Just as the title says, I’m looking to purchase a 340i with a manual. I was originally only interested in the x drive models because I’m buying this to daily and I live in the northeast. With that being said, there’s 2 mint condition loaded rwd models within a few hours from me that fall right into my price range. I’ve driven my fwd tl type s through many winters, and even made it through the past 2 on all season tires with no issue (which I’m not selling so I’ll have 2 cars). I also have a job that I am fortunate enough to work from home. Would buying a rwd be advisable as I also plan on tuning it and doing tasteful mods, nothing crazy. I’ve never driven a rwd 340 so I’m not sure how I’d like it over an awd one either. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I love my RWD. I had an AWD 2019 330i and I hated the understeer, but the feeling of the RWD is right up my alley. This is my first RWD car and I don’t regret it one bit.
4 > 2
Rear drive is the fun drive.
Traction control and being heads up is all you’ll need for the occasional snow.
RWD with winter tires. Unless you live in like Vermont
Coming from a RWD owner - go xDrive. Here’s why:
First of all, the 340i RWD doesn’t come with a traditional LSD, so you miss out on most of the “fun” elements of having an RWD in that sense. I was shocked to learn this after I bought it. BMW make you move up to the M models to get this (or you can retrofit one, but they’re expensive).
Second, and related to the first, the RWD model seriously struggles for traction in 1st and 2nd gear, even when stock in the hot and dry. When you feel like accelerating quickly from a traffic light, the RWD isn’t much fun. What’s the point in having all this power and not being able to put it down on the road?
We don’t get the xDrive model where I live, otherwise I would 100% go for it.
xDrive still gives you a rear wheel biased power split, I believe 60% rear / 40% front. You can still have fun with it but the best part is not worrying about spinning tires. Gets you off the line much faster. I personally, would want xDrive if there was a chance of driving in the snow.
If you expect to regularly drive every day regardless of the weather, get snow tires. If you don’t actually have to drive in foul weather, A/S are fine. I’ve only ever owned RWD cars and used to have to drive the length of the NJTP regardless of the weather. As long as you are a reasonably competent driver you will be perfectly fine on snow tires.
X drive. I was a rwd for life rabble rouser and then I got spoiled by x drive. It’s just better.
Selfishly- what spec are you looking for? One of my coworkers just traded in his Dravit over Tacora Red very well equipped m340xi (with snows)… it’s not a few hours from you but shipping is an easy option!
RWD requires less maintenance and is more efficient but AWD handles better in the snow.
That’s cool you get those in the US, for 2017+ they didn’t offer any RWD 3-series apart from the M3, all xDrive. Might have been special order only but I doubt it.
I think you’d be fine either way, but I would 100% get a good set of winter tires. If you do get the xDrive there’s an app called xDelete which can turn your xDrive car into a RWD on demand.
I have a 4wd manual one, it wont kick the tail on dry tarmac but is very very balanced. In the snow, its very tail happy
Your front wheels steer. That’s already one hard job, why would you give them even more to do?
I had an X drive 335 and then got the rear wheel drive 340 which comes with the 704 M sport suspension and significantly improves the driving experience, in my opinion. Including the shift from the N55 to B58, true night and day difference. Only reason I got rid of that car was to move to the F80. Still love the 340 and keep in touch with the new owner, great car. Tommy L daily drove his F80 in the snow, so it can happen.
AWD donuts in the snow is so fun
Snow tyres transform RWD. Without them, you are not going anywhere. I’d be happy with the RWD.
