Daughter’s X3 ….. need Pelican help

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

My daughter’s X3 has a failed transfer box…

The vehicle has 120,000 miles. BMW wants a premium for a new box.

How would you handle? My inclination is find a used box.

Complicating factor I am on the East Coast and She is on the West.

pwd72s · 06-12-2021, 10:53 AM

What part of the west coast? Seems to me you could use some local knowledge help...a guy who knows where to find a good used part and a good shop to do the job. Be location specific, and somebody here might chime in.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

I'd have to figure out what the heck a transfer box is first before I could even think of helping.

pwd72s · 06-12-2021, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I'd have to figure out what the heck a transfer box is first before I could even think of helping.

Well, that too...I know zilch about BMW's, assuming that's what an X3 is.

Jrboulder · 06-12-2021, 11:21 AM

Very common problem on both the E83 and F25 X3s. I'd get a rebuilt one at a minimum, unless the intent is to sell the car immediately.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

Is this an electrical part or mechanical?

Let me guess....it's electro-mechanical.

john70t · 06-12-2021, 11:43 AM

https://www.carcomplaints.com/BMW/X3/ for TSBs and recalls

rusnak · 06-12-2021, 12:34 PM

^ I was going to suggest researching recalls too.

WPOZZZ · 06-12-2021, 05:29 PM

I used to get parts from these guys. https://www.bmrparts.com/index.htm

A930Rocket · 06-12-2021, 05:46 PM

Transfer case or transfer box?

A Google search of transfer box brings up all kinds of transfer case posts.

Try FCP

Jeff Alton · 08:04 PM

Is in internal, or the stepper motor gears which can be replaced for little money. That is a common failure, no need to even remove the transfer case to repair.

What year is it? If it is the gears it could be as simple as this kit 27 10 2 413 711 BMW has a kit as well as a place called odometergears

Cheers

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

Very common problem on both the E83 and F25 X3s. I'd get a rebuilt one at a minimum, unless the intent is to sell the car immediately.

Thanks for the assistance.

I already got a Pelican recommendation for a shop and the BMW X3 is there. So far he has found the box was dry....... He has quoted $4,500 for a new unit. These were a dime a dozen vehicles and my inclination is to find a salvage unit as we are indeed going to sell the X3.

It is a shame it is not local to me. It is nice that just needs a bit of long term maintenance to become a very serviceable vehicle for another 100,000 miles.

asphaltgambler · 06-14-2021, 03:41 AM

Jeff Alton is correct, there is a plastic gear driven by the stepper motor. It only rotates @90 degrees. You can remove the motor assy w/o too much fuss, either replace the gear or just clock it 180 away. That's all there is to it. U tube has a few videos on this.

Steve Carlton · 06-14-2021, 01:56 PM

Seems like several folks here were trying to assist you and asked some questions, Macroni, and you couldn't be bothered to respond. I would have checked with the indy BMW shop I like here, but still don't know where the car is. Why bother asking for help? Hopefully the shop you went to knows what they're doing.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

Car is in SF

Steve Carlton · 06-14-2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macroni

Thanks for the assistance.

I already got a Pelican recommendation for a shop and the BMW X3 is there. So far he has found the box was dry....... He has quoted $4,500 for a new unit. These were a dime a dozen vehicles and my inclination is to find a salvage unit as we are indeed going to sell the X3.

It is a shame it is not local to me. It is nice that just needs a bit of long term maintenance to become a very serviceable vehicle for another 100,000 miles.

This is the only response I saw prior to my post. Am I missing something?

john70t · 06-14-2021, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macroni

These were a dime a dozen vehicles and my inclination is to find a salvage unit as we are indeed going to sell the X3..

My knowledge is a few decades out-of-date, but the East side has a Pick-n-pull which might source the parts.
Best of luck.
There is always MUNI/BART in the meantime.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

This is the only response I saw prior to my post. Am I missing something?

A Pelican recommended a Indy in Mountainview.

He has found what he is calling the Transfer case (front) to be dry.

He is looking for an inexpensive way to repair.

Sorry if I confused…. I’m definitely having a mixed bag of a day.

I have not heard from the shop since Friday..... so it is difficult to answer questions.

WPOZZZ · 06-14-2021, 06:30 PM

$4500 is a bit dear for an X3, esp if t is a 1st gen. 2nd gen, not as bad, but that is about 50% of a F25's value.

Steve Carlton · 06-14-2021, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macroni

A Pelican recommended a Indy in Mountainview.

He has found what he is calling the Transfer case (front) to be dry.

He is looking for an inexpensive way to repair.

Sorry if I confused…. I’m definitely having a mixed bag of a day.

I have not heard from the shop since Friday..... so it is difficult to answer questions.

No worries! I was thinking the indy I know in Berkeley might be able to help you, but it sounds like the car is in Mt View now. Outside of a new one, I guess you're looking at putting in a rebuilt transfer case, rebuilding the one you have, or finding a salvage unit. I have no idea what's best. What year is the X3? What engine and transmission?