All Wheel Drive Question-X Drive

[Rockit]

Does anyone know for sure when all the E53's went to X-Drive? I think in 2007.

With the recent snow fall here in NJ I have to say my 02 4.4 is awful in the snow...it just cuts power while still sliding a little, like my 1995 E38 did. Just awful in the snow.

I know the new XDrive is much better.

[dkl]

X-Drive was introduced starting with the 2004 facelift.

You can always turn off traction control - the 4x4 lights up and you can spins all your wheels away!

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Rockit

Does anyone know for sure when all the E53's went to X-Drive? I think in 2007.

With the recent snow fall here in NJ I have to say my 02 4.4 is awful in the snow...it just cuts power while still sliding a little, like my 1995 E38 did. Just awful in the snow.

I know the new XDrive is much better.

Ditto dkl...xDrive debuted with the 2004 e53. What type of tires are mounted on your X5...summer/all-season/winter? If they are summer or all-season tires...even with the 38/62 torque split of the early e53s and DSC...you can only do so much if the rubber compound hardens and the tread pattern isn't conducive to what's on the ground.

Sipes, tread pattern, and rubber compound used in modern dedicated winter tires can create a different driving scenario.

(early AWD planetary gear transfer case (38/62 torque split) and the variable Xdrive 40/60 or 100% to one wheel AWD system)

[Rockit]

Thanks "Q" was hoping you would chime in.

I changed the tires to 19" staggered but with new All Seasons Hancooks and they have an aggressive tread pattern. I mounted whatever the stock tire is for those rims. I don't think it's a tread or tire issue. I don't like it just cuts all power on the DSC.

I read an article when they first came out and the magazines did not like the all wheel drive.

My wife's GL450 is just unbelievable in the snow and ice....I know its not comparable in the years. I bought this for my college daughter but she cant drive it yet to school so its my winter car and I'm shaking it down for a year fixing EVERTHING before I give it to her. My Lex 460L just spins in the snow.

I was just expecting much better form this truck. I drove many foreign and domestic 4x4 in the snow and this by far the worst in terms of traction, yes I know the stock 17 inch tires will work better and snows will work even better....but tons of fun on a dry road better than the GL that handles like a boat.

[E38flagship]

Your e38 sucked because it has Asc not dsc there is a massive difference between the two my e38 was great in the now the one year I had to drive her

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Rockit

... I don't think it's a tread or tire issue. I don't like it just cuts all power on the DSC...I read an article when they first came out and the magazines did not like the all wheel drive. ... I was just expecting much better form this truck. I drove many foreign and domestic 4x4 in the snow and this by far the worst in terms of traction, yes I know the stock 17 inch tires will work better and snows will work even better....but tons of fun on a dry road better than the GL that handles like a boat.

I won't discount anything you said especially since I've never driven an early e53...but one thing you wrote stands out and that is your description of over-bearing engine throttle reduction (which is actually ASC).

ASC is the foundation/base technology that the latter DSC & other traction control systems are built upon...and this technology is designed to kick in when ABS braking alone isn't providing enough to correct the loss of traction from wheel slippage or other driving instability conditions.

Which is what makes me suspect that your tires may not be up to the task...and that could be from treadwear, tread design (no sipes), to rubber compound not having enough grip.

Just a thought.

[Ricky Bobby]

If you turn off dsc you'll have a ton more control in the snow IMO.

Whenever I drive in the winter I don't rely on traction control if it's heavy I just keep in a lower gear and turn it off and then you can really feel/direct where you want the car to go

As far as tires/wheels go I've gone through 3 nj winters now with staggered 20s and all season Toyos and when doing the above have never had an issue in snow.

Granted it's not ideal for driving through 6" of packed snow but honestly when do we actually do that unless by intention?

[THE VEIN]

as long as u know the limits of your car and your tires you should be good. some people just don't know how to drive in snow/rain. my wife's cousin was doing 80 around a corner in the rain (the speed limit was 50) and was wondering why the car slid into the wall and got into an accident

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

(early AWD planetary gear transfer case (38/62 torque split) and the variable Xdrive 40/60 or 100% to one wheel AWD system)

Well I've got mud on my face - I thought the early systems were able to change from the 38/62 split to a 50/50 split. It sure feels that way on my 2002 when we get one of our luscious ice storms here in Dallas.

2002 X5 3.0 271,200 miles
2004 325i 118,000 miles

[lo_jack]

I think the important part about Gen1 E53 is all diffs and the xfer case are open.