E53 X5 E83 X3 BMW Transfer Case Actuator Motor Gear Repair

X5 + X3 REPLACEMENT GEARS: amzn.to/3hNjqXO
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How to remove and repair the transfer case actuator on your E53 X5.
Get a new carbon fiber reinforced gear: amzn.to/3hNjqXO
The weak plastic gear wears out over time and can be replaced for very little money. Don't let the dealer quote you $4000 for a new transfer case.
New updated gear: amzn.to/3hNjqXO
New transfer case motor: amzn.to/1UsC80Z
BMW Transfer case lifetime fluid: amzn.to/28sRAV0
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. BIMMERZEIT assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BIMMERZEIT recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BIMMERZEIT. Video and Content is owned by BIMMERZEIT © 2016

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Get a new actuator and gear here: amzn.to/3lLaWkU

[@bobbylight1198]

My e39 jut popped up code p1835 what's some good advice to go off its shifting perfectly fine

[@jamieporter580]

I got what u had on ur dash when I turn hard right going slow there a clunking noise coming from the back left wheel and locks up and jeep is in perment 4wd can't turn it off would that be problem thanks

[@bobbylight1198]

@@jamieporter580 damn that sounds bad I thinking is the fuse blown but I hope you stay safe

[@jamieporter580]

@@bobbylight1198 were would the fuse be please and what one am I looking for thanks

[@bobbylight1198]

@@jamieporter580 talking about my engine code but yours idk

[@rreid2774]

You sir are both a scholar and a gentleman! This saved me a minimum of $1100! The step by step instructions along with tools needed were invaluable. It took me right at 2hrs following your instructions. Thank you for your work and I am now a subscriber. From us DIY guys, we are grateful!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks so much Ronnie, means the world to me. So happy to hear you saved that kind of money! Happy motoring!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Get a new gear and actuator here: amzn.to/3AahE9A

[@brianplum1825]

The explanations are clear and concise. The video framing is clear, steady, and well lit. I've watched a lot of car repair videos on KZbin. This is among the best.

[@jamesreid1847]

Good job man...you and those like you are a credit to society...respect.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thank you James. Get a new gear and actuator here: amzn.to/3AahE9A

[@PunchJetsonCC]

You are the GOAT for this video. All of the steps worked for me, ended up saving me thousands. After i reinstalled with the new gears, lights went away immediately. I am so thankful for you, I also used your aux video to install my aux cord also when I had no idea how to get started. Big thanks from Portland Oregon! You are the man!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thank you Mr. Smith! Get a new gear and actuator here: amzn.to/3AahE9A

[@vladito80]

God damn! Portland, Oregon?! Are all drug legalised there now? Hehej

[@ladyjuiicy22]

@@BIMMERZEITT so if I purchase this one . I don’t need to open up and replace wheel? Also can you list the tool names used please

[@tripleg8716]

Old video but helped me out massively today! Managed to do it in 1hr 30 mins 👍 access is small if you have big hands but not a overly hard job! Also drove it 10 mile after fixing and no lights on dash and drives better!

[@DonovanBrown]

Simply perfect. This video gave me the confidence to tackle this fix in the parking lot of my hotel! We towed with our X5 all the way from Texas to Nevada and after arriving all the lights came on. Took it to local dealer but they could not get a replacement and don't rebuild parts. Ordered the gear on Amazon. Got emergency tools from Lowes and done! Lights are off and we are ready to tow back to Texas. Thank you for taking the time to create such a detailed video.

[@BengalTiger]

Best video on KZbin. Very well explained and clearly taken the video footage.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thank you Bengal Tiger. Get a new gear or actuator here: amzn.to/3AahE9A

[@fiifiward]

Thanks a million for demonstrating the removal, replacement and reinstall of the transfer case actuator gear. I should be able to replace mine confidently now.

