TheDuke

Excellent video.
My previous ride for 7 years was an e39 540 ( RWD) and with dedicated snow tires it was a blast to drive. I live in Minnesota where the is no shortage of snow and ice and it never failed me, although I had some pretty close calls at high speeds.
That being said, I just replaced it with the 2010 535 xDrive in anticipation of better performance. I have not yet been through the winter with it, but I have driven it in dirt and gravel and it absolutely hooks up amazingly. It won't spin the wheels! I can't wait to see what it's like in the snow.
I am pretty much assuming the xDrive unit will "out perform" the RWD (assuming you don't want to hang it all out like the video) but its not winter all year long. I definitely wish my xDrive was capable of being switched off and driven in a RWD mode the majority of the time!
If you do go RWD and drive in a lot of snow/ice, a dedicated set of winter tires is a definite advantage and recommendation.

Bogdan7

5 ????? ?? ?????

Relentless84

I currently have an '08 535xi. To be honest, not much of a difference compared to my friend's 535i. We have a harder time in regards to lowering and wheel upgrades however, if you are planning to go that route (due to the XI's difference in offset requirements and also as you already know, not having a sport suspension.)

Brant535

08 535xi owner for 2 years now. the 535 is a i6 with twin turbo so compaired to the 530 it is a bit faster, still hard to spin the tires but it can be done. As for the snow - stock rims with run flats amazing! felt un stopable. I ride 19" stagard set up for warm months and swap for winter. This is my first awd car and I would have a hard time not buying another at this point.

sahiljain22

Get a 535i with snow tires.
535XI is a great car but getting a 4 year used N54 is inviting too many problem-makers to a party. If you were buying 2010s, I'd tell you get a 535XI. Its a bit better drive but you gotta factor in wear-and-tear, suspension etc. etc .etc.
I do Chicago-Toronto-Boston quite often in the winter and have had 0 issues on uncleaned roads on a snowy sunday night.

Shydee

I had both..
I first bought a 08 535xi and crashes it in the snow up at maine.
Didnt really feel confident on awd after that.
So i went with 09 535i. Love the rwd. Love the handling.
As of xi it did have better accerlation from stop. But i handles better at higher speed.
Imo Both are great cars! I just didnt need the xi.
Good luck whichever you get!

KLR4LIFE

This video made my day, i want to drive in the snow now. I have a 550i and i know im going to need snow tires because i live in NY.

Bogdan7

Thanks everyone for sharing your views and opinions. I really appreciate that u took a minute and posted here. I guess either decision I make it's still going to be a BMW) I'll try to stay with the 535i sport but if I won't find anything I like I might still get an xi.