328 xi or 335i

[Sea2Ski]

Hi guys (and gals!!) This is my first post. What a post it is going to be - I look forward to hearing all the different advice people are going to give. I realize the question is similar to "Which do you prefer: Chocolate or vanilla?" but I am still going to throw it out there...<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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I am going to be placing an order for a BMW in the next 2-3 weeks for purchase (I am not leasing), but can not decide car which one to order. The dilemma? Cost. I am torn between getting the 335i and the 328xi. <o:p></o:p>
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Background....<o:p></o:p>
I live in SE PA in the burbs of Philly: lots of curves in the roads, lots of hills, snow a **couple** of times a year, a 44 mile commute to work round trip on 55 mph roads (but usually am going anywhere from 0-60 due to traffic....) but on weekends, I go to the shore in the summer, and ski a lot in the winter (when the roads are bad, I will be taking my jeep.) We like to go on several road trips a year anywhere up to VT to NC....<o:p></o:p>
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I like the idea of the bigger faster engine in the 335 i, but I am hesitant in not getting the AWD for my daily commuter. Waiting for the 335 xi is not an option. Lucky for me, my wife said that I am free to get what I want, as long as it has the heated seats - (What a deal, huh???) But when it comes down to what options I was going to get, it broke down to this:<o:p></o:p>
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328 xi : manual, cold weather, xenon, navigation.<o:p></o:p>
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335 i : manual, cold, navigation (xenon comes standard)<o:p></o:p>
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So, for an increase in price of about $4700, I would be getting a bigger engine and bigger wheels for the 335i but I loose the AWD. The big question is - is it worth it? I can not imagine that the difference is going to be that big to me. I do not race; I do not challenge anyone at the light.... I am just the average guy who likes the feel of getting sucked back in the seat of a BMW, and drive the thing hard through turns. <o:p></o:p>
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Am I really giving up a lot of control in imperfect driving conditions such as rain and leaves if I go with the 335i? Since I am planning on holding onto the car for years and years, over the lifetime of the car is the bigger engine going to last me longer since I do not race it or will not drive it *very* hard?<o:p></o:p>
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Oh the dilemma..... Help me decide!!!!<o:p></o:p>

[mkaresh]

The 335i will push you into the seat quite a bit harder. There's no substitute to driving them both yourself, though. The difference you notice is all that counts.

I wouldn't worry about leaves and rain. Snow on hills would be another matter. It's the only situation where I'd personally want AWD. Otherwise decent winter tires would do you.

If it snows only a couple times a year, these wouldn't make much sense, though. But doesn't it snow more often than that in Philly? I went to Penn back in the late 1980s, and remember more snow. Not nearly as much as in Chicago or Detroit (where I've lived since then), but more than twice a year.

The 328i should be more reliable. There aren't turbos to worry about. The engines are the same size, so it's not as if the 335i engine is stressed less. And even the 328i engine is stressed very little in typical driving. Should be a very durable engine.

[PeterC4]

I'm sure you'll get lots of responses to this, but I have found the 328xi to be fairly nimble and quick particularly in sports mode. I haven't done a 0-60 test in it, but I sense that BMW's claimed acceleration numbers are easily achievable and you could likely better them. AWD is a neat experience and its not just in snowy weather that you'll appreciate the impact it has. I have a Porsche Carrera 4 and AWD makes it a very drivable car in the summer, winter, fall, rain...you name it. Its handling limits are higher than the RWD variants and the "glued to the road" feeling is very noticable. With good snow tires you can pretty much travel in any weather with the 328xi. To each his own. I'm sure the raw power of the 335 is impressive, but the 328xi does not feel like a slouch. Anyway, here's a pic of my wifes new 328xi.

[ny176X3]

xenons are also standard in the 328i & xi coupe. This is also gonna be my dilema when the lease of my x3 is up inMay.. either 328xi or the 335i. I live in da nyc and have to decide if it snows enough to warrant xi. I'm leaning towards the xi cause of my previous experience's w/ x-drive but i'm worried the day i test drive the 335i, there will be no looking back. lol

[325guy]

Just get 4 good snow tires. AWD is a waste of time. Worse gas mileage, acceleration and extra weight all year for the perceived benefit of making up the mythical hill in the winter. Remember AWD doesn't do squat for turning or braking, only accelerating. I go anywhere in the winter with RWD and snows and have a blast doing it. Blizzak LM-25's.

