred to the rear drive shaft and differential from the transfer case when 2H mode is selected.
Does transfer case fluid need to be changed?
For proper vehicle maintenance, the transfer case fluid must be changed at regular intervals in order to keep your vehicle operating properly and to prevent excessive wear and/or damage to the transfer case that could lead to internal damage.
What does a transfer case do?
As a part of the drivetrain, transfer cases assist vehicles that rely on rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive functionality. This part works by transferring power from the transmission to axles in the front and rear via the drive shaft.
Can a transfer case cause transmission problems?
Both manual and automatic transmissions can work with transfer cases. With that being said, a bad transfer case can actually cause rough and difficult gear changes on both manual and automatic transmissions. These problems are usually caused by a lack of transfer case fluid or if the fluid is completely worn out.
How do you test a transfer case?
Switch on the ignition and observe the transfer case shift control indicators, you should notice a flash. You also need to diagnose some system circuits if you do not notice any flash. Check for battery and ignition voltage. Check the transfer case shift control switch connector and the ground circuit for earth.
Is transfer case same as transmission?
No. A transmission is used primarily to multiply engine torque at lower vehicle speeds, as well as provide a reverse gear. A transfer case is usually but not always attached directly to the transmission’s output, and is used to supply torque to both front and rear drive axles.
How do you turn off 4×4 BMW X3?
- Turn on Sport Mode. Sport Mode automatically turns off four-wheel drive and disables your electronic stability control systems.
- Turn on the Off-Road option. This will keep the stability control systems online but takes a little longer to turn the four-wheel drive off.
What is a transfer box on a BMW?
The transfer box is a component specific to 4 wheel drive vehicles. This component serves as the differential for the axles of a car so to speak. Its purpose is to distribute power to both the front and rear axles.
How does a BMW transfer box work?
BMW xDrive is a full-time all-wheel drive system with the transfer case being the core component. The transfer case works by directing power from the transmission to both the front and rear differentials. xDrive can make a trip on snowy roads an easier time on you and your car.
How do I know if my BMW is XDrive?
If you look under rear of XDrive you should see rear transfer box/differential and a drive shaft going to each rear wheel. SDrive is front wheel drive only. If you look under rear of XDrive you should see rear transfer box/differential and a drive shaft going to each rear wheel. SDrive is front wheel drive only.
Who makes BMW Transfercase?
Magna has been providing the German automaker with drive systems since 2003, including the Actimax transfer case, which powers nearly all BMW xDrive models.
Where is the fuse box on a 2006 BMW x3?

How much fluid is in a BMW transfer case?
The transfer case has drain and fill plugs for easy servicing and this should be part of your proactive approach to vehicle service. The transfer case will take just under 1 liter of fluid so only one bottle is required.