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.

I was wondering this myself about the new 3's. I havnt seen any [probably becuase they arent at dealerships yet :dunno] and im curious as to how iDrive is going to play into the feel and stability with awd.

I was wondering this myself about the new 3's. I havnt seen any [probably becuase they arent at dealerships yet :dunno] and im curious as to how iDrive is going to play into the feel and stability with awd.

I think it's safe to say unless anyone has some serious BMW connections that no one here has driven a E90 xi car. The aren't starting production untill first week of September. Also, if the 3's turn out like the 5's, they will have a unique suspension that is just in the AWD variant. I believe this will be the case since there is no mention of any suspension changes when the sport package is bought in the AWD cars and the price is lower than a RWD 3 series. In the case of the 5 series, the AWD's don't seem to feel quite as good in the turns as the RWD's, but they are still more than capable. Your adding about 200lbs to the car and raising it's ride height/center of gravity slightly, so handling at the limit will ultimately be comprimised. And I believe you meant x-Drive and not i-Drive, since i-Drive has no effect on the cars driving characteristics.