Hello, and 135xi release question

[Reach]

Just making my first post here to get rid of the annoying nag up top, and express my interest in the new 1. I've got a great DD car right now that I've modded the heck out of, but I'm starting to look for more. I've been looking at everything from american muscle to jap exotics to used M3s for 6 months now without being able to settle on anything. Although I'm not a huge BMW fan (I have to admit it) the specs on the 135 have me drooling just like everyone else. I can't wait to get a test drive in one. I need a car that is a solid DD, capable of 20k miles/ year without hassle, yet also able to keep the doldrums of those many miles away.

So, my question: I've heard there is going to be a 135xi. Is this also going to be launched late March along with the 135i? Or will it be a delayed release? Any info on this type of thing yet? Also, can anyone point me in the direction of some good reading on the xi awd system they'll use? I just want to study up. I'll do the requisite searching after this but I figured I get 1 free post, right?

[xatlas0]

So far, I haven't seen anything to suggest that BMW will make an AWD version of the 1-er anytime soon. So, that would leave you with the 135 normal. Why would you need the AWD anyway? All it does in let you accelerate faster in bad weather and get better launches.

[Reach]

I'm not sold on the awd in particular, but if they were to introduce both, I'd at least want to audition it. My previous Mercedes was a 4matic, and moving from that to a fwd car, I feel I lost a sense of control and stability while driving through bad weather. With any awd system you have a better sense of connection when driving through hard rain or over a lightly snow covered road. Accelleration / launch factor aside, I'd prefer awd for the amount of driving I do to have it as a standard operating safety feature.

[xatlas0]

I'm not sold on the awd in particular, but if they were to introduce both, I'd at least want to audition it. My previous Mercedes was a 4matic, and moving from that to a fwd car, I feel I lost a sense of control and stability while driving through bad weather. With any awd system you have a better sense of connection when driving through hard rain or over a lightly snow covered road. Accelleration / launch factor aside, I'd prefer awd for the amount of driving I do to have it as a standard operating safety feature.

It's your choice and all, I just personally don't see the need. Right tires for the weather, a LSD, and driving reasonably for the conditions have done all right by me in the past. I'd just not want it in my DD because of the mileage+weight hit AWD requires. (usually about 10% lower and +2-300lbs)

Have you only driven AWD or FWD only cars in the past? I don't mean to offend or call your experience in to question, it's just many people that haven't driven RWD cars think they are terrible in bad weather and are difficult to drive.

Also, the AWD BMWs usually are much more difficult to mod, as the transfer cases aren't designed to take much more than stock. The E30 325ix just can't go above ~280rwhp because of the AWD system, whereas the standard RWD version is way more than that. Just a thought, since you said you modded your current ride.

[theroyalwe]

"no X-drive in the 1 series planned at this time". Exact words from one of the guys on the 1 series product team at BMWNA.

[SDKmann]

I really hope there isnt a xi, it should be a RWD car. Its almost a sin that there is a 335xi.

[TopasBlau46]

I really hope there isnt a xi, it should be a RWD car. Its almost a sin that there is a 335xi.


Agreed.

Keep the AWD for the more "luxury" lines, cars with performance like this shouldn't be AWD ..

[BR Random]

Agreed.

Keep the AWD for the more "luxury" lines, cars with performance like this shouldn't be AWD ..

Tell that to Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini. Each one has AWD "super cars". I've had cars with 400+hp both Rear and AWD. I'd take a good AWD in a heart beat. And don't even bother with FWD with power. My SRT-4 was useless in 1st and 2nd once it went past 300 whp. I'm going to be cross shopping the 135i with the EVO X next summer or fall depending when the prices become realistic. If I can't use the power the car has unless I'm already moving and it's a nice day out what good is it?