[vadimo]

just noticed from bmw website on the petrol range only 320i comes with x drive, is this really?

but on diesel its on 320,330,335

[Rukka]

Its a good thing

Having had x Drive on a 435d I wouldn't really want (or indeed need) it on a 440i. Not until they sort out that rolly-polly SE suspension and put some proper springs on it anyway.

[Daftasabrush]

Could have sworn I saw a 330i Xdrive the other day

[sensible]

Originally Posted by Rukka

Its a good thing

Having had x Drive on a 435d I wouldn't really want (or indeed need) it on a 440i. Not until they sort out that rolly-polly SE suspension and put some proper springs on it anyway.

That's why I didn't get it on mine...a ride height that's too high and suspension too soft.....and worse fuel economy.

[Cero ceto]

You can always change to ACS SPRINGS like most of us do with X Drive!

Having had my car for some months now X Drive and the HUD are the two things that will always be the first options ticked on any future BMW's that I ever buy again.

[vadimo]

Any idea why ? Is BMW afraid to make it less fuel efficient?

[330Stevie]

Can you not get F31 40i in XD?

[AndyEssex330d]

Originally Posted by vadimo

just noticed from bmw website on the petrol range only 320i comes with x drive, is this really?

but on diesel its on 320,330,335

As many will say tractors are diesel only...

[....,,,,..,,..]

You can get the 340i in Xdrive guise, just not in RHD.

Not sure how much Xdrive actually impacts the fuel economy.

On motorway trips or smoothly driven A roads my F31,330d Xdrive easily gets 50mpg, with 53mpg being the best.

Yes when driving in fun mode, it's high 30's with lowest summer mpg being 27mpg (a quick trip to Anglesey)

Driving wise, it totally changes how you drive as the dynamics with the car are changed and the driver needs to adapt.

Having AWD was one of the reasons I went Golf R rather than 340i.

Edit:
Tractors where originally petrol, however they moved to diesel as it proved to give far better performance, additionally the move to AWD increased tie performance further.

[moonshine]

I think the fact it is x40i is available in LHD but not RHD is down to space in the engine bay and stuff like the steering column etc in the RHD not fitting with the 6cly petrol engine dimensions, but the LHD steering column fits in ok

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by moonshine

I think the fact it is x40i is available in LHD but not RHD is down to space in the engine bay and stuff like the steering column etc in the RHD not fitting with the 6cly petrol engine dimensions, but the LHD steering column fits in ok

"Packaging constraints" was the reason for no RHD xDrive E9x models, but I'd be surprised it is the case for the F3x models. After all, the 335d with the more bulky and complex turbo installation fits with xDrive.

I suspect it is more marketing and at the time decisions were made, the 335i and the 340i models were seen as very small sales in the UK and other RHD markets. Plus a big petrol was seen as the enthusiasts choice, RWD being a key part of the experience.

Outside the forums, (where nearly every other driver appears to have a 335i/340i), are there many examples about? I've never seen one F3x 335i/340i on the road. Plus it is all 320i/320d xDrive models up here.

We are seeing a change with the G30/G31, where the 540i is only xDrive in the UK. It's not because RWD can't be made, again sales and marketing forces take over, when BMW support a small demand model.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Outside the forums, (where nearly every other driver appears to have a 335i/340i), are there many examples about? I've never seen one F3x 335i/340i on the road. Plus it is all 320i/320d xDrive models up here.

Yes, this forum is definitely not a representative cross-section of what's on the road.

I've only seen three 40is on the road down here, one F30 that I see regularly and one each of F32/36 that I have seen once iirc.

Howmanyleft has figures up to the end of 2016 and says the following number are on the road:

F36 440i - 261
F32 440i - 605
F30/1 340i - 847
F34 340i - 5 (!!)

The older 435i was on sale for a lot longer:
F36 - 358
F32 - around 1925

It does appear that the 40i is selling faster than the 35i did.

The other 3-series models are harder to separate from their E90 forebears, but just for comparison here are a few other F32/6 models:

F36 435d - around 2142
F32 435d - around 4400
F36 420d - around 7600
F32 420d - just over 15000

Fairly clear that 35ds have outsold 35is, but 20ds remain the mainstream choice even in the sportier 4er.

I'm sure on the 3-series we'd see that the relative number of 20ds would be far higher.

[Stev443]

I am surprised that they don't offer all models with x drive in rhd personally I would rather have it especially on higher power models to get the power down, (think how much it will save energy and emissions output by stopping that orange traction control light flashing lol)
They may go this way anyway as I believe the new M5 is awd and rumours about other M cars following suit. The choice would be nice.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by Stev443

I am surprised that they don't offer all models with x drive in rhd personally I would rather have it especially on higher power models to get the power down, (think how much it will save energy and emissions output by stopping that orange traction control light flashing lol)
They may go this way anyway as I believe the new M5 is awd and rumours about other M cars following suit. The choice would be nice.

