[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by wdlfbio

We've had one AWD for the last 10 years. One of us has a 60+ mile commute each way and frequently with very wet roads (Seattle area). I may finally go to a RWD and just spend more money for better winter tires. Less weight, less power lost when transferred to just the rear, more fun to throw around corners, and (mostly) no more 4wd front end. Sure, I could fix the look with $2k in suspension mods, but we keep cars for 2-3 years, so expensive mods are out.

But, I fail to see how an AWD will not out handle a RWD. On track days, I've had instructors saying easy, slow down, brake at corners. They are used to their RWDs. I just kept my speed up and pointed out AWD... She'll get us through without slowing down as much as her RWD sisters. Granted, there is an understeer issue with this AWD and I can't throw her around a corner like a RWD allows.

Also, loved the DCT in our E92 M3 and our E89 35is. Not in love with the auto in the E92 335xi tho (mostly driven in manual mode). I'm hoping for the best with the 8spd because I really don't like the idea of having to shift in 60+ miles of commuter traffic each way.

RWD with a good set of snow tires works just fine for me here in northern Indiana--we get a lot of lake effect snow, similar to what South Bend gets...

The snows on my 135 give you great grip, but also allow for a little "fun" if you know what I mean. I actually like winter driving now--its easier by far to do every day drifting.

With that being said, I don't think anything beats AWD + Snow tires...

[Dan203]

I'm seriously considering trading in my 08 135i for a M235i xDrive. I have winter/summer tire sets, but it's a PITA to swap them out and in fact the last 2 years I've been driving around on my winter tires year round. (Burned them out fast) With xDrive I should be able to get a set of all seasons and be done with it. I was considering a 3 or 4 series, but they're kinda big for my taste. I'd much rather have something similar in size to my 1 but with xDrive.

I've never owned a car that wasn't manual, but I might consider getting an auto this time around. Not sure though.

Biggest problem might actually be getting one. When I got my 135i I somehow managed to secure 1 of 3 allocations my dealer got for the entire year. At one point in the process they even offered me $5K to give it back so they could sell it to someone else. If the 2 is equally as hard to get I may not be as lucky this time around.

[Transfer]

RWD in Seattle is a different story. I think we might have the most big hills of any metropolitan city in the US and we get cold rain and some snow. I came from WRX AWD with performance snows on and it felt invincible. Now in my M3 with performance snows it still feels great but you certainly have to be cautious even in the wet. I can get up mild hills but I wouldn't try anything moderately steep. The LSD on the M really does make a difference here though. If an AWD is rear biased when you want it to be, and able to put significant power to the front when you need it, that's the ideal option for Seattle.

[EricS4]

I'm seeing conflicting info regarding xDrive being available on the M235i. I'm not sure what's correct. No doubt it will be available on other 2 series models.

[Dan203]

Originally Posted by Transfer

RWD in Seattle is a different story. I think we might have the most big hills of any metropolitan city in the US and we get cold rain and some snow. I came from WRX AWD with performance snows on and it felt invincible. Now in my M3 with performance snows it still feels great but you certainly have to be cautious even in the wet. I can get up mild hills but I wouldn't try anything moderately steep. The LSD on the M really does make a difference here though. If an AWD is rear biased when you want it to be, and able to put significant power to the front when you need it, that's the ideal option for Seattle.

No doubt. Seattle is like San Francisco with worse weather.

[IZAGLO]

if i stick to the 2 car scenario then a M235i 6/MT...If i decide to go with the 1 car scenario then M235Xi. 6/M/T....Will see but will ONLY by a car with a M/T no matter what it is...At this point in my life i want a "FUN" car to drive and be totally engaged and only a M/T car can do that for me...Yea, the A/T no matter what configuration are fantastic shifting boxes but for me they take away the full engagement that a M/T offers,,,just my 2cents But i do understand why folks are excited about the modern DCT auto;s...they are pretty darn good...just not for me. Il earned my lesson...If this car was a full time DD then i would consider it...but it's not.

[valentinbmw]

Originally Posted by vinny84

I'm ordering mine in RWD and 8spd Auto.

Same here

[Falafel Combo]

60% MT : 40% Auto

[scottp999]

If I ordered one it would have to be RWD/6MT. It would get all possible electronics deleted (moonroof, idrive, nav), and have an LSD even if I had to do after market quaife. Would throw $ at new wheels, tires, and beg rob beck to make an N55 upgrade option for it.

