[ver.e90]

Originally Posted by mike20022

Does the xi really perform better in the rain? I am also contemplating between the xi and i. It is actually my final decision to make on my order. Snow is not too much of an issue for me, cause I can always drive the Honda Pilot on snowy days. But if the xi performs much better in the rain, and it provides me with that extra sense of security on the wet roads during my daily commute than the $2,000 is worth the extra price.

So yeah, one more undecided consumer, debating with myself between xi or not.

So far here is my 330 configuration:
* 330 SGM
* Premium Package
* Terra Leather w/Burl Trim
* Comfort Access
* NAV w/IDrive

You all have helped me make my decisions so far, so I turn to you one more time on the final xi or i.

Thanks!
-Mike-

mike20022, if I had an SUV as a second car, I would definitely get the 330i with ZSP also. When there is a possible threat for freezing conditions, I would take the Pilot out and call it a day. Otherwise, when weather conditions permit, enjoy the 300i. As for rainy conditions, I really don't think you're going to have such a big problem (correct me if I'm wrong anyone), as long as you don't drive recklessly under poor rainy conditions. So, that's my opinion in a nutshell. Geez, why can't I be this decisive with my own dilemma of choosing my wheels!!!

[eleven24]

The primary reason I went with the XI wasn't because of snow, it was for all weather stability. True, it will really be useful in snow, but we (in NJ) probably get 2-3 big storms a year. We do get a lot of rain, and where I live, a lot of leaf covered roads in the fall. AWD is just another added bit of confidence I'll have while driving.

Like I mentioned before, my previous two cars were a 1998 323i and a 2000 328i, both with the Sport Package. This 330xi handles better than both of them and the ride is much softer.

Also, for what it's worth, I noticed you're getting Terra with the Burl trim. I chose the Terra & Aluminum and it looks amazing. I'm also a graphic designer, so I like the contrast in colors. By no means am I saying Burl is not a good combo, but if you can take a look at Terra w/Aluminum in person.

Whatever you choose though, it will certainly be a blast to drive. Don't get too hung up on the options!

[mike20022]

Yeah I considerred the Aluminum, but I have had that trim in a few cars the last few years. Switching it up for the more luxurious look.

Right now it looks like I am leaning towards the xi.

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by AWDriver

...Geez, why can't I be this decisive with my own dilemma of choosing my wheels!!!

I was wondering the same thing.

[BMerDRMer]

Originally Posted by RGRAY

I like the 162's also, but I'm not going to have 2 sets of tires.

If the 18 inch 162s would have come with all season tires I would have chosen them over 17 inch 158s.

The 158s are nice not great and they don't ride as hard as the 162s.

The 158 look sportier and more chariot looking (wavy) than the 162s which look more refine, IMO.

I think the 162s look better too because they are 18 inch wheels.

BMerDRMer, I like your choice of colors. SGM, Terra Leather w/Burl Trim

People should get what they like.

Got the wrong guy RGRAY ....... I opted for TiAG and Black LEather ........ indeed I like what I got!

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by BMerDRMer

Got the wrong guy RGRAY ....... I opted for TiAG and Black LEather ........ indeed I like what I got!

Sorry, I meant mike20022.

[uhaulball]

Originally Posted by AWDriver

I appreciate all of your responses to my previous posts. I'm usually not one to post any questions, but you all seem very knowledgeable, so I truly value your opinions.

Here's my dilemma, and I hope some of you can give me better insight: I leased an '03 325xi and its coming to an end next month. I didn't know much about the 3 series back when I leased my car, except for the fact that it was fun to drive. Thanks to all of you, I feel like I know more about this car than anything else!

I really want to get a 330i but I got really comfortable with the xi technology. Being that I live in the NY metro area, I'm not sure if its a good idea to get a non-AWD. Does anyone who lives in a region where snow/sleet is an inevitable occurence own a 325/330i and regret not getting the xi?

