Attention!!! BMW X3 owners!!!! I had all these same symptoms on my 2004!! ABS BRAKE 4x4 Light come on and off. I took apart my servo motor to replace the gear.. ONLY TO FIND out it was PERFECTLY FINE!!! It was just my driver side Rear SPEED SENSOR was ripped up due to a rusting reluctor ring. Easy fix!! Bought a New speed sensor and a small washer to keep it from scratching against the reluctor ring. I WASTED OVER A WEEK under my car trying to figure this shit out! Hope this saves someone else too! Good luck! thanks
Another quick tip for the Servo motor fix! Just spin the plastic gear 180º degrees.. The plastic gear only uses one side. Trying to release those little pins inside are a bitch to get that gear out! just spin it! good luck.
just finished changing out my transfer case according to this video. took me 2 hours start to finish. got the part from a junk yard. saved a ton of koney. thank you brian. added to my favorites. 2006 bmw x5 4.4
Thank you! This was very helpful for getting to the Transfer Case Actuator Motor part! I actually left one bolt in place on the right side, because I wasn't sure how I'd ever lift the transfer case back in place, I also followed other RU-vid videos to buy a $6.00 carbon fiber motor gear replacement to make the repair on the existing unit. This repair saved me many hundreds of dollars.
Great video. I was able to make the repair without to much difficulty. I found that I had to take all the bolts out of the cross member and use my floor jack to replace the bolts. Thanks for posting!
Nice to see a repair video on a car im going have a chance to work on in the uk!!I had a 330ci coupe cant knock it,saved my life in a head on accident:)we need more like this keep them coming!
Thank you so much, my lights have been coming on for the past few days on my 2007 X3. Thankfully, I am still under extended warranty. I know feel I have the knowledge to go in the dealership and tell them what's wrong. Thanks so much and God Bless You!
Thanks a lot! This was very helpful. I just replaced the little sensor on the motor, which was bad. Didn't even need to pull out the motor. All good now, no errors and no weird noises! Cheers!
Dear Brian, When this client pulled up with a crazy high bill from the dealer $12K, I assured him it would be a simple fix, not knowing exactly what the problem was yet, but with the dealer giving me a print out of the parts required, I had a starting point, having never had a client with this issue before I started to grow a bit nervous, but then when I wanted more info on problem and the cheapest repair, my hear fluttered when I started playing a video from some other site, for the voice narrating the video was that of Brian, my dear sweet Brian. I always feel better doing a job for the first time, when you have already done it for me. Thank you as always! Sincerely BMW Dave PS. let me send you a case of beer or something!
+Dave Malik Are you kidding? $12k for a motor? In this case you don't even have to spend more than $15 tops. Replacing the whole motor is not necessary. That plastic gear inside is easy to swap out.
Thank you so much for such a great explanation in changing this part. Although it may be worth noting that in some cases you may not have to actually replace the whole part, apparently it's very common for the gear located within the actuator to break and cause the same problem. but there are quite few videos that explain that online already.i just like the way you explain things better and wish you also included that information. Thanks for taking the time to help us save some money.
Hey Brian this video was very helpful, my X5 was doing the same thing and thanks to this video I was able to determine the problem quick, it only took like 45min to fix...and your right no programming was needed. Thanks a lot bro!
I don't know if someone has mentioned it, but if one of the wheel sensors (ABS sensors) are too dirty, the diagnose program (Inpa) says the distance too big, then all these same lights are also on. After cleaning the sensor/sensors and deleting the fault codes, the problem is solved! Just work, no costs.
Thank you for posting this great video..Thanks to you i found what the issue was on my car , bought the part online , installed it my self and its working just fine..I also wanted to add that even though this car have the button to turn of the 4x4 on it (DSC) i dont think its a good idea to use it..I messed with it to make some donuts and thats when i started having problems with it so i wouldn't recommend turning it off !!!! THANKs Again.........
Fantastic video. This helped me diagnose and fix my X3. Saved $$$$. Took about 3 hours all in to get it out, get it rebuilt (Following Jeff Caplan and EJcraigs videos) with the new gear and back together. Most of the time was spent getting that back plate off the unit itself. Couple things: 1. Take the cross bar off (18mm I recall). It may require another hand to get it back up, but it will certainly make it easier to access. 2. Make sure you have some swivel or knuckle joints. It's going to be too tight without them. 3. Getting that plate off was a pain. You can't be afraid to hurt it. I had to pound it out.
