Transfer Case Servicing BMW X5 E53

xDRIVE

Introduced for the 2004 model year, xDrive is a new four-wheel-drive system that delivers continuously variable input torques to the front and rear axles. xDrive comprises Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The DSC triggers the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to supply continuously variable and power-oriented input torques to the front and rear axles. The rear axle is always powered. All of the input torque is applied to the rear axle when the multi-plate clutch is separated. See OVERVIEW - X-DRIVE article.

TOPPING UP/CHANGING TRANSFER CASE OIL

Note. Use only the approved gear oil in the transfer box. See TRANSFER CASE APPROVED OIL . Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the transfer box. Only change the oil when the transfer box is at normal operating temperature.

TRANSFER CASE APPROVED OIL

CHANGING TRANSFER CASE OIL

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath. Remove oil drain plug (2). Drain and dispose of gear oil. Replace sealing ring, screw in oil drain plug (2) and tighten down. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Undo oil filler plug (1). Pour in gear oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (1). (Scheme 23) Replace sealing ring.

Scheme 23

OPERATION

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

CHECKING FUNCTION OF FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL & TRANSFER CASE

1. To check function of transfer case, carry out following tasks: Place vehicle on lifting platform. Shift transmission to neutral. (Automatic: position "N"). Raise vehicle, wheels must spin freely. Apply handbrake. Both front wheels rotate uniformly in one direction.
2. If spinning of both front wheels in one direction is not possible, check front axle differential: Remove front propeller shaft. See PROPELLER SHAFTS. Check front axle differential for ease of movement. On blockable front axle differential only, replace this differential. See DIFFERENTIAL.
3. Check transfer case: Release handbrake. Rotate both drive shafts of transfer case against each other. If turning of both drive shafts are not possible, replace transfer case.
4. If front wheels can spin, check transfer case for shaft failure. Remove transfer case. See «TRANSFER CASE - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-removal-installation) . Withdraw drive shaft and check for fracture. If shaft is fractured, replace drive shaft.
5. If front wheels can spin, also check front axle differential and transfer case. Install drive shaft. Block drive shaft by hand. Rotate output shaft to final drive. If output shaft to front axle does not turn, replace transfer case. Replace radial shaft seal for output front axle output. See «RADIAL SHAFT SEAL FOR FRONT AXLE OUTPUT»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing) .

OUTPUT FLANGE FOR FRONT AXLE OUTPUT (500 X-DRIVE)

Note. Do not move vehicle with engine power once propeller shaft has been removed. Replace output flange only in conjunction with a new radial shaft seal. After completion of work, check transmission oil level.

Removal & Installation

Operation is identical to replacing radial shaft seal for front axle output. See RADIAL SHAFT SEAL FOR FRONT AXLE OUTPUT (500 X-DRIVE) .

Remove reinforcement plate. Remove front propeller shaft. Press out output shaft (1) with a suitable tool (2) in direction of arrow. (Scheme 24)

Scheme 24

Remove protective cap (1) with a screwdriver in direction of arrow. (Scheme 25)

Scheme 25

Drive a hole into radial shaft seal (2) using a center punch (1). (Scheme 26)

Note. Do not use a drill as drillings may result in transmission malfunction.

Scheme 26

Install special tool (23 0 490). Drive out radial shaft seal (1) with impact weight (2). (Scheme 27)

Scheme 27

Drive in radial shaft seal with a suitable special tool (27 1 420). (Scheme 28) Add final details to vehicle. Check oil level.

Scheme 28

RESISTOR FOR SERVOMOTOR (500 X-DRIVE)

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Note. Delete previous resistance values when replacing the resistor. Using BMW diagnosis system, work through test program in accordance with instructions.

Detach plug (1,2) from resistor. Release screw (3) and remove resistor. (Scheme 29)

Scheme 29

SERVOMOTOR (500 X-DRIVE)

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Note. Delete previous resistance values when replacing the resistor. Using BMW diagnosis system, work through test program in accordance with instructions.

Disconnect plugs (1, 2). Release screws and remove servomotor from transfer box. (Scheme 30)

Scheme 30

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TRANSFER CASE - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
• TRANSFER CASE APPROVED OIL
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS