Just talked to an Audi dealer who mentioned the fact that the drive shaft for the right-front wheel goes through the oil pan on the 530xi. Is this for real? Sounds like FUD tactics to me...

 

I'm not 100% sure if it's true and never checked on our X5 but I rember hearing the same thing years ago on all 'modern' BMW AWD's. The reason was to try and keep the center of gravity low. But I think you mean the axle shaft.

 

When I was shopping for my last car, now a 530xi, the local Audi dealer used the same pitch about the BMW AWD front axle going through the oil pan. I was a little taken aback at first. It is ture more or less - but, really it is marketing FUD when you get down to it. BMW claims it keeps the center of gravity lower than if done differently. Of course, BMW's answer may be marketing FUD too. Regardless, the are a number of parts exposed to the oil pan already. What really matters if the front axle extends under the crankcase? As long as the car drives great and is mechanically sound, I don't care.

Go here to see a picture of the front differential and it's how it "goes though" the oil pan: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...718&hg=31&fg=15

Tom

 

Thanks for the replies. You're right - I did mean axle...

 

In this case BMW has it right.

In the old E34 5-series X-models the axle shaft did also go through the
oil pan.

Forget about the Audi dealers. A Audi is a deluxe Volkswagen
But their Quattro system is good and they have developed it for a long time.