M3 350Z

My question: is the difference in performance between the 328i and the 328xi enough to give up the AWD for snow that happens a handful of times a year where i live? Or is the performance difference negligable and mine as well get the AWD. 335i is too expensive for me

Beltfed

There is about a .5 sec difference in the 0-60 time between the two.

On the 328i, you'll need dedicated snow tires for the bad weather.....especially if you get the sport package (comes with Summer tires). So you'll need a set of Blizzak's or the like, they run fine in the snow.

So, that's what you have to decide.

M3 350Z

Exactly. I'm deciding whether a couple of tenths of a second is worth a couple of times a year in the bad weather.

GIBSON6594

To me it's a no brainer, get the 328i and winter tires. I think people are under the misconception that winter tires are an extra expense. While you do have to buy an extra set of tires they also prolong the life of your non winter tires, allowing you to go a longer period of time without have to replace them. Get the best of both worlds at a minimal extra expense.

Beltfed

If it were me, I would get the 328i....not the Xi.

Diminished performance, for diminished return on usefulness.

Just go the snow tire route. My buddy who has a 330 coupe currently, is ordering a 335 sedan at the end of the month and will just go with snows once again.

S14 n Tsx

If you think you need all wheel drive then get the xi but if its not then go with 328i.

jz-97-c7

150%

M3 350Z

Do dedicated snow tires make THAT much of a difference? I've never had them myself. You guys just mount them yourself one by one?

Crazy Bimmer

yes, snow tires makes a huge difference on any setup.


You mount them one by one as if you were changing a flat. How much cheaper would your lease payment be if you went with the 328i instead?

dom

and

Beltfed

Well for 24 and 36 months, the rate is slightly higher on the Xi (4.56% vs. 3.72%) and the base price is $1,900 more on the Xi.

If I had to guess without running a lease (on average), the Xi is probably about $60-$65 more a month on a 36 month term.

February rates.......add 2 points for 12k mi, 3 for 10k mi.

2007 BMW 328 Series 328i Sedan / Compare Bank Lease Programs

24 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 71% of MSRP – .00155 Money Factor Buy Rate
36 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 61% of MSRP – .00155 Money Factor Buy Rate
48 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 44% of MSRP – .00320 Money Factor Buy Rate
60 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 35% of MSRP – .00320 Money Factor Buy Rate

2007 BMW 328 Series 328xi Sedan / Compare Bank Lease Programs

24 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 71% of MSRP – .00190 Money Factor Buy Rate
36 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 61% of MSRP – .00190 Money Factor Buy Rate
48 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 44% of MSRP – .00320 Money Factor Buy Rate
60 mo/15k mi – Residual Value 35% of MSRP – .00320 Money Factor Buy Rate

M3 350Z

The swap could be worth it over 3 years considering the snow tires...but is the performance difference THAT different and are the snow tires sufficient for hills and such

picus

I drive my 335i with snow tires in the snow with no problem at all. Snow tires make *all* the difference. I actually put my snows on the stock wheels, so it isn't an optimized setup (18x255 in the rear), but it still works fine. I was out today and didn't have any problems. If you put 17x225's I can't imagine having any issues with daily driving in the snow.

I bought my snow tires (hankook w300's) for $811 from tiretrends, and sold my rft's for $1000.

Shoofin

After today's weather, I'm so all over a 328xi coupe.... Almost willing to give up 2 cars to get that one car....

daemonicus

forget the lease, just get it over with, and pay for it in full. also, think about how long .5 seconds is, it's such an insignificant time difference, it's the equivelant of snapping your fingers so who really cares. they're both quick cars.

M3 350Z

This is true...but i'm definitely going with the lease. Residual after 3 years is 64% so you're only paying for about 1/3 of the car. Meaning, to pay off over 3 years the payments would be almost triple. Plus I like to get a new car every couple years. BMWUSA works the lease on the xi and i to be bout the same. Hmmm. Either one is a big step up from my Mazda6

Beltfed

Bad advice, the 3 sedan leases out like very well....high residual and a subsidized rate.

There is little reason not to lease it.

1. If you mod the crap out of your car

2. You do way too many miles a year for it to work.


And to me, a .5 sec difference in 0-60 is a big deal.

Beltfed

You don't go by BMWUSA's website. You actually have to calculate the lease yourself to get an accurate idea.

That aside, the Xi is more expensive to lease than the 2wd model.

Ok, I was close but a tad off ($15). I did a base $ vs. base $ car (no options, no discounts). Actual dealer quote could vary due to additional fees.

328Xi 36 months/ 12k miles/ tax & tags up front.

$459/month

328i 36 months/12k miles/ tax & tags up front.

$415/month.