What is X drive???
What is X drive???
Ok so this Mark LT I checked out today had an X drive badge below the Mark LT badge on the front fenders. Any idea what this is? The truck was an 08 year if this matters.

That's BMW's 4x4/AWD system... and NO, the Lincoln Mark LT does not utilize that system by any means. FoMoCo is NOT affiliated with Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) in any way, make, shape, or form for that matter.
Originally Posted by Wikipedia
BMW xDrive is BMW's four-wheel drive system that powers the X3, X5, X6 and 2006 and later xd and xi 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series models.
Before xDrive, BMW offered 4WD as an option in the 1980s for the 3 series and the 5 series. The system had a planetary center differential with a permanent 38-62 (front-back) torque split. Both the center and rear differential had a viscous lock which would engage automatically if slippage occurred (one shaft rotated at a significantly different speed compared to the other). The front differential had no lock of any kind.
4WD was again offered for the X5 and the 2001 3 series. The system was similar to the earlier system except without any of the locks. Instead, slipping wheels would be braked with the DSC system, helping transfer power to the wheels with traction.
xDrive was introduced in 2003 with the new X3. Instead of a permanent torque split (which the earlier systems exhibit), xDrive provides torque split between the front and rear axles through the use of a multi-plate wet clutch located in the gearbox on the output to the front drive shaft. This setup allows xDrive to modulate the torque split between the front and the rear. If wheel slip was detected by the ABS/DSC system, xDrive will react quickly to ameliorate traction and control of the vehicle. The wet clutch is applied through a high speed electric servo motor turning a cam shaped actuator disc.
xDrive is connected to the ABS and DSC systems. In the case that wheelspin or directional instability still occurs while xDrive is or has been modulating the torque split, DSC will brake independent wheels to regain traction and improve directional stability without driver intervention.
The front and rear differentials in xDrive vehicles are an open differential design, thus relying on brake application by the DSC system to transfer power from the slipping wheel to the wheel with traction.
Before xDrive, BMW offered 4WD as an option in the 1980s for the 3 series and the 5 series. The system had a planetary center differential with a permanent 38-62 (front-back) torque split. Both the center and rear differential had a viscous lock which would engage automatically if slippage occurred (one shaft rotated at a significantly different speed compared to the other). The front differential had no lock of any kind.
4WD was again offered for the X5 and the 2001 3 series. The system was similar to the earlier system except without any of the locks. Instead, slipping wheels would be braked with the DSC system, helping transfer power to the wheels with traction.
xDrive was introduced in 2003 with the new X3. Instead of a permanent torque split (which the earlier systems exhibit), xDrive provides torque split between the front and rear axles through the use of a multi-plate wet clutch located in the gearbox on the output to the front drive shaft. This setup allows xDrive to modulate the torque split between the front and the rear. If wheel slip was detected by the ABS/DSC system, xDrive will react quickly to ameliorate traction and control of the vehicle. The wet clutch is applied through a high speed electric servo motor turning a cam shaped actuator disc.
xDrive is connected to the ABS and DSC systems. In the case that wheelspin or directional instability still occurs while xDrive is or has been modulating the torque split, DSC will brake independent wheels to regain traction and improve directional stability without driver intervention.
The front and rear differentials in xDrive vehicles are an open differential design, thus relying on brake application by the DSC system to transfer power from the slipping wheel to the wheel with traction.
Anyhoo here is Wiki's I-Drive article...
Originally Posted by Wiki
iDrive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the BMW vehicle control system. For the online storage service, see i-drive. For other uses, see iDrive (disambiguation).
iDrive is a computer system, which is used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars. iDrive's user interface consists of a LCD panel mounted in the dashboard and a controller **** mounted on the center console.
iDrive allows the driver and front-seat passenger (in recent cars it is available to back-seat passengers as well) to control such amenities as the climate (air conditioner and heater), the audio system (radio and CD player), the navigation system and communication system.
