4 x 4 light / transfer case actuator

Have had the 4x4 (DSC) light illuminated on the dash (No other lights). Tried a few suggestions from the forums to clear it but to no avail. Also there are no grinding noises. Went into a dealer in Atlanta today and they said there was a fault with the transfer case actuator motor and possibly the transfer case itself. They wanted over $1500 to change out the actuator and if that didn't fix it, over $3100 for the transfer case. The car is a 2005 and has 61K. It is out of warranty.

Anyone ever DIY replace the transfer case actuator? The part is just over $800. So saving $700 on labor seems wise.

Have got the same problem XO, mine is a '05 X3 w/ manual tranny. Been digging in the forum here and some are saying it could be the battery.....I might have to try that first.

Originally Posted by xo

Have had the 4x4 (DSC) light illuminated on the dash (No other lights). Tried a few suggestions from the forums to clear it but to no avail. Also there are no grinding noises. Went into a dealer in Atlanta today and they said there was a fault with the transfer case actuator motor and possibly the transfer case itself. They wanted over $1500 to change out the actuator and if that didn't fix it, over $3100 for the transfer case. The car is a 2005 and has 61K. It is out of warranty.

Anyone ever DIY replace the transfer case actuator? The part is just over $800. So saving $700 on labor seems wise.

If you are mechanically inclined, I wouldn't think it would be too hard of a job (the actuator). The transfer case could be something I wouldn't do myself.
I would start getting the BMW T.I.S, (kind of a technical service manual for BMW, you can pay per use online) and see if you can tackle it.

You always have the option on getting an estimate from an Indy shop, they are a lot less expensive than the dealership.

Just to bring some closure to my situation:

I went to my indy shop back in February. They confirmed that the codes were for the transfer case actuator. They tried servicing the transfer case, but the light returned during their test drives. I looked at the BMW TIS and got some good info from another member, but determined it was beyond the scope of my abilities. I believe something in the ABS computer has to be reset after the part install.

Anyway $1100 later, new transfer case actuator and no further problems.

I just had my unit go out in my 06'. The install is not bad if you have the right tools. Do you have to reset the computer after installing another actuator?

Originally Posted by dgreen78

I just had my unit go out in my 06'. The install is not bad if you have the right tools. Do you have to reset the computer after installing another actuator?

If the light went off by itself, I don't think you need to reset anything. Though it wouldn't hurt to read the code to see if something comes back.

does any one know wher the transfer case is on bmw x3 in order to fix the transfer case actuator

The following link may help you to locate and fix the problem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=bh6HvYcn-HA

I wish I would have found this link before spending nearly $3K to replace the transfer case actuator

Had my x3 transfer case motor go out on me found one on eBay $200 labor $225 real problem with price with BMW dealership shop online for parts.

There is a sticky on this forum about this.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=566880