Is the 330i better than 330xi???

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 03:27 PM

Hey guys im new here and I would like to say hi first. Im thinking about getting a 06 330xi but I dont hear much about it. Most posts I see are about the 330i. Is one better than the other? Are there big differences that im missing? Thanks for any help.

Dr. Gonzo · 11-25-2005, 03:41 PM

Of course the 330I is better.
With an XI you will drive into a heap of horseshit when the first corner is coming up.:-)

xdrive · 11-25-2005, 03:54 PM

The 330i is better on dry pavement. The 330xi is better on wet/slippery pavement. If you live where it does not snow, get the i. If you live somewhere like Chicago, the xi is worth every penny. I got the xi because I need a car that I can drive all season. It all depends on what is more important to you. If you go to bmwusa.com you can see the specs on the i vs the xi. 0 to 60 is 6.1 secs vs 6.3 secs for the i and xi (i'm pretty sure that is the correct numbers.. I can't remember, but I do remember it was only a minor difference). The xi also uses a bit more gas (19/29 I think vs 21/29?). To me, that is minium difference. If you care a lot about performance and don't mind storing the car during the winter seasons, get a M3.

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 04:13 PM

Thanks for the quick replies.

Dr.Gonzo, I dont understand what you mean by that?

xdrive, I live in New York and our winters can be crappy. I have an Audi S4 right now and I gotta say, winter driving kicked ass last year. I will be giving up alot of speed and power for the 330 and I would love to get an M3 but ill never drive another car that isnt AWD again. If youre wondering why im not getting another S4 its because im sick of Audi and their horrible cust service.

xdrive · 11-25-2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyDeez

Thanks for the quick replies.

Dr.Gonzo, I dont understand what you mean by that?

xdrive, I live in New York and our winters can be crappy. I have an Audi S4 right now and I gotta say, winter driving kicked ass last year. I will be giving up alot of speed and power for the 330 and I would love to get an M3 but ill never drive another car that isnt AWD again. If youre wondering why im not getting another S4 its because im sick of Audi and their horrible cust service.

If I were you, I wouuld get the xi especially when you're a previous owner of a S4. Giving up power with the 330xi? Isn't the 2001.5 S4 with 250hps? The 330 has 255, so I don't think you're giving up power.

espo · 11-25-2005, 04:35 PM

No not the i vs. xi debate again!!!!

I have the xi just because I live in Buffalo with all of its snow... I would have loved to get the 330i with the SP. I love those rims and the look and feel of the lower stiffer car. But with all of the snow around here and the fact that I'm just leasing the car I couldn't justify spending money on a full set of winter rims/tires and having to change them out every year.

So far I love my 330xi. Feels great and can really get around in the snow (I had to drive through some "lake effect" snow south of here recently in OH). Would I say it's "better" than the i, on dry pavement no, in the snow probally (never driven the i in the snow though).

ben1364 · 11-25-2005, 04:52 PM

DannyDeez asked, "Im thinking about getting a 06 330xi but I dont hear much about it. Most posts I see are about the 330i. Is one better than the other? Are there big differences that im missing? Thanks for any help."
__________________________________________________ __The difference is that the 330xi is awd (four wheel drive). The 330i is rwd (rear wheel drive). As a drivers' car, the 330i has an advantage on dry pavement. In inclement weather the 330xi is superior. Hope this helps.

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 05:15 PM

xdrive, yes you are correct except my S4 isnt stock.

LOL...sorry guys I didnt mean/want to start a debate thread. I already know the obvious(awd vs. rwd, but thank you anyway ben for the reply. Its sad to think there are people out there who dont know that "xi" is awd and the "i" is rwd.

)

I was just curious if there were any other differences. Like how espo89 said he would love a 330i with sport package. Cant you get the SP on the xi? Its stuff like that im curious about.

I know theres not much out for the E90 yet but im assuming companies will follow suit with previous models. How does the aftermarket support usually work for these cars?(meaning the i vs. xi) Do they make stuff for both models or does the "i" usually get most parts first.

Thanks for the help guys. Sorry for the newb questions.

seevemonka · 11-25-2005, 05:34 PM

the xi is a nice car,i had the e46 xi before my e90 325 sport.It all depends on what you want,i really wanted the sport suspension.So i got the sport.I put on a set of nokian wrs for this winter,and a new set of replica rims,and i love it.If you get the better,traction tires,then you don't need the xi.if you don't care about the sport ssuspension,then get the xi.I believe the xi has a stiffer suspension than the std,but not as good as the sport model.Good luck..