Contents [hide]
1 iDrive Generations
1.1 iDrive (1st Gen)
1.2 iDrive Business (M-ASK)
1.3 iDrive Professional Navigation (CCC)
1.3.1 CCC - update 1
1.3.2 CCC - update 2
1.4 iDrive Professional Navigation (CIC)
2 Rationale
3 Controversy and Critics
4 How It Works
5 References
6 External links
[edit] iDrive Generations
[edit] iDrive (1st Gen)
Debuted in September 2001 with the [[]] 7-Series and was based on Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive.
This can easily be seen when the system reboots or restarts after a software crash displaying a "Windows CE" logo. [1]
[edit] iDrive Business (M-ASK)
M-ASK stands for MMI Audio System Kontroller and is manufactured by Becker. This is a limited version of the iDrive computer with a small 6.6" display and is what you get when ordering a 5-series, 6-series, 7-series, X5 or X6 without navigation option.
In addition it can optionally be ordered in Europe on the 1-series and 3-series as "Business navigation", in which case it has basic navigation abilities. Early versions of the Business navigation could only display directional arrows, but the latest version can also display 2D maps. iDrive Business Navigation uses a different map DVD then iDrive Professional Navigation. In addition because only one optical drive is available you cannot use both navigation and listen to a CD simultaneous.
When iDrive Professional is ordered the M-ASK system is replaced by either the CCC or CIC in addition to a larger display.
iDrive Business is available on the following cars;
iDrive Business Navigation (optional)
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93
iDrive Business (default when navigation is not ordered)
5-Series E60/E61
6-Series E63/E64
7-Series E65/E66/E67/E68
7-Series F01/F02
X5 E70
X6 E71
Note that the above list can vary depending on the region. For instance North American 7-series come by default with CCC or CIC.
[edit] iDrive Professional Navigation (CCC)
iDrive Controller on BMW X5
iDrive controller on BMW 530dDebuted in 2003 with the E60/E61 5-Series and is based on Wind River VxWorks, a real-time operating system. [2] CCC stands for Car Communication Computer and uses a larger 8.8" wide-screen display. It was available on the following cars as an option;
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured until March 2007
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured until March 2007
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured until March 2007
6-Series E63/E64 manufactured until March 2007
7-Series E65/E66/E67/E68 from September 2004
CCC based systems use a map DVD from Navteq in a dedicated DVD drive.
[edit] CCC - update 1
This is a minor update to iDrive Professional debuted in March 2007. It adds additional programmable buttons in the dashboard to directly access frequent functions and it removes the haptic feedback from the iDrive controller. It is available on the following cars as an option;
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
6-Series E63/E64 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
X5 E70
X6 E71
[edit] CCC - update 2
This is a minor update debuted in September 2008 to iDrive Professional equipped cars that did not get the new CIC based system. These cars get the new iDrive controller that is also used on cars with CIC. The actual iDrive computer (CCC) remains the same. This update is available on the following cars;
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured from September 2008
6-Series E63/E64 manufactured from September 2008
[edit] iDrive Professional Navigation (CIC)
Debuted in September 2008 with F01/F02 7-Series. CIC stands for Car Infotainment Computer and is manufactured by Becker. It is available on the following cars as an option;
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured from September 2008
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured from September 2008
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured from around January 2009
7-Series F01/F02
The CIC system is a major update to iDrive, replacing the display, computer and the controller. The display is a higher resolution and the system is much more responsive then the old CCC system to address the common complaint about iDrive. The system also supports internet access. [3]
CIC based systems uses maps from TeleAtlas which are installed on an internal 2.5" 40GB HDD. This HDD can also store up to 8GB of music files for playback. For uploading music files to this HDD a USB port is provided in the glove box.
[edit] Rationale
The design rationale of iDrive is to replace a confusing array of controls for the above systems with an all-in-one unit. The controls necessary for vehicle control and safety, such as the headlights and turn signals, are still located in the immediate vicinity of the steering column. iDrive also allows the On-Board Diagnostics computer to provide detailed information to the driver and service technicians in plain-text, rather than limited and confusing symbology like a "Check Engine" light.
Since the climate, audio, navigation and communication systems are adjusted only occasionally, the idea was to move them into an easy-to-use central location. However, iDrive was filled with controversy and many disapproved of it.
