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

The thought of working on BMWs keeps me up at night.

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 KZfaq 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.

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.

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!

I'm happy to hear that- I can imagine that working to a degree in some instances. It would be worth a try.

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!

your videos are always so simple and easy to understand.

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!

Thanks. That just means you're smart and you have a good car vocabulary. ; )

Man big big thanx for this explanation.You help me to fix one X3 with same problem.

Thank you for the video - get this took it to my BMW dealer, and said it was a 7000.00 fix.

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'm flattered- thanks.

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.

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.

Welcome! Good job!

well done mate you have just helped me out considerably ...thank you

Brian your the best. So detailed with the information. Big Thanks, once again.

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?

awesome video, thanks. Fixed my issue in 2 hours, just swapped the plastic gear

Regarding the passenger mirror dropping down in reverse - you can set it by toggling where you leave the left/ride selector for the power mirrors

It controls the clutch pack inside the transfer case. It helps make the wheels hook up when needed for braking or accelerating.

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.

Thanks , just did this to my girls 2004 x3. Rotated the wheel. It's working great , best part it was free!!!!

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!

You are the man! "Thank you internet".

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.

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!

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.

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.

Saved me a ton of cash. Thanks!

Thank you much, my moms car just started Friday its been jerky when driving . I appreciate your video, im going to look into this.

What was it marketed as?

hi there , i have the same problem with the 4x4lights coming on, can you please send me a link to where i can buy the part online. thanks!

Hey Brian, did you make this repair while the car was jacked up. I want to do this in my home garage. Is it easy?

I have a 2005 BMW X3 with ABS/Brake/4x4 lights coming on and off and on again. A indy BMW repair shop found my transfer case motor faulty and needs to be replaced. Can I wait a year to get this replaced? Can I drive from Los Angeles to Dallas and back with this issue?

thanks for this video, big help !

Thanks man, I had the same annoying problem and I just fixed it. Thanks again

Thanks for the video. I'm going to post a link to your video on several BM Trouble U forums that I am on.

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

Great vid man. Quick question if i decide not to change the part will it do any future damage to the car? thanks

Excellent. Is this the same for 2010 X3’s? Thank you

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 ?

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.

Hey, thx for making this video. Where did you order the new part from?

I work out a lot. I just put the bolt through it and use my socket to push it up and then twist in a few threads.

excellent job, you are the best..!!!

Did you scan the truck for any type of error code (the trifecta of lights normally gives an error code) before you went and change the actuator?

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?

Thank you so much, my husband and I are having the same problem with our x3. You just saved us a lot of money. thank you, thank you.

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 have the same problem yesterday with my 2004 X3. Is it drivable or better to wait to get it fixed. After stopping at a red light and then trying to give gas when its green again it jerks for 3 seconds and is not smooth.

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...

That's AWESOME!

Did you just have to undo one side of the transfer case cross member?

Goooood, Rick. But how did you disassembly the gear case? I think you got the current best approach for this issue.

Thank you for this video you saved me alot of money. The BMW dealer was going to charge me over $3,000

Thank you great video!

Hi i have this ploblem rigth now . Only 4x4 ligth you think is the transfer case actuador .

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

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

Helpful post and friendly presentation, thank you!

Thanks

Yup! Thanks KZfaq! I saved a lot of money changing this thing out myself! Easy fix with the right tools

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?

So, is it safe to perform this motor replacement without supporting the transfer case with a jack stand? I assume the case is still supported by the large through bolt you left in place? Other KZfaq videos show completely removing the transfer case cross member. Thanks for putting out this DIY video.

Hey brian i have a question unrelated to this video i have a 2001 chevy s10 and im having trouble taking the middle spark plug driverside out is there anyway to remove without taking the steering shaft out

Hi great video thanks for charing. I'm having a similar problem with my X3 but the guys at the shop are not being able to solve the proble. Did you had to connect you car to the computer and reprogram after installing the new actuator? Could you please read my post on this forum and give me your opinion? I would appreciate your help. you tube doesn't let me put the link here on the comment but its at the bimmerfest forum with the this title "X3 "Servomotor" replacement / Reprogramming HELP!!!"

Awsome video!

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..

Will do.

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?

Amen to that one!

WINNER!!!!

AMEN!

Thanks from Australia

Hi can you tell me which web site you find the plastic gear can you send website , did you have same problem like me ( in my car indicator now is orange lamp 4X4 in triangle, and abs lamp ) ,

Thank you. Totally helpful.

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.

Helllllp!!! How do I bolt back the cross member? It will not go back up, it seems it's to heavy to go back up. Any tips would really help. Thanks!

I have a x3 08 with the same problem, I replace the transfer case but the lights still come on. I felt the difference after replace it but the issue are the light. Do you have any idea?

Welcome!

Hi Brian.. I have same 3 lights on my 2006 BMW. IS there any harm running on them like that ? I drive this car very less locally and wondering if there is a way I can buy more time OR are there any other cause too this problem?

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.

I wander if those parts are made somewhere . Did that part have a core charge? With so many people out there I would think some would. I had a BMW a while back bought it when I was working and not a disabled VET like I am now . Living off disability pay sucks. I loved the BMW but even a oil change was a task.

very good information... can I drive the car to shop for repairs or should it be towed

@briansmobile1 would you happen to know the torque down specs for most of the bolts / torque screws used in the video

Sounds like your alternator may be failing or your fuel pump. The key is to check it when it dies and see if there's no power, or no fuel pressure.

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!

Hi Brian, I have 2004 BMW 325i sedan i was driven and when I shifted to fifth gear lost acceleration And this three lights came on EML DSC and brake yellow light . If you can help it's well appreciated

You're welcome!

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.

way helpful thank you

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.

I had these exact issues and ordered the part and had it installed by my mechanic. The lights are still on though...wondering if its another issue? Or if the indicator lights need to be reset to eliminate the error code?