bmw 335i vs 335xi

[chenx15]

I opened a thread before asking about bmws now that i'm going to pull the trigger i will pull it all the way and get a 335 now my problem is should i get the AWD or RWD. AWD will be great for Ontario Canada winter but i will be scarificing the enjoyment of a a RWD.

Bimmerfest.com is not a big help and it ends up becoming a flame war so i'll give trf a shot


here are the specs of my possible 335

Manual Transmission
sports package
xi or i???

advice will be appreciated

is there a huge difference between the driving feel of a AWD or RWD in the 335?


Thanks!

[drtooth73]

get premium package for sure.
i have rwd in detroit, and it drives fine.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Buy a silver Roadster, much more fun to drive and you take corners like a bat out of hell (not that you would necessarily do that). Your next step is to enroll in the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving on the outskirts of L.A. (just a thought).

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Buy a silver Roadster, much more fun to drive and you take corners like a bat out of hell (not that you would necessarily do that).

i actually don't like the roadsters that's why i'm not a big fan of the porsche. i like the look of regular sedans so if i can get the sedan look with the power of the 335 which is almost comparable to the 997 (mind you i used the word "almost" because only posche has that power) then i am sold.

it's the awd vs rwd that's killing me

[drtooth73]

rwd, just dont drive with bald tires

[Brit78]

I say XI due to where you live. I love my quattro when the weather is bad here. Makes a HUGE difference. For everyday use that is. Now if you plan to track or autocross it, I would go RWD and get winter wheels/tires. Have you even considered the new Audi S4?

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by Brit78

I say XI due to where you live. I love my quattro when the weather is bad here. Makes a HUGE difference. For everyday use that is. Now if you plan to track or autocross it, I would go RWD and get winter wheels/tires. Have you even considered the new Audi S4?

actually i am considering the s4 because i was informed that the s4 awd is as amazing as a rwd. but all my friends are audi men and i want to be different and be a BMW guy

[Brunotheboxer]

Get the rear wheel drive with dedicated snow tires and you'll be fine. That's what I did.

[godeep]

I drive a 328xi, if you are a real driving nut then you will notice a difference. The xi gives up some of the bmw feel. I find that in the summer the front end tends to push and not grip as much as the i. Thats being real picky. As for the winter, you can drive circles around any other car on the road. The 335xi has more then enough power to make summer and winter driving a blast. I have no trouble putting my car into a corner at any speed, go for the xi you will love it. Audi's are front wheel drive based, not like the bmw.

[BealeAss]

My fiance' picked up an 08 328xi back in September and we too debated the AWD vs RWD. Being a purist I wanted RWD, since mine always were and did fine in the winters with some snow tires on there. She wanted AWD because of our location (Boston) and safety for her.

With the AWD you do sacrifice a little enjoyment, the new AWD's system is good. Really good. So good in fact neither her, myself nor a few local BMW instructors could really get it to slide on the skid pad. I was very impressed to say the least. Add in the Blizzaks we got and it should make for quite a sled in the winter.

All that greatness being said if you are a purist you'll want the RWD, the sliding, the extra fun, it weighs a bit less (it's fairly noticeable) and the steering feel is a bit better with the RWD. Just a bit more precise.

Considering your location its a really tough call. And since I've been a BMW owner and enthusiast for awhile I'll tell you to not go the Audi route, there's just something inherently cheaper about them inside and out, plus they are just less fun even AWD versus AWD direct model comparison.

[Brit78]

Originally Posted by chenx15

actually i am considering the s4 because i was informed that the s4 awd is as amazing as a rwd. but all my friends are audi men and i want to be different and be a BMW guy

Well all I can say is that I am a HUGE car guy, even more so than watches for sure, and I have driven an S4 for the past 5 years and it is BY FAR the best car I have ever owned. It is excellent at absolutely everything it does, except fuel economy (V8). But as the new one is a supercharged 6 cylinder, the fuel consumption is supposed to be much better with out losing any of the power.

