How is the X5 4.4i 2000-2003 different from the 2004+???

[Reedo302]

I was snooping around on the Dinan site and noticed that the Signature Series packages and other mods were grouped in 2000-2003 and 2004-2005. I would like to know the difference between them. Anyone know?

Also, what year and month did the X-Drive system come out for the X5?

[BMWPower06]

04=X-drive and new exterior facia, along with a few other creature comforts
IMO the 04 would be worth the extra money, i love the way it looks, plus u get angel eyes stock!!

[Reedo302]

didn't they do something to the engine too? I know the horsepower was upped, but how?

[rusty0099]

didn't they do something to the engine too? I know the horsepower was upped, but how?

Yeah, 3.0 remained the same, but 4.4 was upped by a new V8 (315hp from 282hp). And 4.8is was introduced :drool:

[Reedo302]

yeah, can't afford 4.8i, and can't find OR afford 4.6i...besides, the Hartge body kit for the X5 is gorgeous

[nzDave]

The frame is pretty much all new design from the A pillar forward, probably more aluminum and better crash safetyesults. Bimmer or somebody did an article comparing 4.6i vs 4.8i last year, the x drive is a nice advantage.

[Reedo302]

anyone else?

[sycE46]

Better gas milage on the '04... espeically on the V8.

[vaio76109]

My friend told me he cant fully turn off his DSC on his 04.

[M54B25]

Well, the 4.4i E53 X5 '04-'06 gets a new front fancia, X-drive, Valvetronic, better MPG, etc...:)

[jason 77]

Well, the 4.4i E53 X5 '04-'06 gets a new front fancia, X-drive, Valvetronic, better MPG, etc...:)

so wait a minute........before the 2004 year model came out what did the X5 have if it wasn't X-drive?

[rusty0099]

so wait a minute........before the 2004 year model came out what did the X5 have if it wasn't X-drive?

It was just regular 4x4. The term x-drive didn't even exsit before the introduction of the new x5.

[M54B25]

The 2004 X5 4.4i comes with Valvetronic, new facelift, X-Drive, better fuel economy, & more power :thumbup:

[Staszek]

so wait a minute........before the 2004 year model came out what did the X5 have if it wasn't X-drive?


It had the old system, which is the same system used in the E46 xi

XDrive came out on the X5 and X3 and is now used in the E90's and I believe the E60 xi's

[Cobra]

what's different in X drive compared to the earlier x5s all wheel drive?

[supark]

earlier models - 00-01 had some pesky electronic issues (though I guess if you have a bimmer, you're no stranger to those). Other than that - the drivetrain is pretty damn solid - the X5 is the only SUV I'd ever buy if I really had to.

[318CiSL]

what's different in X drive compared to the earlier x5s all wheel drive?
dunno if im right, but i think x-drive can move the power to the front wheels or power to the back wheels, it depends on the situation so if the backs are loosing grip, x-drive sends more power to the front wheels.
Please correct me if im wrong:thumbup:

[Staszek]

The old system was a fixed split f/r. The xDrive is basically a computer controlled differential that can -- its kind of similar to the quattro system in the VW/AUDI which uses Haldex type system The old Audi system was mechanical. Because a computer controls the power application, it can do so under all sorts of different conditions-- where a purely mechanical system cannot. It also augments the DSC capabilities to control understeer and oversteering in turns. I believe it can send 100% to either end if it needs to.

[Max_325i]

Actually new Audis - A4, A6 & A8 - still use mechanical torsen (VWs and A3 use Haldex) which also distributes torque b/w front & rear depending on conditions - and does it instantly, unlike x-Drive. What older audis had was torsen in rear and sometimes in front axels, which later was replaced with electronic braking, similar to DSC.