BMW 325xi (E46)

After almost ten years, all-wheel drive came to the fore again when the BMW 325xi Sedan (E46) was launched. The engine technology was identical with that of the BMW 325i Sedan. All mechanical locks were entirely eliminated in the fully electronic all-wheel-drive system. Instead, newly developed chassis control systems were used (DSC, ADB). These were very reliable, cut down weight by comparison with mechanical systems and offered greater driving stability. 62 % of the drive force came from the rear axle and this was intended to combine the high traction capacity of the all-wheel drive with the agility of the standard drive. The steering behaviour therefore remained largely free from drive influences.