[WhiteBeard]

I narrowed down my choice to F30 335 with M-Performance package and 8-spd AT, but I'm on a fence with RWD vs AWD. I can drive both in winter - that's not a problem, but I have questions about modding potential or limitations of AWD? Anyone know if AWD in F30 has same issues like in E90? I'm talking about front axles going through oil pan and nightmare to change or work on it when/if needed and also in E90 AWD was more or less weakest point when modding the car (it usually went before transmission or other parts). I know F30 can't be modded as high as n54, but still if I'm looking at 500whp+ I need to know if AWD is the weakest link in F30 335
Thanks

[mike@x-ph.com]

I would get RWD unless Xdrive is a must in your area during winter

[BryanF30]

If AWD isn't a requirement AND you plan on staying below like 500whp, go RWD. I live in New England and got xdrive. Now I'm wishing I got rwd almost. Or an m3. All of the good suspension parts are for rwd. And installing the dp and chargepipes etc are more difficult with xdrive. Not to mention added weight and ever so slight understeer.

[tturedraider]

RWD

[Prossx]

Originally Posted by WhiteBeard

I'm looking at 500whp+
Thanks

Why?

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by Prossx

Why?

To put it simply I'm coming from a under-powered slow 2007 e90 328xi AT with n51 engine - it's basically 0-60 in 8 sec at best - yes, I'm right there with minivans and SUVs. I had almost 10 years of this and now want to change to something a lot more powerful. I was thinking about n54, but it looks like n55 is a better choice, more reliable. I really like F30 design, it has grown on me and I decided this time to go for 335 F30 and mod it to the max

[kpgray]

RWD M-Sport is 20 MM lower center of gravity and is 125 pounds lighter on the front end! This gives better balance and handling. The xDrive may have the initial off line acceleration (hence the slightly quicker 0-60 time) but you lose in every other area (heavier steering, more body roll, etc.). Get RWD!

[WhiteBeard]

Thanks guys - it looks like RWD is the way to go. What's the widest rear tire you can safely put on F30 without fender rolling?

[BryanF30]

If you're truly looking for 500+ whp then I say get the xdrive. It will put the power down. You can get coilovers to address the suspension.

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by BryanF30

If you're truly looking for 500+ whp then I say get the xdrive. It will put the power down. You can get coilovers to address the suspension.

Forgive my ignorance, but on e90 consensus was that anything above 500whp mandated only RWD due to weak transfer case in AWD. I don't know if on F30 AWD is more robust or not?

[spuntyb]

RWD always. xDrive is decent, but nothing to write home about. RWD with good snows will be fine.

As for the 500hp, xdrive may help you link up slightly better, but only just so much.

[NWest]

Have you considered a used or CPO M3?

It will get you closer to your magic 500+whp number, RWD, stronger engine internals + LSD.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by NWest

Have you considered a used or CPO M3?

It will get you closer to your magic 500+whp number, RWD, stronger engine internals + LSD.

+1 for LSD

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by NWest

Have you considered a used or CPO M3?

It will get you closer to your magic 500+whp number, RWD, stronger engine internals + LSD.

M3 is a dream car, but too expensive. On top of that modding it to bring it to 500whp will be even more expensive.

n54 only needs $1500 to make it 500hp at crank. Supercharger for M3 E92 is $10-14k alone. The closest car that has 500whp stock is F10 M5, but that beast is out of my league money wise ($50-60k for used 2014 M5 vs $25k for 2014 F30 335i M-Peformance). My numbers may be not exact, but close to it