I have to fully disclose though that I plan to get a bimmer next. M5. The one sports sedan that I have wanted since I was a little kid. The time has come.

[Brit78]

Originally Posted by BealeAss

Considering your location its a really tough call. And since I've been a BMW owner and enthusiast for awhile I'll tell you to not go the Audi route, there's just something inherently cheaper about them inside and out, plus they are just less fun even AWD versus AWD direct model comparison.

I have an unbelieveable amount of respect for BMW products, we've had over 10 in my family, but I couldn't disagree with you more about this statement. All you have to do is open any car magazine to see that even the media says that Audi wins the interior competition hands down every time, so interior cheapness is not something I have ever heard muttered about an Audi product. That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As far as fun to drive, I'll give you, maybe, a rwd bimmer over an audi due to the sideways factor, awd to awd they are absolutely neck and neck.

[godeep]

Originally Posted by Brit78

I have an unbelieveable amount of respect for BMW products, we've had over 10 in my family, but I couldn't disagree with you more about this statement. All you have to do is open any car magazine to see that even the media says that Audi wins the interior competition hands down every time, so interior cheapness is not something I have ever heard muttered about an Audi product. That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As far as fun to drive, I'll give you, maybe, a rwd bimmer over an audi due to the sideways factor, awd to awd they are absolutely neck and neck.

Bmw's interior are a little bland. They should improve that. But they are well laid out and very functional from a drivers stand point.

[Brit78]

Originally Posted by godeep

Bmw's interior are a little bland. They should improve that. But they are well laid out and very functional from a drivers stand point.

I agree on all fronts. They are indeed well laid out and very functional. It was more the cheap comment that I did not agree with. Thanks for letting me clarify.

[godeep]

Originally Posted by Brit78

I agree on all fronts. They are indeed well laid out and very functional. It was more the cheap comment that I did not agree with. Thanks for letting me clarify.

I wouldn't say cheap per say, just boring. The plastics are very rubbery to the touch, super thick leather and great sport seats with lots of adjustability.

[Brit78]

Originally Posted by godeep

I wouldn't say cheap per say, just boring. The plastics are very rubbery to the touch, super thick leather and great sport seats with lots of adjustability.

I was referring to the other poster saying Audi's interiors are cheap. I was not saying that I thought BMWs had cheap interiors.

Anyways, this has gotten off topic. If I were in the OP's shoes, being that he lives in Canada, for everyday use, I would consider the XI. I would also not rule out the Audi S4. Just my $0.02.

[chenx15]

s4 is not totally ruled out yet. but my fanboyism towards BMW is making me bias. ha ha ha ha

[Ed Rooney]

Ontario? I would go xi all the way. Unless you are tracking the car, you won't notice much difference. If you get the rwd, you're pretty much going to have to get a 2nd set of rims with snow tires.

S4 is niiiice, and looks great.

[rainman_16]

If I recall you won't be making the purchase for at least a year? If so, you might want to contact BMW advanced driving and find out from them whether any of their courses will enable you to make a comparison between the two models on a skid pad. I believe they conduct a number of courses in the Toronto area and elsewhere in Canada.

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/insights/dri..._training.html

Me personally I would opt for the RWD model. My wife's 3 series hasn't had any problems with Toronto winters in her RWD with 4 snow tires.

[S/SOnly]

Hi,

I have driven most of the BMW models, some at track, and considering where you reside, the i xDrive would probably be more ideal for you. It is still a wonderful driver, outfit it with the "M" sport pack (Highly recommended for any 3), and you'd be set.

You could also go with an i, and some Blizzak snow tires, as they do wonders in the snow. Thing is, you will need an off season set of hot rubber when it warms....

Do a Dinan ECU upgrade, and your looking at 384hp and 421lbs torque from the 335's.... Nuff said! Either way, you'd be kicking up snow rooster tails

Have fun

[iSellJerseyShore]

Hands down get the X-Drive, I have a 2009 335XI 6MT Coupe and love it! Living in a snowy area I couldn't see driving anything without 4x4 or AWD.