Have you noticed the black gear worn out in small section? I had the same issue, but I fixed it without spending a penny. Here is how I did it. The metal worm gear will strip out the black plastic gear, but it strips out only small section (about 25%). Remove four screws, pull out the worm gear, use you hand to manually spin the white gear 180% degrees, then install the motor. It will last another 100k miles.
I love the internet because eventually there will be a solution because ideas and opportunities find each other so quickly. AFTER posting this video people have chimed in that they found such solutions. On this job however, the best solution I found on short notice was the unit at the dealership.
Brian, Thanks so much! By following your directions, I was able to remove the motor assembly and replace with little trouble. (Holding the transfer case up while replacing the cross member was a bit difficult.) Also, followed the odometer gear guy's directions and replaced just the gear....saved about $650 over buying a new motor assembly.
next time do this, I had the same issue, but I fixed it without spending a penny. Here is how I did it. The metal worm gear will strip out the black plastic gear, but it strips out only small section (about 25%). Remove four screws, pull out the worm gear, use you hand to manually spin the white gear 180% degrees, then install the motor. It will last another 100k miles.
Thankyou for this great video. I live in Myanmar have this problem appeared in the last month. Now I really have to buy an e-torx socket set. But really a big big thanks for this information which has given me valuable information. Errors codes on ODBII are 4F7A and 5F3A DSC Transfer Case Malfunction. Also 5462 and 5463. Ok now I just have to get a part and spend money too easy!
I will say that BMW does make some premium designs and some premium components. I really like their seats, jacks, wheels, sensors, wiring, engines, collision engineering and ride quality.
That right side mirror dropping down when put in reverse was bugging me too,but found out if you move mirror control to right side it wont do that,found that out accidently on my 05 x5 e53 n62 4.4I,they have replacement gears out to fix that stripped out plastic gear,you have to remove the circlip on top of white plastic gear to remove it and then get to the plate that the stripped gear is underneath,thanks for the video,I know its an older video but may help someone now that these vehicles has a lot more miles on them!
Great video I got a2001 Olds Bravada with the same issue put a scaner in it an sure enough the encoder motor is bad, just have to R&R makes the same clicking sounds when key is in the on position.
Hey Brian, thanks for another excellent vid! Just wanted to let you know (in case someone hasn't mentioned it already) that the passenger mirror can be selected to drop while in reverse or not. It's controlled by the mirror selector switch. If you have it one the drivers side, it won't drop. If it's on the pass side, it will drop. This is how it works on my wife's 04 X3.
i liked the encouragement to not remove the bolt holding the support piece on, just the four support to frame bolts. did not look all the way to see if someone mentioned it, but if that support bushing is in good shape it won't pull down. the necessary side will slide front to back allowing adequate access, so it comes to the same thing. except that bushing must be shot.
Brian.. if you want those pesky side mirror to stop dropping down or in BMW master tech talk...deactivate the curb wheel protection function.. all you have to do is select via the side mirror adjustment switch to the right mirror, that is how you deactivate this function. Most people have the switch to the left because is the main mirror we check all the time. So is not BMW fault.. is usually costumers that don't know or have training in these cars an annoy them.. only if they read the owners manual! jaja! great vid bro...
thank you for clearing this for me. I also notice loss of power besides 4X4 would this be normal as well? It shows something like DSC problem see dealer?
Brian, the trick of the right mirrors is that the mirror selector switch to move between right and left adjustments is left on the right side mirror, it will lower so that you can see the curb. If it is in neutral, or left, nothing happens.
I just watched your video on how to change out that shift Actuator motor you made it look easy I just did it in a garage on ramps no air tools by hand by myself not as easy as it looks
Great video briansmobile1, thanks much! I have the trifecta of lights on (2 yellows and red brake). But I never hear a clicking noise coming from the actuator motor when the engine is turned off. Could this still be a bad gear? How can I be sure it's the motor/gear before ripping the whole thing apart? How would I know if I still have 4wd function? Thanks!