[@jeffreymilarsky3246]

Thank you SO much for this tutorial! You saved me $1000 easily, and it was a long removal and reinstall on my x5m with a giant cross-member and heatshields. In any case, you saved me!!!

[@kennethmiller5543]

Like the best Professor. As James said, You restore faith in humanity. There might be a video as good never a better video of this diagnosis and repair. As all of the comments agree you are a professor of your knowledge and explain your knowledge so anyone can understand. Thousand Thanks

[@mdx910973]

hi ! you are awesome !!! do you know that ? thank you for your video and all the detail in the video and you save me thousands of dollars today . i had the 2007 x5 E70 JUST hit to 100k miles and then it happens , dealership want to replace the whole thing for $5600 . had found your video and another bmw owner video on youtube and just get it done today . it working great . thank you guy and keep up with all your hard work . god blessing .

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thai Pham, thank you for the kind words! I am so happy to hear that! Congrats on completing the repair :-)

[@meatintaco2002]

What issues did you have with the X5 to get a quote of 5600 ... Was the car throwing up a check engine light / 4x4 ? ect?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

@@meatintaco2002 when the gear fails, it throws transfer case codes. The dealer will tell you it needs an entire new transfer case replacement, to the tune of 4-6,000 USD. Most often, just the gear or actuator motor can be replaced.

[@mavslee603]

Thanks for the detailed info, especially those tips! I have 2008 BMW X3 which has same issue the 4x4 wheels, ABS, brake lights on together around 100k miles. And have click noise every time turned off the car. Follow this video and get my car fixed today. Save thousands of dollars. The hardest part is 18mm bolt, and you need to support the transfer case before remove the cross member.

[@juliomoisa346]

Thanks! My Son and I just fixed this problem on my X-3, I can drive ti again as an ultimate driving machine!

[@souniquexyz]

Very well done video. One of the best step by step guides I've seen in a long time. Thanks for your efforts!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thank you!

[@damojan]

There’s a much easier way to do this folks. For free! The gear wears out, but only wears1 quadrant of the gear. You only need to unbolt the actuator and let it hang from the wiring harness. Mark the plastic gear and a reference point on the body of the actuator. Go to your transfer case module and unplug the harness that goes to the actuator. Disconnect your battery and make 2 jumper wires from your battery that connect to the red/white wire (+) and brown (-) of the actuator harness and stop the gear when it is 180 degrees around from its original location. Reinstall the actuator, plug the VTG module plug back in, reconnect the battery and you’re done. Good for another 100k

[@relebogilemanamela2907]

Genius

[@EliasLuciiano]

im gonna have to see a video to understand

[@jcnlaw]

Excellent video. (As all of your videos are). I have a 2006 X5 3.0 E53 with 114k miles. It has become my project car. Three very minor additions to your excellent video that may help other DIY's who need to replace/repair the transfer case motor gear. a) My two of my four T-25 torx screws that hold the transfer case together simply would not back out without damaging the screw. One T-25 torx screw was destroyed when I finally got it out. I replaced the damaged T-25 torx screws with size M5 x10 .80 pitch, 8 mm head metric screws from a local True Value Hardware store. They fit perfectly. 30 cents each. b) I used two cable ties to keep all the bushings in the housing after I removed the torx screws and separated the transfer case housing. I simply threaded the cable ties around the black plastic pieces and through the holes in the housing body until I was ready to re-assemble the housing. I did not want to deal with the bushings coming out by accident. c) I found it very helpful to have a set of universal ratchet extensions to get at the rear E10 bolts. These extensions kind of look like a movable elbow. They helped get the E10 ratchet socket into tight spots when removing and replacing the bolts. Note: Your advice to apply lubricant around the casing and then wait 5 minutes before trying to pry it off is spot on. GREAT VIDEO. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE IT.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Jonathan, thank you for watching, and for the comments. Those are some great tips, I like the cable tie trick - great idea. Universal joints for extensions are definitely going to help here, I have a Craftsman set which runs around $20. Good luck with the X5, hope to upload some more 3.0i videos later this Fall!

