I got stuck in deep snow. Why didn't the front wheels try to spin?

Estroil 4.8is · #1 03-17-2007, 09:43 AM

So yeah I got stuck at the bottom of my driveway. I didn't realize that it was that deep on the way out, but the city trucks plowed us in reall nice. Anyways, I try to reverse and forward, Nothing. So my fiance got out and said that the front wheels weren't spinning at all. Not even a little. Whats up with that! I tried with DSC on and off. I also tried the holding the DSC button until the light went off, it help alittle but not enough. So I ended up digging myself out. I even did a holeshot and the fronts still didn't turn just the rears. Can someone explain how our 4 wheel drive works.

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bobbyp · #2 03-17-2007, 10:09 AM

Can't answer your question since I'm a new X5 owner myself but I'm subscribing to this to find out the answer. And, that's one beautiful X5 you have there!

AzNMpower32 · #3 03-17-2007, 10:11 AM

To be honest, I'm not sure where the power is going when you're in Reverse. But keep in mind, xDrive is by design, inherently biased towards the rear wheels. I've never understood why it seems like the front wheels don't seem to get as much power.

FYI: under normal conditions, xDrive is fully rear-wheel drive from 0-12mph and for parking lot manuevers, and for speeds above 112mph. Now, you might be shocked to think it's 100% rear from a stop, but I think it can change that if the rears dont have grip. Thats why I can always accelerate hard from a dead stop, 4 wheels on slick stuff, and never get stuck since it feels like the system sends power to whatever wheels have a bit more grip. But it always feels like the rear wheels are getting a lot more power than the front.

Estroil 4.8is · #4 03-17-2007, 10:12 AM

Thanks and welcome to X5world!! Watch how fast I get an answer on here. You'll become addicted like everyone else.

trueX5er · #5 03-17-2007, 10:13 AM

Well first you don't have X-Drive, which would probably help. I think if you tap the DSC button it turns on DTC, which allows for some wheelspin, and if you hold it, everything goes off. What kind of tires did you have on?

(bobbyp: Your car looks exactly how mine did..same options too! (before I sold it)

)

Estroil 4.8is · #6 03-17-2007, 10:15 AM

Why wouldn't it have 4wheel for 0-12mph. That's were you need it the most, No?

AzNMpower32 · #7 03-17-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueX5er

Well first you don't have X-Drive, which would probably help. I think if you tap the DSC button it turns on DTC, which allows for some wheelspin, and if you hold it, everything goes off. What kind of tires did you have on?

Oh, he's right. oops. In that case, you have a fixed 38/62 power split biased towards the rear. That's a bit outta my league. Don't you wish you had xDrive in that situation?

trueX5er · #8 03-17-2007, 10:17 AM

He is talking about xDrive, which isn't on 2000-2003 X5s. I think. I could be wrong though.
But anyways I think because in normal dry circumstaces, you don't need 4wheel. If rears slip, AWD will be activated. Unless you have DTC activated. Then you have AWD with wheelslip. Confusing I know.

Estroil 4.8is · #9 03-17-2007, 10:19 AM

I have brand new Pirelli Scorpions

"Don't you wish you had xDrive in that situation?" BLAH!!

bobbyp · #10 03-17-2007, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueX5er

(bobbyp: Your car looks exactly how mine did..same options too! (before I sold it)

)

Love this SAV! Walked right up my driveway yesterday with 6" snow and 20 degree incline. I recently tinted all the rears at 20% and am thinking about putting on aluminum runners.

Sorry to highjack your thread Siver5!

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