As much as the CAR WIZARD hates BMW's, he saved owner thousands fixing this '08 X3. What did he do?

[@faafaafowhigh]

Original owner to an '06 BMW 325xi 266,000 miles never left me stranded, great cars!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I have the same car, and it’s handling is incredible, if a bit stiff and abrupt over potholes. Great highway ride, too.

[@joesmith9216]

The 2007 has much softer suspension(just got my '07) at least over the first 3 years, I had a 2005, it was rough!

[@braden_n54]

I have spent Many years as both a BMW dealer tech and working at a BMW specialist independent shop. The maintenance point is definitely very true , I enjoy working on them personally , but yes I see more neglected maintenance on them then most other brands I have worked with . Good call on the diagnosis very common I knew what it was the second you started talking about the transfer case haha .

[@bluegrasskid]

@Braden-n54doctor I’m thinking about getting a 2001 X5 3.0L with 150k miles that seems to have been maintained fairly well. Are you familiar with them?

[@ron8566]

Look up the repair history on the car and count the number of oil changes, etc. Most BMW X car owners are not DIY’ers, so I would run, not walk, away from an X car without verified maintenance records.

[@richdalley8250]

About what mileage does this problem occur on this vehicle?

[@rogerhalstead2595]

​@@richdalley8250100000 miles

[@rogerhalstead2595]

Does this gear always throw the trifeca of lights. I'm not getting any lights yet, but I have the crabbing when turning and shudder on takeoff. Very intermittently.

[@pops55650]

I never noticed any animosity between Car Ninja and car wizard. Both guys are humble and great guys.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

As a mechanic l know where you are coming from Wizard....l am in my 80's now to old to do much anymore.... Thank you and your Wife..!

[@greathornedowl3644]

Great work Wizard and Car Ninja, thank you for looking out for customers' best interest.

[@chrisathomas1]

I love the collaboration between the two KZbin channels and supporting each other. Please do more videos like this.

[@Midnight.Shadows]

I love it when cars like this are showcased, you can tell its part of the family, yeah its a little beat up, and its a little dirty, but if you're willing to bring your dog (Or other animals) and you daily it, and yeah maybe its got a bit of a rub mark on the front corner, and maybe its over 100k miles, but you love it, it's the car equivalent of 'home' Also shows that they really care for it that they went to you Wizard for an independent unbiased assessment on it, most people would just say "BMW quoted me thousands! Well, it still runs. . . Might as well just keep going rather than fix it." I also respect the friendship that you and the Ninja have, you two are pretty much keeping the car culture in your area alive, one car at a time! Kudos to you guys!

[@vw5056]

I would never let a dog onto nice leather seats.

[@Midnight.Shadows]

@@vw5056 Clearly you're not an animal lover then.

[@maxxaddict]

The Wizard cosplays as a Ninja today!

[@JOHNJ0HN9111]

Lol

[@g2theb584]

There should be consumer protection laws against greedy dealerships trying to gouge customers especially when there is a known faulty product.

[@richardmesser1091]

You can go to the dealer or not, plenty of hack independents that may charge less but do know what they are doing

[@dkeny55]

Techs working on flat rate!

[@jazzjames]

Unfortunately, people do not try to figure out anything themselves or educate themselves.

[@ron8566]

Nobody took this car to a dealer for this problem. The customer was just reading the on dash warning and “assumed” it needed a new transfer case.

[@scottivlow9962]

One thing I like about Johnny he is very honest about when he Even admits that he hates certain BMW models, the engines and all the other complicated stuff that hep has with these cars. When Elliot had his Z3 car and brought to Johnny he said it right off the bat "I hate this car."

[@vw5056]

But he loves the Z8 which is more difficult to service. Go figure. Stop living for negativity.

[@scottivlow9962]

@@vw5056 I don't live for negativity thank you very much, but I'm more interested in honesty to do that I only pointed out an honest fact on what he says in his videos. Everybody who knows the god honest truth about BMWs is how how far more expensive it is to have to pay a mechanic for hours of work for cheap stuff that breaks because BMW uses cheap plastic parts and put it engines that you can't repair yourself. That's why BMW owners know the truth on BMW that when stupid stuff breaks out out of warranty they just trade thier cars in and make the next guy have to deal because BMW dealerships won't fix cars that cost more to repair than the car is worth. If BMW wanted top they could spend the money making far more reliable engines using high quality parts but they don't. BMW only care about the huge profits margins.

[@vw5056]

@@scottivlow9962 BMW dealerships won't fix a car if it costs more than "what it's worth?" That is news to me. Worth based on some arbitrary book value is an awful determining factor in repairs as it doesn't take many other factors into consideration such as the price of a comparable replacement vehicle. Plus a car "worth" two thousand before this Covid mania might now fetch four or five thousand.