[@thatguycote]

I love how you breeze through removing the plate from the unit. That crap took me an hour. Thanks for making this video.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Steady R ah it’s a little movie magic. I recall that plate being difficult to remove. Thanks!

[@jakem20]

Your videos are the most helpful on You Tube. Please keep them coming.

[@aw-c110]

With the right music this could be a Wes Anderson movie. Great video and fantastic instructions!

[@briang3033]

Absolutely awesome video! I have a 2005 E53 X5 with 197,000 miles on the clock that is starting experience this same failure. Thank you!

[@willchavy1129]

6 years on and this video helped me much appreciated 🙏

[@petarstojkovic6005]

svaka čast!! Uštedeo si mi 1000 Euro. S obzirom da je ovde plata 300EU to je mnogo. Odlično! Bravo majstore! Pozdrav iz Srbije

[@skunkedagain]

excellent video quality, stable, and well described. thank you!!!

[@juancarlosLorino_vazquez]

I seen that u did not took out the support bar under it, u work Around it good job.

[@br540i6]

Thanks for making this video. I followed all the steps and was able to successful changed out the damaged gear.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Scott, so happy to hear that! Another person saved from an unnecessary $5600 dealership repair bill!

[@tonybarker2227]

Excellent step by step and narration !

[@ev1510]

Kudos!!! Had same faults and didnt know what caused it. Easy to do it by yourself, except getting off that cover, had some rough 20 mins.

[@robsellati2676]

Excellent video!! Just completed this today on my 2007 X3. X3 has tighter space to work than your X5 but the parts are exactly the same. I had a problem with one of the tops bolts due to clearance, however, I was able to slip the torx 10 socket on it and grab it with a large pair of vice graps to loosen. The other bolts took trial and error to figure out the best way to get them loosened. 1/4 inch driver with extension and universal joint adapter worked better than larger 3/8 driver.

[@samuelthomas9637]

Did you have to remove the bracket?

[@ninja77moose]

Same as ​ @samuelthomas9637, I'm curious if this is actually do-able without removing the bracket? My bolts are rusted on pretty bad (Canadian winters) so I'm not keen to remove more than absolutely necessary, lol

[@kakashijq1]

Best video ive seen in a long time. Will do the process and get back to you!

[@rockyphavorabouth8111]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! alot of helpful information to get me back running. saved me a ton!

[@elilopez2517]

I don't have a bmw but I still learned a lot from your video.very well done

[@Manup2day]

Clear, precise and great video footage. Thanks for your post. Saved me hundreds of dollars. Well done.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Roger (APPfordable APPs) thanks Roger, appreciate you

[@shanephillips1818]

Having those problems on my Jeep so got a second hand transfer case motor today hope that works love the video best detailed one I have watched

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Shane, please report back here if that fixed the issue with your Jeep! That would be interesting to know.

[@RaceForGoodLife]

Thank you very much! very useful info here! My 2006 X5 shows the 4x4 light that might the problem.... for sure you have a new subscriber here ! peace!

[@andymac9327]

wish i saw this video before wasting my time watching 4 other videos about this issue. none of them actually explained what the problem was unlike this video. thumbs up!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Andy, thank you!

[@andymac9327]

@@BIMMERZEITT quite welcome!

[@RomanTrollanski]

Hat off to you Sir! After watching your video makes me feel there's hope for humanity!

[@henryzender6844]

Thank you very much for your excellent video, very detailed, well explained, clear English. Patiently and relaxed he shows how to do it well. I will buy the new gear and DIMyself.

[@matreyia]

Now this is how a diy video should be. Couple of additional things I would have done - clean seal before reinstalling. Clean mating surfaces before reinstalling, and use screw driver to hammer in some edges of housing to keep plate secure after reinstalling plate.

[@jean-lucblaison8293]

Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo très complète. Traduction : Thank you very much for this very comprehensive video.

