330i vs xi

amigos · 08-14-2005, 06:28 PM

I am about to become a first time BMW owner, and recently ordered a 2006 330xi. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to test drive the xi version. I did test drive the 330i and really loved it. My question is to all those who have driven the AWD....is it really a big difference between the xi and i....i mean I have heard that the xi is heavier and slower than the i version. I live on the East Coast and we do get these snow storms every now and then. thanks for your response.

z1ppo325i · 08-14-2005, 07:37 PM

xi is worth it for those days.. and those days only.. nothing a 330i with winter tires can't handle.. its not like we drive like maniacs in the snow anyways.. EAST COAST drivers usually are more aware of the snow condition and can handle with any type of car, unless snow piles up fast from 3-10 inches in which you probly need an suv to get around.. and even SUVs you got drive slow.. I think our DOT guys do a good job salting roads and cleaning roads in good amount of time..

stressdoc · 08-15-2005, 01:04 PM

You said it: the xi is heavier and slower. And z1ppo said it: nothing a 330i with snow tires can't handle. The only situation that would justify the xi for me would be living in a rural snowbelt area with a gnarly long hilly driveway. And a job where I could not take the time to plow the road with my tractor.

Kao BMW · 08-15-2005, 03:08 PM

Yes. All wheel-drives are always heavier.

MCS · 08-15-2005, 04:49 PM

I had the same dilemma - went with the rear wheel drive and with the money saved, am ordering the tire rack winter tires and wheels.

I didn't think it snows that much in Delaware, only 3-4 times that you have to worry about it in Jan-March?!? Live in Northern NJ now, but went to school in Baltimore. When it snowed 1/2 inch in Md, the entire city shut down.

myXI · 08-21-2005, 11:25 PM

I placed an order on a 330xi. I know it's heavier (+221lbs), but I storm chase upto the mountains. So it's worth it.

Ponchoyu · 08-22-2005, 12:27 AM

I live in Calgary, AB, Canada where yes, we get the chinooks but we also get the huge dumps of snow from the mountains. I thought about the 330xi but thought that I would be ok with winter tires and still save some weight.....oh welll.....more fun in the snow!

08-14-2005, 06:28 PM	#1
amigos New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Delaware USA iTrader: (0)	330i vs xi I am about to become a first time BMW owner, and recently ordered a 2006 330xi. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to test drive the xi version. I did test drive the 330i and really loved it. My question is to all those who have driven the AWD....is it really a big difference between the xi and i....i mean I have heard that the xi is heavier and slower than the i version. I live on the East Coast and we do get these snow storms every now and then. thanks for your response.
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08-14-2005, 07:37 PM	#2
z1ppo325i Private First Class 13 Rep 107 Posts Drives: blk.s e90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: philadelphia iTrader: (0)	xi is worth it for those days.. and those days only.. nothing a 330i with winter tires can't handle.. its not like we drive like maniacs in the snow anyways.. EAST COAST drivers usually are more aware of the snow condition and can handle with any type of car, unless snow piles up fast from 3-10 inches in which you probly need an suv to get around.. and even SUVs you got drive slow.. I think our DOT guys do a good job salting roads and cleaning roads in good amount of time..
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08-15-2005, 01:04 PM	#3
stressdoc Moderator 619 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	You said it: the xi is heavier and slower. And z1ppo said it: nothing a 330i with snow tires can't handle. The only situation that would justify the xi for me would be living in a rural snowbelt area with a gnarly long hilly driveway. And a job where I could not take the time to plow the road with my tractor.
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08-15-2005, 03:08 PM	#4
Kao BMW iLOVE90 64 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA iTrader: (0)	Yes. All wheel-drives are always heavier.
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08-15-2005, 04:49 PM	#5
MCS e90 newbie 37 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 E93 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I had the same dilemma - went with the rear wheel drive and with the money saved, am ordering the tire rack winter tires and wheels. I didn't think it snows that much in Delaware, only 3-4 times that you have to worry about it in Jan-March?!? Live in Northern NJ now, but went to school in Baltimore. When it snowed 1/2 inch in Md, the entire city shut down.
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08-21-2005, 11:25 PM	#6
myXI Private 2 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 330XI Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I placed an order on a 330xi. I know it's heavier (+221lbs), but I storm chase upto the mountains. So it's worth it.
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08-22-2005, 12:27 AM	#7
Ponchoyu Private First Class 15 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Black Join Date: May 2005 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	I live in Calgary, AB, Canada where yes, we get the chinooks but we also get the huge dumps of snow from the mountains. I thought about the 330xi but thought that I would be ok with winter tires and still save some weight.....oh welll.....more fun in the snow! __________________ ________ 2006 330i Sapphire Black, Premium Package, Sport Package, 6 Sp, Active Steering
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