How Does BMW xDrive Work? | All-Wheel Drive BMW near Natick, MA BMW xDRIVE technology is an advanced, permanent all-wheel drive system that ensures your BMW has the best possible traction at all times. This helps to keep you safe in inclement weather and in imperfect driving conditions, and helps provide smooth, sporty performance.
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Is xDrive on BMW worth it?
What are the disadvantages of BMW xDrive? – The disadvantage of xDrive is cost. Using a 3 Series as an example again, the 320i M Sport costs from £36,785 but adding xDrive pushes that price up to £38,610 – that’s a premium of £1825. And it doesn’t end there because the xDrive model will also be more costly to run, at best it’ll achieve 41.5mpg versus the 44.1mpg of the two-wheel-drive car – it adds up if you’re high-mileage driver – and will be more expensive to maintain.
That cost will be harder to stomach when you realise a 3 Series equipped with winter tyres – complete with their special tread design and uber soft compound – will be even more capable on the slippy stuff than an xDrive model on standard rubber. BMW xDrive gives your BMW four-wheel drive traction while maintaining the nimble handling BMW is famed for.
That’s because the xDrive system in models like the 3 and 5 Series have a rear-wheel-drive biased that marks them out from the quattro system in most Audi models. It’s worth choosing an xDrive BMW if you regularly drive on snow. Its four-wheel drive system essentially doubles the amount of grip the car has allowing you to keep moving on slippery roads that would leave a rear-wheel drive BMW floundering.
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Can xDrive be turned off?
Control your AWD with your Smartphone. xDelete is a Smartphone/Tablet App to configure the xDrive/xi AWD-System of your BMW! You can either disable your AWD fully, or get access to preset performance modes for various surfaces!
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Does xDrive mean AWD for BMW?
Oct 7, 2015 Everyone’s heard of all-wheel drive (AWD) and how it helps cars maintain traction in bad weather conditions. BMW’s unique version of all-wheel drive is called xDrive, helping to emphasize that it isn’t just like all the other all-wheel-drive systems on the market today.
On traditional four-wheel-drive systems, the torque produced by the engine is split evenly between the front and rear wheels. With xDrive, the system does distribute torque between the front and rear axles, but it does so variably. That means as conditions change, the amount of torque that goes to the front or rear wheels.
Drivers feel excellent road-holding and handling as a result of this advanced technology, which makes driving on winding roads a joy instead of stressful. The key to the xDrive system is a multi-disc clutch that’s integrated into the drivetrain. Intelligent electronics control the clutch, constantly adjusting it to adapt to the road conditions.
- Those changes to torque distribution between the front and rear axles happen in just a fraction of a second, which is why the system is ideal for dealing with sudden losses of traction.
- Different amounts of power can be sent to the different axles, helping to maintain stability at all times.
- In extreme cases where one set of wheels completely loses traction, the xDrive system can transfer all power to the other end of the vehicle.
For example, a BMW can be heading down a road in the wintertime, and everything looks clear. A patch of black ice is present on an overpass, invisible to the driver. Instead of the vehicle losing control once the front wheels hit the patch, power is transferred instantly to the rear wheels.
As the other end of the car crosses over the slippery ice, torque is sent to the front axle instead, helping to maintain control throughout the whole ordeal. This design exceeds the performance of a traditional four-wheel-drive system and many other all-wheel-drive setups. When one set of wheels loses traction in a traditional configuration, the power that normally would have gone to them is completely lost, leaving the vehicle driving on half of its normal output.
With BMW’s xDrive, that power is redirected to the other axle so the car continues on at the same speed as before. That means greater stability and predictability, no matter road conditions, which makes things easier on the driver. Most people probably don’t even realize that steering performance is greatly improved on BMWs with xDrive, even when the road is completely dry.
Most vehicles will understeer in curves, which will push it across the lane line, requiring the driver to make adjustments to prevent a head-on collision or even completely losing control and spinning out. With the xDrive system, the sensors will transfer some of the engine power from the front to the rear axle while the vehicle travels through a curve.
This completely eliminates understeer without the driver doing anything, providing optimal control without slowing down. While everyone thinks about the advantages of BMW’s xDrive in the wintertime, you should know that it’s something you can enjoy no matter the season.
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Is xDrive good in winter?
