[sukotto]

So, a friend is getting rid of his 335xi, 2011, at a great price (lease return, so I can buy it out for $28,500). It has the stock suspension on it: I have driven it, and yeah, the suspension feels floaty. But, I am going to throw KW V1's on there, no doubt. Plus, this car has pre-paid maintenance going through 2017, so great value (not sure why this was part of his lease, but it is). Sport, NAV, stereo, cherry condition, gorgeous car.

The other option (which I have been looking at) is a less than fully loaded 2011 335i at a dealer for $30,000 (no CPO). Sport, but no NAV or upgraded stereo.

Having not been able to test a "dialed" 335xi w/good suspension, vs. a regular 335i, how are they going to differ? This is mostly a daily commuter: maybe I get it out by myself on a twisty road a couple of times a month (I live in a plateau area, the nearest fun road is a good 60 minutes away, and closes at first snowfall, re-opens in July) The next question someone is going to ask: do you need AWD? Well, I don't "need" it specifically, but I do live at the edge of the mountains. Some years, we get only 15 inches of snowfall. Some years, 80 inches (record locally is 130 inches in town). And, yes, either car gets snow tires. My previous car was a 328i; it was OK in snow, but last year was a VERY light winter. On a scale of 1-10, it was maybe a 2. I have seen more snow in a single day locally than we saw all of last year.

How will these match up? I know the XI is heavier, but testing both, it is tough to tell how much of the sluggishness I feel on the XI is due to the lame-o suspension, and how much is due to extra weight. I can almost kick the rear wheels lose on the XI if I try, whereas it is pretty easy on the I. Other than the soft body roll and sluggishness noted above, they feel similar. I am mostly interested in how they will compare once suspension is upgraded to KW V1, dropped maybe 1 inch.

[kdbryce]

Rwd is so much better than awd. I don't think I'd ever get another awd car again unless it's an SUV. Or a super car (though it's unlikely I'd ever be able to be seen in one even if I had the money)

Just go for the rwd

[gtaccord]

Just went thru this same decision. Kw v1 on an xi is better than stock sport of even perf suspension on 335I. I have had all 3 and the xi on v1s is great.

I have had my xi for a month now and overall I can't really tell a difference. The steering is a little heavier and less precise on the xi and it gets about 2 - 3 mpg less than the I in mixed driving.

Also in the hands of a normal driver (98% of us) there is no difference in performance especially if you don't track the car. A non enthusiast (and some enthusiasts) wouldn't be able to tell the two apart driving them back to back.

Sounds like the xi is a better deal to me.

[Sam335ix]

Kwv1s here and couldn't be any happier.

[Yvette]

your friend's 335xi seems better choice imo.

[Jnat]

I have an XI and all I can say is when I mash it the car sticks, put the coilovers on and enjoy!

[Miller335]

Kdbryce's opinion of AWD matches my opinion of AWD to the T.

Also, why are you not mentioning mileage? That is one of the most important factors for me. Not only will it normally dictate condition but it's one of the biggest factors in the overall price.

Knowing the previous owner is a huge plus but you have to be honest with yourself, did they really take care of the car or not?

If you've known the person awhile you should be able to answer that.

GL

[ashmostro]

option 3 - Find another RWD CPO

Unless you see a lot of snow in your area, which I doubt?

[sukotto]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

option 3 - Find another RWD CPO

Unless you see a lot of snow in your area, which I doubt?

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like there are varying opinions on this!

Yes, the car was well maintained, oil changed every 7500 miles, not tracked, mainly driven by his wife.

I do see a lot of snow though, that is the only issue. I guess I could put a few thousand aside for a cheap Subaru on those really crappy days.

[ashmostro]

Or you could get dedicated snow tires/wheels. 205s...

[sukotto]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Or you could get dedicated snow tires/wheels. 205s...

I am doing that either way. Not really a fan of all seasons in the winter.

[ashmostro]

Understood. Then I think you would probably be ok with RWD, but that's of course a comfort level thing. I personally prefer RWD.

[turb0mik3]

As most people have said here, you will notice a considerable difference between FWD & RWD. If you encounter a lot of snow during the winter season and don't really plan on tracking/spirited driving your car a lot (which you mentioned), an AWD is not a bad choice. The only drawbacks are that you don't have a lot of suspension options and the car won't be (technically) as fun as a RWD. If you can try and drive an AWD and RWD back to back that would give you the best idea of which can you prefer. Good luck and either way you will be happy!

-Mike

[Bobbybmw22]

Originally Posted by Sam335ix

Kwv1s here and couldn't be any happier.

Im getting ready to make the purchase for some kw's is it worth to get the v3's or am i going to be good with the v1's

[StealYourFace]

I've said it more than once on this forum but I will again...

I live in a city famous for snow With a set of snows (I use blizzaks runflats, decent all around) and the car had been nothing short of excellent through the 4 winters I have had it. It just doesn't make sense to me to give up performance and fuel mpg for the 30-50 days a year we get snow. If I made routine trips to vermont to go skiing I would think about an xi... maybe.

Plus, check autotrader, there's a ton of 335i sedans for sale right now, don't settle, get the one you want!!

[Sam335ix]

Originally Posted by Bobbybmw22

Im getting ready to make the purchase for some kw's is it worth to get the v3's or am i going to be good with the v1's

Unless your going to track the car then V3's it is... if not then v1's is more than enough.

[Bobbybmw22]

Originally Posted by Sam335ix

Unless your going to track the car then V3's it is... if not then v1's is more than enough.

thanks for the advice