[@175dell]

My wife has an 07 X3. Looks exactly the same. It's been an awesome vehicle. I highly recommend the AvinUSA 10.25" Android screen that fits in the factory GPS spot. Definitely updates the interior and my wife loves the Bluetooth and backup camera. Maintenance hasn't been too terrible, fixed the usual oil leaks. The oil pan gasket replacement was a job. But it's done now.

[@derekbk9093]

Have the Avin screen as well with hard wired back up camera

[@jeffs4585]

I also added the screen and backup camera to my '09 X3.

[@frankp.2831]

My wife drives a 2006 BMW X3 which I meticulously maintain.We bought it used in 2009 CPO with about 45,000 miles on the clock and put on another 90,000 mi since. I do my own wrenching and so far, maintenance and repairs have averaged about $1000.00 per year including brakes, tires, cooling system rebuild, windshield replacement, oil leaks (several) fixed, oil changes, brake fluid flushes, driveshaft replacement and rebuild (both front and rear), suspension maintenance, bushings, struts, rear springs, wheel bearings, ABS reluctor ring replacement and many other odds and ends. Thirteen years of maintenance for less than first year depreciation on a new vehicle. By the way, we live in the salt/rust belt, no less. Car still looks new, no rust except for surface rust on drivetrain components and subframes. BMW replaced engine hood with a NEW one (pinhead size leading edge rust bubbles), driver side front door (small rust bubbles at bottom of door) with a NEW one and repainted both rear quarters (minor rust bubbles) under the 12 year corrosion perforation warranty when the car was about 11-1/2 years old. Try that with a GM or Ford. Good luck. As an added bonus, cars this old show up regularly at the pick and pull yards so any major components needing replacement are generally available for peanuts. Example front differential for about $25.00, ABS sensor $5.00. Yes, I like old cars and unlike the Wizard, I like BMW's, I've had several, still own a couple and find them rather easy to work on. On the other hand, if I had to pay someone to wrench on my cars, I might feel somewhat differently, but I suspect that would be the same for any other brand.

[@HEMI345S]

It looks like your vehicle was completely rebuilt except the engine and transmission before 150k miles ... that's what Scotty calls ... a money 💰 pit 😃😃😃

[@AustinsCoins]

I disagree with your last statement saying that it would be the same for any other brand. If you don't work on your cars and pay someone. I would much rather have a simple Honda or Toyota than a BMW. Not only do things break less, they would cost less labor wise because they are simpler to work on in most cases.

[@eldoradocanyonro]

Hmmmmm Well, I've put $450/year into my 2010 nissan pickup. $20k purchase new. Try that. Think I've got a few more miles than you, too. Premium brakes (ceramic, cross drilled and slotted), tires (Bridgestone), radiator (prophylactic, due to inherent design issue), single oil leak, oil changes, brake fluid flushes, differential fluid, premium complete suspension replacement (Bilstein), battery, alternator, plugs..... And then there's the $300/year into my beat up old salvage title 97 chrysler concorde (don't ever buy a chrysler) that I paid $3k for in 2007.....

[@crappy60]

I’m with you, if you’re able to do the work yourself owning a BMW can be cost effective especially with websites like ECS Tuning and FCP Euro you don’t have to get horrible off brand parts. I use Amsoil in all my vehicles that require synthetic so oil changes aren’t that expensive for me either.

[@mikey_likes_it_]

Yes, anything m54 or earlier is good to work on.

[@latrace1986]

I'm not gonna lie, that car scene there in Wichita with Hoovie, Car Wizard, Car Ninja, JR, and all, is such a great example of "rising tides lifts all ships" and how they all support one another. The professional scene I'm in (in Chicago) is so cutthroat and it's truly every man for himself. If you do something to help someone in their career, don't expect them to help you back -- don't even expect a thank you. People, in my experience, don't even have a second thought about stepping on other people to get ahead. It seems like in Wichita, the folks in this KZbin car scene there are really honest and authentic. Definitely gives me some faith in humanity.

[@kitdinker]

"I hate BMW's!!!" With a BMW sign in the background HAHA!

[@glenlaughlin6547]

Thank-you Mr & Mrs Wizard & Car Ninja for doing the right thing for this customer.

[@chriswright8464]

Wizard, Thank you for being HONEST!

[@bikecommuter24]

The mechanic community is usually friendly I still talk to mechanics I know even though I'm retired, I like talking to the young people going to the local Automotive Tech School near me, I hope a lot of them turn out to be honest and thorough like Car Wizard. LOL I got one shop that wants me to come out of retirement, I thought about it, but having to buy all the tools, scanners and subscriptions again, I'll stay retired.

[@nickpappas4133]

Smart choice, I turned wrenches for VW/Audi at dealership level for 47 years, now retired for almost 5 years, still stop at the shop to talk to the guys and see some of the jobs and think I retired at the right time.

