xDelete - About the App itself

Owned by Christoph Wallnoefer
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024
3 min read

What does xDelete do?

xDelete is an app for Android/iOS smartphones/tablets released in December 2018. It allows you to switch your BMW from AWD (all-wheel drive) to full RWD (rear-wheel drive).

What is xDelete good for?

  • Being able to switch between modes opens up all sorts of fun possibilities. BMW and Mercedes have understood this and have made their latest and greatest AMG and M cars switchable between AWD and RWD.

  • You get two cars in one. RWD in the summer, AWD in the winter.

  • Get rid of the understeer generated by the xDrive system

  • Drift your xDrive properly in dry and wet conditions

  • Maybe do a burnout here and there

  • Protect the xDrive from too much torque in high-performance cars.

  • Since the xDrive's transmission components, especially on F-Series cars, are prone to failure and expensive to replace, you might as well switch the xDrive off as long as it works rather than have to repair it later.

xDelete only works on transfer cases that have no permanent faults stored in them.
These can't be deleted and xDelete can't be activated.

Please check this before redeeming your voucher.

How does xDelete work?

We flash the xDrive ECU (called VGSG or LVM) with a modified data set to keep the transfer case clutch open all the time.
This means no torque is sent to the front, and your front wheels aren't being driven.

Is this part of xHP?

No, xDelete is a separate application and is not related to xHP.

Do I need to keep my smartphone connected to the car at all times?

No. You only need to connect it when switching between AWD and RWD.

Does xDelete affect the rest of the car?

No. You can continue to use your vehicle as normal and all other components will work as before.

Can I remove the drive shafts and/or the transfer case ECU from the car?

The transfer case oil pump is driven by the front driveshafts. If these are removed, the transfer case is largely unlubricated. Therefore, the front driveshaft must not be removed, even in xDrive OFF mode.

xDelete should only be used with an intact driveline. xDelete opens the clutches in the transfer case so that no torque (xDrive OFF) or a user-defined amount (xDrive Sport/Snow/Custom) is sent to the front wheels.

The VTG (transfer case controller) still communicates with the other modules in your car (even in xDrive OFF mode), so it can't be removed.

Can I use a 2WD dyno in xDrive-OFF mode and do burnouts?

You can run your car on a 2WD dyno to measure HP/TQ and also do burnouts. Here, there are differences between the generations:

E-series: If you plan to use a dyno for multiple runs or extended tuning sessions, allow the xDrive system to cool down after 5 minutes of continuous movement on the dyno. Although the clutches are no longer in contact, they are still immersed in oil, which heats up slowly as one side moves while the other is stationary. The best thing to do is run it on the road after a few minutes on the dyno.

F- and G-series: We DO NOT recommend more than one consecutive run on the dyno or burnouts taking more than a few seconds. For lubrication purposes, the vehicle should be run on the road for a mile before the next run.

Will I lose my factory warranty?

In theory, yes. In practice, the use of xDelete is not detectable by BMW testers or any other tool.

Will there be a special license for tuners?

We do offer a subscription service for professionals. Please email us at support@xautomotive.com for a quote!

Back to the xDelete FAQ - Overview Page.

Back to the Overview Page.