XSeries-forum

[quote="X5Sport"]
The gearbox isn't the issue with the E70, it is the front/rear diffs or the xDrive unit (transfer box) that goes.

You can try swapping front to rear as I can't think of any obvious problem.  You are predominantly RWD unless the xDrive thinks it is necessary to switch over.  Non-staggered set ups are far less problematic but you do still to stay within probably 2mm front to rear difference, possibly a bit more but not much.
[/quote]

X-drive is all wheel drive all the time...

Thanks Sid, for the comments and advice. I've not really experienced rear wheel drive since the early 80s, when there wasn't really any choice.
So the first dusting of snow will be interesting, and may well result in a change into winters. As you say If your happy with the performance of a particular tyre then so be it.

Thanks again

Steve

[quote="kkx5"]
[quote="X5Sport"]
The gearbox isn't the issue with the E70, it is the front/rear diffs or the xDrive unit (transfer box) that goes.

You can try swapping front to rear as I can't think of any obvious problem.  You are predominantly RWD unless the xDrive thinks it is necessary to switch over.  Non-staggered set ups are far less problematic but you do still to stay within probably 2mm front to rear difference, possibly a bit more but not much.
[/quote]

X-drive is all wheel drive all the time...
[/quote]

Hence the use of the word 'predominantly'....

...unless the xdrive thinks it is necessary to switch over....?? It is never RWD it is not predominantly RWD.

Hummm!  According to the blurb that came with my 2012 X5, drive is normally 60% rear and 40% front unless the X-Drive system calls for something else when the wheels start to lose grip.