pjinca

So far, most compelling evidence, though I'd imagine Xi still outsells i in Denver :wistle:


Maybe, but keep in mind most people in Denver are transplants and therefore have no idea how to drive in snow (they think 4WD means they can normal speeds). When I was in High School the State Patrol had a saying "If there's a bad crash in the winter, look for the guy with the California plates - he started it". People who think 4WD is always the answer in snow worry me, because they're the ones who will go waaaaay to fast for conditions and kill themselves and others. 4WD only helps you get traction in snow, it doesn't help you stop at all.

-Mike-

If you are looking for carefree driving in the winter, please do go with the xi. I bought a 530i and traded it in within 6 months of buying it because it's just not safe to drive in Chicago winters. My wife drives my car at times, and the xi is effortless in inclement weather. It does NOT compare to snow tires in the slightest. Good luck, the 335 is a beast!

v_therussian

I noticed that you're a big proponent of the AWD, Mike not the first time you're making this known. But consider that a car for me is a toy - not really necessity. I don't have to drive to work, nor to the supermarket - I have most things within walking distance. So to me it is ok to give up 2-3 drives a year in really bad weather to gain better handling the rest of the year.

theXman

Get the RWD. It only snows like what 3 times a year in NYC (I'm talking about 3" and above). So you might not want to drive it for 3 days. Big deal! You have more fun with the RWD.

08white

i know alot of people like RWD and more fun with i,
maybe just me, i drove a Nissan 300ZX in 1999 (forgot exactly year) took me 6+ hours to get home with only 30 minutes distance, it was cold and running out of gas, watched the light turn green and red and green again, it was little uphill, so i couldnt go anywhere, lucky i saw a tow truck past by, of course i got towed
maybe rear weight was too light for 300ZX, BMW is better, more weight toward rear

so it could be just me, had really bad experience with RWD on snow, after that, i dont feel comfortable to drive RWD on heavy snow
sold 300ZX right after that and got 2000 Audi A4 AWD, i love BMW, but BMW didnt make AWD until 2001, and yes i got 2001 330XI, happy on snow

-Mike-

Your original post addressed weather, not performance.

"I'm trying to figure out whether the coupe is really better in RWD or should I just opt for Xi and not worry about winters - it does snow in NY on occasion, global warming or not. Northeasterners driving RWD cars, what would you recommend? "

I was simply giving my opinion based on that request for a recommendation. Good luck in your decision.

08white

in your case, i think you will be more happy with I, so go with the one that will make you happy with no regret

but in my case, i will need to go out in bad weather, in case something come up, and i only have one car

westcoast550

Vlad , great choice , get an Alpine White with red leather !! It doesn' matter if its rear or all wheel drive the car rocks !!

pjinca

Again, growing up in the 70's and 80's everyone learned - RWD is fine in the snow, sometimes you need a little extra weight in the rear so take a large bag of kitty litter with you (50lbs should do it), it adds more weight over the rear axle and can be used to gain traction on ice if need be.

08white

agree, alpine white looks really good
and i am thinking to get black wheel for my alpine white