[rmr927]

Hi Everyone. I'm looking at ordering a 435 M Sport in December and I'm going back and forth on whether to get a 435i or xDrive. I'm leaning towards a 435i because it costs a bit less, it's lighter and sits lower. My only concern is straight line traction. From what I've seen, the xDrive has better 0-60 numbers due to the outstanding traction but I also see some owners complaining that the xDrive doesn't handle as good due to the softer suspension. I'm concerned that the 435i throwing all the power to the right rear will just haze the tire from a standing start. If I do go with the 435i, I could always have the M Sport LSD installed.

I guess what I'm asking for is some feedback from 435 owners. Do any 435i owners have traction issues?

[jhynes]

Originally Posted by rmr927

Hi Everyone. I'm looking at ordering a 435 M Sport in December and I'm going back and forth on whether to get a 435i or xDrive. I'm leaning towards a 435i because it costs a bit less, it's lighter and sits lower. My only concern is straight line traction. From what I've seen, the xDrive has better 0-60 numbers due to the outstanding traction but I also see some owners complaining that the xDrive doesn't handle as good due to the softer suspension. I'm concerned that the 435i throwing all the power to the right rear will just haze the tire from a standing start. If I do go with the 435i, I could always have the M Sport LSD installed.

I guess what I'm asking for is some feedback from 435 owners. Do any 435i owners have traction issues?

If you are concerned about the xDrive handling, you could always invest in a Dinan Shockware tune and/or suspension kit: http://dinancars.com/products/?serie...e-f32&mid=1164

I'm planning on doing this on the 335 xDrive I have on order for the same reason....

[DocB]

Add DHP to the 435xdrive

[Whazzup@NJ]

What does it typically cost to do the Dinan Shockware install? And what are th implications for a lease if you turn it in?

Thanks

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by DocB

Add DHP to the 435xdrive

Word. Love my DHP on my xDrive.

[Alan_NJ]

I struggled with the same, but my main reason was the weather.
It looks like I live next door to you, so our weather concerns would be the same.
Weather in our area is a coin toss, can be brutal or can be mild, so in the end I was either going to do a custom build RWD or if I found an AWD with DHP in inventory Id get that.

I found an xDrive with DHP that was available, so my impatience won.

Are you going to track or race the car so much that the acceleration will matter?
Or do you just want that punch around town and your travels?

I think the most Ill do is some HPD courses, so im ok with the xDrive.
Just definitely get the DHP if you do choose xDrive.

But since there are 2 BMW dealers reasonably close to us, I bet youd have no trouble finding both an AWD and RWD to put to the test.

[JimmersBimmer]

OP, with regards to price, if you are leasing, you should check to see if there is a difference in the residual percentage of MSRP between RWD and Xdrive. In Canada, the Xdrive has a higher residual rate and it actually makes the Xdrive less expensive to drive over the course of the lease. (i.e. difference in residual > difference in MSRP.)

[rickinaz]

Originally Posted by rmr927

I'm concerned that the 435i throwing all the power to the right rear will just haze the tire from a standing start.

With the traction control activated, it is difficult to spin the tires on the RWD.

[Professor///M]

Originally Posted by rmr927

Hi Everyone. I'm looking at ordering a 435 M Sport in December and I'm going back and forth on whether to get a 435i or xDrive. I'm leaning towards a 435i because it costs a bit less, it's lighter and sits lower. My only concern is straight line traction. From what I've seen, the xDrive has better 0-60 numbers due to the outstanding traction but I also see some owners complaining that the xDrive doesn't handle as good due to the softer suspension. I'm concerned that the 435i throwing all the power to the right rear will just haze the tire from a standing start. If I do go with the 435i, I could always have the M Sport LSD installed.

I guess what I'm asking for is some feedback from 435 owners. Do any 435i owners have traction issues?

The good ole question of xDrive versus RWD. There are a million threads on this.


Your concern is unusual, you want xDrive for the straight line traction improvement.

The bottom line is for daily driving the differences between the two vehicles are equivocal - and enthusiasts will argue night and day that there is drastic difference.

The question becomes whether you want to bring your car to the track. And if you are considering that, the next question would be, why you are purchasing a 435, when you could get a better M235 for cheaper, or a better M4 for just slightly more.

You can always make the xi suspension and right height close to the RWD model, but you can never add all-wheel-drive to the RWD model.

[Gio72]

RWD all life long if you aren't going to climb a mountain
Of course there are some traction problem, but it is normal with 300hp on the rear wheels
My previous car was a E.91 335xi and I came back to RWD to have more fun and drive pleasure.
And I found them

[DJ Rocc]

Originally Posted by JSTDR1V

The good ole question of xDrive versus RWD. There are a million threads on this.


Your concern is unusual, you want xDrive for the straight line traction improvement.

The bottom line is for daily driving the differences between the two vehicles are equivocal - and enthusiasts will argue night and day that there is drastic difference.

The question becomes whether you want to bring your car to the track. And if you are considering that, the next question would be, why you are purchasing a 435, when you could get a better M235 for cheaper, or a better M4 for just slightly more.

You can always make the xi suspension and right height close to the RWD model, but you can never add all-wheel-drive to the RWD model.

+1 well said.

[335i_4D]

Originally Posted by Gio72

Of course there are some traction problem, but it is normal with 300hp on the rear wheels

Also possible to deal with it: LSD.

[Gio72]

Originally Posted by 335i_4D

Also possible to deal with it: LSD.

You are absolutely right, but in Italy LSD is too much expensive!

[rmr927]

The NJ winters can be hit or miss when it comes to snow. There are some years when we barely get any snow and other years when we get back to back 20" hits. My current car is a Pontiac G8 GT which is RWD with a limited slip diff and I've made it through all the past winters without managing to stuff it into a curb. I'm not planning on taking the car to a road course but intend more to screw around with the occasional night time let's see what you got romp from a traffic light. 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are more of a concern for me. That's why I was wondering if from a standstill a RWD leaving off launch control will be able to hook up. I appreciate everyone input and look forward to getting one ordered in December. I'm hoping BMW has some decent incentives at that time.

[bahasad]

I just moved from NJ to MI. If I still lived in NJ, I would go RWD. Had it on 2 previous cars, had no problem. I'd put on a set of winter tires for maximum traction though.

I'm not a fan of the xdrive models out of the box - too much body roll for my tastes. However with Dinan suspension it feels a whole lot better - less roll, less diving, much better stance, and more flat.

[exE36M3]

Personally... buy the 435i. Just easier to work on. Use money saved to buy used Jeep Cherokee for winter. Yes?

[Billfitz]

I bet the OP made his decision about five and a half years ago.