-Frankie

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by iSellJerseyShore

Hands down get the X-Drive, I have a 2009 335XI 6MT Coupe and love it! Living in a snowy area I couldn't see driving anything without 4x4 or AWD.


-Frankie

how is your hpfp?

[TheDeuce]

I spent my University years driving a Firebird through our Winnipeg winters. The key was having studded snow tires on all four wheels. I've been driving on studded tires every winter since even though I've been driving 4x4 SUV's since 2001.

That said, I'd go with the RWD and solid snow tires. I think Ontario still bans studs (insert JJ joke here) but good winter-only tires on your 335i will get you through anything you could reasonably ask for.

[BealeAss]

Originally Posted by Brit78

I have an unbelieveable amount of respect for BMW products, we've had over 10 in my family, but I couldn't disagree with you more about this statement. All you have to do is open any car magazine to see that even the media says that Audi wins the interior competition hands down every time, so interior cheapness is not something I have ever heard muttered about an Audi product. That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As far as fun to drive, I'll give you, maybe, a rwd bimmer over an audi due to the sideways factor, awd to awd they are absolutely neck and neck.

Maybe I should have elaborated more on my cheap comment. It's two things for me with Audi interiors that just doesn't make it "sing" to me shall we say. One, is the same interior can be found anywhere from a VW to a Lambo. Even during my time in Lambo's I personally found that to be strange. So for my fiance' to go spend $30k on an A4 for a $10k car's interior (to me) just wasn't right. It's the same reason an R8 will never sit in my driveway. Second reason is that anytime I've sat or driven in Audi's the interior felt a bit cold to me and not necessarily inviting. I know this is strange considering the interior acclaims they get so it's probably just me.

BMW's interior isn't necessarily anything to write home about and shout, but it's well thought out, button quality seams higher than Audi's and the leather especially with a sport pack is arguably the best in a mid-level sports saloon/coupe that is on the market.

I respect your thoughts and I know mine are a bit out of whack compared to most, but that's probably due to my brand loyalty and friends who've switched to the rings and gone back to the roundel. As a purist the last thing I'll do is knock the S4 though, I still wouldn't mind having a modded TT nogaro/nogaro in my driveway for a daily with a stage 3 pack.

[BealeAss]

Originally Posted by Brit78

I have an unbelieveable amount of respect for BMW products, we've had over 10 in my family, but I couldn't disagree with you more about this statement. All you have to do is open any car magazine to see that even the media says that Audi wins the interior competition hands down every time, so interior cheapness is not something I have ever heard muttered about an Audi product. That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As far as fun to drive, I'll give you, maybe, a rwd bimmer over an audi due to the sideways factor, awd to awd they are absolutely neck and neck.

Maybe I should have elaborated more on my cheap comment. It's two things for me with Audi interiors that just doesn't make it "sing" to me shall we say. One, is the same interior can be found anywhere from a VW to a Lambo. Even during my time in Lambo's I personally found that to be strange. So for my fiance' to go spend $30k on an A4 for a $10k car's interior (to me) just wasn't right. It's the same reason an R8 will never sit in my driveway. Second reason is that anytime I've sat or driven in Audi's the interior felt a bit cold to me and not necessarily inviting. I know this is strange considering the interior acclaims they get so it's probably just me.

BMW's interior isn't necessarily anything to write home about and shout, but it's well thought out, button quality seams higher than Audi's and the leather especially with a sport pack is arguably the best in a mid-level sports saloon/coupe that is on the market.

In regards to the AWD vs AWD, I'm not so sure. I attended an Audi drive day and drove the A4/330XI/IS250/C300 back to back. I'd say in bad weather, yes totally equivalent, when trying to have fun the 3 Series XI just packed a bit more of the fun punch.

