Power train 101 am I out of my mind?

It's 2am and I can't stop thinking about how I can be so far off on understanding how the power train in an X5 works. Earlier today I posted this request for some clarification http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-pictures.html.

I need someone to validate my sanity. It is my understanding that the engine in the center of the car is connected to the transmission also centered in the car that ends about where the front seats do. Then that connects to the main transfer case with a large drive shaft in the center that goes to the rear axles which power the rear wheels. Also out of the main transfer case under the drivers seat there is a thinner shaft that runs back to the front of the car and connects to the front transfer case then that powers the front axles and front wheels correct?

So if I pull said drive shaft under the drivers seat I should be making the x5 a RWD vehicle right? But when I do the vehicle has no propulsion and rolls freely even in park . So all this time have I been driving a front wheel drive ? Or does the drive shaft under the drivers seat power the rear wheels? Please please please reply this is knawing on my brain stem. If you have more answers to my other post that would be helpful too!

Originally Posted by RachaelsX5

It's 2am and I can't stop thinking about how I can be so far off on understanding how the power train in an X5 works.

So if I pull said drive shaft under the drivers seat I should be making the x5 a RWD vehicle right? But when I do the vehicle has no propulsion and rolls freely even in park . So all this time have I been driving a front wheel drive ? Or does the drive shaft under the drivers seat power the rear wheels? Please please please reply this is knawing on my brain stem. If you have more answers to my other post that would be helpful too!

The engines in all X5's are longitudinally mounted, which is typical of RWD, and the one off V12 E53 X5 is Rear wheel drive! I think all the torque is being transferred when you remove or disconnect the front axle or diff, etc , you're not driving the rear wheels directly just because you've removed the front drive ...