XDrive and Power for Snow

[Motor84]

Hi Guys, all this snow and the family planning some ski trips in the not too distant future has got me on autotrader most evenings longing for my next X5 (had to sell my old one in the summer).

If I get another one though its got to do the 4x4 in snow properly. So a couple of questions.

1. Do all X5s have XDrive? (said to be much better than Audis Quattro system) I notice only some E70s have the XDrive badge, and no E53s do. Is XDrive a better 4x4 system thats optional? Or do all X5s from the very beginning have the same 4x4 system?

2. Would a V8 be better in the snow that a 3.0d? due to pure power? I have read 2 posts on here now:

• gobiman viewtopic.php?f=8&t=998

• Another post I can't find right now, it was a 4.4 with loads of pics in the post.

where their X5s performed very well in the snow, both were v8s though. Would the 3.0d have done the same job?

[Sanj]

Hi bwg,

1. All facelift E53 X5s have XDrive and the newer E70's

2. Down to choice mate, both competent cars. One has the sound and the fuels bills, the other the potential turbo failure issues and the lower fuel bills...

[Motor84]

Hi Sanj, cheers mate. So many to choose from with proper XDrive. I guess some people just choose to have the XDrive badge on the side of their E70s.

Oh I want a V8 so bad! Can I justify the fuel bills though! Its a tricky one.

[warsi]

Oh I want a V8 so bad! Can I justify the fuel bills though! Its a tricky one.

IMO, if you can afford it then why not! Otherwise, depends on amount of mileage, kind of run, driving style and setting your expectations. Eg, I do few miles in my X (work from home), expected 12-15mpg and drive sensibly (other than to open breathers once in while on a open road ) and am quite happy with it, especially when you're tempted to switch off the radio to enjoy the sound of v8!!

[gobiman]

BWG,
As has been posted, xdrive was fitted to facelift E53 (2004) onwards.
I had a 3.0d before being seduced into buying a 4.8iS. To be honest, there won't be much in it for snow work. The diesel has plenty of low-down torque which means you can drive off easily at low revs.
For reference, I generally got 25 mpg from diesel and now get 20 from 4.8 (bad mixture of Central London and high speed motorway work).
If you are serious, the key is to get winter tyres. Lots of comment on here but I have to say I was genuinely surprised at what a difference they make.
Good luck!

[Motor84]

Thanks guys. I live in London too so we would have to have 2 cars I think. And only use the X for long journeys. I have to do it! V8 thunder is awesome!

[Raj]

[quote=""bwg""]Thanks guys. I live in London too so we would have to have 2 cars I think. And only use the X for long journeys. I have to do it! V8 thunder is awesome![/quote]

4.8 all the way if you're going to need a second far anyway for town driving. The 4.8 will be a far better spec'ed car for the money and fuel will be into 20's if mainly used for long motorway runs. Plus have heard diesel is going up quite substantially next year (rumour at the mo).

You can't beat the drive and sound of a normally aspirated big petrol engine. But definitely get a warranty...

I might be down in London in the New Year so more than happy to meet up and you can have a look/drive of mine.

[ChewingBacca]

Getting it moving isn't an issue.

Stopping it is. Keep plenty of distance, brake gently and anticipate what's happening ahead.

Where conditions vary and when safe to do so, brake to test what level of grip is available then adjust your speed accordingly.

[X5Sport]

[quote=""ChewingBacca""]Getting it moving isn't an issue.

Stopping it is. Keep plenty of distance, brake gently and anticipate what's happening ahead.

Where conditions vary and when safe to do so, brake to test what level of grip is available then adjust your speed accordingly.[/quote]


Absolutely right. Getting going is straightforward, but keeping them going in the direction you want, and then stopping them is the challenge which almost all drivers forget (not just Xers). I have also been impressed with the difference having smaller wheels with Winter Tyres has made. I also keep the torque distribution up on the idrive so I have another tool to warn me (not sure which of the E70/71 have that but the E71 has this electric back axle system) so I can see whether any wheels are slipping.

Just remember that the BMW X-drive system does not give you options like diff locks or low ratio gears which a true 'off roader' 4x4 system offers. It does a pretty good job though.

[ChewingBacca]

[quote=""X5Sport""]Just remember that the BMW X-drive system does not give you options like diff locks or low ratio gears which a true 'off roader' 4x4 system offers. It does a pretty good job though.[/quote]

You hit the nail on the head. The system works as a centre diff electronically and automatically so you don't need locks.

Low box in snow is useless.

In all honesty the X5 behaves better in 10" snow, the wet and on tarmac than my Discovery ever did, but I wouldn't want to take it far off road.

[ChrisLux]

I've just returned from a 2000 kms trip to UK for X-mas in my 3.0d with winter tyres , and I have
to say that a lot of the time I was the only vehicle moving on some of the treacherous roads we
encountered .

I will be doing a 'Road trip' thread later when I've downloaded all the fotos , but as I only got back at
0300am because it took me 15 hrs to get home and I'm in work today , it'll take some time !!

Chris