Cool "Hidden" features of the E53 X5

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by MacProo

...so what essentially happens is that you turn off X-Drive...

Since there are two types of AWD systems used on the e53 X5...knowing what model year you have would be most helpful to the forum...especially if there's a difference between the systems in the area you told us to look for a connection.

The early build e53s uses technology based on the earlier AWD systems going back to the old e30 325ix...and has a torque split of 38/62 front/rear...where as the later build e53s have the variable x-Drive system that defaults to a 40/60 front/rear split until slippage or other dynamic creates a different variation of torque split.

In fact, your model/model year/build date would help us all better.

[MacProo]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Since there are two types of AWD systems used on the e53 X5...knowing what model year you have would be most helpful to the forum...especially if there's a difference between the systems in the area you told us to look for a connection.

The early build e53s have a fixed 38/62 front/rear split...where as the later build e53s have the variable x-Drive system that defaults to a 40/60 front/rear split until slippage or other dynamic creates a different variation.

In fact, your model/model year/build date would help us all better.

I use a 2004 E53 4.4L
I havent checked the build date. If i remember ill check next time i go for a drive



Heres an image of where the cables are (2 of them). Sorry it's blurry, i had a difficult time holding the seat up and taking the photo


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[Qsilver7]

[TerminatorX5]

this is where the EGS module located - the tranny module... i wonder if disconnecting the tranny module can cause any short- or long-term harm...

[CrazyOneToo]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Here's a picture of it in place. Evidently BMW included it in early X5's. It's also mentioned in the manuals.

I want one. Mine doesnt have it.

[04e53x5]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

the 3.0i didn't come with a flashlight, only the V8's.

no the 3.0i does come with 1

[04e53x5]

there's a neat feature that i found a while back you can have a aux input

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by MacProo

Heres a fun one i found.
If you take the traction control off, you still have a very hard time trying to slide the car. so to over come this i found this trick.

1) Remove the rear seat, simply lift it up.
2) there will be 2 connector cables on connected to X drive, LEFT seat. If you remove the two cables and start up the car, ABS, Stability and 4x4 will be turned off.

FYI, much much simpler to just pull fuse 46 from glovebox fuses.
does exact same thing

[Mart]

Just joined, new to me 06 X5 4.4. I might be able have an idea for those looking for the flashlight. This is the first used BMW that I bought still had the flashlight. I pulled it and marveled at its small size and dim light. I then pushed it back into its socket, and it kept going and ended up behind the glove box. I had to take off some of the interior to retrieve it. I may not be the only one this has happened to.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Mart

...pushed it back into its socket, and it kept going and ended up behind the glove box. I had to take off some of the interior to retrieve it. ...

If I'm not mistaken, I think the base of the "torch" is keyed, thus only fits one way into its socket. If it wasn't in the correct position, when you "pushed" it, you may have pushed the entire socket out...if the base of the "torch" wasn't going into the socket correctly.

Just a thought...you may want to check if this was the issue so it doesn't happen again.