[greenie99]

Just get 4 good snow tires. AWD is a waste of time. Worse gas mileage, acceleration and extra weight all year for the perceived benefit of making up the mythical hill in the winter. Remember AWD doesn't do squat for turning or braking, only accelerating. I go anywhere in the winter with RWD and snows and have a blast doing it. Blizzak LM-25's.

Too strong a statement. It is NOT a waste of time. Gas mileage is not that different. Mythical hill? Before buying my 328XI, I had been driving Audi Quattros and MANY TIMES had been the only car able to drive AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMITS during blizzards!!!!! Tires are very important and thats why I use/used Blizzaks but to say that AWD does nothing for you is a friggin` uneducated statement!!!

[docross]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/automobiles/autoreviews/24AUTO.html

[PeterC4]

Just get 4 good snow tires. AWD is a waste of time. Worse gas mileage, acceleration and extra weight all year for the perceived benefit of making up the mythical hill in the winter. Remember AWD doesn't do squat for turning or braking, only accelerating. I go anywhere in the winter with RWD and snows and have a blast doing it. Blizzak LM-25's.

I don't think you can categorically say that AWD doesn't do squat for turning (maybe its handling you mean). If you ever have the chance to experience a Porsche Turbo (which is always equipped with AWD) you'll feel what I mean. AWD does have an impact in a variety of situations, even dry weather. True some people don't need it or want it. But Canadian drivers for instance typically chose the Quattro over BMWs because of the AWD drivetrain - until recently.

[PeterC4]

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/coupes/0603_porsche_911_turbo/

[Snowkone]

My question to you is: Do you drive a vehicle(s) that have AWD and can't live without or is this the first time you'll be getting into one?

I think you have a TOUGH decision ahead of you if you haven't. Even if you don't drive fast or <gasp> race, once you get behind a 335i, you'll wonder where its been all your life. Of course I'm partial since I have a 335i Coupé. But, that doesn't mean the 328xi will not be a good buy! The main thing you'll loose is the performance, but everything else should be available to you (I believe).

If you are a cruiser, go with the 328xi. If you are an aggressive driver, go with the 335i. You won't know what you're missing unless you had it before (that's what I tell myself when I look in the mirror and wonder why I didn't get Comfort Access). :)

[cemman]

I also live just outside of Philadelphia, and was faced with the same dilemma. The price difference between the 328i and 335i coupe was relatively small after you add sport and premium package to both. (at least I rationalized it to my wife that way.) After driving both the 6mt 328i and 335i, I would have been happy with eithert car from an every day performance stand point. Since we only get a couple of real snow days a year, I thought the xi wasn't that necessary. I ordered the 335i and can't wait to get it.

[Nightshifter]

If you got racing on the brain, 335i all the way! If you want AWD, wait for teh 335ix! But it might be slower due to more drivetrain loss, unless they tune to compensate! :evil2

[aftp302]

Sea2Ski - If you aren't already working with a dealer, PM me and I will let you know who I used in your area. Very easy to work with and very upfront about all pricing information including discounts.

Good luck with the decision, I live just south of you in Delaware and chose the 335i. I never considered the 328xi but that's just me. I've driven my RWD MB through some pretty nasty storms here in the last 5 years and been OK. Then again, it has 16" all seasons on it, so the 335i with sport package and it's 18" performance tires may force me into buying separate 17" wheels w/winter tires.

[BMW335i]

Just get the 335i for God's sake. You don't buy a BMW coupe/sedan to tackle snow and ice...so forget AWD. Don't try to justify that the power difference is negligible..because it's absolutely not. The 335i is a world apart, don't cheat yourself.

[kristine's 335i]

I agree 100000% get the 335....this beast ROCKS!!!!

[mkaresh]

I've been dealing with snow for the last week or so and my 335 is terrible. I have a 95 Range Rover LWB that had been sitting for awhile...it is getting a tune-up right now.

What tires are on your 335?

[x3guy]

First post on this board, but wanted to comment on the "winter car" issue...