[@bikecommuter24]

@@nickpappas4133 I don't mind the work or talking to the customers, but I always seem to get the know-it-all Service Managers who really don't know anything, there are good ones, but my luck it would be the one who is more concerned with spread sheets than keeping a customer or keeping techs that actually do good work.

[@nickpappas4133]

@@bikecommuter24 boy do I hear you, last year of work I was getting most of the harder diagnosis warranty jobs and being flat rate and seeing the gravy jobs go to younger technicians was hard. I knew most of the customers and did the diagnosis road test with them which I enjoyed. They wanted me to come back at the Audi shop as a forman but it’s all about numbers like you said not so much customer satisfaction so I had to decline.

[@aussie2uGA]

I still have one of these and am the original owner! The transfer case has chains that can stretch so changing that expensive DTF fluid every 50k (or sooner) is critical to keeping it all working right. Also, most people don't know that all 4 tires must be kept even in wear. Don't ever swap just one or two tires out and call it a day. The transfer case will start to wear rapidly if there are different tire heights on different corners - they all must be the same and wear the same. If you ever turn the steering wheel in a low speed parking lot and feel the car "binding", thats worn chains in the transfer case and you need to change the fluid immediately. The original BMW X3's were made by Magna in Austria. In these days BMW did not have their Spartanburg SC plant up and running for X3's so it was outsourced to Magna. Many believe it's actually a better vehicle.

[@thebestever333]

What year does it have to be to be Austrianmade

[@aussie2uGA]

@@thebestever333 2003-2010 was when Magna Steyr had the contract.

[@mannyj5862]

I have one of these too, 170k miles on the clock now. Do you do you own repairs and how many miles do u have on?

[@aussie2uGA]

@@mannyj5862 I rarely drive it so it still has 65k original miles. Maintenance is now proactive due to age, not as much due to use. But I know thoroughly about all the common things that can happen.

[@darenzy]

Yes, Magna Styer in Austria, but some were assembled in Russia, Egypt or Thailand, depending on market. Amazing how they drive compared to it's competitors from that era.

[@ron8566]

Glad to hear that you are open to sharing the help that you get from Johnny. Based on this video I just may swap out that transfer box gear on the new to me ‘06 X3. Thanks.

[@nicksrandomviews1296]

Seems to be a good thing to have a network of friends and technicians that specialize in different automobiles especially for the customers. Great job car wizard.

[@00DUCK]

It's nice to see that you are great friends and have a great working relationship with someone that could simply be seen as a competitor in your field. I think there is more success to be had in this manner than as competitors or enemies.

[@jessecain1646]

Its good to have good networking with other shops.

[@zlord1199]

Networking is always good

[@chefjefe68]

Thanks for sharing this X3, Wizard. How much did it pain you to touch a BMW? Kidding aside, my theory on why this X3 mechanically looks good is that they use it as a daily driver as well as keeping it maintained. BMWs like exercise, and sitting is no good for them. I give mine exercise every day, and the underside of my car is dry, too.

[@aussie2uGA]

I'm the orginal owner of one of these and if you hear a ticking sound while idling, you need to do an "Italian tuneup". Run it to redline after its fully warmed up. Doesn't take much driving like this but a nice mountain road would be good. The lifters get all pumped up again and ticking sound will be gone. Make sure your oil is good before doing it too, as there is no dipstick to check it.

[@chefjefe68]

@@aussie2uGA Oh, I make sure to give my 328i an Italian tuneup at least once per day.

[@mcdoob]

BMWs are like girlfriend, must beat on them a bit or they get out of line

[@MartinJones123]

@@aussie2uGA That's a band aid fix... Although the ticking isn't harmful for your engine, if you want to rectify it properly on the N52, you would need to do some substantial work to the engine.

[@garrypritchard1658]

​@@aussie2uGA the dip stick s are driving bmws

[@shanet7511]

We've got a 2006 X3 that we bought with 122k miles. 5 years later we've got about 185k miles and it's never left us stranded, refused to start, or had to be towed. We've spent about $7-8k in maintenance and repairs, this includes two sets of tires, brakes, belt and tensioner, oil changes etc. Not bad for a car that I bought for $7k. The Actuator gear is a big issue on most mid 2000s BMWs with awd.

[@vw5056]

So thus far the car cost you let us say $15k and has a current market value of $5k give or take. Ten grand to drive 65k miles is peanuts. You'd lose way more driving any new comparable vehicle off the lot.

[@shanet7511]

@@vw5056 Exactly, it hasn't been a bad ownership experience at all. We had a 1998 chevy blazer that my parents bought in 2005 with 90k miles and it was always breaking down, needing to be towed and cost thousands in repairs. She got rid of it in 2010 with about 160k miles, didn't run worth a shit, interior fell apart and was just garbage. When the BMWs waterpump needed replacement it cost just shy of $900, and was making a funny sound for about two weeks so we decided to take it to the shop to get it checked out and found out it was the waterpump. When my Hummer H2 blew its waterpump without warning, it was just over $800. So less than a $100 difference, except the hummer would've required a tow of the repair shop wasnt half a mile away (still had to let it cool halfway there). Right now the Hummer is for sale, we plan to keep the BMW for several more years. Both were bought about a month apart and the bmw has about 15k more miles. No regrets with the bmw.

