Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions M340i with RWD or AWD?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-01-2019, 01:13 PM   #23
MT4life
Lieutenant
MT4life's Avatar
576
Rep
584
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i: Last MT 3er in US
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Carolinas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pauleebe View Post
Isn't xDrive the same height as RWD for the G20?

I agree it's heavier.

Is BMW still doing staggered setup for RWD?
I'm not sure with G20, historically Xi was always taller and non-staggered vs staggered 225F and 255R.
If that's not the case that's great. Or are you saying G20 340 is non-staggered?
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2019, 02:02 PM   #24
Pauleebe
Colonel
Pauleebe's Avatar
United_States
380
Rep
2,290
Posts

Drives: Inbetween BMW's.
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MT4life View Post
I'm not sure with G20, historically Xi was always taller and non-staggered vs staggered 225F and 255R.
If that's not the case that's great. Or are you saying G20 340 is non-staggered?
I'm unsure on staggered setup for G20 on RWD being an option.

G20 ride height for xDrive vs RWD is the same.
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2019, 03:28 PM   #25
HighlandPete
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep
15,858
Posts

Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotland, Highland Region

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pauleebe View Post
I'm unsure on staggered setup for G20 on RWD being an option.
Over here in Europe xDrive and RWD (released models) have staggered wheel options.
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2019, 03:50 PM   #26
KoenG
Lieutenant Colonel
Belgium
1418
Rep
1,519
Posts

Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DZ F30 View Post
As someone who lives in a place where it almost never rains, I think I would be more inclined to get an M340i with RWD. However, I'm just curious to see if anyone would rather spec an M340i with AWD instead. If so, why?
AWD is not less than incredible on getting the power down. It's fully idiot driver proof, meaning you just put your foot down even before apex, and it'll manage without any drama. I'd expect the M340i Xdrive to be capable of full throttle accelerating with full steer lock from stand still, without any problem (well, the M5 I drove a year back already did and it flabbergasted me entirely how it could slingshot this heavy machine out of a tight corner!!).

When you're a vehicle balance purist, the RWD has the lesser weight and better distribution of it. Meaning less inertion on directional changes. In all circumstances without throttle, it's sensible nimbler. It has a better fuel efficiency (less transmission line losses), and a bit more poke as from 2nd gear on where traction on the rear suffices to grip. In a corner, the power slide will set in easier. When you like balancing the over/understeer with your right foot, it has the tops.

For a mediocre driver that I'am, I'd go for the AWD since it's all the car I want to get adrenaline pumping in the dry, it's a monster of no equal in the rain, and it won't scare me when I'am in a playfull mood and while I'am at it, it will even make me feel a hero!!
Appreciate 2
      04-01-2019, 04:20 PM   #27
vladmury
First Lieutenant
vladmury's Avatar
Denmark
101
Rep
348
Posts

Drives: 325d E90 LCI M-sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Denmark

iTrader: (0)

Real Bmw has RWD and is the whole essence of Bmw cult, RWD with 6 cylinders. If I want Xdrive, I will buy an Audi quattro.
Appreciate 4
MT4life575.50
stvding660.00
kyrix1st2350.50
      04-01-2019, 05:11 PM   #28
KoenG
Lieutenant Colonel
Belgium
1418
Rep
1,519
Posts

Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pauleebe View Post
Isn't xDrive the same height as RWD for the G20?

I agree it's heavier.

Is BMW still doing staggered setup for RWD?
No.
Appreciate 1
Pauleebe379.50
      04-01-2019, 05:18 PM   #29
KoenG
Lieutenant Colonel
Belgium
1418
Rep
1,519
Posts

Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vladmury View Post
Real Bmw has RWD and is the whole essence of Bmw cult, RWD with 6 cylinders. If I want Xdrive, I will buy an Audi quattro.
Partially yes, but not entirely.

Most Audi Quattro's are reluctant in supporting overpower to oversteer because they're FWD set up to have only RWD assistance come in when overpower requests it. BMW is (should be) the other way around: it pushes the rear to the limit and then it grips on the front to balance. This still provides Xdrive the RWD feeling in contradiction to Quattro.
Appreciate 0
      04-02-2019, 10:27 PM   #30
Fuller
Major
1217
Rep
1,290
Posts

Drives: F36 435i
Join Date: May 2017
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vladmury View Post
Real Bmw has RWD and is the whole essence of Bmw cult, RWD with 6 cylinders. If I want Xdrive, I will buy an Audi quattro.
Yeah but then you'll be stuck with an Audi.
Appreciate 2
KoenG1417.50
530iDriver1707.50
      04-03-2019, 09:04 AM   #31
RM7
Brigadier General
RM7's Avatar
2870
Rep
3,445
Posts

Drives: Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alaska

iTrader: (0)

Definitely X-drive if you want to handicap the suspension.

