09 335 xi vs 335d

I currently drive an IS 350 sport package. Am seriously considering a 335. Have driven both xi and d and though different am impressed by both cars. I live in an area with considerable winter driving. Have fared well in my RWD IS with no worries driving to the ski hills etc. Looking for input regarding the x-drive vs RWD (only avail on 335d). Do I need x drive and therefore the xi? Appreciate any input. Can't really find anything regarding a comparison of the two models.

You can compare the 335i vs. xi to try to get an idea of AWD vs. RWD performance on the 335.

I went for the d and live in MN. If anything, I have heard with good winter tires the RWD is just as good if not slightly better at times than the AWD with All Seasons. I have not wintered yet to see, but I am hoping I can make it with just the All Seasons as we dont get THAT much snow and only usually a few days a winter.

Originally Posted by Grentz

You can compare the 335i vs. xi to try to get an idea of AWD vs. RWD performance on the 335.

I went for the d and live in MN. If anything, I have heard with good winter tires the RWD is just as good if not slightly better at times than the AWD with All Seasons. I have not wintered yet to see, but I am hoping I can make it with just the All Seasons as we dont get THAT much snow and only usually a few days a winter.

Tires are the most important part of the equation, thats for sure. A good snow tire will stop and grip alot better than all seasons, AWD is a distant 2nd to Tires in winter weather.

Originally Posted by dr.anger

I currently drive an IS 350 sport package. Am seriously considering a 335. Have driven both xi and d and though different am impressed by both cars. I live in an area with considerable winter driving. Have fared well in my RWD IS with no worries driving to the ski hills etc. Looking for input regarding the x-drive vs RWD (only avail on 335d). Do I need x drive and therefore the xi? Appreciate any input. Can't really find anything regarding a comparison of the two models.

Why cant you get an x-drive diesal? The engine and the suspension/tranny are independent systems.

If it is a matter of "they don't have it on stock" - well you are buying brand new, order what you want and tell them to stuff the stock.

If it's an issue that you can't get that combination then figure out what is more important. If you REALLY need the x-drive due to weather then safety trumps money ANY day of the week.

Agree that tires are important. All season does not equal winter. I have a set of Blizzaks for my IS and it goes pretty much anywhere. I would never get a Lexus 250 AWD over my 350 it is beautiful in the snow. I am leaning towards the d. The feedback from MN helps. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Grentz

I went for the d and live in MN. If anything, I have heard with good winter tires the RWD is just as good if not slightly better at times than the AWD with All Seasons. I have not wintered yet to see, but I am hoping I can make it with just the All Seasons as we dont get THAT much snow and only usually a few days a winter.

We need to compare apples to apples. If you are comparing x-drive to rwd then you need to be using the same tires. Given that x-drive is better then rwd for traction.

Most people grab all seasons because they do not have the space, time/patience, or money to change out tires twice a year.

Originally Posted by furby076

Why cant you get an x-drive diesal? The engine and the suspension/tranny are independent systems.

If it is a matter of "they don't have it on stock" - well you are buying brand new, order what you want and tell them to stuff the stock.

If it's an issue that you can't get that combination then figure out what is more important. If you REALLY need the x-drive due to weather then safety trumps money ANY day of the week.

xDrive is not offered on the 335d at this time. Nor is the D available as a coupe (if that matters).

Bob

Throw some winter tires on there and you will be golden. As far as auto sedans go.... 335d is the best of the best...45mpg ohhhlala

Originally Posted by dr.anger

I currently drive an IS 350 sport package. Am seriously considering a 335. Have driven both xi and d and though different am impressed by both cars. I live in an area with considerable winter driving. Have fared well in my RWD IS with no worries driving to the ski hills etc. Looking for input regarding the x-drive vs RWD (only avail on 335d). Do I need x drive and therefore the xi? Appreciate any input. Can't really find anything regarding a comparison of the two models.

If you're hanging tough in Calgary with RWD right now, can't see how you'd do worse with the 335d as long as you have a good set of snow tires.

Originally Posted by furby076

Why cant you get an x-drive diesal? The engine and the suspension/tranny are independent systems.

If it is a matter of "they don't have it on stock" - well you are buying brand new, order what you want and tell them to stuff the stock.

The 335d is ONLY offered as a RWD Automatic right now. Probably because of the torque would be my guess. It also is only in a E90 (sedan).

Originally Posted by furby076

We need to compare apples to apples. If you are comparing x-drive to rwd then you need to be using the same tires. Given that x-drive is better then rwd for traction.

Most people grab all seasons because they do not have the space, time/patience, or money to change out tires twice a year.

Obviously, and obviously AWD will be better in the snow with the same tires.

What an interesting comparison is though is All Seasons on the AWD vs. Winter Tires on the RWD because we know the AWD with All Seasons is ok in the snow. So if the RWD with Winter Tires is slightly better than the AWD with All Seasons in the snow we know it is probably capable of handling the snow.

I dont think anyone is debating whether or not the AWD is better than RWD in the snow w/the same tires...it clearly is.

You'll be fine with the RWD diesel. Just fine. I'd go for it. Gas prices are on the way back up and premium is now more expensive than diesel.

Plus, the diesel, from what I understand, is built like a tank. 45 mph, loads of torque, RWD (which can be more fun in the snow if you've got the room to play)... what's not to like?

If they had had the diesel in the coupe with MT, I would have gotten it.

Yeah RWD with snow tires are fine in the winter.

The 335d will apply torue to the wheels is a much more contolled application making it awesome in the snow plus almost 600mi on a tank...What could be better...

Thanks all. Appreciate the input.