[@joesmith9216]

well, you must have drove it every day, leave it sit for a week or a little more, DONE.

[@shanet7511]

@@joesmith9216 We still have the X3, now at 190,6xx miles and it still hasn't broken down, refused to start or had to be towed for anything. It usually gets driven everyday but it did sit for a few weeks back a few months ago when my mother (who I gave the car to and lives with me) went in for his replacement surgery. It started right up no problem and has still been great.

[@joesmith9216]

@@shanet7511 Hey man, I had a 2005 for ten years(well still have it, getting ready to sell it) and just got a 2007, I am ocd with these E83's, they are kind of problematic, but they are the greatest suv ever when sorted, they are just so easy to use and they are FAST in typical bmw style. Like I said though, they sit, they die, bmws are just like that.

[@benlee6500]

These SUV drives faster than the X5, due to its body weight ratio, I had 2 X3 with 2.5L engines, and 3.0L X5....a routine maintenance will certainly keep you smiling for sometimes...thanks Wizard fir bringing this model up...Nice job

[@DanielHernandez-nr5ee]

My x5 3.0 is much faster than my x3 2.5. now the x3 3.0 is a pleasant drive

[@dirtyoar874]

Wife had one that had the same problem. Dealer charged 100 bucks for the gear and 500 labor. Went out less than two years later. Bought a fiber reinforced gear online for 25 bucks. 30 minute repair on buddy lift. Sold it right after.

[@romankalyniuk2596]

Don't blame you

[@nicholasvinen]

The two greatest moments of BMW ownership: the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

[@DanielHernandez-nr5ee]

That sucks. My 04 x3 is still on it's original plastic gear at 215k miles.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

With the absurd prices of cars these days I don't blame anyone for doing whatever they can to keep their car running. Hyundai's are $50K+ now!!!

[@funnypranker34]

I got a 32 year old bmw and it runs nearly perfect despite a leaky headgasket. I drive it everyday because my friend that owned the car before me put a bunch of work into the interior and did a basic tuneup on the car. Now I will be fixing all the issues with this thing and I will continue driving it till it dies :)

[@boogitybear2283]

I still buy old used Toyota rides and will keep it that way! $7300 for a 2011 Avalon Limited has been a joy to own!

[@christohees9150]

@@perryelyod4870 lol

[@zlord1199]

@@perryelyod4870 a Hyundai is equal to a German car ? Lol

[@jazzjames]

Absurd new. Used, they are quite affordable.

[@vancity2349]

Awesome video Wizard! Based on this video, and you have others were you show the honest repair, more customers will be coming your way!

[@javinjavril]

I have the same X3, too. Solid SUV. Besides some cooling system issues, which were already taken care of, I find them as fairly reliable as most vehicles of its age. The issue described on this video is a common thing. The sign for this will be the parking brake, ABS, and 4x4/DSC lights on at the same time on your instrument panel.

[@capturedphoton]

Right this issue is so common Idk why he had to call a car ninja. I think his trouble shooting/ research still aren't so great.

[@superbear617]

Hooray, Car Ninja!! And good for you, Mr. Wizard, giving credit where credit is due. Looking forward to that 911!

[@balkanca]

The Wizard and The Ninja; two of the top mechanics in the country!

[@celsovera91]

I trust your judgment

[@jtenn73]

Watch wes work is the best youtube mechanic

[@tyguy6827]

The N52 (engine presented in this video) is, in my opinion, the most reliable engine BMW has ever made. They have minor issues here and there (valve cover gasket leaking, VANOS solenoids, oil filter housing gasket), but are far better than N54/N55/N20 and it's further successors.

[@RD-zq7ky]

My N52 has had all three of those issues, but nothing else. I've got 170k+ miles on it.

[@vw5056]

To be fair all valve cover gaskets leak eventually. So it's really two problems.

[@DanielHernandez-nr5ee]

M54 is the most solid engine. The N52 has more issues and a weak electric water pump

[@tyguy6827]

Would have to disagree. The M54 have VANOS Seals issues, multiple coolant leaks issues with similar water pump failures, and finally the oil pump nut that I've personally witnessed failure to. N52 besides the water pump and the problems I mentioned above, does not exactly have inherent catastrophic failures as M54/N54/N55/N20...

[@TassieLorenzo]

Better than the legendary M10 or M30? :) Very interesting! On BMW forums, some say they prefer the previous M54 over the N52, what makes the N52 better?

