07-09-2012, 05:04 AM | #1 |
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XDrive...Is it worth it???
All I am in a bind... I am ordering a new 2012 BMW 328 but do not know if I should go with the RWD or the XDrive. Is the XDrive, AWD system really worth it. Granted I will be living in Germany for the next few years. Please help with this matter. I need to let them know by the 15th of this month (July)..Thanks everyone
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07-09-2012, 06:24 AM | #5 |
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depends on your needs and "mindset". AWD chassis are heavier, more complex and a bit of the handling edge is diminished. I prefer RWd and a -1 snow wheel/tire setup for winter.
Never had an issue w/ my 135I in 3 years in Chicago. Last edited by emtrey; 07-09-2012 at 06:55 AM.. |
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07-09-2012, 09:03 AM | #9 |
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07-09-2012, 09:28 AM | #10 |
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From my experiences it's more about tires than the drive system My mini (fwd) on all seasons was worse in snow than my 300 Hp 135(Rwd) on real snow tires WHatever makes you feel more secure should be your choice
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07-09-2012, 09:35 AM | #11 | |
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When I lived in snowy New England I had better snow traction with my RWD E93 on Hakkapalita snow tires than I did on my AWD E90 on Michelin all seasons. The rubber hits the road, that's the thing to remember. AWD is just an expensive option that car companies like to push; it's all about the tires. Get RWD, get some really good snow tires (studded, if legal in Germany) and you'll be in a better place than having XDrive and all season tires. BJ |
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07-09-2012, 09:59 AM | #12 | |
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OP: If you are going to be somewhere where there is snow or ice on the ground for a month or more out of the year, I'd get the AWD. If you only have a few snow days, get the RWD and spend the money you saved on a taxi those days! |
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07-09-2012, 10:15 AM | #13 | |
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My girlfriend has a 328xi and its awesome in the snow! I really cant say its worse with all season tires then my rwd car with snow dedicated tires, it just provided a different level of control in the snow. However her car's awd and all season tires stopping was inferior to my car with snows on it. German winters can be rough just like Chicago you may want to consider x drive. I know there are alot of hills there too, you will probably benefit with x drive. Even with snows, going from a stand still up hill can be a challange. Talk to some residents there see what they think. Good Luck.
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07-09-2012, 12:57 PM | #15 | |
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The difference is night and day. The xdrive handles like a slot car in snow and ice. Most importantly, you gain an amazing amount of confidence. This is worth a lot if you are a below average driver like me. I suck at driving, but xdrive makes me drive like a pro. Next, if you lease, xdrive may save you money in that you may not need snow tires. Xdrive actually helps you off the line on a clear day too. Yes, it is more complex. But these are complex cars to begin with. So don't let that stop you. Rather, focus on the safety margin you get...so long as you don't use that extra margin to take more risks. Oh, only one negative... Your fuel economy will suck wind. |
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07-09-2012, 01:35 PM | #16 |
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Get the 335i xDrive because it's faster 0-60 than RWD...
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=690579
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07-09-2012, 02:08 PM | #17 | |
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07-09-2012, 02:14 PM | #19 | |
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07-09-2012, 02:15 PM | #20 |
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I live in an area of Ontario known as the snow belt....we are right between lake Erie and Lake Huron...so we get hammered at times. But I will still get a RWD. A couple of reasons. For starters, I will buy good snow tires. Secondly, it's cheaper. Finally, I live on a bus route, so my street is almost always ploughed quickly.
Even when it the deep snow is on the ground for a few days...think about winter time in North America. Snowy cities clear their snow well. So between December and March, you might have 10 days where the snow is actually a problem on the road. The majority of days the roads are clear because the snow is off to the side. I would say go with what you'll enjoy the majority of the time...the other 8 months of the year. |
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07-09-2012, 02:19 PM | #21 |
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I haven't had problems with it, but then again I don't go up into the mountains that much or live in a particularly hilly area. If you will be driving up snow/ice covered hills often in the winter, or have a steep driveway for instance, those are cases where xDrive is more useful I think. RWD + snow tires could still work fine though, depending on how extreme the circumstances are. Obviously, the best (and most expensive) option would be xDrive + snow tires. That's probably overkill for what most people need though.
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07-09-2012, 02:53 PM | #22 | |
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Different for you up there where you need all the skid protection and traction you can get. BJ |
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