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      02-21-2009, 06:03 PM   #1
bokchoy
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Vancouverites - 328xi over 328i worth it?

Looking to purchase a 328 this year to upgrade my old trusty Honda Accord.

I was wondering from Vancouver bimmer owners (despite this crazy winter dump of snow) if it's worth the extra $$, lower fuel economy and potential for more things to break down for the all wheel drive model in our regularily wet weather climate.

How was it like driving in a RWD car this winter (with snow tires) ? From the threads I was able to search and find, even people with AWD got stuck.

Is it also much more beneficial in rainy weather?

Thanks in advance
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      02-21-2009, 06:22 PM   #2
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If it was a 335i i would say yes, too much torque to drive in anything more then a few inches of the white stuff. Can't comment on the 328i I test drove a 328xi before going with a 335i. I'm power hungry and it was by no way a decision between the 2.
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      02-21-2009, 06:24 PM   #3
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Those sensitive enough suggest that Xi models are not as sweet to drive as the regular i models. Cosmetically, the Xi models ride on a tad bit taller suspension.

Having driven a RWD E90 325i for nearly 3 years, I found that it was more than capable winter car...when equipped with four snow tires. Having said that, anything more than 10-15 cm of fresh snow got me into trouble. The low ground clearance of the 3 Series got it stuck in backgrounds and driveways even despite the snow tires. Chains would have likely helped...but I would have equally likely done some major damage to the chin of the front bumper. AWD may have helped a bit as well...but even with AWD, it would have been equally stuck or damaged.

Now having said this...this year was the first year we had 10-15 cm of fresh snow fall in one night. Every previous year I was fine. With our typical 5-10 cm snow fall, I was driving rings around SUVs.

In the rain, RWD is more than capable. If you plan on upgrading to aftermarket rims and tires, you want to select a good tire that is resistant to hydroplaning.

I say go for a RWD!

(And a 335i if the numbers work out. If you see my former post, there are some good deals to be had on remaining unsold 2008 335i's.)
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      02-21-2009, 07:13 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bokchoy View Post
From the threads I was able to search and find, even people with AWD got stuck.
Never got stuck in the snow in my xi. Good snow tires with xi = awesome in snow.
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      02-21-2009, 07:14 PM   #5
bokchoy
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Thanks guys. The 335 is out of my price range but I also plan on keeping this car for at least 6-7 years.. never haven owned a RWD (nor an AWD) vehicle before I'm trying to get as much info as I can
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      02-21-2009, 10:20 PM   #6
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no its not worth it... you dont get enough snow in vancouver to justify an xi... plus for the few days in a yr that you guys have snow on the streets, just put on a good set of winters and youre good to go... i have a RWD m3 and i drive in snow and ice without much problems with my winter tires on.
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      02-21-2009, 10:21 PM   #7
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oh forgot to add - as a previous ownder of a 328xi, they dont do as well on gas as the 328i ... so its really not worth it.. i would have gotten the i and not the xi if i had to do it all over again.
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      02-21-2009, 10:28 PM   #8
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I have a 328i with snow tires. I have no problem on snow.
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      02-21-2009, 10:58 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazzer View Post
If it was a 335i i would say yes, too much torque to drive in anything more then a few inches of the white stuff.
I drove my 335i every day it snowed. good snow tires, good driver and a couple sandbags and I was driving even when we had almost 2ft of snow. I never got stuck anywhere cept my 45 degree driveway
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      02-22-2009, 02:36 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by montreal red View Post
no its not worth it... you dont get enough snow in vancouver to justify an xi... plus for the few days in a yr that you guys have snow on the streets, just put on a good set of winters and youre good to go... i have a RWD m3 and i drive in snow and ice without much problems with my winter tires on.
You didn't see the almost three feet of snow on my parents' car when we came back from a 5-day trip during Christmas. :P

We don't get that much snow compared to east coast, but our cities do not spend the money to plow the residential streets. Most people get stuck in their own neighbourhood.
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      02-22-2009, 02:55 AM   #11
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i will say 328xi is a good car
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