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      04-22-2018, 08:49 AM   #1
Nick54
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E92 328i vs 328xi differences

I've been looking to buy an e92 lci (2011-2013) and I've noticed that all of the xDrive coupes that I've seen have a different front end. I find the xDrive looks very executive, while the 328i looks more aggressive. Is this by pure coincidence or is there actually a difference because it's xDrive? (see the attached pictures, black is 328i and the other colour is 328xi)

Are the headlights a different shape than the regular 328i? I would like to swap out the front bumper which is why I would like to know if it's going to fit. Also if ever I'd want to change the headlights it would be nice to have a straight swap out.

Also, while we're on the topic which is a more enjoyable drive? I do live in Quebec which is why xDrive has been my #1 option, but would I be sacrificing a bit in the enjoyability of the drive? And is RWD frustrating to have in the winter or is it not that big of a deal?

If you have an xDrive 328 e92 and you modded it from the stock picture I've posted please share it below as I would like to see whats possible in terms of looks from this front end.

Sorry for ranting lol!
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Last edited by Nick54; 04-22-2018 at 10:20 AM.. Reason: not detailed enough
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      04-22-2018, 09:01 AM   #2
Delta0311
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nickshiftm3 View Post
I've been looking to buy an e92 and I've noticed that all of the xDrive coupes that I've seen have a different front end. I find the xDrive looks very executive, while the 328i looks more aggressive. Is this by pure coincidence or is there actually a difference because it's xDrive? (see the attached pictures, black is 328i and the other colour is 328xi)

Are the headlights a different shape than the regular 328i? I would like to swap out the front bumper which is why I would like to know if it's going to fit. Also if ever I'd want to change the headlights it would be nice to have a straight swap out.

Also, while we're on the topic which is a more enjoyable drive? I do live in Quebec which is why xDrive has been my #1 option, but would I be sacrificing a bit in the enjoyability of the drive? And is RWD frustrating to have in the winter or is it not that big of a deal?

If you have an xDrive 328 e92 and you modded it from the stock picture I've posted please share it below as I would like to see whats possible in terms of looks from this front end.

Sorry for ranting lol!
Judging by the headlights the top is a pre lci model with sports package.
Bottom is a lci without the m sports package.

And yes you can easily swap the bumpers.

Lci: couples built for year 2011 and up
Pre lci: coupes prior to 2011
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      04-22-2018, 09:33 AM   #3
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Xdrive and rwd look exactly the same your asking pre lci vs lci

Pre lci 2007-2010 top pic
Lci 2011-2013 bottom pic
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      04-22-2018, 10:04 AM   #4
Delta0311
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335xituned View Post
Xdrive and rwd look exactly the same your asking pre lci vs lci

Pre lci 2007-2010 top pic
Lci 2011-2013 bottom pic
Yup. Aggressive bumper only comes with the m sports package on the lci.
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      04-22-2018, 10:17 AM   #5
Nick54
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta0311 View Post
Yup. Aggressive bumper only comes with the m sports package on the lci.
ok yeah i was talking more lci, because i see some 2011 e92s with that less agressive bumper, so id really need the m sports package or swap it out myself?
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      04-22-2018, 07:38 PM   #6
dannyhavok
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As far as xDrive, if you're a good driver and you have snow tires you can get away without it. Personally I like it for tackling shitty mountain roads in the heart of winter. With snow tires it's absolutely unstoppable. In summer, on sticky tires, it's just as fun as the RWD examples I test drove.

Other than the difficulty in sliding the tail out, I don't think you sacrifice much if you think you'll benefit from AWD in poor conditions.
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      04-23-2018, 03:27 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dannyhavok View Post
As far as xDrive, if you're a good driver and you have snow tires you can get away without it. Personally I like it for tackling shitty mountain roads in the heart of winter. With snow tires it's absolutely unstoppable. In summer, on sticky tires, it's just as fun as the RWD examples I test drove.