[@gmkaplan7873]

Took me 3 hours, rhino ramps and $9 part, and the lights are finally gone on my 2006 BMW X5 . Thank you very much!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

AMAZING! I love hearing these stories. Congrats on the repair and wishing you many more years of affordable X5 ownership!!

[@Efortysicks]

@@BIMMERZEITTquestion bro I know it’s a long time ago but I just changed out my actuator and the lights turned off but I’m hearing weird clunk noise at low speed I have not changed the fluid in for ever because I never actually used the 4x4

[@Daniel-cs6sx]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH !! IM FROM GERMANY AND YOUR VIDEO SAVED ME MORE THAN 2000$

[@BIMMERZEITT]

SO HAPPY to hear that! Nice work!!

[@MrVstaak]

Great video that saved me a lot of £££'s in the UK. Had the trio of lights for over a year and 2 garages weren't sure of the problem (or didn't want to tell me about this cheap fix). Used this as a father and son project, made wooden ramps out of 2x10, and got to work. Watched a few other videos too and didn't have to remove the motor. There was no clicking sound when turning off engine but this was probably due to the gear being worn down so badly. I may have missed the sound (if it existed) when the issue first started. After putting everything back I crossed my fingers and turned the key with optimism. 😕 Lights were still on - back to the internet for more troubleshooting. The next day whilst driving the lights went off, yipee, but then came back the next day, boo hoo! One suggestion was to disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes to reset the lights - tried and failed. The battery then went flat the following day as 'someone' had left the lights on. After the AA (Automobile Association not Alcoholics Anonymous) recharged the battery the lights were off!! Maybe it needed disconnecting for longer. Three days later they came back. A week later they went off again with no intervention, and haven't returned. Everything crossed!! Descent control works as before and it pulls away quickly again! Thanks again for the video, good luck everyone.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

thanks for sharing your experience! Yes, low battery can cause trouble lights on these cars. Always need to have a strong battery as it powers all of the electronics and keeps voltages across the car steady and in-spec. Glad it worked out for you! Happy motoring!

[@alexandrcaravasili9613]

Thank you 🙏. You would make an excellent teacher. The whole process, just great 👍.

[@WilliamProwse]

Great work on the video. Very helpful! Thank you.

[@DoItWithDave]

Couldn't have done a better job. Your the best.

[@bruced8452]

Its really helpful for me since my car just happened and I am so worry about the cost. Thanks for your awesome and details video instruction. I will do it myself and will save lot of $$$. Thanks again :-)

[@BIMMERZEITT]

hey Bruce, thanks for the kind words. This gear failure is really common in these E53 models, I'm sure you can get this resolved for under $10 and a few hours of work!

[@Mrdubomb]

An issue I had with mine was the wiring harness going to the actuator had come away from the clips and was rubbing on the driveshaft, it shorted a couple wires and was setting all kinds of codes, make sure to check that while you are in doing this job, also the TF0870 fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals and reset/recalibrated with a scan tool.

[@MrMagsimus]

Such a great relaxed video, I couldn’t fault it .. excellent 👍👌

[@kevbidgood]

Hello, Thank you! I bought the new gear for $6.00 including shipping, and a pair of Rhino ramps for $40 which I needed anyway.. Then spent 4 hours on a rainy Saturday afternoon saving thousands of dollars on my 2005 X3.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Amazing. Love hearing stories like this! The dealership loses another $4,000

[@jermainegibson9453]

May i ask where did you find the parts my BMW 2012 x6 is in need of these parts

[@mikemack3243]

@@jermainegibson9453 they are all the same for x3 x5 x6 US $6.40 18%OFF | Car Transfer Case Actuator Motor Repair Gear Box Servo For BMW X3 X5 X6 E83 E53 E70 27107566296 8473227771 a.aliexpress.com/NhXr61P2

[@Muchjoy..]