I used to drive an '02 325CiC as my 120 mile daily commuter between Salt Lake City (4500 feet above sea level) and Park City Utah (7500 feet above sea level), and averaged 35K miles per year. My summer tires were Contis, and my winter tires were Blizzak LM-22s. Park City gets A LOT of snow, and averages about 330 inches between October and May. I never got stuck in my 325 with Blizzaks, but will admit that there were times when I built up a huge "bow wave" in front. After two winters and three summers, my wife decided that she wanted an AWD and a higher ride height, so we traded it in a for an X3 2.5L. We are now entering our second winter with that car, and have 55K on the odometer in just over 16 months of ownership. It handles admirably in the snow with All Season tires, but I would say not as well as my 325CiC with Blizzaks. The real issue lies with the performance in deep snow (2+ inches, unplowed) in which case we slide all over the road and need gentle throttle inputs to "steer"...

My point? Well, winter driving IMHO is 75% about the tires. The last 25% is either understanding physics or purchasing a system (AWD, 4matic, whatever) that makes physics more accomodating for the driver.

Just my $0.02,
-B

[lauyeung]

First post on this board, but wanted to comment on the "winter car" issue...

I used to drive an '02 325CiC as my 120 mile daily commuter between Salt Lake City (4500 feet above sea level) and Park City Utah (7500 feet above sea level), and averaged 35K miles per year. My summer tires were Contis, and my winter tires were Blizzak LM-22s. Park City gets A LOT of snow, and averages about 330 inches between October and May. I never got stuck in my 325 with Blizzaks, but will admit that there were times when I built up a huge "bow wave" in front. After two winters and three summers, my wife decided that she wanted an AWD and a higher ride height, so we traded it in a for an X3 2.5L. We are now entering our second winter with that car, and have 55K on the odometer in just over 16 months of ownership. It handles admirably in the snow with All Season tires, but I would say not as well as my 325CiC with Blizzaks. The real issue lies with the performance in deep snow (2+ inches, unplowed) in which case we slide all over the road and need gentle throttle inputs to "steer"...

My point? Well, winter driving IMHO is 75% about the tires. The last 25% is either understanding physics or purchasing a system (AWD, 4matic, whatever) that makes physics more accomodating for the driver.

Just my $0.02,
-B

120 miles daily commute? That must've been one heck of a job offer!

Hahaha,
Larry

[docross]

from your description, sounds like you want the 328xi--though. you did state that you won't race or drive very hard. save yourself the $ if you're not concerned with performance. if you are, the RS4 is a nice AWD performance machine you might consider...

[PeterC4]

I agree with docross, the Audi RS4 is a wonderful car, one of my friends has one. My wife drives our 328xi but trust me, its not a snail. In sport mode, I think it peforms quite well 0-60. It's a nice car and on the highway it easily travels at high speeds. You'll have to decide if you want to spend the money on the 335i or wait for the 335xi and spend some more money. Its funny how things have changed. We have cars with 235 horsepower that can do 0-60 times at around 7 secs (or less in reality - I'm gonna test this when I get a chance) and we think they're mediocre! LOL LOL, sometimes I think women are more practical in these matters. I can remember asking my wife if whe wanted the 335i with more horsepower after she drove the 328i. She looked at me and said, "and where whould I use that extra horsepower, racing to the grocery store?" both the salesman and I cracked up.

[docross]

I agree with docross, the Audi RS4 is a wonderful car, one of my friends has one. My wife drives our 328xi but trust me, its not a snail. In sport mode, I think it peforms quite well 0-60. It's a nice car and on the highway it easily travels at high speeds. You'll have to decide if you want to spend the money on the 335i or wait for the 335xi and spend some more money. Its funny how things have changed. We have cars with 235 horsepower that can do 0-60 times at around 7 secs (or less in reality - I'm gonna test this when I get a chance) and we think they're mediocre! LOL LOL, sometimes I think women are more practical in these matters. I can remember asking my wife if whe wanted the 335i with more horsepower after she drove the 328i. She looked at me and said, "and where whould I use that extra horsepower, racing to the grocery store?" both the salesman and I cracked up.

i just think some people like to say what they could do if they wanted too, however. others actually like to feel that extra torque and have access to the roads that can really stretch the 335's legs, if you will.

i don't think he could go wrong with any of the cars we have mentioned 328xi, 335xi (when available), or the RS4.

[PeterC4]

docross,

She really had us laughing at the dealer. Trust me, she knows what its like to drive in a fast car - like our Porsche C4. But I suppose both of us have that exprience under our belts so-to-speak. I agree with you - can't go wrong with any of these cars.

[docross]

docross,

She really had us laughing at the dealer. Trust me, she knows what its like to drive in a fast car - like our Porsche C4. But I suppose both of us have that exprience under our belts so-to-speak. I agree with you - can't go wrong with any of these cars.