[@DachsAutos]

I had this same car, and went thru the diagnosis of the motor and gear, however I had no lights on. After a new motor, control module with no resolve, I deemed it to be the actual clutch pack in the tcase. Not wanting to spend 500 bucks on the parts, I found a tcase on Marketplace for 100 bucks. problem solved. More involved than just replacing the motor, but it sure does tame that inline-6 once you get all four wheels grabbing.

[@trippy_boxer_dog2170]

its insane how 1 tooth of a cog can cause so much headache and grief and money!

[@dgurevich1]

@@trippy_boxer_dog2170 It's even more infuriating that the only reason they used plastic is to save 0.2$ compared to metal.

[@billd66]

Bet that felt good, helping that customer save all that money. That's awesome, good for you and Car Ninja.

[@jmabs5096]

10:40 woa, for a 2008 this thing rarely if any saw any salt in its life. Being in Kansas I wouldn't expect much but wow is that clean

[@ClubZoltar]

Arizona license plate. Might be from the desert

[@BigJonkulous]

"We're mortal friends" was a pretty fantastic remark.

[@ken4924]

Yea, I have an '07 X3 and have purchased that Gear Kit for ~$132.00 I think and made that fix twice. The gears are Nylon so do wear over time and yes, I had the dealership tell me $4,500 for a new Transfer Case also after reading the codes... pretty typical these days at most dealerships... pocket pickers.

[@itsnotme07]

Wonder who thought you and the Car Ninja would be "enemies"? Silly. Makes perfect sense that you would both throw business each others way. On the fix? Wicked cool when you bring the car in for what is expected to be a LARGE bill and it's nothing like that. Very cool and brings up the point of finding a good trust worthy repair shop! Once you do, keep going there to make sure they stay in business...and tell your friends, family, coworkers, strangers...haha.

[@WhittyPics]

Careful letting those BMWs in. Hoovie will start bringing them in. That gear looks like cheap plastic? Johnnie doesn't like working on the cars the Wizard likes and vise versa. Makes sense they would send business to one another.

[@MyName-mi8qr]

I work on a military installation and there is a one bank one credit union regulation for every military base, as you probably know being ex military. I am exactly like you and they are the same. If one of us can't offer a service, we send them to the other. I am about taking care of the member/customer than being mortal enemies and that is what sets us apart from the others. We ensure that we are taking care of the customer with the best possible service available. That's what its all about. Not trying to make the most money. You take care of the customer, they will take care of you. Hats off to you for asking your competitor for information and for them providing you the information that was needed to take care of the customer for the best overall experience.

[@jonworthing7467]

Good to have teamwork, to help each other.

[@jasonDudeGuy]

He's extremely right about BMW's not being maintained... leads to a lot of issues down the road and I'm surprised this one was in as good of condition as it was.

[@Dozav7]

It barely has 100k miles.

[@christopherldavid]

Mine’s at almost 240k and has done some big roadtrips without failing. I bought in a wealthy neighborhood, with consistent records from one BMW shop. All the important bits were already replaced once. I continued the maintenance and it’s been a great hooptie.

[@jasonDudeGuy]

@@christopherldavid yea I bought my E36 at 238k from the 4/5th owner he took care of a lot of maintenance items EXCEPT literally everything to do with suspension lol. Wasn't too bad since I was making it into a street legal racecar anyways but still, engine/drivetrain were cared for and it showed

[@christopherldavid]

@@jasonDudeGuy haha same here. Luckily they aren’t too bad.

[@ariel340]

Great to hear how this mechanic worked like a medic studying a patient with a board of doctors. Listening to advice, discussing the issue, and suggestiong a treatment (solution).

[@funkycarlover]

I guessed the gear after watching Different Car Review’s X3 guide, lol. That man knows his German cars better than I know myself!

[@spannersautoandcomputerser1649]

Reminds me of the fix Porsche made for the Boxster soft top motors which did the same thing. Plastic gear fails, brass unit replaces.

[@josephstanger873]

Your comment on BMW cars not being maintained is spot on, they seem to attract a crowd of people that should not be driving them, let alone any car with how poorly they take care of them, waiting until something breaks to service the car. Mercedes isn't as bad, but that type of person is attracted to luxury vehicles, at a low price point, which many early 2000s BMW's are at. However, this car seems to be relatively kept up, the inside is nice, and that isn't what is going on here, but just a general observation I have had.

[@Mikey-wf9py]

I love V8 but I have to say inline sixes are definitely my second favorite engine configuration They really are awesome there's a reason why they were used as truck and heavy duty truck engines for a long time and still are used for commercial application like UPS trucks and FedEx trucks Ford straight sixes the little 300 they used to put those in f600 dump trucks 160 horsepower but they had about 275 torque pumping out that's the thing about in line six that torque just comes in so low and throughout the whole power band to very good configuration not to mention the smoothness and ease of work because it only has one bank of cylinders and most of the intake and exhaust is just on the side especially a transversely mounted I6

[@robertbeirne9813]

What is this transversely mounted I6?

