[mburg]

My lease on 335 coupe is ending and am trying to decide whether to go w/a 'regular' 335 coupe or an xi for my next lease. Over the 3 years I've had the car (and previous 3 series coupes w/sport) I have avoided driving in snow as much as possible, but occasionally can't avoid it, especially if on the road when the snow starts. Generally, I find the car has problems in even the slightest bit of snow. My wife's e46 xi sedan goes pretty well in snow. Can anyone comment on what the difference would be in driving experience?

Thanks

[ragingclue]

You'd need winter tires either way. And with winter tires, both models are very capable.

[Nikolas]

If both have winter tires, the XI will be far more capable in the snow.

[mburg]

What about the driving experience the rest of the year - would the xi feel substantially different?

Also, would REAL snow tires (vs. all season) on the 'regular' coupe make that big a difference?

[E90BlackBeauty]

Originally Posted by mburg

What about the driving experience the rest of the year - would the xi feel substantially different?

Also, would REAL snow tires (vs. all season) on the 'regular' coupe make that big a difference?

if anything its going to handle better all year round....unless you're going drifting or something ridiculous like that.

[Nikolas]

The XI's suspension and weight will hold it back from handling like the i in dry conditions. The XI suspension is pretty bad for a car in this price range. BMW needs to fix that or I won't get an XI again. Unfortunately I have to have AWD where I live.

[deletedelete]

Go with xi and get some springs or coilovers. Best of both worlds.

[DenverJayhawk]

If you're going to get a second set of winter tires regardless of the model chosen, then I'd say go with the "I" and save a couple grand.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by E90BlackBeauty

if anything its going to handle better all year round....unless you're going drifting or something ridiculous like that.

Handle better year round? Interesting. Which posts better track times stock, the i or the xi?

[deletedelete]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Handle better year round? Interesting. Which posts better track times stock, the i or the xi?

x10. Id like to know this too.

[DenverJayhawk]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Handle better year round? Interesting. Which posts better track times stock, the i or the xi?

Depends on weather conditions.

[JoeyBananaz18]

this is just a guess, but i would say the i post better times. i think the less weight and better suspension are in its favor.

i remember reading an article about the carrera S vs. the carrera 4s and the AWD in the 4 helped control the rear engine layout. in the end the 4S was the faster of the two.

[JPA]

My thought is that the xi might help eliminate the problem of a lack of LSD because the front wheels will help pull through corners.

[jeveryday]

I have the XI... I love it but the handling sucks at high speeds. However, it did come in handy when the snow came around. If snow isnt a huge issue get the regular I. In any instance you cant lose. Both are great!

[Digtlartst]

I'd go for the X drive. My commute home has a long twisty uphill road through some woods, and I must say I do like the feeling of being pulled around the curves, shifting the MT in the upper revs -- and mine's only a 325x. Must be truly great in a 335x MT.

[gqmd]

I had a "xi" last time around, now I got an "i" since I moved to MD. The "i" IMHO is a much sportier and agile car ride. I didn't realize this until I got the "i". The "xi" was definitely more foolproof, you really don't know how to drive a performance car, just floor it around curves and teh car just does the rest for you...It was like riding on training wheels. The "i" does require more "common sense". It doesn't really snow much in Maryland, but I did get some snow tires in case. My wife had a RWD e46 with snow tires in NJ and had been fine for many years.

[Bimmerdriver17]

The i performs better (on dry pavement) than the xi anyday. Though I think xi is neccessary if you get a lot of snow or live in any of the northern states. If not, I would just get the i. In NY, it will maybe snow a coupe times out of the year. I will just smack on some winter tires. This way I still have the satisfaction of having snow tires in the winter, yet still have the performance I want otherwise.

[rc'Z]

Originally Posted by mburg

What about the driving experience the rest of the year - would the xi feel substantially different?

Also, would REAL snow tires (vs. all season) on the 'regular' coupe make that big a difference?

You would absolutly not believe the difference between all season tires and snow tires like Blizzak for instance. However, be warned that these super snow and ice tires don't give the best handling on dry pavement.

[cstavaru]

I consider the xi a compromise for those who need it. And why make a compromise 11 months a year and only really need it one month...

[GB///M]

I bought a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for my 335i last winter and they were awesome in the snow i had great traction and keep in mind chicago gets a good amount of snow. You should be fine with a nice set of winter tires of you go with the "i" but its up to you. Test drive an xi either way to help you make an easier decision.

[deletedelete]

I dont think the xi should be seen as a compromise or any a winter-only solution. My xi will only see snow 2 months out of the year but I still wanted one. Lots of performance cars have awd, as we all know, and thats how I see mine.

Of course if cost is an issue and theres only a little snow, then take the i, but regardless of how much snow, I think the xi is better.

[Derek Zoolander]

BMW is offering free xDrive on new 328i sedans. I got the $1850 waived.