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      01-11-2016, 02:58 PM   #1
Evangelo2
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340i Vs 340i XDrive Differences?

Hi Guys,
I've been looking to find the differences in the 340i and 340i xDrive both with 6MT, M Sport and Track Package (Adaptive M Suspension) but can't seem to see them listed anywhere. I know on the xdrive the msport used to have a different suspension but not sure if that's the case anymore. Thanks for any help!
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      01-11-2016, 03:13 PM   #2
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I'll start:

The xDrive will have traction on all 4 wheels.
The regular model will have traction on the rear wheels.

Cheers!
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      01-11-2016, 03:45 PM   #3
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As far as I know an xDrive car with those packages, aside from having all wheels driven, sits 1cm higher and is about 200lbs heavier. BTW, I got xi with 6MT, M-Sport, and Track Handling package.

Last edited by radm; 01-11-2016 at 03:56 PM..
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      01-11-2016, 07:26 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by radm View Post
As far as I know an xDrive car with those packages, aside from having all wheels driven, sits 1cm higher and is about 200lbs heavier. BTW, I got xi with 6MT, M-Sport, and Track Handling package.
200lbs heavier, but a couple tenths faster.
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      01-11-2016, 07:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by I'm wrong View Post
I'll start:

The xDrive will have traction on all 4 wheels.
The regular model will have traction on the rear wheels.

Cheers!
Thanks for clearing that up
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      01-11-2016, 07:35 PM   #6
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I am pretty sure that in the E90-92 it didn't have the same sport suspension. The package used to be only cosmetic on those xdrive vehicles from what I can recall. For reference I had an 2009 335 M Sport coupe and not as relevant but a 2002 E46 M3.
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      01-11-2016, 07:36 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by radm View Post
As far as I know an xDrive car with those packages, aside from having all wheels driven, sits 1cm higher and is about 200lbs heavier. BTW, I got xi with 6MT, M-Sport, and Track Handling package.
How do you like it as a daily driver. I really wanted another M3 but I was very happy with my last 335i m sport as a daily driver. Pretty torn right now
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      01-11-2016, 07:46 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uansari1 View Post
200lbs heavier, but a couple tenths faster.
Yeah, but for mostly any scenarios that involve going from a roll (who uses launch control at stoplights?) the RWD will likely edge out the xDrive due to the lesser weight.
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      01-11-2016, 07:58 PM   #9
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I test drove both. I noticed the weight and the height in the xdrive. i went with the 340i m sports package plus stuff.
As the car breaks in I am liking it more and more.
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      01-11-2016, 08:14 PM   #10
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I honestly thought complaints about ride height were off base but they weren't. I'd say the xdrive models ride too high.

Last edited by casualDIYer; 01-11-2016 at 09:00 PM..
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      01-11-2016, 08:58 PM   #11
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XDrive gets the standard suspension with the M-Sport package option. You can add the Adaptive in that package for another $700.
The Track package includes the Adaptive.
So only 2 suspensions on xDrive, standard or Adaptive.
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      01-12-2016, 01:47 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelo2 View Post
How do you like it as a daily driver. I really wanted another M3 but I was very happy with my last 335i m sport as a daily driver. Pretty torn right now
I am coming from E92 335i coupe RWD with sport package and I can tell that it is heavier (more so when braking, though). The ride height doesn't bother me. The traction in wet is awesome - compared to a 1-wheel drive in my old 335. I am still learning the car (got it just before holidays). I took it to an empty parking lot a few times and the Michelin PSS's stick and stick until the front goes. I managed to get the back loose on that lot, too, but it was not easy. It is different but I think I'll have my share of fun cornering once I get the hold of it. I have taken some corners when the car was very balanced and it felt great. I enjoy driving it!

Last edited by radm; 01-12-2016 at 02:03 AM..
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      01-12-2016, 07:36 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paul e View Post
XDrive gets the standard suspension with the M-Sport package option. You can add the Adaptive in that package for another $700.
The Track package includes the Adaptive.
So only 2 suspensions on xDrive, standard or Adaptive.
+1.

With xDrive, you have the base suspension and you only get to choose between two dampers: base or adaptive.

With RWD, you can actually have base or Sport suspension + static or adaptive dampers.
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      01-12-2016, 10:47 AM   #14
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While I have not driven the 340i, I can speak for the F32 435i (RWD & xDrive).

Aside from the technical differences of weight, fuel economy, ride height, and sports suspension (RWD only) the main difference is the qualitative feel.

The steering in RWD is more connected (firm and closer to E46) to the tires than xDrive, and even more with a software update and/or MPPK (don't know which one, because I had both done at the same time). Suspension wise, I find the xDrive a floaty even with adaptive suspension in sport/sport+. The worst driving experience I had was a F30 328i xDrive sport loaner - that felt totally disconnected from the road.