If you had to make a personal choice, if you don't mind answering, would you choose a 335 (i or xi) or go with the RS4 from what you have experienced in your drives selecting your wife's car and with your friend who has the RS4? Just curious...:)

[PeterC4]

If you had to make a personal choice, if you don't mind answering, would you choose a 335 (i or xi) or go with the RS4 ...


Interesting question. My wife's 328xi is a very good car from what I can feel. It is superior to my Acura TL in handling but not quite as fast...but it is fast, notwithstanding the "speed queens" that seem to dominate some of these forums. LOL....anyway...I think its a close call.

In Canada, if you really want to drive cars with a lot of horsepower all year-round, you really benefit from AWD. So personally it would be a 335xi or RS4....so which would I pick???....the cheaper one of the two! In Canada I think its the S4 that is more in line with the soon to be 335xi, and performance would very close. An RS4 is a great car, but its in Porsche territory in terms of price.

[docross]

Thanks. Sounds like the RS4 is the winner. Here in the US the RS4 can be had in the mid-$70's so it is not quite in the Porsche realm (well I guess the Cayman S perhaps) and it has 4-doors and a back seat (for children at least).

[PeterC4]

Thanks. Sounds like the RS4 is the winner. Here in the US the RS4 can be had in the mid-$70's so it is not quite in the Porsche realm (well I guess the Cayman S perhaps) and it has 4-doors and a back seat (for children at least).

In Canada an RS4 is in the mid 90's, 5k less than a base Carrera. On a cost of ownership basis, you can buy a Carrera, drive it for a few years and their re-sell is very good. It even has some back "seats"....LOL. I might consider the M5 at the price of an RS4...another friend of my wife's has that...although I've not been in it. But I think the M5 is about another 10k and no AWD.

[docross]

In Canada an RS4 is in the mid 90's, 5k less than a base Carrera. On a cost of ownership basis, you can buy a Carrera, drive it for a few years and their re-sell is very good. It even has some back "seats"....LOL. I might consider the M5 at the price of an RS4...another friend of my wife's has that...although I've not been in it. But I think the M5 is about another 10k and no AWD.

Carrera back seat = vestigial at best:D

[greenie99]

If you had to make a personal choice, if you don't mind answering, would you choose a 335 (i or xi) or go with the RS4 from what you have experienced in your drives selecting your wife's car and with your friend who has the RS4? Just curious...:)


doc, may I respond? I came from an Audi A8L and considered an RS4 to replace it. Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with both the car and the dealer so I steered away from the RS4. It is an amazing car! If one is an auto enthusiast, you nedd at least one "quick" car in your stable and one car able to navigate through bad weather including snow. I have an 07 Corvette in the garage so I knew that I didnt need the power of the 335. What I DID need was an all-weather car that wasnt a slouch. The 328XI fit that bill perfectly.

[docross]

In Canada an RS4 is in the mid 90's, 5k less than a base Carrera. On a cost of ownership basis, you can buy a Carrera, drive it for a few years and their re-sell is very good. It even has some back "seats"....LOL. I might consider the M5 at the price of an RS4...another friend of my wife's has that...although I've not been in it. But I think the M5 is about another 10k and no AWD.

A new Targa 4S is the solution, clearly.

[docross]

doc, may I respond? I came from an Audi A8L and considered an RS4 to replace it. Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with both the car and the dealer so I steered away from the RS4. It is an amazing car! If one is an auto enthusiast, you nedd at least one "quick" car in your stable and one car able to navigate through bad weather including snow. I have an 07 Corvette in the garage so I knew that I didnt need the power of the 335. What I DID need was an all-weather car that wasnt a slouch. The 328XI fit that bill perfectly.

Audi service is a frightening thing, i have heard some pretty bad horror stories from close friends. I got the 335 as a daily commuter, but would like a sporty, quick car with a back seat for kids for weekend trips. M5 is a nice car, but no AWD and it feels more like a stock car than the smaller RS4, and Targa 4S. Who knows, I should save the money rather than splurge anyway!

[PeterC4]

Audi service is a frightening thing, i have heard some pretty bad horror stories from close friends. I got the 335 as a daily commuter, but would like a sporty, quick car with a back seat for kids for weekend trips. M5 is a nice car, but no AWD and it feels more like a stock car than the smaller RS4, and Targa 4S. Who knows, I should save the money rather than splurge anyway!

