[philtrick123]

I thought I'd post a quick thread in case anyone else has this issue.

To cut a long story short(ish)... I bought a 1year old x3 F25 6 years ago, I missed my end of warranty check because BMW couldn't get me in.
When they did get me in, they said that it looked like the transfer box/case had a seal which was weeping. Anyway they wanted £££ to investigate and potentially repair. I should have pressed at the time- but I didn't.
Went to an independent general garage for an oil change a year later. Asked them to look to see if they could see anything. All was ok as far as they could see.
Anyway 4years later the transfer box has failed with 60,000miles on the car. Getting stability and drive moderately messages on the screen.
I got a BMW specialist to look at it as part of a intermediate 60,000 mile service. They confirmed it was the transfer box and wanted £3600 to repair. I think £3000 was for a refurbed box from BMW, the rest fitting.
I very fortunately stumbled on a listing on ebay uk for a refurbished transfer box including fitting for £900. Contacted the guy based in Blackburn UK, and he agreed to look at it.
Timing was excellent as I was visiting the area to see family.
Polish guy, knew all about the problem. Took me on a short drive with his bluetooth obd scanner plugged in.
He said he'd fix it for £900 or £1100 if the electronics where shot. Left the car with him. 2 hours later all repaired. He showed me the old transfer box, virtually dry inside. He refurbs the transfer boxs himself. He gets stacks of work on BMWs just on transfer boxs.
Very happy with a £900 repair, which includes a 12month warrenty. Very unhappy with BMW and also the other garages which checked it.

Moral of the story, get your transfer case oil changed. I understand its fiddly because there's only a one plug and filling and draining. Needs a special pump.
Also search out specialist to save money.