Other than the difficulty in sliding the tail out, I don't think you sacrifice much if you think you'll benefit from AWD in poor conditions.
Perfect thank you that really helps
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      04-24-2018, 09:25 AM   #8
thatpolygon
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I think that unless you're a discerning driver you won't be missing out on much if you went with an xdrive. Yes they are maybe a little heavier but most of these systems are rear biased until you really need the front traction. Driving in the real world (commutes, grocery runs, errands, spirited cruises) you'd be hard-pressed to notice a difference.

That said, I've driven my RWD with Alpin pa4's in the particularly stormy western Ontario winter last year and never got stuck with one exception being 2 foot wet unplowed snow in a parking lot. But that was more a failure of a plow crew not showing up in the morning.

Quebec has harsher Winters so you can make your own judgement, just don't skimp on winter tires.
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      04-25-2018, 09:18 AM   #9
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Ive not tried yet but i fairly sure i can't do donuts i my xi
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      04-25-2018, 02:18 PM   #10
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Other things to consider if going xdrive...

Stock ride height will be a bit higher.
Fewer coilovers options (but decent options do exist).
Less flexibility on staggered setups (need to match rolling diameters front and back).


None of these are major, just good to be aware before making a decision.
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      04-27-2018, 09:11 AM   #11
rick100
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stock ride being a bit higher is actually not that bad of an issue if you live on an area where snow hits hard in the winter
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      04-29-2018, 06:29 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ali-323i View Post
Other things to consider if going xdrive...

Stock ride height will be a bit higher.
Fewer coilovers options (but decent options do exist).
Less flexibility on staggered setups (need to match rolling diameters front and back).


None of these are major, just good to be aware before making a decision.
Good points. Front and back diameters need to be within 1%. I've had to pass up some nice wheel/tire deals because the rears were just a little bit too big.
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      05-04-2018, 11:50 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ali-323i View Post
Other things to consider if going xdrive...

Stock ride height will be a bit higher.
Fewer coilovers options (but decent options do exist).
Less flexibility on staggered setups (need to match rolling diameters front and back).


None of these are major, just good to be aware before making a decision.
I hadn't considered that thanks for the heads up
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      05-10-2018, 01:45 PM   #14
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Did anyone mention that here in Canada sport package equip XI's do not have sport suspension regardless of the package being purchased.
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      06-06-2018, 07:37 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinscher View Post
Did anyone mention that here in Canada sport package equip XI's do not have sport suspension regardless of the package being purchased.
That's really good to know moving forward thank you!
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      06-06-2018, 07:53 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinscher View Post
Ive not tried yet but i fairly sure i can't do donuts i my xi
Yes you can...you just haven't tried hard enough
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      06-21-2018, 08:17 AM   #17
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Another items to add:
- slower steering ratio on xDrive vs non-xDrive (I forget the exact difference, but it's noticeable)
- wider rear track for LCI models vs non-LCI

P.S. You can stagger the wheels/tires on xDrive, but getting a square set enables you to rotate tires.

Last edited by eljay; 06-21-2018 at 12:31 PM..
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      06-21-2018, 10:35 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eljay View Post
Another items to add about xDrive:
- slower steering ratio vs non-xDrive (I forget the exact difference, but it's noticeable)
- wider rear track for LCI xDrive models vs non-LCI
- you can stagger the wheels/tires on xDrive, but getting a square set enables you to rotate tires.
The last one is not specific to xDrive

The wider track is also relevant on sedans, xdrive or not
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      06-21-2018, 12:29 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ali-323i View Post
The last one is not specific to xDrive

The wider track is also relevant on sedans, xdrive or not
True. I just added that last point as a comment as there are some questions out there whether you can use staggered setup with xDrive.

I edited the previous post.
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      06-21-2018, 06:44 PM   #20
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are you planning to do performance mods? If so do you have a WHP range in mind? this will affect what you should do as well
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