How good is xDrive in snow ?
| 01-21-2020, 07:55 AM | # |
| Private Drives: M340i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: West Yorks | How good is xDrive in snow ? I’ve never had a proper performance car with 4WD, I’m currently driving a RWD F32. Where I live is 700ft above sea level in the north of England and the last half mile from the main road to my road can be tricky in snow, such that I have fitted winter tyres for quite a few winters now. I’m considering an M340i xDrive for my next car, which happens to have 4WD. The current thinking seems to be that a 2WD car with winter tyres (like mine) will still perform better on snow than a 4WD car with summer tyres. Can anybody tell me how capable the xDrive system is on snow (with summer tyres) ? Many thanks. |
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| Originally Posted by B6WAF I’ve never had a proper performance car with 4WD, I’m currently driving a RWD F32. Where I live is 700ft above sea level in the north of England and the last half mile from the main road to my road can be tricky in snow, such that I have fitted winter tyres for quite a few winters now. I’m considering an M340i xDrive for my next car, which happens to have 4WD. The current thinking seems to be that a 2WD car with winter tyres (like mine) will still perform better on snow than a 4WD car with summer tyres. Can anybody tell me how capable the xDrive system is on snow (with summer tyres) ? Many thanks. |
It will probably get you the last mile, but it is not safe. Xdrive will get you going but you won’t have control or traction in general. The proper way is <7 degrees C you put winter tires, whatever the amount of wheels you get power to are.
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| Originally Posted by fantanas It will probably get you the last mile, but it is not safe. Xdrive will get you going but you won’t have control or traction in general. The proper way is <7 degrees C you put winter tires, whatever the amount of wheels you get power to are. |
Thanks. That was what I thought.
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| Originally Posted by B6WAF I’m considering an M340i xDrive for my next car, which happens to have 4WD. The current thinking seems to be that a 2WD car with winter tyres (like mine) will still perform better on snow than a 4WD car with summer tyres. |
xDrive doesn’t help you stop. Tyres are the key for all types of drive systems, if you have conditions where grip evaporates. My take, if you can’t stop, best not to get moving. Many a driver has proved he can get moving on summer tyres, but regrets the fact, with bent metal, when he can’t stop or control the car.
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| Originally Posted by B6WAF OK, thanks for your replies. I knew that was the answer of course, but I was just curious in case anyone claimed the xDrive cars were brilliant in snow (which I wasn’t really expecting). I guess that means another set of spare wheels as I can’t imagine my current ones will fit. |
What are your current ones and what car are you getting? If the snow is rare, you could get snow socks. But at the end of the day if you have a lot of days <7 degrees you should get winter tires, even if there is no snow.
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| Originally Posted by fantanas What are your current ones and what car are you getting? If the snow is rare, you could get snow socks. But at the end of the day if you have a lot of days <7 degrees you should get winter tires, even if there is no snow. |
My current winter wheels are 36.11.2.289.714 Style 415 with Pirelli W240 Sotto Zero 225/45/VR18. I don’t rate these tyres half as highly as Bridgestone Blizzaks a few years ago. Snow socks are great, but not with M Sport suspension – I once tried some, took all the skin off my knuckles, and failed to get them on. My wife loves them on her Honda Jazz. I’m thinking about the M340i later this year, so it’s next winter we’re talking about – I was just weighing up the pros and cons of xDrive. I’ve had winter tyres for years and will continue. Thanks for your help.
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Originally Posted by B6WAF Quote:
My current winter wheels are 36.11.2.289.714 Style 415 with Pirelli W240 Sotto Zero 225/45/VR18. I don’t rate these tyres half as highly as Bridgestone Blizzaks a few years ago. Snow socks are great, but not with M Sport suspension – I once tried some, took all the skin off my knuckles, and failed to get them on. My wife loves them on her Honda Jazz. I’m thinking about the M340i later this year, so it’s next winter we’re talking about – I was just weighing up the pros and cons of xDrive. I’ve had winter tyres for years and will continue. Thanks for your help. |
The xdrive seats a bit higher up (or at least it used to), so you should be able to fit your hands in there
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| Originally Posted by B6WAF OK, thanks for your replies. I knew that was the answer of course, but I was just curious in case anyone claimed the xDrive cars were brilliant in snow (which I wasn’t really expecting). I guess that means another set of spare wheels as I can’t imagine my current ones will fit. |
I really wouldn’t bother. If you drive (or if it’s too bad, don’t) to the conditions you’ll be ok. We really don’t have enough snow to worry about separate tyres unless you live or regularly go to high ground. I live on the edge of The Peak District and drive across it regularly, last year we had one sprinkling that lasted a morning. This year not seen a single snow flake. If we get heavy snow too many others go out on summer tyres anyway, so you’re no safer. It’s no good you stopping quickly if no one else can. In 30 years of driving in Derbyshire I’ve probably fitted snow tyres twice. They were ok, but more of a “look where I can go” novelty. I’ve been stuck unable to get started in 2 wheel drive on summers, but by judging the conditions correctly, for the very occasional drive where I might need it, XDrive will get me moving. Once on the move I’ll judge it how I always have. Make sure I have loads of space to stop, go slow and go the long way to avoid steep hills. For the couple of days a year it might happen, it’s not much hassle.