BMW hates the X-drive 3/4 series and refuses to spec sport suspension on them.
__________________
Current: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE, 2023 Colorado ZR2. Former: BMW 428i Gran Coupe.
Appreciate 1
alex23642846.50
      04-03-2019, 10:05 AM   #32
mkoesel
Moderator
United_States
7506
Rep
19,370
Posts

Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

iTrader: (1)

Like the other two German premium automakers, BMW is largely adopting AWD as a standard feature for mid and high end models, leaving 2WD (be it FWD or RWD) to entry level models only (and even then, mostly just to keep base MSRP down). If you want a RWD BMW with anything other than the base engine from the series, this generation may be your last chance.

Current and future "G generation" vehicles with standard AWD:

G1x M850i, F9x M8
G1x 750i, M760i
G3x M550i, F90 M5
G2x M440i (non-NA), G8x M4
G2x M340i (non-NA), G80 M3
F44 M235i
F4x M135i

G07 X7 M50i
G06 X6 M50i, F96 X6 M
G05 X5 M50i, F95 X5 M
G02 X4 M40i, F98 X4 M
G01 X3 M40i, F97 X3 M
F39 X2 M35i
F48 X1 M35i

Current and future "G Generation" non-base model vehicles with available RWD:

G29 Z4 M40i (RWD only)
G2x M440i (NA), G82 M4 "Pure"
G20 M340i (NA), G80 M3 "Pure"
G42 M240i, G87 M2 (RWD-only)

Depending on sales, I would not be surprised to see the NA-only RWD M340i and M440i go away for the LCI models.
Appreciate 1
Ilyam5888.50
      04-03-2019, 05:42 PM   #33
alex2364
Colonel
alex2364's Avatar
2847
Rep
2,740
Posts

Drives: 2020 M4 ZCP / 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northern VA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2020 BMW M4  [10.00]
2023 BMW X3 M40i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
Like the other two German premium automakers, BMW is largely adopting AWD as a standard feature for mid and high end models, leaving 2WD (be it FWD or RWD) to entry level models only (and even then, mostly just to keep base MSRP down). If you want a RWD BMW with anything other than the base engine from the series, this generation may be your last chance.

Current and future "G generation" vehicles with standard AWD:

G1x M850i, F9x M8
G1x 750i, M760i
G3x M550i, F90 M5
G2x M440i (non-NA), G8x M4
G2x M340i (non-NA), G80 M3
F44 M235i
F4x M135i

G07 X7 M50i
G06 X6 M50i, F96 X6 M
G05 X5 M50i, F95 X5 M
G02 X4 M40i, F98 X4 M
G01 X3 M40i, F97 X3 M
F39 X2 M35i
F48 X1 M35i

Current and future "G Generation" non-base model vehicles with available RWD:

G29 Z4 M40i (RWD only)
G2x M440i (NA), G82 M4 "Pure"
G20 M340i (NA), G80 M3 "Pure"
G42 M240i, G87 M2 (RWD-only)

Depending on sales, I would not be surprised to see the NA-only RWD M340i and M440i go away for the LCI models.
This is a shame. I would jump to Audi for AWD and Porsche if I want to stay with RWD. No reason to stay with BMW at this point.
Appreciate 0
      04-03-2019, 05:43 PM   #34
Cortexiphan
Major
Cortexiphan's Avatar
2025
Rep
1,195
Posts

Drives: 24' BMW iX
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Boston, MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vladmury View Post
Real Bmw has RWD and is the whole essence of Bmw cult, RWD with 6 cylinders. If I want Xdrive, I will buy an Audi quattro.
Not really. That was in the old days. XDrive drives like a RWD, and oversteer when DSC is off. Quattro drives like a nose-heavy understeering FWD VW. So xdrive is better. But I would still get RWD if I wasn’t in New England.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes View Post
Definitely X-drive if you want to handicap the suspension.

BMW hates the X-drive 3/4 series and refuses to spec sport suspension on them.
G20 and G30 xdrive MSport have sport suspension. You’re a bit behind.

Last edited by Cortexiphan; 04-03-2019 at 05:50 PM..
Appreciate 2
      04-03-2019, 05:54 PM   #35
CrownRoyal79
Lieutenant
CrownRoyal79's Avatar
United_States
283
Rep
402
Posts

Drives: BMW 435i
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: VA

iTrader: (0)

I chose RWD because it's a lot more fun to drive. I don't care if the xDrive is faster 0-60. For the few times each year that it snows in my area, the M340i will stay parked.
Appreciate 0
      04-03-2019, 10:45 PM   #36
Fuller
Major
1217
Rep
1,290
Posts

Drives: F36 435i
Join Date: May 2017
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Rwd is better than fwd, but beyond that, rwd is overrated.
Appreciate 0
      04-03-2019, 10:51 PM   #37
themnmd
Colonel
themnmd's Avatar
United_States
1687
Rep
2,699
Posts

Drives: 23 X5MC
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: San Rafael CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by xlover View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
RWD

The value of XDrive (when equipped with proper winter tires) will help get you going on snow/ice. If that is not a factor, the next possible benefit is helping get power to the ground by splitting it among 4 tires if the torque would overwhelm just two. I don't think we have much of that situation here either. I think I recall reading a benefit of .1 second to 60, which might interest the drag-race obsessed, assuming one pulls away from standstill at WOT very often.

