[34dean]

Which one and why? I can buy the 2011 328 with 10K for the same price as the 2009 335 with about 30K.

Advice and opinions are appreciated.

[mashimarho]

335i. The power is MUCH different.
Better car with more mods available.
Also, more things to go wrong with maintenance.

[williewonkerz]

Originally Posted by 34dean

Which one and why? I can buy the 2011 328 with 10K for the same price as the 2009 335 with about 30K.

Advice and opinions are appreciated.

I usually don't hand out such definitive opinions but do not get the 328xi. I had one (2009) and move to a 2011 335xi with PPK Stage 2. The all wheel drive really sucks the life out of the 328. If I suggest anything, make sure that regardless of which you can, if you can drive a manual, the xi is a much better car when you have control of the transmission.

For the record, the 328 coupe manual is an awesome little car. Do you *really* need xi?

I've never been to CT in the winter, but looking at wiki, it doesn't look too bad. You're on the coast though, I expect you must get a fair amount of snow. All I can say is that I live in one of the coldest snowiest parts of Canada, and I can barely justify an AWD. I wouldn't have got my 335 in AWD but the package I got was a ridiculously good deal as a genuine BMW Special Edition. Winter tires go a long way. The better mileage, turn in and weight savings often outway the benefits of XI, especially when paired with good winter tires.

[The X Men]

If you get the 335i, you better have some money put aside for snow tires and fuel pumps.

[northern_435GC]

I used to have a 330 and went to a 335xi, amazing difference. Don't cheap out on the smaller engine, you buy a BMW for performance, might as well go all out. Also the performance mods for the 335 seem endless, only problem is figuring out where to start.

[jpE92M3]

I agree the 335 is a much faster car, but do yourself a favour and drive both; you may find the 328 is all you need.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by northern_335xi

I used to have a 330 and went to a 335xi, amazing difference. Don't cheap out on the smaller engine, you buy a BMW for performance, might as well go all out. Also the performance mods for the 335 seem endless, only problem is figuring out where to start.

I thought the engines were both 3.0L
Anyway, to the OP, I agree that the 335 sounds better. 30k miles is still low, however, I would make then CPO it.

[Dark_Knight_335]

How about no XDrive? It feels heavy, lifeless, and feels like there is a 250 pound anchor attached to your undercarriage when you're riding in regular weather. It pisses away more gas, the car sits higher up like a truck, and the mods for it are so much more limited, not to mention expense to repair down the road.

Where do you live? If you have brutal snow like some of these Canadian fellas do I can understand XDrive- other than that, just get some Blizzaks for the winter.

[chavez]

I have a 2009 335i xDrive and got the 2011 328i xDrive loaner when mine went it for service yesterday. I was shocked at the difference and am super happy I went with the 335.

[34dean]

I think I have been swayed to the 335. Here's the issue now... there are very few straight 335's and many more xDrives. I was caught a few times in the snow with my 330 and vowed to never again let that happen. I think I will pursue the 335 xDrive. Sounds like the extra weight won't slow it down like it seems to affect the 328, correct?

[williewonkerz]

Originally Posted by 34dean

I think I have been swayed to the 335. Here's the issue now... there are very few straight 335's and many more xDrives. I was caught a few times in the snow with my 330 and vowed to never again let that happen. I think I will pursue the 335 xDrive. Sounds like the extra weight won't slow it down like it seems to affect the 328, correct?

Yes, the 335 really has enough power to make the AWD worthwhile. Don't cheap out on winter tires though

[bmwforme]

Originally Posted by 34dean

I think I have been swayed to the 335. Here's the issue now... there are very few straight 335's and many more xDrives. I was caught a few times in the snow with my 330 and vowed to never again let that happen. I think I will pursue the 335 xDrive. Sounds like the extra weight won't slow it down like it seems to affect the 328, correct?

Even though it will be a 335xi you will still need winter tires, many say that the X-Drive is no replacement for winter tires. You would be better off with a 335i with winter tires and just the skill to drive in the snow and rough weather. Then when it is not winter or snowing, you have an awesome light RWD land rocket

[Sidney]

335i awd is an awesome car. You'll love it. "Noticing" the extra weight, or it slowing you, is laughable.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Mind you, my experience was with the 328 coupe. I don't know about the 335, because I went with the i this time

[Gator335i]

As someone who just made the move from the 328 to the 335, I am trying to spread the gospel that the 335 is light years superior to the 328. If I knew then what I know now I would have never even bothered with the 328.