@@mikemack3243 Thank you 😊

[@adolfonieblas9140]

Chingon tu video mi carro tenía ese problema el mecánico decía que era la caja ,gracias me ahorraste dinero

[@michaelknight1493]

Absolute credit to you very well explained very clear instructions how to do it thanks

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Michael, thank you! Be well.

[@davidkelly7754]

Brilliant piece of education video. Well done!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

David, Thank you!

[@iman2730]

Great video, im about to buy my first car, an X3 it has all these lights so I'm hoping to fix it

[@MrMoten-fv4cu]

Between the great content and all the comments I'm definitely going to try to tackle this tomorrow. Muchly Appreciated

[@Efortysicks]

Did you get it done ✔️

[@MrMoten-fv4cu]

I did. But having a hard time resting the adaptation. Hopefully I will figure it out over the weekend. Had to drive it Still stuck in 4x4. Smh

[@ansiporta2510]

wow best instructional video ive seen. i think youve saved me a whole lotta money. You are an awesome human being. Greetings from New Zealand btw ... Good man!

[@thewhat3649]

God damn it, i didnt select my torx socket carefully enough... dropped it and never saw it again. But like others said, great video! Good angles, easy to follow, all steps mentioned.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

The What lol thanks!

[@kimolee502]

Check in the cross member attachment. Thats where I found my torx bit.

[@AbstractJan]

Good, informative video. I did this operation about 2 years ago. Yesterday the same triad of lights came + VTG transfer case malfunction in diagnostics. It was the reinforced one, so its not indestructible :) I will take a look at that tomorrow. Iam curious if its really destroyed again after 2 years. Fingers crossed, i hope its just the wheel, not any worse VTG damage scenario. and btw, why do youseparete the motor from housing? I did not that. I just pop out he wheel and changed it.

[@atelierfat]

Excellent video good on you, feel confident to do it myself. Thanks heaps!

[@axelbruggemann5458]

Very good Video! Many Thanks from Germany!

[@groundleaf865]

You’re a lifesaver! Thank you❤

[@btnerual]

Thanks for the simple explanation 👍

[@sergiomejia7225]

much thanks for the video. you saved me a lot of money.

[@NT-qw8qh]

Bimmer you saved us all from the stealers..a well done video that will make the German engineers jealous. I have problem with my starter on my 2008 X5 , I would appreciate if you have any video to show me where it is located. thanks

[@madmike9696]

Well done Sir! I had e53 3.0d 218km and i feel stupid because i sold it :( that was the best car i drived so far ;/ Now i think about to buy e70 or again e53 and i really dont know what i should do ;/ Than you for your time to create and upload this video!

[@MrFuckhed]

did you buy another or are you happy you didnt because these cars need attenion constantly

[@craig32935]

When I had this problem back in 2016 on my 08 X3 with 75k miles on it, the dealer wanted like $900 for the actuator, there was no aftermarket availability other than an aluminum replace gear on backorder. Since it was already on the bench I just cleaned up the gear and housing, rotated the gear so it was exactly in the 180 degree position when the worm gear would be in place, packed it with fresh grease and reinstalled it. It has 120k on it now and still going strong in 2023. I never really expected to keep it this long.

[@leonardomohamed8909]

Great video, well done. Thanks Leo.

[@Muchjoy..]

That was an excellent tutorial , thank you very much..😊

[@mickh1187]

Great video, very clear and well presented, Good job!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Mick H thanks! Happy it helped!

[@charlieduransax]

GOAT!!! Thanks man!!! You the man!!!!

[@loyisogwala9180]

Thank you very much for the clear video, it helped

[@irfanbeig4800]

You really are awesome! To the point and crystal clear. Now a question. My X5 e53 2006 has hard/tight steering. I tried different fluids. Cleaned double U joint with wd 40 then put grease, still no luck. Am planning to add Lubrizol additive. You have any idea what could be the problem? I got the same lights on a couple of times but then they turned off. You think if this is bad it can cause tight steering? Thanks

[@pmolne2005]

Nice video. After watching, I had no choice but to subscribe!

