BMRMEUP

I wouldn't make that generalization actually. I wouldn't have bought the xi if I had realized what I'd be sacrificing in terms of handling. I know...drive before you buy...but the dealership assured me that it was the same car except it had AWD...and there was nothing within a 3 hour drive minimum that I could test drive first. IMO the main advantage of AWD in winter is handling hardpack, in which case there is really no advantage to a higher stance (well, maybe if somebody drops a hunk of ice in front of you). But even so, why not provide autoleveling if it isn't incompatible with the drive train...which I have yet to hear anyone say definitively. I'd like to put that question to BMWNA to find out. Asking the shops is useless...they don't seem to know what you can and can't do in terms of such mod....even a simple question like aftermarket shocks. I mean, who hasn't heard of Koni's? And yet, when I asked about those.....nothing.

sdg1871

After driving a non-sport loaner for about 400 miles, I have to agree. Non-sport suspension is nothing like sport suspension.

v_therussian

Just so that you people know:

1. My Xi hangs in the corners with 550i Sports (ask Scott!)
2. My 530Xi hangs in the twisties with MUCH bigger cars.
3. My Xi been there done that, you diesel - said so (BTW I was just playing with you diesel crowd - I know y'all don't get enough love 'round these parts either )
4. I love my car
5. C, I see now why you got rid of that 530 - it was AUTOMATIC ( wtf??)


AND KEEP IT GOING! I WANNA SEE MORE PICS OF YOUR XI!!!!!!!!!!!

darkus

Let me tell you this, nothing that is worth having comes without hard work and effort. You are right, there isnt much readily available for Xi owners, probably due to demand, but once you do find the things you are looking for through persistence, oh you will really appreciate it, the uniqueness factor alone will bring a smile to your face

sdg1871

I happen to like my Steptronic (which I keep in manual mode or DS 99% of the time).

Vlad, you do drive very well in the twisties.

E60714

Did a quick search and the DMS 535d puts it on-par with a 535i in 0-60. With all the torque gains claimed out of the tune, it has the same effect a JB+ would probably have on a 535i. 428 lbs. of torque is great, but that's what diesels do, right? Make a lot of torque? All I'm saying is a 535i with 428 lbs. of torque would do alot better than a 535d making that much and that I think diesel a much bigger handicap than having an AWD on a sports sedan. Because I'm pretty sure there's someone reputable on here that can attest for the fact that in a short sprint, an xi would have a slight edge over an i before drivetrain loss kicked in. If you think you, or we, have it bad with the xi's power loss, then I think diesel will just be a kick to the face. Which is why no one, I'm sure, on the E90 forums is raving about their 335d and how much ass it kicks.

C's Bimmer

My current E60 is an AUTOMATIC too...kind of.

DrLev99

D33ZNUT5....I hope the rear camber in your pic above is just the picture and not a reality.

And for those who haven't seen my old xi.....here it is for the 500th time!

v_therussian

Not really... it shifts for you, but it allows for control of what gear you're in and shift speed is driver-selectable, so no, C, its not an automatic. Jeesh, I can't believe this guy - I've gotta tell him what kinda transmission he's got now?!

v_therussian

Those two shots of your car are beautiful, but I like it without the silver trim around the windows better