Good evening. I am not a current BMW owner, but am seriously looking at the 335 model. I'm having a dilemma on whether to choose the i or xi model.

Now, model difference is obviously the all-wheel drive vs. the rear wheel drive. I'm sure the xi would be more sure footed during inclement weather, but in St. Louis we only get a few bad wintery days a year. Would I be foresaking performance by going with the xi? There is a sports option for the xi which includes high performance tires, but even the brochure states that these tires are not recommended for snow. Technically then, it would seem the all-weather tires would be more complementary to the xi simply because of the nature of the beast. But in my naive opinion, putting performance tires on the xi would negate any benefits gained by having the all-wheel drive in the first place. Sortof like putting performance tires on my Durango 4 wheel drive. Sure you can do it, but what's the point? The all-wheel drive is not going to help me if the tires its riding on act like glass during bad weather. Yes, I'm sure there would be more stability from an all-wheel drive over a rear wheel drive regardless of the tires, but is it simply worth the additional cost, and possible regrettable loss of performance later (buyer's remorse)? I'd like to hear the opinions of those way more familiar with BMW vehicles in general than I am.

Thank you very much,

imaginos

I think the best way to go is to get the sport package with the nice big wheels and also get some winter wheels with true snow tires on them and switch for the winter or whenever a storm may come up. that way you're not missing out on performance (AWD works well in the dry too btw) and you surely get the best possible scenario in the snow.

In my opinion if there isn't much use for the AWD except for a few times out of the year, then save the extra money and put some more options on a 335i. Even on those bad weather days, there isn't a reason to drive normally because you have AWD. I figure it's only worth it if you have to drive in bad weather often.

You can already tell how much us current E92 love the car in it's RWD form. You wouldn't make a bad choice picking either, but I think you would be better off saving the extra cash and adding an option you may have considered or saving it for another use.

BTW: If there's an option I wish I had gotten, it would have been Comfort Access. Never had it before so I don't miss it, but now that I've seen others have it and use it... I'm in envy lol.

Welcome to the club! (future greeting)