[vkolarov]

Hi guys,

I'm currently impatiently waiting for my new G80 xDrive to arrive
While doing so I have read a ton (if not even all ) of different reviews, threads, articles, comparisons and so on. However, there is one thing that I'm really interested in, unfortunately haven't seen anything about it until now.

I have searched a lot but couldn't find any information regarding which of the two xDrive modes available is actually faster and better suited for track use.
Is there someone around here that has a G80/82 xDrive and that has tested both 4WD and 4WD Sport modes on the track (or perhaps someone that knows about an article regarding this)? How do they compare and which one gives better lap times?
I suppose that maybe the 4WD Sport mode will be the better one, however, I haven't seen anyone who has made somewhat of a "more scientific" test on that topic.

I even tried searching about information on the F90 M5 regarding this exact subject as it has the same xDrive system but with no success.

I would really like to know what exactly is the difference between the two when it comes to lap times and feeling on the track.
Which one are you using in such driving scenarios and why?

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P.S: Sorry if that topic is not for here or if this was already discussed somewhere else.

[SirgoM3]

Hello Everyone. we have a M4Comp CV XDrive available, if there is anyone interested PM me, we are located in Houston TX.

[McLaren720s]

4WD Sport is very heavily rear wheel drive biased which allows the car to rotate better in turns and only sends power to the front wheels when rear tires slip. I believe the torque split is 15/85 under 100mph and 0/100 over 100mph as opposed to standard 4WD mode which is 40/60 and better suited for inclement weather.

[BMWRacer523]

You want to be in 4WD Sport on track. Rear wheel biased. I've had my xdrive on track a couple times and the AWD traction is pretty impressive.

[jmg]

The AWD is slightly heavier and running RWD on the track would not be taking advantage of the system while still paying the price of additional weight. You can still get proper slip angle in the AWD because it's rear biased as well.

[BulkBen]

It wasn't an M3, but, I took my 700hp (E70 with 28psi boost) X3M to the track quite a few times with interesting results.

I could only run 275 Cup 2 tyres all round due to limitations of rim size, but I found 4WD better than 4WD sport, as the 4WD Sport was too rear biased.

Im an experienced track driver and running too much rear bias really made the rear want to step out, so I just couldn't get power down early on exit from corners. My X3M was lowered but obviously still rolls around more than an M3.

None of this may be relevant to a stock M3 as you'll have wider rear tyres, less weight transfer and a lot less power, but that was my experience none the less.

[Irish_car_fan]

Here is an article from Road and Track magazine that touches on the topic
https://apple.news/AkvMTru1zQCOEGlr-h4oamw

Quoting the article:
> The normal 4WD setting most judiciously engages those front wheels—though it remains rear biased—while 4WD Sport allows for a bit more oversteer without ditching the safety net.

> Whether in 4WD or 4WD Sport, the system is totally seamless, with no push on entry or in mid-corner, and incredible traction on corner exit. Easy speed is the name of the game here, and on the Monticello Motor Club's North circuit during our 2022 Performance Car of the Year testing, the M4 posted higher lateral grip numbers than any other car during our testing

> Drivers of all skill levels appreciated the M4's all-wheel drive system. For the less experienced, it makes 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque easy to manage; for Travis Okulski, our club racing editor-at-large, it made getting up to speed a cinch. And to be perfectly honest, it's hard to notice the system at work, so seamless in the way it blends in power from the front.

> For under $100,000, nothing offers quite the same combination of luxury, speed, all-weather security, and real track ability. My love for Cadillac's Blackwing siblings knows no bounds, but even I have to concede that they can't match the M3 and M4 xDrive's breadth of abilities.

[FSECorey]

first of all, you don't want to be in RWD mode in AWD car.
there is no point. it's going to be slower like the RWD M4 and it's going to be heavier than the RWD m4.

the AWD sport and AWD mode doesn't really make huge differences in lap time. AWD sport will put less power to the front, so the car rotates more. But more is not faster, it's just more fun.

Regardless of AWD or RWD car , you don't want to create big angle. in fact the fastest lap is always the smoothest and looks slowest lap

[BMWRacer523]

Originally Posted by FSECorey

so the car rotates more. But more is not faster, it's just more fun.

generally true but a bit more nuanced than that. There are times where you want to get the car rotated faster and that will be quicker through that corner. I'm not talking about power slides though but slight changes in yaw using the throttle to rotate the car.

[FSECorey]

Originally Posted by BMWRacer523

generally true but a bit more nuanced than that. There are times where you want to get the car rotated faster and that will be quicker through that corner. I'm not talking about power slides though but slight changes in yaw using the throttle to rotate the car.

ture. thank you

[Vote Quimby]

Hats off to both of you for your respectful, informed, and constructive dialogue. It's a breath of fresh air, and so rare on the internet that it's worth noting.

Originally Posted by BMWRacer523

generally true but a bit more nuanced than that. There are times where you want to get the car rotated faster and that will be quicker through that corner. I'm not talking about power slides though but slight changes in yaw using the throttle to rotate the car.

Originally Posted by FSECorey

ture. thank you