[@duaneruffins]

My man!!! You a goat for this one bruh!!! BIG Salute to you 🫡 !!

[@cricraaa5780]

broo you are the best i have the same problems and i can manage to do by my self....thanks for video....

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Cri Craaa thanks bro report back after the repair if it fixed the issue for you!

[@dankem4947]

Thank you very much! W.B. Regards from Germany!!!👍🙋‍♂️

[@fireblademan494]

Thanks' ab easy to follow Video very well explained and done 👏

[@Ivan-ry7vm]

The video is really good, Thank you.

[@Hunter-ei6hv]

You are awesome man! great video and very helpful!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Hunter!

[@g0blin479]

Thank you so much man this comment is not enough appreciation thank you

[@danpalf2819]

BMW really love the torx bits. Thanks, mine's coming up on 100k.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Yes they do! Thankfully this job can be completed with a few hours time and literally under $20 for the new gear and some synthetic grease.

[@keithgriffiths4643]

Great video. I did have one problem. I had a hard time prying off the housing plate to reveal the gear. The housing had been "crimped" and was preventing me from prying it off. WD40 didn't work. Tried screw driver, knife, everything. I finally ended up snaking the short end of an allen wrench through the worm gear hole and wedging it up against the underside of the plate. I could then pry with some force to pop off the plate. Hope this helps someone else. Otherwise, it went just as advertised.

[@wallacestival2899]

Show ! Thank you, your diction is perfect

[@erfanpalatin]

Hi Bimmer Zeit, I'm about to receive a BMW x3 2004 as a handover , this video has been very helpful, just wondering why isn't the transfercase gear made of metal/alloy ?

[@johnvargas997]

Excellent video. Do I have to do any reset or anything on any scanner? Thank you in advance.

[@fernandoullaguari9073]

Excelente vídeo. Thanks a lot.

[@Dkzdrood]

You are amazing! The level of high dedication to the video really does show... Thank you!! Subbed.! :D

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thank you Lyonnous, means a lot!

[@virgilmobile1]

I replaced this gear as described.Bench tested the acuator before installing it.Found the Amazon plastic gear was not perfectly round.It caused severe binding as the motor turned.Replaced it with another one which was better but I had to shim the motor mount to get it to turn easily.As always...Bench test everything before instilling. This includes fuses.

[@wolfgangsuess3203]

Even if a few years old, really good explamiation. My X3 is now with 425.000 KM and 18 years old and exactlly what you have descibed appeard to happen. I am just woderiing if I may need a calibration SW tool, what I have seen in some other clips. Thanks

[@ulisesdelatorre8672]

Que bueno eres para hacer videos amigo, you are really professional to do videos and very helpfull

[@BIMMERZEITT]

ulises de la torre gracias amigo!

[@saulhanson8801]

Superb video had an exact problem

[@R1Brooklyn]

Nice video. Thanks!

[@liviudaniel5082]

great job,a big appreciation and like!thanks for this share!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

thanks Liviu

[@12magicmagic]

Great v good video I hv change my new vase now everything is fine . Thks well done

[@BIMMERZEITT]

that's great news! thanks for watching. don't forget to subscribe!

[@Petelaosound]

Man Man thank you. I have a 2008 x 3 doing the same thing

[@josesalgado7589]

Thanks, you are the best.

[@thordurbogason]

Hello, great video, I have done this, the gear was not bad so I still have the lights on, do you know if the resistor can activate these lights. I have an X 3 2007 Thordur

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Can also be abs module, sensor, or even steering angle yaw sensor. Bottom line, you need to scan car with bmw code reader and get codes first.

[@matt13137]

@BIMMER ZEIT what if just the 4X4 light only on nothing it else? I got the light off by turning the wheel far left and far right. Is this something that should concern me? Thanks for the Help!

[@Chrisgroot19]

Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@saulhanson8801]

Great video bud keep up matey