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 05:42 PM

My main concern is awd so it will definately have to be the xi. I always run snow tires for the winter either way. So the sport suspension isnt available on the xi then? That sucks.

espo · 11-25-2005, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyDeez

My main concern is awd so it will definately have to be the xi. I always run snow tires for the winter either way. So the sport suspension isnt available on the xi then? That sucks.

I have the sport pack for the xi which includes the sport seats and steering whell. I also includes different rims, but they are still 17" with A/S tires. It does NOT include different suspension so they car is NOT any lower. However a lowered car on the snow around here is not a good thing.

However, the stiffness of the xi suspension is somewhere between a standard i and the SP equiped i.

BTW it's snowing here right now... looks like we are getting 6-8in over the next couple of hours since the "lake effect" snow band moved a little farther north then they originally thought.

CALIF65GM · 11-25-2005, 06:26 PM

The Xi has it's own steel AWD suspension instead of aluminum. You can still get a watered-down SP with the seats, steering wheel and 17" all-seasons.

If you're planning to use winter tires anyways then you can get the upgraded 162 wheels with the staggered performance 18" tires for the summer time. It's an upgrade option, but you need to get the SP too.

Also the Xi is going to be a slightly higher than it's RWD and RWD w/SP bretherns. However, unlike the previous e46 generation, the height difference is minimal and really not noticeable.

Honestly, I really didn't notice any difference between my Xi and the RWD w/SP that I test drove.

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 06:26 PM

Yea I saw those 17" rims...yuck. Ill definately be adding the #162 wheels. Thats weird the way they do it. The sport package for the 330i is $1600 and it includes the 162 rims, and seats and steering. The sport package for the 330xi is $900 and it includes the other rims, seats and steering then you have to add $600 for the 162 wheels which brings the total to $1500 and you still dont get the sport suspension. So that means for the extra $100 the 330i gets a whole new suspension. Good for 330i owners, bad for 330xi owners. I wonder if theyll put it on the car anyway.(for the extra $100 of course)

AndOJones · 11-25-2005, 06:42 PM

330i > 330xi.....FASTER..

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 07:01 PM

How much faster?

CALIF65GM · 11-25-2005, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyDeez

Thats weird the way they do it. The sport package for the 330i is $1600 and it includes the 162 rims, and seats and steering. The sport package for the 330xi is $900 and it includes the other rims, seats and steering then you have to add $600 for the 162 wheels which brings the total to $1500 and you still dont get the sport suspension.

Well some people don't want to deal with the tire switching. Also mainly because it's X-drive so it can't use the lowered sport suspension.

Compos Mentis · 11-25-2005, 07:45 PM

The idea for the xi was that it would be a cold weather AWD car, so the 17" wheels would be more appropiate than 18" (plus 1) wheels.

Personally, I think most people get into trouble on wet or snow covered roads, rather than in performance driving situations. There just ain't that many roads around to race on.

I still have to get to work when it rains or snows, hence the AWD for me.
A few weekends ago a vette almost wiped me out on an entrance ramp onto the highway. He thought he would gun it and get ahead. He fishtailed so bad I thought he'd go 360.

LEDZEP · 11-25-2005, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Gonzo

Of course the 330I is better.
With an XI you will drive into a heap of horseshit when the first corner is coming up.:-)

...and this opinion is based upon what? Actually, up here in the NorthEast we don't have the copious amounts of horse shit that y'all have, so this might just be a problem you'll have to deal with.

Again, this is a stupid argument. What is better - sugar in my coffe, or no sugar? What temperature should I set my furnace to? Boxers or briefs?

Damn these auto manufacturers for giving us choices and confusing us so! And clearly, whatever each of us has chosen is "better" than the alternate option. Very scientific.

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 08:36 PM

I did some searching on the forum and all I came up with was some kind of clearance issue with the "xi" and thats why they dont offer the lower suspension.

Im sure if it bothers me enough ill wind up going with an aftermarket suspension. Hopefully Dinan will come out with something so I dont have to worry about my warranty.

All I know is that after having 3 different front wheel drive cars with snow tires and 1 AWD car with snow tires, I can never drive anything else in the winter. I dunno how you RWD guys do it. I give you alot of credit. Last year was my first winter with AWD. I got plowed in so bad(as I usually do on my block) but instead of shoveling out for an hour, I simply drove off right through all the snow. Its a great feeling.

Oh, and whats this about a speed limiter? Does the SP on the "xi" remove it or is that just for the "i"?

CALIF65GM · 11-25-2005, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyDeez

Oh, and whats this about a speed limiter? Does the SP on the "xi" remove it or is that just for the "i"?

No they have all have limiters. The Xi's w/SP are limited at 130 mph. The I's w/SP have a 149 limiter.

DannyDeez · 11-25-2005, 08:59 PM

130? Thats crap.

