[g20exaudinoob]

I'm in the market for a M340i, and most of you know these are pretty hard to find nowadays. I ended up deciding to order a 2024, however I found a perfect spec used, low miles and good price but it's a non-xDrive version. I live in upstate NY where our winters are a little challenging at times. However, these are realistically only a few days of the year and I work hybrid. Would I be fine with the RWD version or is xDrive a must where I live?

[G30M]

RWD is fine, but you must use winter tires

it's possible that all weather tires might be ok. most all season tires are not all weather tires. check the reviews.

[TheJungatron]

This would give you an idea of RWD in snow. It works if you have the right tires

[paulymu]

I’m in NJ and i’m asking myself the same question.

[Paulskit]

Originally Posted by g20exaudinoob

I'm in the market for a M340i, and most of you know these are pretty hard to find nowadays. I ended up deciding to order a 2024, however I found a perfect spec used, low miles and good price but it's a non-xDrive version. I live in upstate NY where our winters are a little challenging at times. However, these are realistically only a few days of the year and I work hybrid. Would I be fine with the RWD version or is xDrive a must where I live?

I always come back to AWD, so much more usable in every condition possible, whether it's cold, wet or hot. Don't want to struggle with grip in my daily. Even if it's a few weeks per year.
At the same time, if there is a great deal and you're willing to compromise, I'm pretty sure it won't disappoint.

[TheJungatron]

The only time I’ve ever struggled with grip in this car is launching it hard in the wet but doing that is fun. You should have no problems at all daily this car. the traction control system is amazing and fun in non grippy situations. If you want to be a street racer or drag racer go all wheel drive.

[toddwalton]

Fun Fact:

RWD + Snow Tires is vastly superior in snow, ice, and slush to AWD + All Seasons.

Do it.

[Panscan340]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Fun Fact:

RWD + Snow Tires is vastly superior in snow, ice, and slush to AWD + All Seasons.

Do it.

Or do awd plus snow tires and have the absolute best situation. Awd is better traction in all situations . Can easily turn off traction control and get as loose as you want.

[totalone]

AWD, unless you plan to regularly take your car to track and abuse donuts. No other point in RWD, if just driving in city roads for 95% of the time.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Panscan340

Or do awd plus snow tires and have the absolute best situation. Awd is better traction in all situations . Can easily turn off traction control and get as loose as you want.

Most are choosing between AWD + All Seasons and RWD + Winter Tires.

Those who would get snow tires regardless of drivetrain would get AWD too.

RWD is an option for those of us who just get a little snow. Like Upstate NY to the Carolina's as an example.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by totalone

AWD, unless you plan to regularly take your car to track and abuse donuts. No other point in RWD, if just driving in city roads for 95% of the time.

Not true:

1. XDrive adds 200+ pounds of weight.

2. XDrive adds $2,000 in cost.

That’s carrying one extra adult overweight passenger with you at all times and a couple of grand in potential performance upgrades. There is definitely a point to RWD.

[dhock_holiday]

RWD as the founding fathers intended

[g20exaudinoob]

Thanks guys, I decided to go with the RWD and placed a deposit down
Cannot wait to get it picked up. Just have to find a nice pair of winters to go with it.

[billnchristy]

I lived in Ballston Spa from 02-05 and drove the following vehicles:
1990 Taurus SHO (FWD)
1989 Audi 80 (FWD)
2000 ford explorer (AWD)

I had no problem with the fwd cars and never put winter tires on.

[totalone]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Not true:

1. XDrive adds 200+ pounds of weight.

2. XDrive adds $2,000 in cost.

That’s carrying one extra adult overweight passenger with you at all times and a couple of grand in potential performance upgrades. There is definitely a point to RWD.

Agreed. But I feel like it all falls in fair judgement. For example, if you are trying to push the limits with b58, might as well go 2series and save on power weight ratio as well as money on upgrades. This also accounts for the money as they are also slightly cheaper.

If you just planning to drive daily and not abuse it often, extra passenger will not be noted and extra 2k will definitely make you feel safer in AWD.

If OP want to get max out of the car and have fun in it, all mean RWD is the way to go. I happen to be taking my M440 to track not as often as well as spinning donuts. AWD was obvious choice for me.

But if OP takes this car to work and back and occasionally to track, saving 2k and performance upgrades is just not as important.

Again that is just me thinking

[KTN]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Not true:

1. XDrive adds 200+ pounds of weight.

2. XDrive adds $2,000 in cost.

That’s carrying one extra adult overweight passenger with you at all times and a couple of grand in potential performance upgrades. There is definitely a point to RWD.

Nor here, nor there, but your first point is also not accurate.
RWD vs xDrive difference per official specs should be 117 pounds.

[drexplode]

RWD all day unless it's a X-vehicle.

[TakeshiJin]

I honestly agree with total too. Their's no right or wrong answer; there realistically is a compromise everywhere if were accounting price. In a perfect world with no wallets we would go all the way up to a M3 CS.

However we make our wallets speak with our interest.

Is xDrive needed? Nope ; slap on winter tires call it a day.

Is it more usable more often? Hell Yes!

Is it more fun more often? Hell yes every-time I am at the front of a stop light ; gunning it with no wheel slip and smoking that Model 3 puts a hilarious smile on my face. If y'll wanna bring corners and track ; it better be more then the 5/7 days you commuting.

If this was an M3 Comp; xDrive is pretty much preferred. All of the reviews on the internet car publisher agree as well.

In the end you need to drive them BOTH and decide what's more fun for you.

[Panscan340]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Not true:

1. XDrive adds 200+ pounds of weight.

2. XDrive adds $2,000 in cost.

That’s carrying one extra adult overweight passenger with you at all times and a couple of grand in potential performance upgrades. There is definitely a point to RWD.

X drive is a performance upgrade.

[dod328430]

Might not be the best comparison but my 2023 430i xdride handles/drives so much better than my 2013 328i RWD. It's so much more fun to drive than my old car. Wasn't planning on getting the xdrive but that was my only choice at the time as my order was stuck in QC for 60+ days and I found a similar spec in Chicago.

[randomserious]

Originally Posted by Panscan340

X drive is a performance upgrade.

for those that care about straightline speed only, otherwise it's a liability in all aspects of money, reliability, and fun.

[g20exaudinoob]

5 month update with my sDrive M340i. Had a few snowstorms with a pair of winter tires and it handles better then any AWD or FWD sedan/SUV I've driven. So glad I went RWD. Handles like a dream and the traction control handles the car so well in every condition. Also, being able to drift in the snow and turns makes it all the more worth it.