[@kevs2good133]

@@robertbeirne9813 instead of the engine lined up vertically it’s horizontally

[@thatdudeca]

Inline 6s rev so smooth as well!

[@johnmichaelkarma]

@@kevs2good133 I believe Robert is wondering about in what car is a I6 transverse. Can you name more than one?

[@leesmith813]

@@johnmichaelkarma Volvo 60 series. But usually they are used in trucks, cars are almost always vertically for weight distribution.

[@catfishbilly7425]

My mom had one of these. She bought it new and liked it up until about 125k miles. As soon as it hit 125k miles it starting having issues. A LOT of issues. Every 1-2 months something else would pop up, each time costing $1000-2000 to fix. She sold it at about 145k miles because the constant repairs were draining her.

[@BA-gn3qb]

More proof that BMW = Bust My Wallet

[@safffff1000]

Listen to Scotty, other than Honda, Toyota, get rid of anything else over 90,000

[@vw5056]

@@safffff1000 I'm good.

[@romka_ind]

BMW - Big Miney Wasted.

[@GeorgeMalonedj]

@@BA-gn3qb Bring Me Water or backwards Watch Me Boil!

[@AlwaysBeSmart674]

Had a very similar issue with our old 2003 BMW 330ci convertible. The top stopped functioning and got quoted $2,500 from a local shop to replace the motors. After that we heard about a exclusively german cars shop so we took it there for second opinion and after describing the issue to the shop owner he knew exactly what it was, a little plastic gear on the top motor strips out; very similar kind of issue in this video there was a metal updated part BMW made. He charged us $7 for the part and fixed it in 30 minutes. Crazy how drastically it matter on what mechanic you go to.

[@gord7025]

Hoovie needs to buy you a couple of those lifts since it's mostly his fleet hogging all the floor space

[@munkydotorg]

I've somehow (knock on wood) not had the issue with my transfer case. 202k miles on a 2004 2.5i (with a 6 speed manual). It's been one of my more expensive cars to maintain, but has continued to be enjoyable to drive. The motor in this one though, the infamous N52, not so bueno. Glad I bought one with an M54.

[@hamster639]

I used to work at a BMW dealer in UK a few years ago and we used to have a few of these with this issue. BMW UK don't allow stripping of their transfer boxes so we had to quote for new ones. This is an wwesome fix!

[@robbflynn4325]

glad you mentioned the Porsche, looking forward to a video on that

[@chassegallerie2910]

Yep! ALWAYS a nice idea to put plastic and metal gears together!

[@burntnougat5341]

It's designed like that so the plastic ones fail first if there's something further up the line causing the mechanism to seize. Not good when it comes to age and heat cycles though

[@chassegallerie2910]

@@burntnougat5341 Yeah, I guess that's the excuse they give to people to justify this. Thing is, I've seen this configuration in many things, not just in cars, and in many of those things, there was no real danger of anything seizing.

[@burntnougat5341]

@@chassegallerie2910 yeah I bet it's some cost savings in that case

[@carterxcash]

Ha wizard! I just did this on my 2005 X3, fun times. The internet is a wonderful thing, bmw wanted thousands! 15 dollar gear fixed it right up! Those bmw thieves!

[@personator907]

Nice how BMW has an updated gear because it's a common issue, but the initial diagnosis was a whole new transfer case...

[@frankp.2831]

The brass gear is aftermarket. BMW still includes the plastic gear in their repair kit

[@davidrobinson6495]

You folks are great. The dealership should be ashamed.

[@trevor9972]

as a video editor i love the new intro

[@blaketindle4703]

Car Wizard was right to recommend the X3 over the X5 of that generation. An X5 WOULD have cost thousands in repairs!

[@vw5056]

Not necessarily.

[@jonc2914]

My x5 has 200k and hasn't cost me anything but a few cheapo $5 hoses.

[@SweCars]

This m57 engine in the x3 is a wonderful engine, some might say its bulletproof.

[@bigd9848]

Exact car I have it has 100,000 miles. I got it as a second car so I don’t drive my Camaro SS. I bought it with 69.000 miles. I changed the starter myself and it was a pain.Location is under the intake manifold. I never worked on a vehicle like this. I did well it started no problem. I had the water pump changed it was $600.The job was to big for me.My actuator ⚙️ is stripped and need a new one.The thing is cheap but install is a job I never did. I did brakes,Tires and oxygen sensor.

[@blaketindle4703]

Can’t wait to see that mid-70s Porsche 911!

[@md2k8]

Joe from Joe's Golden Garage did a video on a 2004 BMW X3 3.0i at the auction today. He just completed a walkaround and a test drive down the track at the auction. He will be planning to bid on it and hopefully buy the X3, soon. These vehicles are great.

