Eco Pro Mode

[robnaylor]

Hi, quick question, in Eco Pro Mode is the X5 just using rear wheel drive?

[Eaglesrest]

Pretty sure it doesn't make any difference to the xdrive system, and mainly impacts throttle response, air-con power, heating, etc.

Xdrive mainly applies drive to the rear wheels except when it detects that 4 wheel drive is required.

"The intelligent four wheel drive system BMW xDrive adapts perfectly to even the most challenging road surface conditions, always offering outstanding traction.
Its sensors constantly monitor the vehicle’s behaviour. Under normal conditions, you enjoy the typically agile BMW feeling provided by a rear-wheel drive. However, under special road conditions, such as a slippery or uneven carriageway, tight bends or uphill inclines, BMW xDrive intervenes: In a barely detectable, yet highly effective way, it shifts power distribution instantly to the axle with the highest traction. Before the driver has noticed this shift, the vehicle behaviour is already restabilised. The driving experience with BMW xDrive is more precise, agile and dynamic."

[bobgolden]

The key thing in all this is that xDrive "In a barely detectable, yet highly effective way, it shifts power distribution instantly to the axle with the highest traction."  As I found last Boxing Day, if you've got no grip on one wheel on the axle, you're still stuffed !

I ended up buying a set of reasonably priced OEM wheels and winter tyres and things moved forward much better !

[Marc]

Have you seen this video ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSLnXTg9jLo

it shows the BMW pulling with just one wheel on the ground.

I presume the traction control will brake the wheel that is spinning and allow the other wheel on the axle to drive.

Did you have the traction on or off when you were stuck ?