From past experiences the 3/4 Series the steering/suspension/road feel:
1. E36 325i auto - sporty feel but heavy. Great zippy car!
1. E46 330i 6spd - great steering/road feel. Super fun!
2. E90 330i 6spd - return to E36 heaviness, heavy ride (RFT + sport suspension) Had a blast!
3. F32 435i auto MPPK - eco/comfort feels like E46, sport/sport+ feels like E90. Love the ZF 8-speed and don't miss manual!

So TL DR, I prefer RWD even in the snowy parts of Canada. Excellent winter tires really make the difference over xDrive.
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      01-12-2016, 11:19 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by I'm wrong View Post
I'll start:

The xDrive will have traction on all 4 wheels.
The regular model will have traction on the rear wheels.

Cheers!
Given the accuracy of this post, I have no choice but to conclude that your username is complete garbage.
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      01-12-2016, 12:12 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fecurtis View Post
Given the accuracy of this post, I have no choice but to conclude that your username is complete garbage.
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      01-12-2016, 08:08 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by I'm wrong View Post
I'll start:

The xDrive will have traction on all 4 wheels.
The regular model will have traction on the rear wheels.

Cheers!
isn't it more accurate to say "put power to" instead of traction?
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      01-12-2016, 08:09 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmercar View Post
isn't it more accurate to say "put power to" instead of traction?
Possibly. I'm not sure.
English is not my first language.

Cheers!
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      01-13-2016, 08:27 PM   #19
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One thing I forgot. The 340 xDrive has noticeably bigger turning radius compared to my old E92. I am not sure how it compares to a 340 with RWD, though.
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      01-14-2016, 08:52 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by winnerwinnerckndinner View Post
While I have not driven the 340i, I can speak for the F32 435i (RWD & xDrive).

Aside from the technical differences of weight, fuel economy, ride height, and sports suspension (RWD only) the main difference is the qualitative feel.

The steering in RWD is more connected (firm and closer to E46) to the tires than xDrive, and even more with a software update and/or MPPK (don't know which one, because I had both done at the same time). Suspension wise, I find the xDrive a floaty even with adaptive suspension in sport/sport+. The worst driving experience I had was a F30 328i xDrive sport loaner - that felt totally disconnected from the road.

From past experiences the 3/4 Series the steering/suspension/road feel:
1. E36 325i auto - sporty feel but heavy. Great zippy car!
1. E46 330i 6spd - great steering/road feel. Super fun!
2. E90 330i 6spd - return to E36 heaviness, heavy ride (RFT + sport suspension) Had a blast!
3. F32 435i auto MPPK - eco/comfort feels like E46, sport/sport+ feels like E90. Love the ZF 8-speed and don't miss manual!

So TL DR, I prefer RWD even in the snowy parts of Canada. Excellent winter tires really make the difference over xDrive.
This is exactly correct.

Xdrive BMWs:

1. Don't have sport suspension (though can have adaptive dampers)
2. Sit higher / ride more like a crossover SUV
3. Sound a little difference because of the extra transfercase
4. Have steering that is more numb and less communicative
5. Weigh more
6. Are more common, because they're easier to sell in the northern parts of the country (average car buyers are brain washed and believe AWD does more than it really does)
7. Are a little bit more practical

Most, but not all car enthusiasts who value the classic BMW driving dynamic more than absolute practicality opt for rwd models and/or snow tires. Personally, I am fine with all-seasons (Continental DWS).
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      01-14-2016, 09:21 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW335iOn18s View Post
This is exactly correct.

Xdrive BMWs:

1. Don't have sport suspension (though can have adaptive dampers)
2. Sit higher / ride more like a crossover SUV
3. Sound a little difference because of the extra transfercase
4. Have steering that is more numb and less communicative
5. Weigh more
6. Are more common, because they're easier to sell in the northern parts of the country (average car buyers are brain washed and believe AWD does more than it really does)
7. Are a little bit more practical

Most, but not all car enthusiasts who value the classic BMW driving dynamic more than absolute practicality opt for rwd models and/or snow tires. Personally, I am fine with all-seasons (Continental DWS).
To be honest, it's where you live, and how much snow/ice you're getting.

If you live in an area where you get destroyed by snow (50cm+, temps drop below -20) every winter, and ice, it would be ideal to get the xDrive model as you have full traction on the ground with winter tires (mandatory in Quebec) as they are completely different from all seasons in terms of grip and stopping distance.

Where I live, it's forecasted to go between -10C to -35C and snows about 15-20cm a week. RWD is just too unpractical and you will get stuck as the snowplows here can't keep up with the amount of snow that falls, not to mention I work at a storage building around a airfield where the track is full ice and snow (so much fun drifting hehe)

It's more or less people getting stuck in parking lots, or side streets. I never have that problem in the morning as I just easily roll out, so I'm usually never late for work unless people drive below the limit because of the snow.

If it didn't snow as much here, I would be driving a E92 M3 or a C63 AMG at this moment, but unfortunately, Canada is called the True North for a reason.
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      01-14-2016, 09:29 PM   #22
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