Is it set at a lower speed without the SP?

jpsquared · 11-26-2005, 07:36 AM

regarding suspension height... A guy I work with has the 325xi without the SP, and I have the 330i with the SP, and when we park next to each other the ride height difference isn't as great as you would think. Unless the ground was imperceptibly uneven, my car seemed barely 1/2 in. lower. That may mean something if you corner like a madman, but for most easy driving, it's unnoticeable. All of the E90 flavors have relatively very little body roll.

Really, what you need to do is go test drive both cars. I'm sure most dealers have both models hanging around the lots at this time of year. Take 'em out on a wet day if possible and flog 'em. Audi really makes a great awd car, so your current handling expectations are pretty high. Either way, you won't be dissappointed - both cars are unreal to drive. My test drive was on a non SP model and it still out-handled anything I'd ever driven. ...just my .02 - good luck!

11-25-2005, 03:27 PM	#1
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	Is the 330i better than 330xi??? Hey guys im new here and I would like to say hi first. Im thinking about getting a 06 330xi but I dont hear much about it. Most posts I see are about the 330i. Is one better than the other? Are there big differences that im missing? Thanks for any help.
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11-25-2005, 03:41 PM	#2
Dr. Gonzo Catman 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E90 325i & 3.0 CS Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Athens, GA iTrader: (0)	Of course the 330I is better. With an XI you will drive into a heap of horseshit when the first corner is coming up.:-)
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11-25-2005, 03:54 PM	#3
xdrive Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	The 330i is better on dry pavement. The 330xi is better on wet/slippery pavement. If you live where it does not snow, get the i. If you live somewhere like Chicago, the xi is worth every penny. I got the xi because I need a car that I can drive all season. It all depends on what is more important to you. If you go to bmwusa.com you can see the specs on the i vs the xi. 0 to 60 is 6.1 secs vs 6.3 secs for the i and xi (i'm pretty sure that is the correct numbers.. I can't remember, but I do remember it was only a minor difference). The xi also uses a bit more gas (19/29 I think vs 21/29?). To me, that is minium difference. If you care a lot about performance and don't mind storing the car during the winter seasons, get a M3.
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11-25-2005, 04:13 PM	#4
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	Thanks for the quick replies. Dr.Gonzo, I dont understand what you mean by that? xdrive, I live in New York and our winters can be crappy. I have an Audi S4 right now and I gotta say, winter driving kicked ass last year. I will be giving up alot of speed and power for the 330 and I would love to get an M3 but ill never drive another car that isnt AWD again. If youre wondering why im not getting another S4 its because im sick of Audi and their horrible cust service.
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11-25-2005, 04:35 PM	#6
espo Captain 12 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sugar Land TX iTrader: (0)	No not the i vs. xi debate again!!!! I have the xi just because I live in Buffalo with all of its snow... I would have loved to get the 330i with the SP. I love those rims and the look and feel of the lower stiffer car. But with all of the snow around here and the fact that I'm just leasing the car I couldn't justify spending money on a full set of winter rims/tires and having to change them out every year. So far I love my 330xi. Feels great and can really get around in the snow (I had to drive through some "lake effect" snow south of here recently in OH). Would I say it's "better" than the i, on dry pavement no, in the snow probally (never driven the i in the snow though). __________________ E46 325xi Oxford Green/Sand Leatherette/Myrtle Wood Auto ZCW - Retired E90 330xi Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA - Retired F22 M235i Mineral Gray/Red Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZPP/ZTP
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11-25-2005, 04:52 PM	#7
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	DannyDeez asked, "Im thinking about getting a 06 330xi but I dont hear much about it. Most posts I see are about the 330i. Is one better than the other? Are there big differences that im missing? Thanks for any help." __________________________________________________ __The difference is that the 330xi is awd (four wheel drive). The 330i is rwd (rear wheel drive). As a drivers' car, the 330i has an advantage on dry pavement. In inclement weather the 330xi is superior. Hope this helps.
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11-25-2005, 05:15 PM	#8
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	xdrive, yes you are correct except my S4 isnt stock. LOL...sorry guys I didnt mean/want to start a debate thread. I already know the obvious(awd vs. rwd, but thank you anyway ben for the reply. Its sad to think there are people out there who dont know that "xi" is awd and the "i" is rwd. ) I was just curious if there were any other differences. Like how espo89 said he would love a 330i with sport package. Cant you get the SP on the xi? Its stuff like that im curious about. I know theres not much out for the E90 yet but im assuming companies will follow suit with previous models. How does the aftermarket support usually work for these cars?(meaning the i vs. xi) Do they make stuff for both models or does the "i" usually get most parts first. Thanks for the help guys. Sorry for the newb questions.
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11-25-2005, 05:34 PM	#9
