[parrnan]

On next January I'll probably order a M235i (or maybe a M2 if the base price is not over $55K).

As I will have the possibility to try the xDrive version but not the RWD I need advise from actual M235i owners about both versions. The dealer actualy have a M235i xDrive in stock but don't expect to have a RWD before next spring and if I want to have my new car next on May I have to order on January. So I need your advise please.

To be able to advise you have to know what will be the car usage. I have to say that I'll drive my BMW from March 15th to December 15th. The car will "sleep" in my garage for the other 3 months of the year because here winter is very tough on cars paints (they put lots of rocks on the roads for traction) and I want to protect my "investment" and keep it for a while. In Quebec winter tires are mandatory during that period and I already own a Honda CR-V AWD that will be used during winter. So the car will not be used during winter, meaning that xDrive might not be an absolute "must". I enjoy "sport driving"; fast acceleration; the possibility to strongly accelerate in curves even when it is raining. I will not put the car on tracks or use it for drifting. I know that the xDrive has a better 0-100 Km/h than the RWD but it is slower for everything else like 1/8 mile or 1/4 mile or 0-200 Km/h, etc.

So, now that you know what I'll do with the car, what is your advise ?

Thanks!

Note: I like fast car and since I've sold my AWD Porsche 911 turbo (996tt) last summer I'm ready for something else. It will certainly be way less powerfull than my Porsche but it might just be as fun to drive.

[mattc1176]

Seems like you have no need for the AWD so get the RWD and put the savings into some options.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by mattc1176

Seems like you have no need for the AWD so get the RWD and put the savings into some options.

Thanks! But how perform the RWD on wet roads ? Do the rear end always slip or is stable when you accelerate in a curve for example?

[BPC]

I have a MY2016 RWD M235i convertible. With traction control on the traction is fine. The car feels very stuck to the road - even when aggressively cornering on wet roads.

does the dealer have similar RWD models you can test - the 228i?

[BEM-S4]

It won't be worse than your p-car that's AWD but not really, heavily biased toward the rear and has the motor back there as well. Not to discourage you from the BMW but you should drive the TTS as well before buying anything. AWD and a better handling car.

[wjones14]

Honestly, the stability control will kick in and save you if you get over aggressive on wet roads. After experiencing the traction control system in a Mustang before I got my RWD M235i, I think the DSC in the BMW is a little too over-protective. It's somewhat difficult to get the rear end to swing out, even when you're trying to do it. The system in the Mustang was configured to allow a lot more slip and wheelspin before it would kick in, but the BMW stops hooligan driving in its tracks, unless you purposely turn it off.

[overcoil]

OP wrote "...I enjoy "sport driving"; fast acceleration; the possibility to strongly accelerate in curves even when it is raining..."

I don't know your level of skill, and my level is probably pretty poor. But I find with the 235 rwd that accelerating progressively harder as you umwind the wheel coming out of a turn is the right way with the cars 320 horsepower.
I've never driven the 2-xdrive, but from experience if you really like accelerating through wet turns you'll need the front wheel pull that all wheel drive may offer, I haven't driven x-drive so can only guess.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by BPC

I have a MY2016 RWD M235i convertible. With traction control on the traction is fine. The car feels very stuck to the road - even when aggressively cornering on wet roads.

does the dealer have similar RWD models you can test - the 228i?

Thanks! Yes they have the 228i RWD I guessas I saw a couple of them on their inventory parking. Good idea to try it as it is nearly the same car with less power.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Honestly, the stability control will kick in and save you if you get over aggressive on wet roads. After experiencing the traction control system in a Mustang before I got my RWD M235i, I think the DSC in the BMW is a little too over-protective. It's somewhat difficult to get the rear end to swing out, even when you're trying to do it. The system in the Mustang was configured to allow a lot more slip and wheelspin before it would kick in, but the BMW stops hooligan driving in its tracks, unless you purposely turn it off.