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| Originally Posted by Goneinsixtyseconds If we get heavy snow too many others go out on summer tyres anyway, so you’re no safer. It’s no good you stopping quickly if no one else can. |
I’m lost for words. Thankfully I know different, from experience. Where both in defensive driving you can often protect your own space, and due to better braking and car control on winter tyres, take avoidance measures (which is limited by summer tyres) to save being clobbered by someone one else. Of course you are not without risk, but stand a much better chance of returning home without incident. BTW, it is not just snow, stand a much better chance on (black) ice as well.
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| Originally Posted by HighlandPete I’m lost for words. Thankfully I know different, from experience. Where both in defensive driving you can often protect your own space, and due to better braking and car control on winter tyres, take avoidance measures (which is limited by summer tyres) to save being clobbered by someone one else. Of course you are not without risk, but stand a much better chance of returning home without incident. BTW, it is not just snow, stand a much better chance on (black) ice as well. |
Don’t know how I’ve survived for 30 years. Must just be lucky eh? So I’m staying at home in the 2 days heavy snow we get every three years, and you’re out in your winter tyres. And somehow you’re safer? Not sure how you protect your own space when driving through towns and cities in heavy snow. When I had snow tyres on three years ago I got stuck the same as everyone else. Traffic jams very rarely differentiate. You do it your way, I’ll do it mine.let’s see if I stay “lucky”! Maybe someone will crash into my living room while I’m staying off the roads. Last edited by Goneinsixtyseconds; 01-21-2020 at 03:24 PM,
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| Originally Posted by Goneinsixtyseconds I really wouldn’t bother. If you drive (or if it’s too bad, don’t) to the conditions you’ll be ok. We really don’t have enough snow to worry about separate tyres unless you live or regularly go to high ground. I live on the edge of The Peak District and drive across it regularly, last year we had one sprinkling that lasted a morning. This year not seen a single snow flake. If we get heavy snow too many others go out on summer tyres anyway, so you’re no safer. It’s no good you stopping quickly if no one else can. In 30 years of driving in Derbyshire I’ve probably fitted snow tyres twice. They were ok, but more of a “look where I can go” novelty. I’ve been stuck unable to get started in 2 wheel drive on summers, but by judging the conditions correctly, for the very occasional drive where I might need it, XDrive will get me moving. Once on the move I’ll judge it how I always have. Make sure I have loads of space to stop, go slow and go the long way to avoid steep hills. For the couple of days a year it might happen, it’s not much hassle. |
Similar to you, I also live in Derbyshire not too far away from the Peaks. I agree with what you’re saying, it’s a lot of expense and faffing about for very little if any time where they are a major benefit. Yes they might be a little better below 7 degrees but as long as you don’t drive like a hooligan you’ll be fine on summer tyres in anything other than snow.
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| Originally Posted by Goneinsixtyseconds Don’t know how I’ve survived for 30 years. Must just be lucky eh? So I’m staying at home in the 2 days heavy snow we get every three years, and you’re out in your winter tyres. And somehow you’re safer? Not sure how you protect your own space when driving through towns and cities in heavy snow. When I had snow tyres on three years ago I got stuck the same as everyone else. Traffic jams very rarely differentiate. You do it your way, I’ll do it mine.let’s see if I stay “lucky”! Maybe someone will crash into my living while I’m staying off the roads. |
I would discuss, but with a response like that.
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| Originally Posted by MashinBenzin I wonder what winter tyres people are running. My E90 on Bridgestone runflats was useless in 1cm of snow. On Nokian winters, it was perfect in deep snow, had no issues on a black ice on a slight gradient where many were abandoning their cars and pointlessly spinning wheels (we watched it from a restaurant for a good hour) and drove normally over heavily compacted snow/ice with temps around -10. That all happened the day after I had them fitted and they saw me through several more winters. |
I had Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 (16″) on my F31 2WD. Didn’t really like them.too noisy and then the top rubber started to pull way! Having said that they got me up and down 18% road in Austria in the snow.frigging terrifying experience. Currently running Conti WinterContract 830p (18″), much quieter but can’t say much about the snow as it don’t snow much in London! Will find out when in Europe later.