Ahhh yes, the saving money part. LOL...The 335 is a great car and plenty quick. Its at the top of the heap in its class. Now I was just in the Porsche dealer and that Targa 4S is quite something......BIG, I mean BIG glass area in the roof. LOL LOL LOL.... I can remember when I bought my Honda CRX....things have come a long way from then.

[docross]

Ahhh yes, the saving money part. LOL...The 335 is a great car and plenty quick. Its at the top of the heap in its class. Now I was just in the Porsche dealer and that Targa 4S is quite something......BIG, I mean BIG glass area in the roof. LOL LOL LOL.... I can remember when I bought my Honda CRX....things have come a long way from then.

I don't know if i can resist its call...
You're right lots of glass.

[Mark335i]

I agree 100000% get the 335....this beast ROCKS!!!!
I agree. I drove both the 328 and 335 and while the 328 is no slouch and adequate for a lot of people, the difference between 300 ft-lbs of torque versus 200 foot-pounds is substantial - not subtle. After they calmed me down, I signed the order for the 335i Coupe and have had zero regrets.:buttrock

[FirstClass]

I was in the same situation as you are in. I REALLY wanted to get a 335i, but the fact the Pittsburgh is one of the hilliest cities outside of SF and that PA gets a reasonable amount of snow and ice storms made me get the 328xi. Its still pretty damn fast and just as fast as the 335i as long as we're discussing top speed only:D Handling is pretty close as well.

[Sea2Ski]

Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions. It was fun and interesting to take just a few minutes out of my **very busy days*** over the last week to stop in and read all your thoughts! Thank you all! But really, I think I am in the same place... mostly undecided (but leaning to the 335 sedan <<grin>>).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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Even though I am lucky to be in a position that I do not have to make the decision right now, I will have to make one over the next two weeks for our plan to pick up the car in SC (whichever car it ends up being.)<o:p></o:p>
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Have any of you picked up your car in SC, and taken the performance driving class as well as go through all the pomp and circumstance in picking up your car there? Would you like to share you experiences? We are thinking of picking it up on 3/30, for my b-day is 3/31 and my wife thinks that a flight down to pick up the car and taking advantage of everything they offer would be a great present. Thoughts?<o:p></o:p>

[jol]

If you absolutely must drive when there is snow on the ground and you have only one car, nothing beats AWD with snow tires. I have had both RWD BMW's and AWD Porsche, Audi and MB and in a snow storm I wouldn't trade any of the AWD's for the BMW. However, on dry pavement that is another story.

If you go with the 335, definitely get the high performance tires and another set of dedicated snow tires. That's what I plan on doing, but I still have the AWD vehicles at my disposal.

[hafner]

I currently have a 525i 528i and an e90 330i. None with awd and I use them all in the winter. I live in upstate NY and we get around 250 " a yr here. Good snow tires are much more important than awd. I also have two 4wd vehicles. One a full time 4wd grand cherokee. I'll take the 330i with snows any day on a paved road. The rear wheel drive cars are more fun to drive and the dsc makes driving on snow or ice too easy. I'll bet that turbo's will be much less upkeep than the awd. Those two axles and interaxle diff not only cause more wear but eat up 3-4 mpg. My BMW's are also MT's. I'll take the fun factor any day the 335 is what I'd want. Four winter tires and wheels are a 100o dollar expense and in the end you'll save money as you now can push those summer tires a little more. The e90 is my fulltime winter car. My property has a 30-40ft hill on it with a road down to other buildings. We can not get a none 4wd (awd) vehicle up it in the winter with summer all season tires on it. All snow tired vehicles go up and down it all winter long as easy as the awd's do.

[denton]

I think your choice should be btw 328i and 335i then 328ix and 335ix. I am waiting for a 328xi to be dlvd and am currently driving an Audi A6 2.7t.

I bought the Audi cuz I was going to be doing some winter driving in the Adirondacks but I can tell you than once you've driven a competent AWD car there's no going back. I live in NYC so I only get snow occasionally, but when we do get it AWD is really great. Not even so much driving (any skilled driver can drive fairly well in snow) but lack of SHOVELLING to get out of a parking spot!

But what I wasn't expecting to find was how good it is to drive on broken pavement, i.e., the kind we find here in NYC. You can accelerate just as fast as you want, with no wheelhop, with AWD on any pavement.

