325i vs. 325xi

[joe100]

Hey all,

i'm buying a BMW 325. i live in an area that has bad winters and i have a steep driveway. i'm wondering if i should get a 325i or a 325xi with all wheel drive. so i guess my question is which one should i choose for the type of climate i live in? does the all wheel drive make that much of a difference?

any information you can provide will be greatly appritiated.

best regards,

joe

[Relevart]

Joe,
I have 2002 325I I live in New Hampsire. The first winter surprised me...
I have nice twisting and turning up and down last 5 miles to my house. Once, after heavy snowfall I was stuck on one of the uphills. For 5 min strugle I stalled engine few times (5 speed std). I was almost to give up and leave car there, when I saw police cruser Ford Crown Vic. passing me with slit, snow and exaust smoke spitting from behind. It came from above: "switch DSC function off". It made all the difference.
That was the only moment, I felt sorry for not having xi.

[Bmw1990]

Well 4 wheels goin at once is always better than 2, especially rear wheel drive. I live in michigan so I experience the same harsh winters u do. I have 1990 325i, its much lighter then the one u are considering. I just put some bridgestone Blizzaks, and the traction was great. So the decision is up to u, pay a little more for all wheel drive, or get a nice set of snow tires and go. Good Luck, either way u go u will still be drivin a BMW!!!!

[aotiko]

I just wanted to say the reason front wheel drive works the best is because of the weight of the motor ontop of the wheels. Since BMWs are perfectly balanced (50/50) rear or front wheel drive makes no difference. I would recommend the 325xi if your driveway is REALLY steep. I have a 95 325i with Potenza performance tires and I have a steep street I have to go up, when I turn traction control off I can STILL get up my hill. So I'm assuming a 325i would be perfect with snow tires. But...a 325xi would do alot better in deeper snow. If you get deep snow, get the xi. With navigation, harmon kardon sound system, and everything you could possibly think of. I mean you do spend 1/6 of your life in your car if you commute to work so go all out

[joe100]

Hey All,

thanks a bunch for the input. i'll just go ahead and get the 325xi and not take any chances with it. can't wait to see 'er in the garage!!

best regards,

joe

[CiscoKid]

good choice... xi as great handling

[onsinkingground]

The Xi is seriously a frigging beast. There was an insane once in a century oregon snow storm this year and everyone who tried to leave my neighborhood had to abandon their Saab/audi/mercedes on the side of the roads, but the 325 made it out even on the solid ice and crazy hills. My other bimmers could do it very slowly, but nothing like the xi. It's good at what it does.

[exjarhead328]

Another nice thing about the xi is that bmw split the power 62% rear, 38% front so you can still get that exhilirating kick-in-the-pants feeling!!

[Gulelin]

I love my 330xi, it's insane in the snow.

[joe100]

Hey all,

thanks for the great replys, my 325xi is on its way to me as we speak. but it takes forever as i've found out.

best regards,

joe