[edit] Controversy and Critics
iDrive has caused significant controversy among users, the automotive media, and critics. Many reviewers of BMWs in (automobile) magazines disapprove of the system. Criticisms of iDrive include its steep learning curve and its tendency to cause the driver to look away from the road too much[4] [5]. Most users report that they adapt to the system after about 1-hour of practice, and the advent of voice controls has reduced the learning curve greatly.[2]
A new iDrive system (CIC) was introduced in September 2008 to address most of the complaints.
[edit] How It Works
The iDrive M-ASK and CCC systems are based around the points of a compass (north, south, east, west) with each direction corresponding with a specific area. These areas are also colour coded providing identification as to which part of the system is currently being viewed.
North (blue) for communication
East (green) for navigation (In some models without navigation, this option is replaced by the On Board Computer)
South (yellow) for entertainment
West (red) for climate control
Also, at the iDrive home screen, the control **** can be pushed downwards to provide access to the car's control panel (iMenu), which gives access to a variety of operational parameters:
date/time settings
System language localization (generally, English (US/UK) and native language of the vehicle's location is provided.)
Bluetooth settings
Flat tire sensor settings,
lighting behavior, etc.
custom steering wheel buttons
Power Output (BMW M series, for example, 400 hp, 500 hp).
Starting in 2007, perhaps in response to critics, iDrive added 6 programmable buttons (6 USA/Japan, 8 in Europe) to the dashboard, breaking tradition of having the entire system operated via the control ****. Each button can be programmed to instantly access any feature within iDrive (such as a particular navigation route, or your favorite radio station). In addition, a dedicated AM/FM button, and a Mode button (to switch between entertainment sources) were added (only USA)
iDrive is controlled by manipulating the control ****. This can be pushed north, south, east, west; pushed inwards (down), nudged left and right, or rotated left and right. The control **** contains an element of 'force feedback' so the **** can not be rotated further than there are options on the screen. It will also kick back slightly as it scrolls through options. This makes it easier to use while driving and keeping your eyes on the road.
From the home screen, each option can be reached by pushing the control **** in the desired direction. From any other screen, pushing the **** in the desired direction and holding in place for a few seconds will jump to that new area. (For example, in the Entertainment screen, pushing the control **** to the right for a few seconds before letting it go will jump straight to the Navigation area). The iDrive system includes a button marked Menu behind the control **** which provides quick access to the home screen.
iDrive is unique among its competitors by using a widescreen display that is split into a 2/3 main window, and 1/3 "Assistance Window". This allows the driver to use any function or menu, while simultaneously maintaining secondary information. For example, if the driver is not in the Navigation menu, he can still see a map on the assistance window. Other information that can be displayed includes navigation route directions and a trip computer.
The latest generation of the BMW iDrive in the 2009 BMW 7-Series features a large 10.2 inch high resolution LCD panel with a 1280x480 resolution. It has a full featured web browser that connects to the internet via BMW ConnectedDrive using EDGE.[6]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the BMW vehicle control system. For the online storage service, see i-drive. For other uses, see iDrive (disambiguation).
iDrive is a computer system, which is used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars. iDrive's user interface consists of a LCD panel mounted in the dashboard and a controller **** mounted on the center console.
iDrive allows the driver and front-seat passenger (in recent cars it is available to back-seat passengers as well) to control such amenities as the climate (air conditioner and heater), the audio system (radio and CD player), the navigation system and communication system.
Contents [hide]
1 iDrive Generations
1.1 iDrive (1st Gen)
1.2 iDrive Business (M-ASK)
1.3 iDrive Professional Navigation (CCC)
1.3.1 CCC - update 1
1.3.2 CCC - update 2
1.4 iDrive Professional Navigation (CIC)
2 Rationale
3 Controversy and Critics
4 How It Works
5 References
6 External links
[edit] iDrive Generations
[edit] iDrive (1st Gen)
Debuted in September 2001 with the [[]] 7-Series and was based on Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive.