I'm yet to see the TC light in my 440i, it's incredibly easy (and fun) to modulate the power vs. available grip. It's not necessarily that I am not trying hard enough, as I saw it many times in my previous 320d with it's more abrupt torque delivery.

We didn't have a proper winter, but even in slush at 0/1 degrees, the 440i on standard run-flats was a complete pussycat.

[Rich9600]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

I'm yet to see the TC light in my 440i, it's incredibly easy (and fun) to modulate the power vs. available grip. It's not necessarily that I am not trying hard enough, as I saw it many times in my previous 320d with it's more abrupt torque delivery.

We didn't have a proper winter, but even in slush at 0/1 degrees, the 440i on standard run-flats was a complete pussycat.

This, the power isn't an issue if the delivery is suitably smooth.

My lower powered 30d had many more traction moments than my 40i has.

If I were ordering another high torque 6 pot diesel I'd certainly consider xDrive.

However, the higher power/moderate torque 40i is much more enjoyable in lower traction conditions. The 30d was moving towards the difficult end of enjoyable. Well, at my lowly skill level anyway.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Stev443

I am surprised that they don't offer all models with x drive in rhd personally I would rather have it especially on higher power models to get the power down, (think how much it will save energy and emissions output by stopping that orange traction control light flashing lol)
They may go this way anyway as I believe the new M5 is awd and rumours about other M cars following suit. The choice would be nice.

We have to remember before the F3x models with xDrive were launched there was no sales data for xDrive in the saloons, coupe and tourings. So we are in BMW's learning curve for the UK market.

I recall discussing the xDrive intro, with a dealer up here. They'd been asking for xDrive for years, putting a strong case for 3 and 5 series. Customers were asking for them. Some not wanting an X3 or X5. So moving across to the likes of Audi.

But 'wanting', is not always translated to sales. I sense BMW have seen a good take up of xDrive in the UK, hence planning for more models in the future.

The 'G' models are clearly taking the xDrive game forward. I'm sure the next generation 3-series will see more xDrive models. Whether we see them all over here in the UK, will be driven my demand and BMW UK's decision on what they want to sell and support.

[HighlandPete]

We also have to remember the negativity on the 355d "going xDrive".

Many after the E9x 335d didn't want xDrive, and were very vocal, "RWD or nothing" type comments. The 335i was not much more than a niche model, to satisfy the performance enthusiast. With a small market, RWD had to be the model of choice.

Even the ride height and suspension has had a bashing. Many forget xDrive was introduced to the UK (like other markets) as an all-weather chassis, not primarily a sport chassis.

So even on the suspension feedback, there been a learning curve. Customers (pre F3x models) waiting for xDrive wanted all-weather performance, like up here in Scotland, sport suspension was not a real requirement. Many run 17" winter wheels up here.

Now the market is evolving and maturing, we see the G30/31 coming with xDrive and lowered M-sport suspension.

[moff]

I've not had a single traction issue whilst I've owned my 640d and it's chipped to 360+bhp. That might be due to the wider wheels, but I really don't understand the desire for X Drive when it forces you to buy aftermarket suspension and unnecessarily increases front end weight which increases understeer.

Luckily we've not had snow for a few years.

If I were to be buying a car with 500+ bhp I think it would be different, my C63 certainly was a challenge when I was trying to put down 457bhp in cold and slightly wet conditions - added to the enjoyment though.

The only time I like 4WD is from the lights

[vadimo]

I just seen YouTube videos of USA 330i with x drive

Still don't get it as to why have all diesels with x drive minus petrol except one

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by vadimo

I just seen YouTube videos of USA 330i with x drive

Still don't get it as to why have all diesels with x drive minus petrol except one

Reread what HighlandPete has posted.

Then think about the extra cost to BMW in supporting a specific BOM and supply chain for pretty much guaranteed limited sales.

As mentioned the next release of the 3 series will most likely have a greater selection of Xdrive and smaller petrol engines.

[ep22jg]

Agree with what's been posted, but I still find it strange that x drive isn't offered on the 330i
This must be mechanically identical to the 320i, so no rhd problems. As has been said it must be a marketing decision, which is changing as time goes on
I'm thinking the G20 340i (or M340i as discussed in another thread) will get x drive!!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ep22jg

Agree with what's been posted, but I still find it strange that x drive isn't offered on the 330i
This must be mechanically identical to the 320i, so no rhd problems. As has been said it must be a marketing decision, which is changing as time goes on
I'm thinking the G20 340i (or M340i as discussed in another thread) will get x drive!!

Remember the 320i was the first 3-series release with xDrive. Some were amazed to see the 320i before the 320d xDrive. BMW must have had reasons, and I'm sure the feedback tested the petrol market. I suspect part of the marketing was to see what take up there was. If the 320i models were slow to sell, (remember it is the smaller engine models that sell in volume) it would influence other model launches.

I ask the question, is the 328i/330i a decent volume model in RWD? I don't see any up here. Most RWD and xDrive are 320d, with 320i models for the handful of petrol users.

Next generation 3-series may have a different line-up, we shall see where BMW pitch the models.