Some people see all-wheel drive as a necessary evil. Perhaps they live in an area with inclement weather, but as soon as the sun comes out they’re stuck in a car that’s primarily front-wheel drive. This can be especially annoying for the odd BMW driver who likes to take their car for a spin—literally—considering their cars’ AWD systems in their vehicles are rear-wheel-drive-based—all of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear wheels only. It turns out, this can now be fixed by a single app. It’s called xDelete, and for $150 plus some OBD gadgetry, you can switch your xDrive-equipped BMW from AWD to RWD on the fly.
If that sounds sketchy, I’m here to assure you that it’s actually pretty simple. See, BMW’s xDrive has a transfer case, just like any other RWD-based AWD vehicle. However, It’s typically not up to the driver when to turn it on, unless you get something like a new M5. What xDelete does is put the driver in control of the clutch inside the transfer that engages or disengages power to the front wheels. It may void your factory warranty, but it’s that simple.
THe xDelete app also has some custom settings for the xDrive system in addition to just on or off. There’s a snow mode, a sport mode, and also a custom mode you can configure yourself, but I’m not sure if I would want to configure my AWD myself. I’m willing to give BMW—a multi-billion-dollar automotive conglomerate with more than a century of experience making automobiles—the benefit of the doubt here. But hey, how hard can it be?
Also, before you buy the license from xDelete that allows you to fiddle with your cars AWD system, you should read the FAQ section. It also has a tool on there that clearly stipulates which cars are compatible, and which are not. In a nutshell, if you’re looking to add this to your 3 Series, you must have an E9x or F3x (a fifth or sixth-generation car). You can also use xDelete on some of BMW’s trucks, and the 5 Series.
I would just read through the tuner’s website or send them an email if you’re seriously considering it, though. Better safe than sorry. Also, don’t call me if you wrap your car around a tree. Send me an email, it’s much easier.
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