"BMW X5 - Transfer Case"

By Ron Stultz

7 July 2011

Summary: Transfer case to the tune of $4k required at 151,000 miles!!

Background:

BMW X5, 4.4i, model year 2000, sports package.

Bought new.

151,000 miles.

Never raced or towed anything.

Transfer case:

Clunking sound(s) and feel from front end.

Started initially only upon heavy acceleration from a stop.

Has gotten progressively worse such that even a mild acceleration cause clunking sounds.

Control arms and sway bar link replaced. Not the problem.

Informed today that transfer case must be replaced. New case and labor: $4k.

Why?

151,000 is some miles but did not expect transfer case issue at this point in time.

Causes??  At one time had different tread pattern on front than on rears. Wanted 4 tires at the same time but situation, not money, did not allow. Really? Different tread pattern?

Had problem with one front tire going flat all the time. Wear?

Decision to replace:

Been here before. High mileage car and major repair needed. Repair and take a chance nothing else major goes out in next couple of years or just forget repair and buy a replacement car? I hate these kind of decisions.

X5 is cosmetically in decent shape both exterior and interior.

Now doing most repairs myself with new control arms, serpentine belts, complete front and soon to be rear brake job, etc. etc.

Change oil and filters minimum 1st per year.

Really need reliable car for 150 miles trips twice, three times a year. Otherwise always in neighborhood.

Looked at used that would serve cargo hauling needs and minimum $12K with 75,000 miles and not X5.

Like performance and handling of X5.

Like that it can haul a lot of stuff and my wife and I do periodically.

So $4k is a lot and wish I did not have to but going to take chance and have it repaired.