[@skyetaylor1389]

I have the same x3 - Transfer case went out - Bought a new one on EBay for $88 and my mechanic put it on for $100. I also bought the gears to fix the old one for $15 as a back up. Been running it for 1 year and it works like a champ. My car has 187,000 plus miles. If the 4x4 - Brake light - ABS appear. Just rotate steering wheel left and right a few times and it will go out. Sometimes you have to drive it a mile then do the steering trick. These cars are made of plastic and yes they can be money pits. Drove from Illinois to Utah. When I got in Nebraska the Radiator fluid was in the oil causing a massive flood under the car. Towed to BMW and paid $2,500. Drove from Nebraska BMW to Utah and it happened again. $2,500. The car was in the shop my whole vacation. Got around using daughters car. Got back to Illinois starting with the transfer case and one problem after another was a financial nightmare. I could not sell it was so bad. After all the repairs its running great. The engine light never stays off more than one week in three years but it;s just an oxygen Sensor that won't effect driving. It finally runs great. Bought a new Mercedes GL450 in 2008 and got over 300,000 miles before engine went. Mercedes are notorious for electrical issues like "no Radio" and other things that don't affect the driving. I'm driving this BMW till the engine goes and would never...I mean Never buy a BMW again. The Mercedes went to the junk yard with the original battery after 14 years and started every single time.

[@klpinfl127]

I can't believe you found a new transfer case for $88, wow, that's basically free! And a mechanic installed it for $100? I need your mechanics number!

[@tercelken]

@7:44 "And I send them...these things." 🤔😄

[@houseofno]

Fun fact about this generation of BMW - this is the ONLY model BMW that had appearance differences EVERY year of production. BMW was still experimenting with its looks and that was the reason for it. This was BMW's first SUV smaller than an X5.

[@jmabs5096]

Fun fact: BMWs are endless plastic over engineerined money pits. -Scotty kilmer

[@tim3172]

@@jmabs5096 Fun fact: Scotty is a delusional hack with opinions based on outdated information. -Everyone

[@aussie2uGA]

I have one of these, an '07 X3 Sport, and am the original owner. It was made by Magna for BMW in Austria. Later on BMW made these in the Spartanburg, SC. plant. The ones made by Magna are actually highly sought after.

[@vw5056]

@@jmabs5096 Fun fact: Toyotas are under-engineered, oil burning rust buckets. -Me

[@spicysnowman8886]

@@vw5056 keep believing that and wasting money

[@mattisvider3613]

Yo, i just had the same problem with my e61. I was prepared to pay those insane bills, but a friend told me i dont have to do that. Every time i stopped the engine i heard a loud gear crank sound under the car somewhere in the middle. It turned out that if i changed the servo motor actuator on my transfer case then it's fixed. Bought a rebuilt one for 200 eur and gave them my old one and everything was working.

[@michaeld2799md]

That first line of the video literally made me fall back off of my seat...... I’m not fucking kidding 😂😂😂😂

[@pcsecretagent]

Well known issue over the e83 models. I'm actually excited that you brought one of these on a video :D never expected it since wizard hates BMWs lol. I have a 07 X3 wirh 193K miles, original motor, trans, tcase and both differentials. Its running strong but of course pretty much evey gaskets have been replace, but not much after has broken on it or that had left me stranded.

[@darenzy]

It's the same with X5 and X6 from this era, as they share the same ATC400 transfer case.

[@davidhalley9795]

I wish that the case with my second BMW, a used 89 325ix. Bmws first attempt with all wheel drive. It was terrible and I was too poor to own one at the time. The transfer case broke down but I had a mechanic that saved it for me. It wasn’t 100% but it lasted long enough for me to save money for new Mazda. Currently I have a 2006 six speed manual X3 with the cold weather package. Always garaged and maintained. It was hard to find in the NY tri state area. It was a dealer car with 5K on it in the fall of ‘07. I’ve had very little trouble with it. In 2020 I moved from NY to CA. Before driving it out (with 46k) I had it checked and the engine ground cable had disintegrated. Once replaced I had worry free drive in 90+ degree weather to the west coast. Now in CA I had to replace a rear window regulator (diy) and finally had the brakes done. Coincidentally my realtor had a 2008 manual X3 so she had a body shop and mechanic referral for me. With 64k on it I’m still quite happy with it. Last thing people, get some seat covers, door protectors and rear seat hammock if you have a dog. No one can tell I have a dog and I have tan seats….but I also helps if you vacuum too. 😉

[@georgevavoulis4758]

Mr. Car Wizard ,you are so amazing you can do miracles.

[@nicolashoyt5341]

I have fixed so many "expensive" problems on BMW's for 20% the cost of others or even free if it's a repair for myself. At least up till like 2012 you can still use used modules with very basic coding, parts are now in line with any other manufacturer on cost and they just aren't hard to actually work on. On my 09 I coded the TPMS system from using the expensive sensors to using the ABS wheel speed sensors instead. Still retains functionality without having the extra maintenance. Currently have a 2010 X5 Diesel I'm fixing up (possibly to keep) which a customer abandoned due to other shops or friends that told him it needed a lot. I got it running and driving in a day and have been driving it for a couple weeks.... So far only in it for $1500 with a new turbo, rear bumper cover, battery and also a VTG module that they seem to have spilled DEF fluid on.

