[Magna]

Hi, my current car is a 2004 325xi with 70k miles and I am hoping to get my next car via ED. I live in the Boston area currently and I can't decide between the 328i or the 328xi. During the December blizzard in the afternoon, I had no trouble getting around (although many other people got stuck) which is re-assuring, but the suspension setup isn't my favorite. I once drove an E46 ZHP (Performance Package) and loved the way that car handled and rode -- not harsh at all for me. So if I got the 328i, I would definitely get the sports suspension, but I also know I would need to change out to winter tires and back again. I don't have a garage and no place to store them so it ends up a big production for me, getting the tires and installing them.

One idea is to drive with performance winters on the 328i year round or get the 328xi and drive with all-seasons year round. Which is better in your opinion?

If you also don't have a place to store a set of wheels/tires, how do you get around the problem without it being too expensive. I have inquired in a few places and they are either full and can't store anymore tires or it's pretty expensive to store them and besides I would have hire them to install the tires which can get expensive. Besides it's also a pain to set up an appointment way in advance and then wait a few hours for them to do the switch-over. If I only had my own garage . . .

[John 070]

Without getting too overly analytical, it sounds like an xi is the way to go for you. Boston, noplace to stow another set of rims, etc. My personal feeling is as one goes towards coupe and 335, I have a preference for the RWD only. But if a sedan and 328, xi is nice to have. If totally bent on value, then I'd like a E90 328, no xi.

[AwLegacyGT]

If I had to do it all over again I would just get the i. After huge snow storms the snow is off the road in a matter of a day (depending on where you are). I think I would rather have a rear wheel drive for the fun factor, and the small gas savings over the all-wheel drive.

[gthal]

I have a 328i in Nova Scotia so I can vouch for the car in winter conditions. IF you have good winter tires it is very capable... not problems at all for me. Having said that, if you can't put good winters on it, I would definitely go for the xi. I would also avoid running high performance winters year round on a 328i, as you mention in your post, as that would probably take away most of the fun of the RWD in the summer.

Also, I believe the suspension on the xi is the same whether you go sports package or not. The only differences, I believe, are the steering wheel and the seats (still worth it IMO).

Summary... if you can do 2 sets of tires, go 328i with good winters. If not, 328xi on all seasons is the way to go IMO.

[Magna]

Originally Posted by gthal

I have a 328i in Nova Scotia so I can vouch for the car in winter conditions. IF you have good winter tires it is very capable... not problems at all for me. Having said that, if you can't put good winters on it, I would definitely go for the xi. I would also avoid running high performance winters year round on a 328i, as you mention in your post, as that would probably take away most of the fun of the RWD in the summer.

Also, I believe the suspension on the xi is the same whether you go sports package or not. The only differences, I believe, are the steering wheel and the seats (still worth it IMO).

Summary... if you can do 2 sets of tires, go 328i with good winters. If not, 328xi on all seasons is the way to go IMO.

Hi gthal, been to Halifax a few times, nice place and friendly people! Did you go to Dal or SMU or any of the universities there?

Right, the suspension is the same whether Sport Package or no Sport Package on the xi. I meant I would definitely get the sports suspension option on the i. I wonder if the regular i suspension is the same as the xi suspension. Or perhaps the xi suspension is in between the regular i and the sport i suspension.

[raleedy]

Get the RWD car. Get winter wheels. Rent a storage space if your local tire provider won't store for you.

[Magna]

Originally Posted by AwLegacyGT

If I had to do it all over again I would just get the i. After huge snow storms the snow is off the road in a matter of a day (depending on where you are). I think I would rather have a rear wheel drive for the fun factor, and the small gas savings over the all-wheel drive.

What kind of tires do yo have on your car now? All-seasons? Are they effective on the day of the snow storm?

Boston streets and highways get cleared pretty fast, and in a couple of days of the storm secondary roads are cleared too. If I could take public transportation to work for the few days there's snow on the ground I would seriously consider going RWD with summers. During our December afternoon blizzard I could visually see who had summer tires on their cars, their tires/rubber looked hard while winter tires had pliable rubber that you could visually see.

[Magna]

Originally Posted by John 070

Without getting too overly analytical, it sounds like an xi is the way to go for you. Boston, noplace to stow another set of rims, etc. My personal feeling is as one goes towards coupe and 335, I have a preference for the RWD only. But if a sedan and 328, xi is nice to have. If totally bent on value, then I'd like a E90 328, no xi.

