yeah, like I said, rocks is really offroading and the X5 wasn't even designed for that. Thats like taking M car into the sand. Not ever meant to be. Glad you made it out fine but I surely would never do that again.

2004 and on models with xDrive are far superior off road thanks to the introduction of the electronic self-proportioning and self-locking clutch-pack centre 'diff' that replaced the previously used open planetary-style diff.

that explains why I had no problems on the Pismo/Oceano Dunes. I mean, it was deep sand and some other 4wd trucks were getting stuck and I was able to just dig in and take off!

The difference in soft sand between xDrive and non-xDrive models is amazing. My '05 3.0d on 17s, pressures dropped to 15 to 18psi (depending on conditions) is just great in the sand.

my friend in his lifted chevy (18 inch lift) had no problems but was suprised I was able to follow him pretty much anywhere he went. This is on the 20s without dropping pressures. I think they were really shocked that I never got stuck. You could tell when the center locks diff itself. there would be a slight hesitation initially (no traction or power it seemed to the wheels) and then something happens and all of a sudden there is a lot of power and voila, you're trucking again!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/...6056af14_b.jpg

Wow... you make me really want to switch my ride with an X-drive one :(