Still confused re: distribution of power to
 

2004 x3 - Still confused re: distribution of power to the wheels. Different articles have varied claims.

Is distribution of power 60% rear and 40% front in a normal driving state?

Previous owner says 100% rear and power distributed accordingly when detected and necessary? I'm not finding anything supporting their claim.

So far we like the car a lot. The sport suspension is a little rougher of a ride than I'm used to (have 10 years of 5 series sedans) but has great handling when you get on it.

Love the 3.0 six w/ a manual gearbox.

I was really surprised by the tight turning radius. Nearly turned on a dime. This is very characteristic of the Jeeps and cherokees I've driven. And with the tow hitch for bikes and gear we are really looking forward to having fun with this ride.

Next weekend drop the coolant. Is the "life time" coolant the same BMW blue stuff?

The x-drive system has clutches in the centre differential within the transfer case. Normal torque split is 60/40 rear/front, to preserve the standard BMW handling characteristics associated with a rear-drive vehicle. That torque split varies with traction, up to 100% to either front or rear, as required by conditions. There is no side to side torque balance, that is supplied by the DSC system which uses brakes on a spinning wheel when necessary.

Agree with you on the six speed manual, the vehicle is very agile and with that transmission is a lot of fun to drive. Later models had a smoothed out ride; I found the early models a little rough for my tastes.

The coolant has variously been called long life and lifetime by BMW. Formulations of the coolant may have changed. Personally, I would change it on a four year cycle, and use BMW coolant.

Thanks JCL. Had another hour on some nice twisties. Between the seats and the sport suspension I was satisfied. Moderately rough roads did have a different feel but no bouncing where you could not apply the brakes.

I did notice same dunlaps all-around, no stagered setup. I'm wondering how the handling will be with the stagered setup.

Take care.