xdrive vs non xdrive

Crowz · #1 01-27-2019, 05:42 AM

I was able to test out my 2001 X5 today at the old homestead and I learned there is a HUGE difference between an X5 with xdrive and a non xdrive X5.

On the xdrive ones I have when you enter the mud and a tire starts to spin or could spin the x5 pauses for a second or so and then goes on with no spinning. The non xdrive spins the rear tires continuously while moving forward. The front tires are pulling it along and not spinning but the back tires keep spinning the entire time. Was worried at the first mud hole that I was going to get stuck when the back tires started spinning.

I never slowed down and it steadily went thru each mud hole and even climbed the hill covered in pine straw fine but the rear tires spun whenever I entered a new slick spot. I don't think the front tires ever spun any.

Just figured someone might be interested in what happened.

Attacking Mid · #2 01-27-2019, 07:17 AM

A significant part of the reason that I limited my e53 search to 2004+. Xdrive works wonderfully in snow.

AM.

Muleears · #3 01-27-2019, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowz

I was able to test out my 2001 X5 today at the old homestead and I learned there is a HUGE difference between an X5 with xdrive and a non xdrive X5.

On the xdrive ones I have when you enter the mud and a tire starts to spin or could spin the x5 pauses for a second or so and then goes on with no spinning. The non xdrive spins the rear tires continuously while moving forward. The front tires are pulling it along and not spinning but the back tires keep spinning the entire time. Was worried at the first mud hole that I was going to get stuck when the back tires started spinning.

I never slowed down and it steadily went thru each mud hole and even climbed the hill covered in pine straw fine but the rear tires spun whenever I entered a new slick spot. I don't think the front tires ever spun any.

Just figured someone might be interested in what happened.

Great information! Was the X-Drive and option or did it come standard? Do you know what years?

BTW, I've read several of your articles on your webpage, great stuff! Thanks.

Qsilver7 · #4 01-27-2019, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muleears

Great information! Was the X-Drive and option or did it come standard? Do you know what years?
Thanks.

I just posted some information about this topic the other day (1/21/19) in a thread from a forum member that questioned if his 2003's AWD system was working.

Here's a direct link to that thread that explains how the pre facelift e53 X5's AWD system (DSC-X) works...the thread went on with multiple attempts in explaining how rear wheel slippage while the front wheels didn't appear to be doing anything weren't a sign that the front axle was broken. Take note of my replies in post #6 & #11 Pay special attention to the info about ADB (automatic differential brake):

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-4-no-awd.html

Crowz · #5 01-27-2019, 07:50 AM

2004 and newer has the xdrive. Since this one is just for checking on the old house and basically to use when we don't want to mess up the other two x5's its not that much of a problem but it sure makes the xdrive models shine in comparison seeing it in action and all.

On the website stuff your welcome !

Muleears · #6 01-27-2019, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowz

2004 and newer has the xdrive. Since this one is just for checking on the old house and basically to use when we don't want to mess up the other two x5's its not that much of a problem but it sure makes the xdrive models shine in comparison seeing it in action and all.

On the website stuff your welcome !

Just re-read the article on adding the High Beams to the Bi-xenons. I've added LED's in place of the H-1's and I'm very impressed. Can't wait to get the two combined! I live in deer country and my commute is 5-6am. prime deer time. I didn't think LED's had reached that high a level of power yet but this have convinced me. I have also sanded/buffed and clear coated the lenses with SprayMax 2K, which I HIGHLY reccommend.

I don't think I'm ready to tackle the code change yet. I've been working with Overboost, he has been extremely helpful. We did change some of the codes on my '05 X-5 last week but I only have BMW Scanner 1.4 running, no INPA yet.

Keep the posts/articles comming!

Crowz · #7 01-27-2019, 04:55 PM

You will love the high beam mod. Its a night and day difference.

The hid reflector bowls on our e53 are shot so the hids don't put out light worth a flip.

But upgrading the driving light bulbs in the bumper it fixed not being able to see on low beam and adding the inner lights in as high beams made it have some of the brightest headlights of all my vehicles.

Muleears · #8 01-27-2019, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowz

You will love the high beam mod. Its a night and day difference.

The hid reflector bowls on our e53 are shot so the hids don't put out light worth a flip.

But upgrading the driving light bulbs in the bumper it fixed not being able to see on low beam and adding the inner lights in as high beams made it have some of the brightest headlights of all my vehicles.

That's good to know. I have changed the driving lights to LEDs already and yes, they do make quite a difference for the short distance and sides. Can't wait to get the mod done for the HB's.

Crowz · #9 01-28-2019, 09:37 PM

Well we went over to the old house to put out fresh shavings for the animals.

Freaking non xdrive got stuck climbing the hill about 4 times. Had to back up and get a running start to get up the hill.

In its defense the front wheel was kicking up dust, smoke and burnt rubber smells so it was doing its best.

The abs was acting up again so no dsc to help so fully open front and rear diff's = no go.

Xdrive like I said in the same place pauses a second and goes with no spinning.

I need to get the abs issues straightened out to see how it does with it working right. Because if it doesn't radically improve its either getting a lsd diff or getting gone. Useless the way it is right now to me.

srmmmm · #10 01-29-2019, 10:19 AM

Sounds like you have other issues. I've never had any traction problems in snow or pulling a boat up a gravel drive covered in pine needles in SE Oklahoma hills at Broken Bow Lake. One wheel may spin a bit, but you can feel the ABS cut in to keep the others from breaking loose.

2002 X5 3.0 354,000 miles
2014 428i 51,000 miles

2004 325i Sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i Sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird Under restoration