I am considering the xi in either the coupe or the sedan. I like the look of the coupe, but the sedan fits me better because I am not tall. The seat position is perfect in the sedan for me, when I open the door, while in a couple because the door is longer and my seat is up closer to the steering wheel, I need to back the seat to get out easily.

[Magna]

Originally Posted by raleedy

Get the RWD car. Get winter wheels. Rent a storage space if your local tire provider won't store for you.

I did that before on my previous car and it was a pain. For most people with garages switching over takes them an hour or less. Hmmm, but if I rent a store place I could change the rims there, if they allow it. Previously, I had to roll my rims across the street to a neighbor's driveway because mine wasn't level and couldn't get the jack to slide underneath my car.

[Year's_End]

Go with the RWD. It's more fun when you feel like going crazy. Not to mention the lack of a sport suspension and whatnot.

If you're getting a 328 though, don't get the step. Get it with a manual.

[Michael Schott]

I had to make the same decision (I live near Detroit) and went with the 328i. I based my decision on the mild winters we've had in the last decade and my preference for the lighter weight and thus better performance of the RWD car.

So far this winter we've had quite a bit of snow and the stock run flats have done a very good job. Previously I had a Cadillac CTS and the BMW is much better in the snow. If you are still concerned, put snow tires on for the winter months.

Thanks, Mike.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Magna

Hi gthal, been to Halifax a few times, nice place and friendly people! Did you go to Dal or SMU or any of the universities there?

Went to Dal and SMU Was doing physics/calculus at Dal and decided there wasn't much in the way of "real" work after university for a physics major. Switched to SMU and did commerce... now I'm a boring tax accountant.

Back on topic... I drove the 328xi when I bought my car and it was nice but I felt that the xi's added weight would have been better suited for the bigger engine in the 335. If you are going with a 328, the i is the better choice IMO. Having said that, I probably would have been really happy either way.

[Magna]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Go with the RWD. It's more fun when you feel like going crazy. Not to mention the lack of a sport suspension and whatnot.

If you're getting a 328 though, don't get the step. Get it with a manual.

No Step, no way.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Magna

No Step, no way.

Can I ask why not?

[Year's_End]

The step in the 328 doesn't justify its price as compared with the one in the 335. It's entirely different: Sourced from GM, not ZF; slower shifting; not as smart; fewer features like no double downshifting, etc.

[Curious Joel]

Go for rear-drive. I live in New Hampshire and I drive a 335i, it does fantastic in the snow with the right tires.

[Majikthese42]

Originally Posted by Magna

I have inquired in a few places and they are either full and can't store anymore tires or it's pretty expensive to store them and besides I would have hire them to install the tires which can get expensive.

You can be creative about places to store your summer tires!



I have a 328iT and it took me about 5 seconds to decide against the 328xiT. I plan on buying winter tires for next year, though.

[Magna]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

Can I ask why not?

Just more satisfying to drive a stick manual even though I know I am not as fast as someone with auto. I think the days of stick are numbered and the way of the future seems to be a double clutch manual via F1 paddles. So I'll drive stick until it's gone, then I'll go with the double clutch manual. I don't think even with computers "learning" how you drive that an auto transmission can figure it all out, the various driving situations, in the real world.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

Can I ask why not?

One could also ask ,,why``.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Magna

Just more satisfying to drive a stick manual even though I know I am not as fast as someone with auto. I think the days of stick are numbered and the way of the future seems to be a double clutch manual via F1 paddles. So I'll drive stick until it's gone, then I'll go with the double clutch manual. I don't think even with computers "learning" how you drive that an auto transmission can figure it all out, the various driving situations, in the real world.

I´m with you on this Magna.

[BKsBimmer]

Do yourself a favor and drive them both before making your final decision. Making a decision based on other peoples opinions is not the way to go. Better to form your own opinion based on your own experience. I also notice your xi is a 2004. X-drive has changed significantly since then. You will notice a big improvement in ride an handling over your 2004. But that's MY opinion. You need to form your own. Go and drive both. Whatever you decide good luck and congratulations. Both great cars!

[Lassaxi]

Do you live in the city? Is there any reason you would need to leave the city before the roads are clear? Would you be using this car to take winter trips/ski trips?

If the answer to all of these questions is no, then I think you'll be fine with the regular i, and I wouldn't even waste time or money on snow tires. All-seasons will be fine in the winter on treated city streets. On days when it's rough out, the T is usually the best way around town anyway.

If you live in the 'burbs, or if you routinely have to go out when it's snowing/recently snowed, that's a different story. It really depends on your living situation and how often you're likely to drive in the white stuff. If you frequently venture up to ski country, I would definitely get the xi.