[335aw]

Getting ready to start getting more specific on the M440i that I want to look for / build and am pretty torn on the AWD vs RWD decision. This would be my daily driver so consider that in the decision.

I live in the SE and we see snow about once every 3+ years so that is not too much of a concern. AWD would really nice to have but not mandatory.

I know the car is faster and would handle better with AWD and I balance that against the maintenance and the tires concern. I have had a nail in a tire at times and my understanding is that with AWD I likely would have to replace all 4 and not just the one or two at worst with a RWD setup.

What are your thoughts in this?
Is the tire concern real? When does that come into play?
How drastic would the treads have to be to be forced to replace all 4 tires?
Do tire warranties (like at a Discount Tire) cover the need to replace the others if you get a nail to help offset that cost?

[Montaver]

It's an on demand AWD system so most of the time it feels very much like a RWD car (which it is). The AWD is super impressive in the wet, you can go WOT and the car just grips and goes even with plenty of standing water. If you get a flat you wouldn't need to replace all 4 tires. For a daily driver I think X-drive has no real downsides really.

[zazzau]

What the other poster said. I've had flats/nails on my xDrive a couple of times and the dealer replaced only the affected tire. Obviously you want your tires wearing evenly and if it's way off I can see why you'd want to replace both tires on the same axle.

[KarimS]

RWD is US-only and was originally disappointed I had to go for xDrive. But it’s been phenomenal tbh. It’s a powerful beast and xDrive really makes it feel safe to drive as crazy as you want. I’d say go for it.

[Seba77W]

Yep as others have said the handling on xDrive is pretty ridiculous. It’s almost a GT-R like system and can send torque to each individual wheel as needed. Also helps with resale value of the car.

[LostInSpace]

AWD all the way, and better resale value. Better off the line, in rain, in snow with AS tires, handling is great.

[madpistol]

xDrive baby! The only downside is you can’t roast the rear tires. It just goes. I actually find that my xDrive M440i GC navigates corners easier than my old RWD M340i. The front tires pull you through the corner, but step on the gas mid corner and let the rear wag its tail. It’s an amazingly dialed in system.

[335aw]

Thanks everyone. Great feedback.

[toddwalton]

Go RWD. You want the financial savings ($2,000) and the weight savings (200 pounds). You’ll never drive the car hard enough to appreciate the AWD dry traction and the RWD is better in the curves.

[dhock_holiday]

RWD like the founding fathers intended

[KTN]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Go RWD. You want the financial savings ($2,000) and the weight savings (200 pounds). You’ll never drive the car hard enough to appreciate the AWD dry traction and the RWD is better in the curves.

*Weight difference is 60 kg / 132 pounds.

[G22Junkie]

Originally Posted by 335aw

Getting ready to start getting more specific on the M440i that I want to look for / build and am pretty torn on the AWD vs RWD decision. This would be my daily driver so consider that in the decision.

I live in the SE and we see snow about once every 3+ years so that is not too much of a concern. AWD would really nice to have but not mandatory.

I know the car is faster and would handle better with AWD and I balance that against the maintenance and the tires concern. I have had a nail in a tire at times and my understanding is that with AWD I likely would have to replace all 4 and not just the one or two at worst with a RWD setup.

What are your thoughts in this?
Is the tire concern real? When does that come into play?
How drastic would the treads have to be to be forced to replace all 4 tires?
Do tire warranties (like at a Discount Tire) cover the need to replace the others if you get a nail to help offset that cost?

I have a 22 M440i xdrive and I just got my first flat in it last week… I did not have to replace any other additional tires only the 1. I called BMW roadside assistance and they came and got the car and brought to my local BMW (where I actually purchased the vehicle) all free of charge. Only thing I paid for was the tire and install itself. As far as xdrive… I love it. Hook and launch off the line is crazy and the handling at higher speeds is on point as well. When driving wet roads I really notice a difference as well, I never get that feeling it could break loose feels extremely well planted. I say go for it but ultimately it’s dependent on your personal needs

[NGT2]

I had a 2018 540i and now a 2020 M550i xdrive. I don’t notice a big divergence in RWD and AWD in any normal driving. I drove the 540 fast and had fun driving it on some two lane highways with some elevation change and sharp curves. But I never lost any traction or noticed any oversteer. Probably didn’t drive it hard enough. I definitely drive it way more carefully in the rain/wet.

With the M550 with xdrive, I can drive however I want (within reason and common sense) in dry or wet. Obviously, tires matter but you’re not going to be using cheap or crappy tires. I like the security of the added traction in any condition. Never noticed any understeer. Most of the time, it feels the same as the RWD did.

If you don’t need to prioritize the cost saving, I’d get the xdrive. It will hold its value for resale. And if you try to trade a RWD to a dealer further north, they won’t want it. I know from experience.

All that said, if I was building an M340 (I’ve considered it) and had a hard budget to stick to, I’d probably choose other options with the money. But that’s personal preference. If you’re worried about the driving feeling different, don’t. Like I said, 90% of the time you won’t tell the difference. Or I don’t.