This can easily be seen when the system reboots or restarts after a software crash displaying a "Windows CE" logo. [1]
[edit] iDrive Business (M-ASK)
M-ASK stands for MMI Audio System Kontroller and is manufactured by Becker. This is a limited version of the iDrive computer with a small 6.6" display and is what you get when ordering a 5-series, 6-series, 7-series, X5 or X6 without navigation option.
In addition it can optionally be ordered in Europe on the 1-series and 3-series as "Business navigation", in which case it has basic navigation abilities. Early versions of the Business navigation could only display directional arrows, but the latest version can also display 2D maps. iDrive Business Navigation uses a different map DVD then iDrive Professional Navigation. In addition because only one optical drive is available you cannot use both navigation and listen to a CD simultaneous.
When iDrive Professional is ordered the M-ASK system is replaced by either the CCC or CIC in addition to a larger display.
iDrive Business is available on the following cars;
iDrive Business Navigation (optional)
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93
iDrive Business (default when navigation is not ordered)
5-Series E60/E61
6-Series E63/E64
7-Series E65/E66/E67/E68
7-Series F01/F02
X5 E70
X6 E71
Note that the above list can vary depending on the region. For instance North American 7-series come by default with CCC or CIC.
[edit] iDrive Professional Navigation (CCC)
iDrive Controller on BMW X5
iDrive controller on BMW 530dDebuted in 2003 with the E60/E61 5-Series and is based on Wind River VxWorks, a real-time operating system. [2] CCC stands for Car Communication Computer and uses a larger 8.8" wide-screen display. It was available on the following cars as an option;
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured until March 2007
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured until March 2007
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured until March 2007
6-Series E63/E64 manufactured until March 2007
7-Series E65/E66/E67/E68 from September 2004
CCC based systems use a map DVD from Navteq in a dedicated DVD drive.
[edit] CCC - update 1
This is a minor update to iDrive Professional debuted in March 2007. It adds additional programmable buttons in the dashboard to directly access frequent functions and it removes the haptic feedback from the iDrive controller. It is available on the following cars as an option;
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
6-Series E63/E64 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
X5 E70
X6 E71
[edit] CCC - update 2
This is a minor update debuted in September 2008 to iDrive Professional equipped cars that did not get the new CIC based system. These cars get the new iDrive controller that is also used on cars with CIC. The actual iDrive computer (CCC) remains the same. This update is available on the following cars;
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured from September 2008
6-Series E63/E64 manufactured from September 2008
[edit] iDrive Professional Navigation (CIC)
Debuted in September 2008 with F01/F02 7-Series. CIC stands for Car Infotainment Computer and is manufactured by Becker. It is available on the following cars as an option;
1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured from September 2008
3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured from September 2008
5-Series E60/E61 manufactured from around January 2009
7-Series F01/F02
The CIC system is a major update to iDrive, replacing the display, computer and the controller. The display is a higher resolution and the system is much more responsive then the old CCC system to address the common complaint about iDrive. The system also supports internet access. [3]
CIC based systems uses maps from TeleAtlas which are installed on an internal 2.5" 40GB HDD. This HDD can also store up to 8GB of music files for playback. For uploading music files to this HDD a USB port is provided in the glove box.
[edit] Rationale
The design rationale of iDrive is to replace a confusing array of controls for the above systems with an all-in-one unit. The controls necessary for vehicle control and safety, such as the headlights and turn signals, are still located in the immediate vicinity of the steering column. iDrive also allows the On-Board Diagnostics computer to provide detailed information to the driver and service technicians in plain-text, rather than limited and confusing symbology like a "Check Engine" light.
Since the climate, audio, navigation and communication systems are adjusted only occasionally, the idea was to move them into an easy-to-use central location. However, iDrive was filled with controversy and many disapproved of it.
[edit] Controversy and Critics
iDrive has caused significant controversy among users, the automotive media, and critics. Many reviewers of BMWs in (automobile) magazines disapprove of the system. Criticisms of iDrive include its steep learning curve and its tendency to cause the driver to look away from the road too much[4] [5]. Most users report that they adapt to the system after about 1-hour of practice, and the advent of voice controls has reduced the learning curve greatly.[2]
A new iDrive system (CIC) was introduced in September 2008 to address most of the complaints.
