mhs525

This won't happen unless you turn the DTC off or decide to the cut the wheel at 60mph in which case AWD won't help you either.

I have owned both in my time and am currently driving a RWD 545i. I also live in the NE US and have driven in some horrible weather in the last month. I was amazed that with Dunlop M3 snow tires I was able to get up hills, in unplowed snow while driving around stuck front wheel drive cars (with bad tires I'm sure). I really was amazed. That day I wanted AWD but I still made it and I drive in weather that bad maybe once or twice a decade. Really every ten years maybe.

If you are into cars but worried about bad weather. RWD and snow tires is the way to go.

If you refuse to have snow tires and live in the snow belt, AWD with all seasons is the better way.

mhs525

Then don't get the sport pakage, you will save $$$ and have the best riding car that won't fall off the road in a corner.

poleposition

Why so secretive about where you live? No one really cares. They're just trying to help you.

seventhirteen

I live in the pacific northwest and opted for the 535xi. With all the crappy weather I drive through it made sense for me. Mainly rain, but for 2-3 months some snow and ice and the weekend drives for skiiing.

I think it would be interesting to really see how both the i and xi really differ in adverse driving conditions with all types of tires. BMW are you listening? Maybe they should have a X-drive event where you drive both under controlled settings so you can see the difference if there is any.