I love the 162 wheels but if I were to get the xi, it just wouldn't make sense to purchase those wheels. So, the only way I would get the 162 wheels is if I opted for the i. I figure when there is a threat for inclement weather, I'll just drive my wife's Lexus, which is a FWD, and leave the i in the garage.

So, I just wanted to get an idea of how you guys/gals would resolve this issue if you were in this situation. Sorry for the long post, and I await your inputs!!!

that was exactly my thinking too. i live in long island, ny and goto school upstate. i wanted the 330i with 162 cuz the e90 was designed for the 162 really; if you look at its preproduction models. but in the end i figured, for practical purposes, a 330xi is the way to go. Someone here has a white 330i and i parked my sapphire 330xi next to it once and my 17in wheels do not look that bad.

[uhaulball]

Originally Posted by ///M3John

sorry but this is a bit off-topic: I have an AWD w/ all season tires (19's) and I have no issues. Back to the point, RWD w/ snow tires are sufficient enough to drive in the East Coast area. I've had the E36 M3 w/ decent snow tires and they were "pretty good" but not as good as AWD (xi). It depends if you want to spend the extra bucks for AWD. BTW, its awesome in heavy rain too!

awesome car john, i was going to get that same exact 05 a4 3.0 quattro over the e90. then they redesigned the nose . But 19" all-season? are those the wheels shown in the picture, that looks real nice. i never knew they had 19" all-season tires... what kind of wheels are those.

[ver.e90]

Originally Posted by uhaulball

that was exactly my thinking too. i live in long island, ny and goto school upstate. i wanted the 330i with 162 cuz the e90 was designed for the 162 really; if you look at its preproduction models. but in the end i figured, for practical purposes, a 330xi is the way to go. Someone here has a white 330i and i parked my sapphire 330xi next to it once and my 17in wheels do not look that bad.

Thanks, uhaulball. I decided to go with the 330xi along with the 162 wheels. I'll probably get some 17" with snows for the winter, though...

[BMerDRMer]

Originally Posted by AWDriver

Thanks, uhaulball. I decided to go with the 330xi along with the 162 wheels. I'll probably get some 17" with snows for the winter, though...

Good Choice AWDriver! 162's look and perform great on the 330Xi .... when is delivery? You may have seen these, but here are a couple picks from our "delivery"........

[///M3John]

Originally Posted by uhaulball

awesome car john, i was going to get that same exact 05 a4 3.0 quattro over the e90. then they redesigned the nose . But 19" all-season? are those the wheels shown in the picture, that looks real nice. i never knew they had 19" all-season tires... what kind of wheels are those.

uhaulball: they are 235/35/19 Toyo Proxes4 (all season and they're awesome in snow...)

[uhaulball]

Originally Posted by ///M3John

uhaulball: they are 235/35/19 Toyo Proxes4 (all season and they're awesome in snow...)

where can i find out about em. i was looking into the michelin pilot sport a/s 235/35/19. do u suggest these over other a/s?

[wickedwhite]

does anybody got good pics of the XI car with 162 on them?? and can you post it

[BMerDRMer]

Originally Posted by wickedwhite

does anybody got good pics of the XI car with 162 on them?? and can you post it

I will repost a couple ...... I have small pics, and some highdensity which this site won't accept ......following are a few.....They look great on the car ...... and they drive and handle beautifully !

[wickedwhite]

thanks man i read a post that a guy wrote that in the xi the car looks like a truck i was just lil bit worry bc thats how i order my car and with 162 wheels, i know its lile a .5 higher then the (I) i just wanna see the difference

[BMerDRMer]

Originally Posted by wickedwhite

thanks man i read a post that a guy wrote that in the xi the car looks like a truck i was just lil bit worry bc thats how i order my car and with 162 wheels, i know its lile a .5 higher then the (I) i just wanna see the difference

Very little visual diff in height when compared to base 330i ...... more of a difference when side by side with i with ZSP ......

Visually, the previous gen 3 Series was much more noticable.

If you are not comparing side by side, I would not guess this is a AWD'er......till you spot the Xi on the back.