[yourfriend]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Ya know, I'm not sure I could be satisfied with this car with an autobox unless it were DCT. I'm picturing it now and the auto just seems lame. So there, manual for me. And I'd like a rear biased xdrive but would definitely want a sport suspension.

I have an e82 128i (year one of the one) and I can't agree with your comment more. I let my dad talk me into ordering it with an AT because we live in Los Angeles and dealing with traffic sucks. Driving his MT Porsche makes me hate getting back into my car, but I know I'd be unbelievably satisfied if I had the MT. Probably would never even want a new car (for a long long time at least).

Now looking to save up for the M235i with MT and as few options as I can possibly get. Just want an LSD and the premium stereo. Anything else can gtfo of my car!

[BwoodBMW]

living in Los Angeles give me the Auto (Chris Harris' review of the m135i is enough to sell me that I can still have fun with it), RWD, heated seats, upgraded stereo, xenons and whatever cool tech package might be available... I"m a sucker for all the overpriced high margin tech bolt ons.

[Greenkirby21]

FYI. Automatic is now standard on the 2 series. So crazy D:. Makes the decision a lot harder

[riguy]

I'm not seeing xdrive mentioned in any of the press releases? Apparently not coming to US?

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Have you guys driven an M3 DCT or F10 M5 DCT in full S5 or S6 mode? I can compare my M3 DCT to our X1 8sp and there is no contest the M-DCT is 1000x better in every way. Unless you've driven both, I don't think you can claim they're about the same.

I agree.

Today I've just been given a 2 month old F20 1 Series auto as a loaner while my E82 135 is in for service.

The ZF8 is a great slushbox, really excellent.......but, it's still not as good as the DCT in my 135, and as such, I'm afraid I won't be considering a M235 at all (injury means a 6MT is not an option for a DD in London traffic for me anymore)

More importantly, the electric steering is truely woeful, so more than the ZF8, this will be why I won't be moving to a M235, unless the M235 gets a better version.

In fact, other than the nicer seats, and greater range of adjustment on the steering column, I haven't found anything about the F20 that I like or consider an improvement over the E82.

It's fucking horrible - frankly.

[GOLFFRR]

It would be hard for me personally not to get this car in a 6MT. This car just screams 6MT canyon warrior to me

[doo13sky]

Me: ZF8 w/ xDrive Alpine weiss w/ M-performance "side sticker" and 19wheels as u can see on M135i http://youtu.be/6lVRuANgx6Q

But when will be able to order M235i with xDrive, someone say later?! Now only RWD... :-/
http://www.bmw.de/dam/brandBM/market...2437885900.pdf

[moldcad]

What makes you think xDrive will ever be offered at all in the 2 series coupes? Also, in EU announcements I don't see a 228i - only M235i, 220i and 220d. Has it been officially established the 228 iis only coming to the US, or is all this (the engine and transmission options) just pure speculation?

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by moldcad

What makes you think xDrive will ever be offered at all in the 2 series coupes? Also, in EU announcements I don't see a 228i - only M235i, 220i and 220d. Has it been officially established the 228 iis only coming to the US, or is all this (the engine and transmission options) just pure speculation?

In general the US gets the 28i jargon.

For example, on the e82, the European market got the 130i and 125i. There was no 128i. The US however got only 128i

[Meeni]

130, 128 and 125 are all different state of tune of the same engine, yet they are "different", not just badging (like the 320d->328d fiasco).

[Falafel Combo]

*

[Falafel Combo]

60% MT : 40% 8AT

32% xDrive : 68% RWD

[Wykydtron]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

fwiw, I drive 60 miles each way for my commute....at least 15 of those miles through the worst traffic NYC can find! lol. a manual isn't that bad....you just have to find the right rhythm to keep during heavy traffic. if you are lunging, accelerating, and braking in a jam then you will get tired....but if you allow some room in front of you, stay patient, and stay calm then the NON traffic heavy times driving the manual make the slight bit of extra effort worth it, IMO.

the reality is that my left leg was falling asleep during the 2 years I drove my A3 with the dual clutch gearbox....so I went back to a manual! lol

I completely agree. If anything it's safer too. I'd rather have a manual even in traffic.