Against that you incur:
  • reduced steering feel
  • more tendency to understeer
  • more purchase price
  • more maintenance cost
  • more fuel consumption

XDrive should be chosen if/when absolutely necessary, not as the default.
Disagree with this, maybe it was accurate when awd was first introduced but in modern bmws the xdrive system is full integrated into the stability control and traction management systems. The computers are constantly balancing torque delivery using the awd diff front/rear and the electronic rear diff left/right. IMO you are handicapping the car by choosing rwd. For a modern performance awd system it's like cutting off an arm by taking away the ability to use the front wheels
+1
Appreciate 1
xlover2191.00
      04-03-2019, 10:56 PM   #38
RM7
Brigadier General
RM7's Avatar
2870
Rep
3,445
Posts

Drives: Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alaska

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cortexiphan View Post


G20 and G30 xdrive MSport have sport suspension. You’re a bit behind.

Explain. What is the mm difference in the sway-bars? How are the bushings/arms different? Spring rates? Dampers?

Or are we just calling adaptive dampers "sport suspension/track handling", like BMW has for years on the x-drives, while retaining the base suspension components?
__________________
Current: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE, 2023 Colorado ZR2. Former: BMW 428i Gran Coupe.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 08:02 AM   #39
nadal28
New Member
8
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: BMW E46 325ci
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Spain

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
Over here in Europe xDrive and RWD (released models) have staggered wheel options.
do you know if in Europe I will be able to buy m340i RWD ?
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 11:13 AM   #40
xlover
Colonel
No_Country
2191
Rep
2,554
Posts

Drives: 2023 X7 40i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cortexiphan View Post


G20 and G30 xdrive MSport have sport suspension. You’re a bit behind.

Explain. What is the mm difference in the sway-bars? How are the bushings/arms different? Spring rates? Dampers?

Or are we just calling adaptive dampers "sport suspension/track handling", like BMW has for years on the x-drives, while retaining the base suspension components?
The new G series chassis's share the same suspension and ride height for xdrive and rwd in msport and m performance variations. Regardless of selection of static or adaptive dampeners.

Not sure about base rwd and awd but I believe it is true for those as well.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 11:23 AM   #41
CrownRoyal79
Lieutenant
CrownRoyal79's Avatar
United_States
283
Rep
402
Posts

Drives: BMW 435i
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: VA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by xlover View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cortexiphan View Post


G20 and G30 xdrive MSport have sport suspension. You're a bit behind.

Explain. What is the mm difference in the sway-bars? How are the bushings/arms different? Spring rates? Dampers?

Or are we just calling adaptive dampers "sport suspension/track handling", like BMW has for years on the x-drives, while retaining the base suspension components?
The new G series chassis's share the same suspension and ride height for xdrive and rwd in msport and m performance variations. Regardless of selection of static or adaptive dampeners.

Not sure about base rwd and awd but I believe it is true for those as well.
The part numbers for the springs and dampers are different for the M340i and M340xi and these are different than any of the 330i part numbers. Of course, that doesn't tell us anything about ride height.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 12:30 PM   #42
volsfan0911
Private First Class
28
Rep
135
Posts

Drives: 2017 VW GTI
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ellicott City, MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nadal28 View Post
do you know if in Europe I will be able to buy m340i RWD ?
No. US market is getting RWD but Euro market is AWD only at this point.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 01:19 PM   #43
BigSky702
Captain
BigSky702's Avatar
687
Rep
911
Posts

Drives: 2016 M4 Sakhir Orange
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Ashame we cannot disengage xdrive like M5!
__________________
Current: 2020 M340i

Previous: 2016 M4 Sakhir Orange

Not too distant future: ///M3 or ///M5 (ED)
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 02:58 PM   #44
RM7
Brigadier General
RM7's Avatar
2870
Rep
3,445
Posts

Drives: Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alaska

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrownRoyal79 View Post
The part numbers for the springs and dampers are different for the M340i and M340xi and these are different than any of the 330i part numbers. Of course, that doesn't tell us anything about ride height.
Which they would be if x-drive is heavier. Requires slightly stiffer sometimes and damping rates. Doesn’t mean sport.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:36 AM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST