Will the AWD hurt handeling performance?

chaz58 · 03-05-2008, 03:28 PM

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the suspension difference.

The RWD + sports package sits 1.4" lower than the XI (which has no sport suspension). (FYI, the XI is 0.8" higher than stock RWD).

To me this makes a huge difference in how the car feels, and how playful it is.

I imagine that you could lower the XI if you wanted to mod the suspension, but I would also guess you would lose a lot of suspension travel if you did this.

(the other factors have been mentioned - XI more nose heavy, more understeer, some more drive train power loss). AWD is amazing in an autocross. On a track I am usually in 3rd gear or higher - with good tires traction isn't usually a problem.

///manuel · 04-06-2008, 09:14 PM

I would like to hear more input from 335xi owners about the handling as well.

Can you feel the added weight in the front?
Does the car push even more than the "i" from the factory?
Is braking affected?

I drove an auto xi and was impressed with how strong it pulled but was a little surprised about how soft the suspension was (lots of roll and rear lift). At that time, I wasn't looking at 335's so I didn't really test it with future ownership in mind.

chaz58 · 04-07-2008, 12:05 PM

go drive them yourself. That is what I did when someone claimed "you can't tell the difference on the street." I sure could. Both models have advantages, you need to choose what is best for you. I love how a RWD car is more involving. For me, the option of the sports suspension on RWD only along with the "feel" issues made me choose RWD. I have had AWD for 8 years, and am just getting tired of the handling compromises.

03-05-2008, 03:28 PM	#23
chaz58 Captain 15 Rep 701 Posts Drives: 328iT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Detroit Burbs iTrader: (0)	I'm surprised that no one mentioned the suspension difference. The RWD + sports package sits 1.4" lower than the XI (which has no sport suspension). (FYI, the XI is 0.8" higher than stock RWD). To me this makes a huge difference in how the car feels, and how playful it is. I imagine that you could lower the XI if you wanted to mod the suspension, but I would also guess you would lose a lot of suspension travel if you did this. (the other factors have been mentioned - XI more nose heavy, more understeer, some more drive train power loss). AWD is amazing in an autocross. On a track I am usually in 3rd gear or higher - with good tires traction isn't usually a problem.
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04-06-2008, 09:14 PM	#24
///manuel New Member 1 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2.0, 3.2, 4.0 & 4.8 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	I would like to hear more input from 335xi owners about the handling as well. Can you feel the added weight in the front? Does the car push even more than the "i" from the factory? Is braking affected? I drove an auto xi and was impressed with how strong it pulled but was a little surprised about how soft the suspension was (lots of roll and rear lift). At that time, I wasn't looking at 335's so I didn't really test it with future ownership in mind. Last edited by ///manuel; 04-06-2008 at 09:35 PM..
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04-07-2008, 12:05 PM	#25
chaz58 Captain 15 Rep 701 Posts Drives: 328iT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Detroit Burbs iTrader: (0)	go drive them yourself. That is what I did when someone claimed "you can't tell the difference on the street." I sure could. Both models have advantages, you need to choose what is best for you. I love how a RWD car is more involving. For me, the option of the sports suspension on RWD only along with the "feel" issues made me choose RWD. I have had AWD for 8 years, and am just getting tired of the handling compromises.
	Appreciate 0 Quote