XSeries-forum

Hi
Just wondered if someone knows the following info.
When in standard driving is the vehicle rear wheel drive or front?
When the wheels start to slip and the 4 wheel drive system kicks in how long does it stay in 4 x 4 mode?

It’s an AWD with a bias towards the rear that increases with speed.  If you get wheel slip then the xDrive system can shift power between axles.  Almost all BMWs are RWD or predominantly RWD.

Early E53s are 40:60 split to the rear (no xDrive unit).

Thanks x5sport.
So at slow speeds it's 4 wheel drive then as you accelerate it shifts more to rear wheel the faster you get.

That’s the basic gist of the system, it can however shift power split ratios should the need arise and the ABS will also be involved to improve traction by reducing wheel slip.

Nothing clever like diff locks (or permanent 4WD transfer box locks with the xDrive system).