[@MrAllie-bf6zt]

I had the same problem, easy cheap DIY fix. The Actuator Gear is only like $10 dollars online. But it is a pain to get it out of the Actuator. So I just bought the whole Actuator which was only about $130.00 dollars. Only 4 nuts hold it on. Very simple to replace. Again, Just replace the whole Actuator. It's a lot simpler than trying to get the old Actuator Gear out of the Actuator.

[@moparedtn]

Johnny has a really good start on building his YT channel ("Car Ninja"). Very enjoyable for an adult to watch, actually.

[@camdentrent2578]

That blue Porsche in the back is truly gorgeous!

[@string2155]

As a BMW enthusiast, I knew it was that plastic gear for those X series. Even in the X5s.

[@01AceAlpha]

My wife’s x3 unfortunately was missing the infamous German “Golden Screwdriver “. Was glad to be rid of it. But when it was good it was a great car.

[@OddBaptistProduction]

Yay Wizard! A positive BMW video! You are so correct that maintenance is critical on a BMW. You & Mrs. Wizard are awesome!

[@jeffrey88888]

"Lots of breaky breaky plastic parts" no doubt, tired of the 2001 BMW 325i my father had... all the cooling system and air intake had to be replaced.

[@doncorleon9]

Love how Wizard incorporated Mrs Wizard into his shtick. Good teamwork.

[@seventysevenfiji]

Don't think I have ever seen the Wizard struggle to say anything about a car.... *Opens the bonnet:"it's an engine...." Crickets!*

[@ricksevern4049]

I can't wait to see the video on that beautiful blue 911 behind the Bimmer.

[@iangillett2488]

Always look forward to the latest upload, brilliant content. Thumbs up from England 👍

[@rasmusbonn]

I have two +20 year old BMWs with inline sixes, they run smooth as clocks.

[@GrzegorzDurda]

agreed.

[@erickeenan7562]

This inline 6 is actually a great engine. Aside from needing premium, I love this engine.

[@formatique_arschloch]

I had a -03 X5 3.0d. Best car I have ever had. Reliable like a Swiss watch. Had 400 000km/250 000mi on it when I sold it, and I regret that I sold it. I'm a nutcase about maintaining my cars, maybe that's one reason it was so reliable.

[@jimmorrison4457]

maybe it's because their cars turned to junk about 2010. That V8 should have put them out of business. Plastic timing chain guides?

[@formatique_arschloch]

@@jimmorrison4457 You might be right.

[@rdsledge]

Love the way the power is delivered with those BMW inline 6’s. They are soooo soooth! Too bad about the durability of all the plastic!

[@dolex161]

Made me think of the apple genius bar "needs a new logic board" repair. It'll work but you gotta pay for the whole thing. Wish I could tag Louis Rossman. This is why we need independent repair.

[@marionelson3264]

I remember a Wizard's video which BMW is worthy to buy, and that is one of them.

[@ssom7291ify]

May God continue to bless you Wizard and Ninja for having integrity, honesty and helping others. You inspire me to always be my best! Thank you!

[@luisbalderrama8145]

I'm really digging the intro, Wizard. Stay Rad, -Luis

[@Akecherfd8424]

Now people with BMWs will start calling Omega to have their vehicles worked on.

[@Mr-pn2eh]

They should call car ninja instead.

[@kar4tube]

I had to do a double take when I saw "BMW" in the title here. lol God I hate how BMW uses plastic on mission critical parts. It's been the bane of existence for every owner since the 80's; and it's only gotten worse over the decades. Still, I love them (well, mostly E-series and older models). They are what they are... mostly affordable European performance.

[@vladimirart758]

Best X3 from all X3 bmw generation is this, 2.0d the most.

[@khha4113]

Have anyone see any video that he showed how he actually repaired any car? I haven't seen any of it! I don't doubt his skill, but other repair car channels show how to diagnose and repair step by step with their videos, and they're tremendous helps esp. when to deal with some particular problems.

[@bngr_bngr]

That blue Porsche is gorgeous!

[@jblyon2]

"And I send him...these things" Car wizard throwing serious shade on BMWs lol

[@ronezha]

9:26 / 13:30 “No oil leaks ? ….Surprising”😂

[@nelsonserrate9281]

I knew you could fix a BMW!!! Kuddos to the Ninja!

[@johngrefe2232]

This transfer case actuator was also used on almost every XDrive Bmw, Mercedes Benz, Rovers, VWs. The same gear problem happens with them. With the BMWs if you change the fluid make sure you do the transfer case calibration.