v_therussian

Not too many rims, fewer options when it comes to dropping, no vendors on this site (except for the rare exceptions) run specials for Xi's - and I can go on and on about it...

EDIT: I think the problem stems from BMW themselves - they intentionally do not offer sport suspension on Xi, more than half of their own dealers don't even know that a staggered setup is available for Xi - and those that do, only know of it in theory, most likely. They further make things worse for Xi by raising it's ride height and now giving it the shameful little "X-Drive" badges here and there. In the meantime the technology is good and trusted and proven, not to mention that it basically made the BMW brand available as daily drivers living in colder/wetter climates... and we still get no love WTF?!?!

anyway, here's mine a couple of months ago - had a few more minor things added since, but the idea is there:



Post pics of yours (even if you've since sold it, bought an M5 and hooked it up, and even if you bought an M5, sold it and then got a 550 sport )

and don't forget to rant a little about how you wish something was made available to Xi owners (like M166 rims... )

tonymac

C? Where are you? Someone is calling!!!

OverSoft

Kinda obvious really, an AWD vehicle (especially BMW's) is only used when absolutely needed (like in cold/snowy climates).
Sport suspension is just a waste of money on a AWD, because it will be of no use and will only make things worse in the snow.
And ofcourse an Xi is raised! Duh, that's where the AWD comes in, so it will go anywhere!
X-Drive badges, well, yeah, you bought one!

Seems that you have regrets about purchasing an Xi and would rather have an normal RWD.
If you purchase an Xi, you KNOW you get these "drawbacks", so why purchase it at all?!
If you buy an Audi A6 All-road, you get the same drawbacks! (plus that it's ugly )

v_therussian

dude, my Xi will run CIRCLES around whatever little diesel RWD you've got - rain, snow AND shine And shut it about my Xi badges - my car's debadged.

Maaan, what did I just say?! Xi's just get NO LOVE!!!


EDIT: come to think of it, I used to have an A6 2.7T and it handled like shit - especially compared to the BMW! Used to break too every 5 minutes. And I didn't exactly special order my Xi - I bought it used and it had everything I wanted in a 5 series (at the time - I didn't realize I'd need the extra 100-150 horses - not until a few months into ownership) it just happened to be an Xi - it was a compromise for me and I still don't regret buying it.

OverSoft

Dude, chill, I wasn't dissing Xi's, i just said that when you buy an Xi, you know what you're getting.
You said in your first post that you miss some options (like sport suspension, rims, lowered ride, etc...) and i just said WHY that is...

And no, i don't think you'll run circles along my "little diesel"... My "little diesel" keeps up with 545i's up to 100mph, and it has enough torque that i can SLIDE circles around you!
(Oh, and mine isn't exactly original anymore, engine-wise...)

And yeah, i agree, Audi's suck

SCardamon

Man, I didn't know one of the options that come standard with the xi was a RWD option envy complex! Jk dude

BMRMEUP

Yeah, I'm there too unfortunately Has anybody actually determined if there is anything physically preventing the retrofit of the sport suspension components? I kind of like the crisp feel of the car, and don't have concerns about snow, so that would be the best of both worlds. Here she is (in need of some interior detailing...)

sdg1871

The Xi is about winter weather/wet weather traction and not about ultimate dry weather performance. Hence the non-sport suspension and higher ride height.

Vlad, if you want more performance (and I know you do), it's time for a CPO 535 or 550.

luigi524td

IMHO, an Xi is a comfortable, stable driver that properly equipped can handle adverse [not just snow] weather conditions quite well. Of course, RWD BMWs are OK when similarly equipped but AWD offers some traction-advantages.

For those who dis AWD ... I read that BMW will discontinue 4-wheel brakes in their high performance models!

Seriously, seems that as a marketing plus, additional models will become available with AWD in the near future.

Except for wheels and suspension pieces, most mods and add-ons are suitable for Xi's. And if lowered and debadged, it's virtually impossible to tell them apart from their siblings. Fuel economy is reduced 1-3 mpg by the extra drive-train drag - but who in the heck spends $50K+ for a car and then moans about spending an extra $5 to fill 'er up!

gerrypd

I love my xi. It drives great in the colorado mountains, winter & summer.