[Lafinkel]

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I've been focused on getting AWD for practicality and safety. I live in Washington, D.C. area, where it sometimes snows and gets cold, other times not. But I found a new 2013 loaded RWD M sport 328i, with summer performance tires for a really low price. With the savings I figure I can get an extra set of rims and all season or winter tires. Is this a good idea?

I'm looking for advice on pros and cons of RWD vs AWD in M sport sedan.

[joeyb26]

i feel like with the generally small amount of snowfall you guys get every year, i would definitely get the RWD and if you're getting that good deal just get an extra set of snow tires for the winter and as long as you're not driving through giant snow drifts you should be fine

[rjc32000]

I live in a place with a real winter (perpetual snow and consistently freezing temps). Consequently I got the X drive (328 M sport). I run Blizzak WS70s on M5 replica rims during winter months. Frankly, the winter handling is just fantastic. But after talking to some friends with RWD M3s, I'm seriously contemplating a RWD when my lease is up. Modern cars with stability control, when combined with good winter tires, are a pretty fabulous combination. You obviously know your driving needs better than anyone on this forum, but if people in Alaska can survive with RWD and good winter tires, I imagine you'd be OK with same set up on East coast.

[JasonX4MComp]

I live east of Baltimore and I went with RWD primarily because we just don't get enough snow to justify AWD. We may get snow a few times a year and if its really bad, I'm not going out anyways

[gnosis8]

Originally Posted by Jason335iMsport

I live east of Baltimore and I went with RWD primarily because we just don't get enough snow to justify AWD. We may get snow a few times a year and if its really bad, I'm not going out anyways

+1
Consider RWD and swapping between summer and winter performance tires every 6 months. Tires are most important for braking and steering to prevent slippery accidents, while AWD is most important to prevent you from getting stuck and helps you get up that icy hill.

[Lafinkel]

What should I expect in terms of harshness of ride for everyday driving on mixed size summer performance tires and the m sport suspension that comes with the 328i m sport car I'm considering? I had an e46 with mixed perf tires and sport package suspension and for everyday driving it was punishing at times compared to the e90 all season, non sport suspensions cars I've driven

And can I put winter tires on the mixed size rims? Or do I need square size rims all around?

[34.50]

Go with RWD - you guys don't get enough snow to justify it.

[ejholt]

I have an xDrive and purchased it as I do live in the northeast. I would agree with the above statements and with the right set of tires during the winter months you would be fine. There is some performance advantages to having an AWD, but you also lose a little on the fuel side as well. I would purchase an AWD given the decision to buy again.

[gnosis8]

You won't notice any big difference in ride comfort in every day driving between winter performance and summer tires. No need for the chunky non-performance tires for DC winters, you're not in Michigan. Sidewall height of any kind of tire will be the biggest factor with ride comfort. Consider adding maybe 1/4" or so to total tire height for better comfort, ground clearance, and wheel protection from those winter potholes... or get all the same benefits (except more ground clearance) by getting a smaller winter wheel size, same tire height for bigger sidewalls.

[gnosis8]

Mixed/staggered vs. square setup isn't such a big issue with DC winters. Just the fact that you'll have winter tires makes you safer than 99% of everyone else in the whole mid Atlantic!

[KevRyd]

xDrive would be ideal, but driving in snow and ice is a skill. you will need winters so add $1.5K to the equasion. you get less snow than Toronto and we have alot of F30 with RWD. Go for it if the deal is right!

Kevin

[DC Newbie]

I live in D.C. as well. I got the xDrive; but only because I drive to Montreal quite bit (lots of snow, and lots of snowy/icy hills), and may be relocating there in the near future. Given D.C. winters, I don't think xDrive is necessary. I'm not even convinced that winter tires are required in D.C.. I think a good set of All Seasons should be fine. I say take the deal and go with RWD.

[IRL-MN]

I live in Minnesota, where we have some of the harshest winters around and I never once considered AWD. RWD with a set of winter tires has been more than adequate for me.

[JFREEZISM]

I would go with the RWD as well, especially if its a good deal. Like the guy from Alaska...I spent 3 years at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage...we shipped in an 2002 Explorer...no slip differential, or electronic goodies and with a good set of snow tires with studs we never had a problem. But also echoing his point that with the newfound electronics, etc...with a good set of snow or all-season tires you will be fine.

Also someone else made a good point...awd benefits acceleration in low traffic conditions as well as may help not get stuck in really deep snow, but its the tire that controls the braking, etc.

[ny325]

I would go RWD. However, there are a handful of times I wish I had AWD.

[DrivenByE30]

Will you be using your F30 during those said snow days ?
Will it be a shared car (with your other half) ?

On snow days, will you really be going out to get the most of your AWD, or will you do donuts, or better yet curl up with your other half ?



If you answered with 2 or less yes to the above questions, then get the RWD.

If you answered with more than 3 yes, then get the AWD.

[JMK007]

I live in Chicago where we get tons of snow and I'm RWD. With snow tires and sporadic snow, you should be fine. As others have said, AWD is mainly to prevent getting stuck. The tires are what allow you to stop and turn, which are the main safety issues in winter driving.

[Lafinkel]

I went with a 335i, black on black with sport line and m sport suspension and 19" performance tires. The car drives great. i like it so much more than the 328xi i had been considering. The 328xi was too muted, and lacked the responsiveness and performance I love about BMWs. I'll pick up a 2nd set of rims and tires for the winter. Thanks for the advice

[64-bit]

I live in Boston and I had e90 335xi and 335i rwd, the rwd is a much better car to drive + u get the sport suspension, so I got 2013 335i RWD M-Sport, and im getting snow tires when winter comes

[sparkyg]

Originally Posted by rjc32000

I live in a place with a real winter (perpetual snow and consistently freezing temps). Consequently I got the X drive (328 M sport). I run Blizzak WS70s on M5 replica rims during winter months. Frankly, the winter handling is just fantastic. But after talking to some friends with RWD M3s, I'm seriously contemplating a RWD when my lease is up. Modern cars with stability control, when combined with good winter tires, are a pretty fabulous combination. You obviously know your driving needs better than anyone on this forum, but if people in Alaska can survive with RWD and good winter tires, I imagine you'd be OK with same set up on East coast.

I have an M3 in a truly winter city. No thanks. I've dove it now for 5 years and I am done. Its fine in cold but when the snowstorms hit you are 1 bad road away from getting stuck. Winter tires do not get you out of deep snow when the M3 chassis is just too low on the road. Fresh deep snow is not an easy drive.

For 1-2 inches of snow its easy. You get a winter storm and get a dump of snow and you may not get out of your neighbourhood.

[sparkyg]

Originally Posted by 64-bit

I live in Boston and I had e90 335xi and 335i rwd, the rwd is a much better car to drive + u get the sport suspension, so I got 2013 335i RWD M-Sport, and im getting snow tires when winter comes

Better to drive in snow or better handling car when performance driving?

No way better in snow. Better driving car, sure I agree.

[schrickm5]

Awd for me definitely, temps off -20 c and colder. My 530i e39, got stuck only with fresh snow falls, and the inclines I had problems on. I would definitely go rwd in milder climes.