While I loved my Audi, there's more choice in AWD than there was in 2001 when I bought my A6. With our kid moved out of the house, we don;t need that comfortable back seat anymore. I wanted to drive a smaller car that would be both sportier and more fuel-efficient, and comparing the A4 to the 328xi, well, the 328 just seems like a better car all around.

Denton

[joepikapp]

I agree. I drove both the 328 and 335 and while the 328 is no slouch and adequate for a lot of people, the difference between 300 ft-lbs of torque versus 200 foot-pounds is substantial - not subtle. After they calmed me down, I signed the order for the 335i Coupe and have had zero regrets.

DITTO on the 335!!!!

[mercury26]

First post on this board, but wanted to comment on the "winter car" issue...

I used to drive an '02 325CiC as my 120 mile daily commuter between Salt Lake City (4500 feet above sea level) and Park City Utah (7500 feet above sea level), and averaged 35K miles per year.

How do you do 120 mile commute between SLC and PC? They are only 30 miles apart.

Cheers,

Chuck

[ronzep]

Why dont you wait for the 335xi? I just picked up my 328xi and it is impressive!!! Handleing is nearly flat. I have people going WOW when i take them for a drive. You will not be dissapointed buying the XI. I would not trade it for the 335i. I love speed, but I hate tickets, this XI is plenty powerful and quick. Cruises at 100mph no problem. In the rain it drives like my old 325i on dry payment....incredible car. Make sure you get the sport package with the 17" tire, best of both worlds!

[docross]

Rs4

[greenie99]

I was in the same situation as you are in. I REALLY wanted to get a 335i, but the fact the Pittsburgh is one of the hilliest cities outside of SF and that PA gets a reasonable amount of snow and ice storms made me get the 328xi. Its still pretty damn fast and just as fast as the 335i as long as we're discussing top speed only:D Handling is pretty close as well.

Hey, where IS our winter????????

[mercury26]

Hey, where IS our winter????????

You want some winter, come out to the Denver area. We had about 4 feet of snow in a week at my place. I can show you how the use of AWD exceeds a pure rear (or front) wheel drive vehicle. Having lived in Colorado for almost 5 years (and growing up in Western Penn), I would never get a daily driver without AWD. Also, I have taken turns at a speed I would never consider in a non-AWD drive vehicle. But this is my 2 cents....

Cheers,

Chuck

[Sea2Ski]

Well, time is getting near to which I have to make a decision.... I have about 10 days left to decide. I will go test drive both the vehicles again this weekend, and try to make my decision at that point. Hopefully it will rain, and/or road conditions will not be the best sine I have driven both of them in beautiful weather Saturday mornings in the past .
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
I can tell that the restless nights are going to continue…. Now that I think about it, I had less trouble deciding on which house I should buy when I was looking for one!

[greenie99]

[quote=Sea2Ski;8323487]Well, time is getting near to which I have to make a decision.... I have about 10 days left to decide. I will go test drive both the vehicles again this weekend, and try to make my decision at that point. Hopefully it will rain, and/or road conditions will not be the best sine I have driven both of them in beautiful weather Saturday mornings in the past .
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
I can tell that the restless nights are going to continue…. Now that I think about it, I had less trouble deciding on which house I should buy when I was looking for one! [/quote

It should be near 70 in Downingtown this weekend. Does that help? LOL

[greenie99]

You want some winter, come out to the Denver area. We had about 4 feet of snow in a week at my place. I can show you how the use of AWD exceeds a pure rear (or front) wheel drive vehicle. Having lived in Colorado for almost 5 years (and growing up in Western Penn), I would never get a daily driver without AWD. Also, I have taken turns at a speed I would never consider in a non-AWD drive vehicle. But this is my 2 cents....

Cheers,

Chuck

May I send you my Blizzaks so they can get some use????

[Sea2Ski]

It should be near 70 in Downingtown this weekend. Does that help? LOL


MMMmm... not really. I do wish we would get some cold weather at least.

[mercury26]

May I send you my Blizzaks so they can get some use????

