7/24/22, 3:40 PM Transfer box
BMW F25 X3 28iX SAV / Electrical Components / Connectors / Components / Components with A / A79
Transfer box /
Transfer box
Transfer box (VTG)
The control unit for the transfer box (VTG control unit) is secured to the transfer box on the transfer-case
servomotor. The VTG control unit controls the transfer-case servomotor. Distribution of the drive torque is
oriented upon the torque that can be supported by each axle.
The electronically controlled multidisc clutch smoothly distributes the drive torque as required to the front axle.
The rear axle is always powered. This means that all of the drive torque is applied to the rear axle when the
multidisc clutch is separated.
The drive torque is distributed as follows in normal driving with four-wheel drive:
40 % to the front axle
60 % to the rear axle
VTG control unit and transfer-case servomotor cannot be replaced separately: only ever together.
Functional description
In consultation with the central driving dynamics control function in the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM)
integrated in the master control unit, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) stipulates the setpoint value for all-
wheel control of the xDrive function. The setpoint value depends on the tendency of the vehicle to oversteer or
understeer and the wheel slip. The setpoint value is transmitted to the VTG control unit.
The VTG control unit regulates the locking torque at the multidisc clutch in the transfer box in response to the
following factors:
Demand for required locking torque (comes from the DSC control unit)
Condition of the transmission oil (calculated in the VTG control unit)
Multidisc clutch wear (calculated in the VTG control unit)
Load on transfer-case servomotor (calculated in the VTG control unit)
Transmission oil temperature (calculated in the VTG control unit)
The VTG control unit supplies the following information to the DSC control unit:
The locking torque currently set
All calculated data
The locking torque is limited whenever needed in order to reduce the frictional work. This protects the clutch from
thermal overload. Locking torque limitation is signalled by a Check Control message.
The multidisc clutch is opened or closed by the transfer-case servomotor. The position of the servomotor shaft
and the adjustment rate are detected by a hall effect sensor.
A temperature sensor in the VTG control unit monitors the power output stage for the transfer-case servomotor.
This protects the servomotor from thermal overload. Any thermal overload of the servomotor is signalled by a
Check Control message. The transfer box moves temporarily into its open position. The multidisc clutch is
disconnected. Once the servomotor has cooled down, the multidisc clutch can be operated again (preconditions:
DSC must request once-only 0 Nm locking torque).
Due to mechanical tolerances in the production of mechanical components, the characteristics curve of locking
torque in the multidisc clutch can vary slightly. The classification function ensures that mechanical tolerances in
the transfer box are considered. Optimum function is thus ensured.
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When terminal 15 is OFF, a reference run is performed. During this reference run, a certain angle setting of the
transfer-case servomotor has a corresponding locking torque assigned for the multidisc clutch. The effects of
wear are also taken into account when this is done. The multidisc clutch is closed fully and separated once
during this reference run. When this happens, the power consumption is measured at the respective angle
setting of the transfer-case servomotor. This determines the beginning and end of the closing action for the
multidisc clutch. The angle setting is recorded by means of the hall effect sensor integrated in the transfer-case
servomotor. These values are stored and are used as data when the vehicle restarts.
The VTG control unit has an integral controller for emergency operation. The controller is used to attempt to
maintain four-wheel drive for as long as possible when the DSC control unit malfunctions or important sensor
signals drop out. Substitute values are calculated when individual sensor signals drop out. Functions are
operated by using the substitute values until it is no longer possible to control the four-wheel drive effectively.
This can lead to the complete loss of four-wheel drive.
Index Explanation Index Explanation
1 Transfer box 2 Control unit for transfer box (VTG
control unit)
3 Transfer-case servomotor 4 Servomotor housing
5 Stator 6 Rotor
7 eight‐pin plug connection 8 Printed circuit board
9 Cover on the VTG control unit 10 Plastic housing
The housing of the servomotor is used to house the stator and as a mounting for the rotor (one-sided mounting
with two ball bearings). The PCB (printed circuit board) with its components is located in a plastic housing.
Structure and inner electrical connection
The control unit for the transfer box (VTG) is connected to the vehicle electrical system by an 8-pin plug
connection.
The VTG control unit is a bus user on the FlexRay network.
The rear power distribution box supplies the VTG control unit with power via terminals 30 and 30B.
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The VTG control unit is woke up by the Car Access System (CAS) or front electronic module (FEM) via wake-up
line (terminal 15 wake-up line).
Index Explanation
1 Control unit for transfer box (VTG)
Pin assignments
The graphic above shows only the supply and bus connection. The current pin assignment can be found on the
BMW ISTA diagnosis system among the wiring diagrams. Click on the component code in the wiring diagram to
activate the "Installation location" and "Pin assignment" tabs.
Nominal values
Observe the following setpoint values for the VTG control unit:
Size Value
Supply voltage 9 to 16 V
Temperature range -40 to 140 deg C
Diagnosis instructions
Failure of the component
If the communication to the VTG control unit fails, run the standard tests (global testing procedure). If there is an
internal control unit fault, the following behaviour is to be expected:
Fault entry in the control unit for transfer box (VTG)
The fixed warning and indicator light lights up in the instrument panel
Check Control message in the instrument panel
General notes
Notice! Follow the instructions for service functions!
The diagnosis system provides a service function for replacement of the transfer box and/or transfer-case
servomotor with VTG control unit:
Path: Service functions > powertrain > VTG transmission control unit
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