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| Originally Posted by MashinBenzin I wonder what winter tyres people are running. My E90 on Bridgestone runflats was useless in 1cm of snow. On Nokian winters, it was perfect in deep snow, had no issues on a black ice on a slight gradient where many were abandoning their cars and pointlessly spinning wheels (we watched it from a restaurant for a good hour) and drove normally over heavily compacted snow/ice with temps around -10. That all happened the day after I had them fitted and they saw me through several more winters. |
Agreed, I remember running winters for the two beasts of east we’ve had and the tyres saved my bacon on several occasions. The great thing about winters is you can drive on the roads most can’t get on when it comes, I have two choices here the main roads on the valley bottom or the moorland roads over the top with winters it’s great you just drive over the moors whilst most people are stuck in the gridlock below. _ 730d/Z4C
How good is xDrive in snow ?
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What’s the difference between xDrive and regular?
The sDrive and xDrive names pepper BMW’s model range, but what do these terms mean? We explain all If you’re looking to buy a BMW, you may well have come across cars advertised as being sDrive and xDrive, with no immediate explanation for what these terms mean.
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Does xDrive make your car faster?
RWD vs xDrive acceleration times? THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
| RWD vs xDrive acceleration times? |
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| Originally Posted by Redbeemer We all know that the stock AWD is quicker to 60 mph than a stock RWD M235. However, I wonder how much of that difference would disappear if the RWD car had a LSD? Further, due to the weight difference and drive line losses, one could speculate that the RWD car with LSD might actually be faster in the 1/4 mile than the AWD. Anyone have any experience with this comparison? |
No experience but they would probably be the same, RWD could be faster too. My RWD + LSD hooks pretty good
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| Originally Posted by jeffs42885 I posted in the racing forum. I took my xdrive to the track and did 12.75 @ 104 with a 1.75 60 |
I wonder how this compares to the RWD. In the end I’m wanting that “raw acceleration” feel, but I also like to feel sure-footed through corners. I’m not going to go for the RWD for the “nostalgia” or because it’s a “true sports car” or any bull like that, I just want the better driving car. I’m not sure that I would agree with most who probably think oversteer and slippage is fun – I have more fun feeling like I’m on rails. I should be clear that I mean to compare AWD with RWD + LSD, not just pure RWD. I want to be able to go pedal to the floor from 0 MPH and shoot off without any skidding or loss of traction. Through corners, I want to feel in full control of what the car is doing and feel rooted to the ground. On highway pulls, I want maximum torque. It sounds like AWD is best for the 0-60, RWD + LSD is best for corners, and both are probably pretty even for highway pulls.
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Originally Posted by wtfbrah Quote:
I wonder how this compares to the RWD. In the end I’m wanting that “raw acceleration” feel, but I also like to feel sure-footed through corners. I’m not going to go for the RWD for the “nostalgia” or because it’s a “true sports car” or any bull like that, I just want the better driving car. I’m not sure that I would agree with most who probably think oversteer and slippage is fun – I have more fun feeling like I’m on rails. I should be clear that I mean to compare AWD with RWD + LSD, not just pure RWD. I want to be able to go pedal to the floor from 0 MPH and shoot off without any skidding or loss of traction. Through corners, I want to feel in full control of what the car is doing and feel rooted to the ground. On highway pulls, I want maximum torque. It sounds like AWD is best for the 0-60, RWD + LSD is best for corners, and both are probably pretty even for highway pulls. |
Had a 335xi FBO before my m235 rwd. The 335xi was definitely fast but something about it made it not fun enough for me. I went to test drive my m235 and found it to be significantly more fun in stock form then my FBO 335xi. The 335 prob had almost 60+ hp on the m235. Xdrive is very quick off the line, if you like being in front after a stop light turns green go xdrive. My xdrive’s understeer was terrible, not a fan of it around corners. Maybe the 2 is different? The m235 understeers a bit too but not as bad as my xdrive did. I must admit though I am one if he guys you were talking about that thinks oversteer and slippage is fun sometimes. But at the same time I’m not trying to do that when I’m trying to get a good laptime at the track.
