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      07-14-2014, 12:02 PM   #1
high_impact
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m235i - xDrive or RWD?

Lost an allocation for the 2014 m235i. However since some of the 2 series models started production this month the dealer said they would order the 2015 model. I found out last week the allocation for the m235i was for an xDrive model only. Dealer wanted to know if I wanted to order that car instead. This morning I said I wanted the RWD model as planned, so I will have to wait.
Can anyone comment on the pros and cons of xDrive vs RWD in the m235i? Gut tells me the car would not be as enjoyable.
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      07-14-2014, 12:11 PM   #2
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Pro: 0-60 time is a little faster with XDrive
Con: No M/T with XDrive model
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      07-14-2014, 12:17 PM   #3
pan0205
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I'll add another...

Pro: AWD in bad climate areas during the winter
Con: Starts at $1800 more
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      07-14-2014, 12:19 PM   #4
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Do you get a few snow storms with a few inches accumulation each winter?

Do you get lots of rain?

Will you keep the car for years out of warranty?

Will the cost if the x-drive cause you to cut other options?

Last edited by overcoil; 07-14-2014 at 01:28 PM..
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      07-14-2014, 12:30 PM   #5
high_impact
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xDrive

Do get snow in winter, but have a pickup I drive in less than perfect weather.
Rain not too bad here in New England.
Current '07 335i bought new and is almost 8 years old.
I guess I wouldn't sacrifice other options/packages for xDrive.

Notime, you have reinforced my decision to stick with RWD! Thanks.
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      07-14-2014, 12:51 PM   #6
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RWD so you can get a 6mt
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      07-14-2014, 01:20 PM   #7
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We've had an AWD in the garage since 2006. The wife's last two Bimmers have been RWD (e92M3 and Z4 35is). We put winter tires on them and she's never had an issue getting around western WA all year. My 335 xi will be the last AWD. Unless I was driving in hard core winter stuff all the time, I wouldn't bother with AWD.
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      07-14-2014, 01:22 PM   #8
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RWD

more fun, less fuel, less weight, manual option...I'd never ever buy an xdrive unless I would VERY OFTEN need the extra traction...
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      07-14-2014, 02:01 PM   #9
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You also get comedy suspension with X drive
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      07-14-2014, 04:21 PM   #10
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For what it is worth, I've a few friends who drive RWD M3s all winter long in Alaska, and they get by just fine with good winter tires. Also, most police cruisers and taxis up here are RWD, so they apparently work just fine.

I'm seriously considering RWD for my next purchase. My sense is that with modern traction control tech and good winter tires, RWD can get it done under all but the worst of conditions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by high_impact View Post
Lost an allocation for the 2014 m235i. However since some of the 2 series models started production this month the dealer said they would order the 2015 model. I found out last week the allocation for the m235i was for an xDrive model only. Dealer wanted to know if I wanted to order that car instead. This morning I said I wanted the RWD model as planned, so I will have to wait.
Can anyone comment on the pros and cons of xDrive vs RWD in the m235i? Gut tells me the car would not be as enjoyable.
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      07-14-2014, 04:39 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjc32000 View Post
For what it is worth, I've a few friends who drive RWD M3s all winter long in Alaska, and they get by just fine with good winter tires. Also, most police cruisers and taxis up here are RWD, so they apparently work just fine.

I'm seriously considering RWD for my next purchase. My sense is that with modern traction control tech and good winter tires, RWD can get it done under all but the worst of conditions.
I've driven RWD with snow tires, it's the best. AWD adds weight and poorer gas mileage. You're way better off with winter tires and RWD than AWD with all-seasons.
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      07-14-2014, 05:25 PM   #12
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Living in the snow belt in the US (and owning rwd and Xdrive over the years) I'll weigh in with this:

RWD with snows is better than AWD with All Seasons
AWD with Snows is better than RWD with Snows
I do not believe AWD is a "significant" gas mileage penalty

OP, if you love the driving experience the RWD gives you, gotta have a MT and live where it's snow and or cold? Get some snows, get rwd and have a blast.

For me? Xdrive all the way...Glad we have choices
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Last edited by midwest 340xi 6sp; 07-14-2014 at 05:41 PM..
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      07-14-2014, 05:47 PM   #13
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but also AWD with all season is better than RWD with all season :-)
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      07-14-2014, 06:10 PM   #14
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Imo Awd defeats the purpose of the "M"235i in that it ruins the balance and performance feel of the car. Remember this is vanilla xdrive and the way the bias works it won't be that fun to drive. At least that's my opinion.

Extra option RWD + Winters + LSD = better than Awd with open difs
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      07-14-2014, 06:18 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pikcachu View Post
but also AWD with all season is better than RWD with all season :-)
At what? Neither should be attempted in winter as so-called "all seasons" are actually three season tires. The rest of the year, RWD wins easily.
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      07-14-2014, 06:28 PM   #16
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I feel like awd is unnecessary. If you found yourself driving year round under poor traction conditions then I could understand, but otherwise rwd works fine with the right tires. Loads more fun in my opinion.
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      07-14-2014, 06:29 PM   #17
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at driving on light snow
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      07-14-2014, 06:33 PM   #18
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Rwd please

Its a bmw not a subaru...jk
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      07-14-2014, 06:46 PM   #19
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Hey, I get the RWD zealots...I too love the purity and experience of RWD..My favorite cars ever owned were M3's - and they aint AWD (yet).

But living in the upper 5 state area I do? Xdrive is wunnerful and if I have a choice of M3/M4 or M235i with Xdrive? I'm going awd.
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      07-14-2014, 07:01 PM   #20
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      07-14-2014, 07:09 PM   #21
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Made that mistake in 2008 getting a 335xi coupe (at least I could get 6MT with it). Still needed snow tires and the front suspension is different than RWD models (that I didn't realize) and I definitely noticed that. Won't make that mistake again. I'm an AWD fan for sure - just not on a BMW coupe!
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      07-14-2014, 07:33 PM   #22
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I think it's all about $ ... What are you willing to spend on the transmission/drivetrain? Cost of Tires and gas plus driver skill remain the same with either choice.
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