Very helpful I just got a used bmw x3 it has not been 3 months yet and all three lights came on.I did some research and tried doing it myself last night and had to stop because I didn't know enough about the bmw. I am going to try again today thanks to your helpful video. I hope it works. I do have one question can you just disconnect the wires and drive it like that if you don't use the 4x4?
If you have the back of the vehicle is raised the fluid will collect at the front of the T.C. and won't spill out. The spill plug concept only works when the vehicle is level.
Thank you so much for this addition. It is truly appreciated. Now, I have a good idea of what is happening with the car and know that it's a common issue. Where are you located? Do you happen to know of anyone in California who can fix this same issue?
Hi Brian, thanks so much for posting this on your channel. I have been having the same issue and no one could tell me what was going wrong with my X5. I do have a question, IF I don't correct / fix this soon will it hurt anything in my BMW? Please advise and thanks again! ~Sam Houston, TX
Brian, I noticed that you didn't put a jack or support under the transfer case itself as some other videos have shown. Is supporting the transfer case not necessary? Thank you for your help from SoCal.
Stupid part has to be made out of plastic? I got real lucky was able to do it on the lift and it took about an hour not a bad job. Thank you guys so much for posting this video
To stop the mirror from going into Curb Assist, switch the mirror adjustment button to the right side mirror and it will stay leveled at all times. Once you switch it to the left side mirror, it will then dip the mirror.
Hi Brian, very friendly of you to post this video. My 02 just did this on the way home today. However, at the same time, my tire monitoring sensor also came on. The tire pressures are all fine. My ABS system still actuates on a slippery road too. Is there a common fuse that may be the culprit?
Thanks Brian, Just did an R&R on mine. I opened it and turned the gear, although the other side was already a little worn proving that it does go round and round. Next time if fails I will order a replacement gear from Odometer Gears. Hey, the biggest hassle of the job was putting the cross bar back on. I needed three hands. Do you have a trick? DId you jack it up to get it close? Thanks again
Really enjoy the videos ! But I do have a random question. Have you ever tried to bypass the abs on a late 90s Chevy? Or on any vehicle? I have a 99 Chevy Silverado and I don’t want to put out the money for a new abs module so I hard lined everything to bypass the abs. But I still cannot get pressure ?!?! Installed new booster and all new lines. All 1/4” lines except for the 3/16” going across the rear axle. Used a inverted flare T fitting to split for the front brakes and just straight back from the mc to the rear brakes. There are no leaks in any connections and I have bled everything more than once in every way imaginable lol. I have tested it and it will eventually stop you just have to pump a couple times and hold. When we bleed it it shoots fluid out at the bleeders pretty good. But just doesn’t have pressure to brake. Kind of pulling my hair out as to why it won’t work. Sorry for the long rant. But I can’t understand what part of the system is failing. Thank you for your time and keep up the good videos. Ps would putting a proportioning valve make that big of a difference ?
I own a 2005 X3. At the 60K milestone the transfer case issue lights came on. The dealership wanted $3K for a new one installed. I took the car to a mechanic friend who told me to ignore the lights. I’m now at 141K and have had zero issues. The lights still bother me, but the car is 15 years old and has given me no problems whatsoever.
Ok, so this video is ancient, but I'm hoping you can help. Have 2006 BMW X5 E53 with same 3 lights after 10 mins or so of running. Have replaced the gear in my transfer case actuator, problem persists. Need to diagnose wheel speed sensors at ABS module but can't find pinout information to do so. If wheel speed sensors are okay, need to have ABS module rebuilt but can't find a source who does this for 2006 models. Thoughts on how to proceed? Cheers.
Hey man need your help. Yesterday I have the "Service AWD System" and ABS light. Im sure their both connected. I scanned it said "Transfer Case Internal Failure".. Does an all wheel drive only have one transfer case or 2.. Im seeing on ebay some that say front transfer case and just transfer case.. Please help..
For a problem like that you would need a very fancy scan tool to detect it. Most people refer to them as dealer level scan tools. Scotty Kilmer has one and I know that his can analyze all sorts of things going on in the car
Effect of the battery- but also may be the straw that broke the camels back in terms of a failing motor. Run it with a good charged up bat and see if the light goes out and stays out.
