X3 at Autobahn Speeds

[matt20043.0]

My X3 wants to go faster...........on the way home from Monterey yesterday I averaged about 90, even in the rain. I could still here the X3 calling me.........calling me..........go faster

[MysticBlueX3]

Originally Posted by rhino

At speeds of 112 mp/h and above, the X3 is powered exclusively by its rear wheels. It's not a 4 wheel drive anymore ...

Did not know that, too bad I don't have any place to try it out.

[Ajogu]

Originally Posted by DINANM3

Actually i heard that the USA versions of X3 and X5s get a different X drive system. It fuctions the same but the diffs are different and they handle sustained high speeds better than ours. Ive heard this by more than one person.

I have to say I heard the same thing. I have no idea if its true but there have been talks about differences b/w Euro and US specs. I find the rumours hard to believe, but there is no smoke without a fire.
I heard that US spec pre 04' 4.4 X5's (ie. without the Xdrive) had a 4 spd transmission while the Euro Spec got the 5spd tranny.
There were lots of talks of the strict US speed limits causing the differences

[SSG.Santiago]

i was in GERMANY for 3 1/2 years i been told the euro spec BMW has smaller gear diff. because they go at a faster speed and for a longer time in the autobahn than us here in the 65 mph interstate

[DINANM3]

thats what i heard too. Does anyone know this for sure.

[eyesore]

Originally Posted by moymch

Have a question for the masses. I was informed the other day that the X-Drive on the X3 is not designed or capable to sustain the high speeds I drive on the Autobahn (100-115 mph). I have had no problems so far, but this guys comment did worry me and made me start wondering if I am driving to fast for this vehicle. My wifes 330XI does well at high speeds but I think it has a different drive system. Comments / Suggestions please. Thanks.

Maybe the information you got was meant for the 4-wheel driveand not xdrive system.

I think from 180 km/h (around 110 mph) all the power is on the back wheels only: 0% power on the front wheels from this speed.

... and yes... I just surfed the web. it is exactly 180 km/h.

best,

e.

[eyesore]

Originally Posted by eyesore

Maybe the information you got was meant for the 4-wheel driveand not xdrive system.

I think from 180 km/h (around 110 mph) all the power is on the back wheels only: 0% power on the front wheels from this speed.

... and yes... I just surfed the web. it is exactly 180 km/h.

best,

e.

Upss... somebody already wrote this earlier... missed that post. Sorry.
It is 112 mph / 180 km/h.

Sorry.

e.