Thanks! So I guess there is no problem in wet roads except if the car is set in Sport+ mode with no DSC.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

OP wrote "...I enjoy "sport driving"; fast acceleration; the possibility to strongly accelerate in curves even when it is raining..."

I don't know your level of skill, and my level is probably pretty poor. But I find with the 235 rwd that accelerating progressively harder as you umwind the wheel coming out of a turn is the right way with the cars 320 horsepower.
I've never driven the 2-xdrive, but from experience if you really like accelerating through wet turns you'll need the front wheel pull that all wheel drive may offer, I haven't driven x-drive so can only guess.

I guess the best thing to do is to try a M235i xDrive on wet road and a RWD 228i (as they don't have a RWD 235i in inventory) on the same conditions reminding that the 228i is 80- HP than the M235i.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

It won't be worse than your p-car that's AWD but not really, heavily biased toward the rear and has the motor back there as well. Not to discourage you from the BMW but you should drive the TTS as well before buying anything. AWD and a better handling car.

The Audi TTS 2016 is certainly a great car but it is more expensive than the M235i xDrive and is limited to 209 Km/h, which way too slow for me. The M235i xDrive with performance tires is limited to 240 Km/h, which is a shame for 265 Km/h capable car, but it is better than 209 Km/h....

But it remains a good advice.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by parrnan

The Audi TTS 2016 is certainly a great car but it is more expensive than the M235i xDrive and is limited to 209 Km/h, which way too slow for me. The M235i xDrive with performance tires is limited to 240 Km/h, which is a shame for 265 Km/h capable car, but it is better than 209 Km/h....

But it remains a good advice.

I'm glad I don't live anywhere near you if you're looking to corner at those speeds in the wet. No offense but this seems like a pretty basic topic of convo for someone coming out of a 911T. If you didn't Paul Walker yourself in that yet I'm sure you'll be fine in the BMW, but seriously front engine RWD is a pretty basic setup, driving dynamics of that vs a heavier AWD version should be pretty apparent.

[den525]

If winter and snow is not a consideration rwd everyday of the week! That's what BMW is all about!

(Get it while you can)

[MrBones93]

As everyone else has mentioned RWD (and 6MT) all the way. I have an xDrive out of necessity and, don't get me wrong, the car is a ton of fun, but I'd rather have the RWD. You will be just fine in the rain.

[Big McLargeHuge]

Have driven my RWD M235i in heavy rain many times and it's not an issue at all. Yes it's rear wheel drive, but driven sanely it's thoroughly composed and RWD is a total non-issue.

Of course, driven insanely, it's lots of fun.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I'm glad I don't live anywhere near you if you're looking to corner at those speeds in the wet. No offense but this seems like a pretty basic topic of convo for someone coming out of a 911T. If you didn't Paul Walker yourself in that yet I'm sure you'll be fine in the BMW, but seriously front engine RWD is a pretty basic setup, driving dynamics of that vs a heavier AWD version should be pretty apparent.

Speeding is only at daylight with optimal road and whether conditions and ehen there is no risk to harm anyone. When it is raining the best thing to do is to respect the speed limits, or not more than +20 km/h over. The 911T was great on wet conditions but only with PSM active.

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by den525

If winter and snow is not a consideration rwd everyday of the week! That's what BMW is all about!

(Get it while you can)

Great advise ! I guess it will be a RWD after all. Thanks!

[parrnan]

Originally Posted by Big McLargeHuge

Have driven my RWD M235i in heavy rain many times and it's not an issue at all. Yes it's rear wheel drive, but driven sanely it's thoroughly composed and RWD is a total non-issue.

Of course, driven insanely, it's lots of fun.

Thanks for your help! It will be a RWD I guess.

[den525]

Originally Posted by parrnan

Great advise ! I guess it will be a RWD after all. Thanks!

There are rumours that the 2 series will follow the 1 series and go FWD as well... therefore this could very well be the last generation of the babybimmer.