Sure thing, I can send you my address. :)

Cheers,

Chuck

[Skyland]

I just bought a 328xi sport wagon. My choice was easier. I needed a wagon and am a fan of AWD. Now maybe there has been an objective study testing RWD and AWD that disagrees, but from the seat of the pants, AWD just handles better around corners in slippery conditions. I live in Oregon and drive in rain, wet leaves and into the Cascade Mountains to ski. In driving agressively through corners, under slippery conditions, I just like the feeling of the power transfer to the front wheels pulling you through the corner (not that a little tail spin can't be fun). Of course AWD also helps in climbing the mountains in snowy roads too. If you don't face those kinds of conditions you could probably do just as well with RWD. AWD does add weight and slows you down a bit: I passed up on AWD when I bought a 96 A4 and living in Santa Barbara. If there had been a 335xi Sport Wagon there is no question I would have gone for it, but the 328xi does just fine, and there is a better chance I'll get to keep my licence.

[Skyland]

I meant license. I should spell check more often.

[Sea2Ski]

Well, the decision was made. Last night, I drove the 335i sedan and fell in love (again). It was a long deliberation in the sales office, and after considerable conversation and evaluation between needs and wants, I went with the 335i sedan. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
…<< gulp >><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
To some of you, it sounds like money is not much of a problem. Not that I am hungry or poor, but I am not the richest (only if we measure by what is in my bank account) on my block either. A $40K car??? ish!!!! It was a hard decision, but I made it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Please tell me how much I will not regret getting the AWD!<o:p></o:p>
(Don’t worry, if I got the 328 xi, I would be saying “Please tell me how much I will not regret getting the 300/300 Twin Turbo!)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Thanks for the input guys!!!<o:p></o:p>

[Knightsport]

Texas weather made for an easy choice.

I've had my car for one day and I already love it like my others.

[aftp302]

Well, the decision was made. Last night, I drove the 335i sedan and fell in love (again). It was a long deliberation in the sales office, and after considerable conversation and evaluation between needs and wants, I went with the 335i sedan. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
…<< gulp >><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
To some of you, it sounds like money is not much of a problem. Not that I am hungry or poor, but I am not the richest (only if we measure by what is in my bank account) on my block either. A $40K car??? ish!!!! It was a hard decision, but I made it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Please tell me how much I will not regret getting the AWD!<o:p></o:p>
(Don’t worry, if I got the 328 xi, I would be saying “Please tell me how much I will not regret getting the 300/300 Twin Turbo!)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Thanks for the input guys!!!<o:p></o:p>

Congrats on pulling the trigger! We're in the same (almost) boat. I bought the 335i also and even though winter has been completely absent for us here in the DE/PA area so far, I think I will be purchasing winter wheels/tires. A small tradeoff in my mind for having the 335 vs 328. If there was currently a 335xi sedan available my choice might have been harder.

So what color/interior/trim/options?

[Sea2Ski]

Thanks aftp302!!!
I decided on getting the graphite, burl walnut, and black leatherette.
Options: navigation (wife's choice), bluetooth, and cold weather (wife NEEDED heated seats I like the fold down back seats). They threw in a rear cargo liner as well.

The best option (I think): Performance center pickup the day before my birthday!!!!

... I could not sleep last night. And I have 80 more to go...

[aftp302]

The best option (I think): Performance center pickup the day before my birthday!!!!

... I could not sleep last night. And I have 80 more to go...

I should have gotten the PCD. Being in the mid-atlantic like we are, it would cost almost nothing to get to SC and it would be well worth it. Only thing is to make sure you don't spend too much time in highway-cruise mode on the way home. Not good for the engine break-in. Make sure to vary your RPM's as much as possible.

My car arrived at the exit port today so it should only be 3-4 more weeks for me.

[cemman]

Congratulations. The 335i is the far better choice, if you had bought the 328xi you would have had 335i envy. In 2001 I bought a 325ci instead of shelling out the extra couple of thousand dollars for the 330ci. Although I loved the car, I always wished I had gotten the 330ci. Like I said in my earlier post, I live in the area and we really don't get that much snow. Save up sick days and enjoy the other 360 days a year

[Christos]

I live in Central NJ and am so grateful I bought the 328Xi. If you buy a RWD BMW and dont change the tires for winter driving, the car is practically useless, for most drivers. I traded my G35 coupe with 280 HP in for a 328 Xi , I must say HP is addictive, but when the 328Xi is driven in sport mode this car is quite fast and enjoyable I love the engine acoustics and transmission shifts. Even after the adaptive tranny learns your style of driving , the ride is quick in regular drive mode. I believe the adaptive transmission in all new BMW's come with a default algorithm that is best suited for economy driving, so when you test drive one it feels sluggish. I recommend the 328Xi