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| Originally Posted by wtfbrah I think the 235 is gonna be more fun than the 335 either way. I have only drive the xDrive 235 and xDrive 335 and the 235 was way more fun. I did also drive a RWD 335 and didn’t notice much of a difference except for low end acceleration, which felt slower. There’s a RWD 235 about 2 hours south of me. I guess I’ll have to make the trek to go and see it. |
I don’t know if I agree with that. Both are great cars, similar weight, the 335 is down on power in stock form but nothing a tune cant fix. Honestly i doubt a 335 xdrive coupe and a m235 xdrive at the SAME power level would be that different. I’ve driven 335s rwd/awd and m235s rwd/awd. For me RWD and manual was the best combo, I could’ve gone either F32 or F22. Got a better deal on the F22 so I went that way. Personally though the m235 xdrive would be out for me since it’s not offered in a manual. Good luck with your purchase! First world problems. This awesome car or that awesome car!???
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| Originally Posted by Dylan86 You said you were driving in the winter, no? If so, xDrive all day long. Can always add a rear lsd to an AWD car too |
I drive in winter and always keep RWD
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| Originally Posted by Transfer Other than having the front drive wheels corrupt the steering,, |
Bingo.I’m not interested in any differences to the right of a decimal point nor how to launch to affect that, but just don’t like the heavier, boggier feeling which XDrive causes to the steering feel.driving them back to back makes it a deal-breaker for me. _ 2015 VO 228i 6MT/Track Handling,Tech,Cold,Premium,Lighting,Driver Assistance Pkgs/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR Wheels/Michelin PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Kidney Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam’s Ceramic/no CDV 2018 Alpine White 330GT
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| Originally Posted by Kolyan2k Worse steering on AWD.em.RWD steering is not exactly great either, can’t imagine “downgrade” in this department on 2-seires |
Take whatever you think of the RWD, and make it feel a bit more numb and distant for XDrive. A back to back A/B test drive will explain. _ 2015 VO 228i 6MT/Track Handling,Tech,Cold,Premium,Lighting,Driver Assistance Pkgs/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR Wheels/Michelin PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Kidney Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam’s Ceramic/no CDV 2018 Alpine White 330GT
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| Originally Posted by Transfer You can’t compare 335xi to 235xi. They are completely different. I’ve had my 235xi for a year now and I’m thoroughly pleased with the AWD in this car. Other than having the front drive wheels corrupt the steering, it really drives like a RWD car but with more traction. As far as highway acceleration goes, I think both cars are really uneventful. If you just like the sense of speed and that’s what gets you going, then both cars are gonna be fast with probably a slight edge to the RWD. If you like some drama with your speed then you may want to look somewhere else entirely. Test drive an xDrive and gas it around a few slow speed corners with traction control off. Just be ready for some counter steer. If you do this a few times I think you’ll know if the xDrive is right for you or not. I’m constantly torn between going back to RWD (E9x M3 vs M2), or modding my AWD car. Living in Seattle, the roads are snotty slick half the year so you can’t win either way and I don’t have room for an extra car. |
I dunno I think you can. I guess I’m not the ultimate car reviewer but I figure the OP wanted opinions from likeminded people. This is a forum so everyone is entitled to their opinions, to me the m235 xdrive didn’t feel all that different from my 335xi? My 335xi was pretty well modded (FBO/suspension/wheels/etc) so I’m not saying it’s a true apples to apples comparison but it sure felt similar to me from what I remembered my stock 335xi feeling. Just one man’s opinion, it’s ok to not agree with me.
RWD vs xDrive acceleration times?
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Does BMW Xdrive need tire rotation?
If your BMW has xDrive all-wheel drive, you’ll probably want to do tire rotations every 3,000-5,000 miles.
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Do you need to change all tires for xDrive?
Replace one tire – Got snagged by a large nail and the tire was not repaired due to the location of the puncture. So I bought a replacement tire, identical (brand, size etc) to the original tires. The tire store rep said he needed to warn me about not replacing all 4 tires and the risk of my drivetrain failing because of one tire with new tread and the remaining 3 different tread because of the AWD. Ive never been told this before and wondering how truthful that is. I told the guy that I was only buying one $300 tire today and i didnt care if the car spontaneously combusted. Lol Truthfully Ill probably be buying new all season tires (PNW) soon because the subject tires are Summer tires. So Im really unbothered but wondered if people are messing with me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