seevemonka Private 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2006 bmw 325,black Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: mpls iTrader: (0)	the xi is a nice car,i had the e46 xi before my e90 325 sport.It all depends on what you want,i really wanted the sport suspension.So i got the sport.I put on a set of nokian wrs for this winter,and a new set of replica rims,and i love it.If you get the better,traction tires,then you don't need the xi.if you don't care about the sport ssuspension,then get the xi.I believe the xi has a stiffer suspension than the std,but not as good as the sport model.Good luck..
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11-25-2005, 05:42 PM	#10
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	My main concern is awd so it will definately have to be the xi. I always run snow tires for the winter either way. So the sport suspension isnt available on the xi then? That sucks.
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11-25-2005, 06:26 PM	#12
CALIF65GM Colonel 97 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: e93-35 May08 ED Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 - Oct. 05 build ... [0.00]	The Xi has it's own steel AWD suspension instead of aluminum. You can still get a watered-down SP with the seats, steering wheel and 17" all-seasons. If you're planning to use winter tires anyways then you can get the upgraded 162 wheels with the staggered performance 18" tires for the summer time. It's an upgrade option, but you need to get the SP too. Also the Xi is going to be a slightly higher than it's RWD and RWD w/SP bretherns. However, unlike the previous e46 generation, the height difference is minimal and really not noticeable. Honestly, I really didn't notice any difference between my Xi and the RWD w/SP that I test drove. __________________ 5-2-08 e93-35 ED Montego w/Jade Grey, Step w/Paddles, PP, SP, CA, hot seats and iPod.Awaing re-delivery soon. Debadged 330xi ED 11/14/05 Auto/Mystic Blue/Gray leather with Alum/PP/SP/CA/Fold-down rear seats/Alarm. Sold to Carmax on 6/7/08 with 50,624 miles on clock
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11-25-2005, 06:42 PM	#14
AndOJones NTP 2AD FYG TDB 3 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Acura TSX Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	330i > 330xi.....FASTER.. __________________ Andy Milonakis is a grown-ass man!
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11-25-2005, 07:01 PM	#15
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	How much faster?
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11-25-2005, 07:45 PM	#17
Compos Mentis Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 230 Posts Drives: Arctic 330xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	The idea for the xi was that it would be a cold weather AWD car, so the 17" wheels would be more appropiate than 18" (plus 1) wheels. Personally, I think most people get into trouble on wet or snow covered roads, rather than in performance driving situations. There just ain't that many roads around to race on. I still have to get to work when it rains or snows, hence the AWD for me. A few weekends ago a vette almost wiped me out on an entrance ramp onto the highway. He thought he would gun it and get ahead. He fishtailed so bad I thought he'd go 360. __________________ *Compos Mentis* ----------------- 2006 330xi Arctic, black leather, aluminum. 18000 miles...
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11-25-2005, 08:36 PM	#19
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	I did some searching on the forum and all I came up with was some kind of clearance issue with the "xi" and thats why they dont offer the lower suspension. Im sure if it bothers me enough ill wind up going with an aftermarket suspension. Hopefully Dinan will come out with something so I dont have to worry about my warranty. All I know is that after having 3 different front wheel drive cars with snow tires and 1 AWD car with snow tires, I can never drive anything else in the winter. I dunno how you RWD guys do it. I give you alot of credit. Last year was my first winter with AWD. I got plowed in so bad(as I usually do on my block) but instead of shoveling out for an hour, I simply drove off right through all the snow. Its a great feeling. Oh, and whats this about a speed limiter? Does the SP on the "xi" remove it or is that just for the "i"?
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11-25-2005, 08:59 PM	#21
DannyDeez New Member 1 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Westchester/BX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001.5 Audi S4 [0.00]	130? Thats crap. Is it set at a lower speed without the SP?
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11-26-2005, 07:36 AM	#22
jpsquared Another transplanted NY'er 1 Rep 34 Posts Drives: '06 330i 6MT TiAg Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	regarding suspension height... A guy I work with has the 325xi without the SP, and I have the 330i with the SP, and when we park next to each other the ride height difference isn't as great as you would think. Unless the ground was imperceptibly uneven, my car seemed barely 1/2 in. lower. That may mean something if you corner like a madman, but for most easy driving, it's unnoticeable. All of the E90 flavors have relatively very little body roll. Really, what you need to do is go test drive both cars. I'm sure most dealers have both models hanging around the lots at this time of year. Take 'em out on a wet day if possible and flog 'em. Audi really makes a great awd car, so your current handling expectations are pretty high. Either way, you won't be dissappointed - both cars are unreal to drive. My test drive was on a non SP model and it still out-handled anything I'd ever driven. ...just my .02 - good luck!
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