Help Pls - Whats this unit? Mine looks like it's leaking

[bigsanj]

Hi all, not been on for a while and working away does not help. I was wondering if anyone could identify this unit in the pic. Its on the underside of a 2004 4.4 E53. The reason im asking is i have spotted some oil and wondered what work would be needed to get it sorted. Thanks in advancei

[X5Sport]

Looks like the transfer box/xDrive unit behind the gearbox.

One of these.  Though depending upon the production year it might be a different version, but still the same device.

Richard

[bigsanj]

Thanks Richard. ITS A 2004. thought it might be transfer box. Does anyone know if its a big job to replace the seal or is it a new unit? Looks like back to my indi.

[X5Sport]

Looking at this diagram, it would appear to be no worse than detaching the propshafts, supporting the gearbox, undoing the bolts to remove the unit and then change the seals and put it all back together....

Richard

[Steamyrotter]

"normal" transfer box is a piece of cake...
That looks like the XDrive one so cannot comment specifically..But strip should be easy (ish)

To get out you will need to..
Remove bottom plastic cover (you already have to take that photo.
Drop off exhausts to allow the heat shields to be removed to access the cross member mounting bolts
Disconnect rear propshaft (inc intermediate bearing overwise you will not get the shaft off the transfer box.
Support under gearbox with jack and a piece of packing to protect the box.
Disconnect any leads to the transfer box and keep out the way.
Remove cross member bolts an the single long bolt through the transfer box mount.
Drop cross member out
Lower the gearbox to get to transfer box mounting bolts.
Remove them all and slide transfer box off.  Be careful it is heavy and awkward..

Replace is reverse to removal..  Helps to have 2 people to make it easier, but it is manageable by one..

As said cannot comment of strip of the XDrive transfer box, but normal one is easy..

[bigsanj]

Thanks steamyrotter...