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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series AWD - Pros and Cons
74 messages, Last post on Feb 04, 2008 at 4:16 PM
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Replying to: dsurti (Aug 11, 2006 11:35 am) IMO, get the 330 with sport package (sport tires sport suspension) and buy yourself a set of snow tires.. The 2006 330xi SP does not alter the stock suspension but I have one and it handles phenominally...drove a 330i standard suspension and my car felt more planted. |
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Replying to: aschribe (Aug 06, 2006 10:04 am) abfisch |
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Many years ago, I switched from RWD to FWD based on driving experiences in the Washington DC metro area and weekend journeys to mid Atlantic ski resorts. Around here, ice, sleet and freezing rain pose a real problem. Everything else being equal, I found FWD much more reassuring for me than RWD on icy roads, and less worrisome than RWD on snow covered roads; e.g., when the drive wheels on FWD lose traction, the rear end does not kick sideways. For many years, I never considered owning a BMW becasue they were RWD. I understand the advantages of RWD, and am not saying RWD is bad. But I only have one car and want to use it all year long in any condition, so for my own preferences and priorities, RWD is not a good choice for me. When I started looking for a new car circa 2003, I initially focused on the Acura TL. But then I read how the TL is fine up to a point, but beyond that point the FWD was a limiting factor, so I considered the G35x, but did not like the interior at all. I looked at the Audi A4 quatro, but then started reading about the BMW 330Xi which supposedly retained the feel of a RWD sports sedan in an AWD configuration. I test drove a previously ownded 330Xi and I was immediately sold. We bought a pair of 2001 330Xis, one for my wfe and one for myself. They had summer tires, and on several occasions I ran into problems on snowy / icy roads, so AWD by itself is not a panacea. But, there were a couple of critical times where I was able to maneuver the car out of trouble with the AWD, and do not think I could have done that with RWD, so I am a big fan of AWD. We started having trouble with the 2001 330Xis after the original warranty expired, and I did not buy an extended warranty when I purchased the cars. So, in January of this year we decided to trade both of them in for new models with new warranties. I liked what I read about the new X drive AWD, and we bought an X3 for my wife and a 330Xi for myself. We both love the sportiness of driving these vehicles combined with what we consider the reassurance of AWD. YMMV Bruce
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I have decided that AWD is a good feature to have if you live in areas with a snowy/icy winter. My question is quite simple. Do any of you have any opinion on which wagon (BMW AWD or Audi Quattro) is the better all around year long family car? Driving conditions will be through the heat of summer and extreme cold and snow of winter. Any experiences or thoughts?
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Replying to: sox_443 (Sep 23, 2006 9:19 am) |
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Replying to: bruceomega (Sep 23, 2006 8:58 am) |
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Replying to: msfitnetz (Oct 05, 2006 1:20 am) I'm at work now, so from fading memory the problems we had with our 2001 330Xi's included window regulators going out, high pressure power steering hose leaks, front suspension problems (lower control arm bushings?), and a broken rear spring with cars that only had about 35,000 miles on them. The kicker was when we started hearing a funny noise when backing up in the automatic transmission car, and the dealer diagnosed it as a transfer case going bad. At that point, we traded the pair of 2001's in for a 2006 X3 and a 2006 330Xi. The X3 has been a jewel. The new 330Xi is a great car, except for the Bridgestone RFTs, and just recently a problem with the steering wheel lock indicator. The car was at the dealer's for 5 days sorting that out, and when I picked it up last night there was a problem with operating the satellite radio. I'm taking it back next Tuesday for them to work on the satellite radio issue (computer reprogramming?). If this is any help, we purchased our 2001 330Xis (previously owned) from: http://www.onlybmws.com/ in Manassas Park. I found they have better prices than BMW dealers for both used car purchase and for repairs, and they do a very good job with repairs. If I were to purchase a used BMW again, I would definitely get an extended warrantry to take over coverage after the factory warranty expires. Thanks Bruce |
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Replying to: msfitnetz (Oct 05, 2006 1:20 am) I lease a 330xi, 36 months. My thinking is that 4 year warrantee covers me and I will not need to extend warrantee after I trade. These cars are great but because of the high tech added each year, complex repairs are costly. I had only one issue with the air bag sensor that failed last March. After a computer re-set and a recurrence, they changed the entire wiring harness inside the steering wheel. No problem now. Car had no other problems after 9 months, 10K miles. Really appreciate the performance even with RFT issue. AWD is great in rain/snow. If you get a CPO, warrantee covers repairs for some time. Good luck with your decision. Great cars.
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Replying to: circlew (Oct 06, 2006 12:18 pm) I have checked a few places in my search this long holiday weekend. I have already decided the warranty is amust. Fixed budgeting so I need some little assurance with repairs. I drove another 330xi and I must say. Its like being in a glove and puts a smile on my face. The power is exciting. Although I am sure teh 325xi will work that extra kick is nice. I will check out www.onlybmws.com ( or I hope to today). Carmax has a car with every option I want just overpriced and as we know they will not haggle. It seems everyday more cars on the market as people opt out and buy the new one doesn't help my decision any ( too many toys for a girl!). I do see more cars up north in NY, NJ and PA. Only concern there is if not garaged. Unfortunately mine will not be but I plan to cover it. msfitnetz
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Replying to: msfitnetz (Oct 08, 2006 5:02 am) Good luck with your search. Did you see any CPO cars yet? |
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