[edit] How It Works
The iDrive M-ASK and CCC systems are based around the points of a compass (north, south, east, west) with each direction corresponding with a specific area. These areas are also colour coded providing identification as to which part of the system is currently being viewed.
North (blue) for communication
East (green) for navigation (In some models without navigation, this option is replaced by the On Board Computer)
South (yellow) for entertainment
West (red) for climate control
Also, at the iDrive home screen, the control **** can be pushed downwards to provide access to the car's control panel (iMenu), which gives access to a variety of operational parameters:
date/time settings
System language localization (generally, English (US/UK) and native language of the vehicle's location is provided.)
Bluetooth settings
Flat tire sensor settings,
lighting behavior, etc.
custom steering wheel buttons
Power Output (BMW M series, for example, 400 hp, 500 hp).
Starting in 2007, perhaps in response to critics, iDrive added 6 programmable buttons (6 USA/Japan, 8 in Europe) to the dashboard, breaking tradition of having the entire system operated via the control ****. Each button can be programmed to instantly access any feature within iDrive (such as a particular navigation route, or your favorite radio station). In addition, a dedicated AM/FM button, and a Mode button (to switch between entertainment sources) were added (only USA)
iDrive is controlled by manipulating the control ****. This can be pushed north, south, east, west; pushed inwards (down), nudged left and right, or rotated left and right. The control **** contains an element of 'force feedback' so the **** can not be rotated further than there are options on the screen. It will also kick back slightly as it scrolls through options. This makes it easier to use while driving and keeping your eyes on the road.
From the home screen, each option can be reached by pushing the control **** in the desired direction. From any other screen, pushing the **** in the desired direction and holding in place for a few seconds will jump to that new area. (For example, in the Entertainment screen, pushing the control **** to the right for a few seconds before letting it go will jump straight to the Navigation area). The iDrive system includes a button marked Menu behind the control **** which provides quick access to the home screen.
iDrive is unique among its competitors by using a widescreen display that is split into a 2/3 main window, and 1/3 "Assistance Window". This allows the driver to use any function or menu, while simultaneously maintaining secondary information. For example, if the driver is not in the Navigation menu, he can still see a map on the assistance window. Other information that can be displayed includes navigation route directions and a trip computer.
The latest generation of the BMW iDrive in the 2009 BMW 7-Series features a large 10.2 inch high resolution LCD panel with a 1280x480 resolution. It has a full featured web browser that connects to the internet via BMW ConnectedDrive using EDGE.[6]

Like, no duh...
Did you see that Walmart is selling "Turbo" emblems now?!

Gives those little ricers something to play with for cheap...
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Well other than the X drive badge it was a pretty badass truck, but I think the first mod I would do to it if I end up buying it is removing the badge. I just wondered if it was something special to do with the 4x4 system or something. lol Thanks for the clarification. I must say Im glad the person traded this in, If he felt so inclined to rice out a beautiful truck like this he does not deserve it.
Well other than the X drive badge it was a pretty badass truck, but I think the first mod I would do to it if I end up buying it is removing the badge. I just wondered if it was something special to do with the 4x4 system or something. lol Thanks for the clarification. I must say Im glad the person traded this in, If he felt so inclined to rice out a beautiful truck like this he does not deserve it.
By chance... is it a Ford dealer selling this?
Its up in great neck new york, Its not a ford dealer, but its a car dealer, I was up there last weekend and took a look at it. Were just working out my trade in and shipping it up to him and shipping the mark down to me.
No! Silly, it is only on BMW vehicles! Ford has none of this junk their vehicles! Simply what happened was someone went on Ebay or to a BMW parts counter and bought a stupid emblem and stuck it on. Thinking they could turn some heads by making their Lincoln Mark LT into something that it doesn't have. It is fake if it is on a Lincoln Mark LT or rather anything other than a BMW!
Anyhoo here is Wiki's I-Drive article...
Anyhoo here is Wiki's I-Drive article...



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