I respect your thoughts and I know mine are a bit out of whack compared to most, but that's probably due to my brand loyalty and friends who've switched to the rings and gone back to the roundel. As a purist the last thing I'll do is knock the S4 though, I still wouldn't mind having a modded TT nogaro/nogaro in my driveway for a daily with a stage 3 pack.

[Tombstone]

You know I would say buy the all wheel version. I once owned a new off the show room floor 1988 325IX. It was the first year BMW made the all wheel drive 325 series. Audi also came out with their all wheel drive Quattro that year as well. My BMW was an S (sport) series. BMW only made the S series for the 325Ix in 1988. I kept the car until I had 150,000 on it then sadly it just kept breaking down. BMWs are great until they get a few miles on them. The lifters stuck, the timing belt was consistently replaced, oil leaks which could not be explained, and every recommended BMW service cost over $1,000 (there used to be an instrument cluster in the ceilings of the 325s a small red light would turn on when a service was needed over ½ the time the BMW dealer would reset the system advising no service was needed). Troubles aside that all wheel drive BMW could drive up anything snow covered with no issues at all. Post some photos of your choice

As far as the best track experience try Larry Millers track in Salt Lake Utah. Larry put millions into this track. It rocks!!! Ford and Porsche motor companies use this track all of the time. The Miller track had gained attention world wide. http://www.millermotorsportspark.com

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by chenx15

how is your hpfp?

I too have a 335xi coupe that I have had for about 27 months and have had not issues with the high pressure fuel pump.

If you get mild winters I would just get the i and a set of blizzaks on separate wheels. I drove my 330ci for 3 years and never had a problem. I just figured with my latest purchase I'd get the xi because in Colorado the resale may be good being it's AWD.

One item to note, you will loose bhp with the xi as there is more driveline loss due to driving 4 wheels. I have dynoed mine versus my buddies rwd version and he has about 20 more bhp at the wheels. You can easily offset that with a simple SSTT or JB+ mod.

A couple other items, the suspension on the XI is steel (control arms) whereas the 335i has aluminum. I guess they figure steel was necessary because of the AWD (who knows). And the XI is about 200 pounds heavier because of the transfer case and all the other crap to make it AWD.

Anyway, here is my teaser shot of my car about 2 weeks ago after a couple modifications:



Happy car hunting, you can't go wrong with BMW or Audi. But I'm a Bimmer fan and that is my preference.

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by forza1976

I too have a 335xi coupe that I have had for about 27 months and have had not issues with the high pressure fuel pump.

If you get mild winters I would just get the i and a set of blizzaks on separate wheels. I drove my 330ci for 3 years and never had a problem. I just figured with my latest purchase I'd get the xi because in Colorado the resale may be good being it's AWD.

One item to note, you will loose bhp with the xi as there is more driveline loss due to driving 4 wheels. I have dynoed mine versus my buddies rwd version and he has about 20 more bhp at the wheels. You can easily offset that with a simple SSTT or JB+ mod.

A couple other items, the suspension on the XI is steel (control arms) whereas the 335i has aluminum. I guess they figure steel was necessary because of the AWD (who knows). And the XI is about 200 pounds heavier because of the transfer case and all the other crap to make it AWD.

Anyway, here is my teaser shot of my car about 2 weeks ago after a couple modifications:



Happy car hunting, you can't go wrong with BMW or Audi. But I'm a Bimmer fan and that is my preference.

your last statement is what affects me the most! boht of them are great but there is something about getting a bimmer. My fanboyism at work.

[JBat]

Forget the all wheel drive. BMW is legendary for its rear wheel drive platforms, and going AWD takes away the benefits of RWD and adds weight. If snow is an issue, get yourself a good set of snow tires and call it good. You'll be happier. AWD is highly overrated for snow conditions, IMO. I see more AWD vehicles in the ditch every year than any other kind.

[DSJ]

xi AND snow tires! I got the AWD 300C, and the difference with snow tires over all-season is nothing short of phenomenal!

Or get the i and a cheapie winter car.