Xdrive M to come?

[vaporblade]

As you all probably know the new M5 has xdrive as an optional setting. I know heritage homage BMW people are upset by this. Personally, I don't care - it seems you can turn it off.

It also seems that the xdrive is different than your typical xdrive found in other BMW lines.

Being from New England, the idea of an xdrive option on the M3 has me very interested. I'd say if this happens (in the next generation M3 G body) I'm going to buy.

I've seriously enjoyed my e90 335i xdrive, but since my first 1987 e30 325 back in the day I've drooled over the M3 badge - this makes it more rational for me.

I've read a few other threads where preople are begging for this not to happen. I'm not sure if it's the heritage or the weight that turns people off. I personally do not want to see the M3/4 get any larger or heavier. I'm sure the option of xdrive would add weight - I really hope it does not add ride height.

How about you all?

[MachinesWithSouls]

I think it's ok for the M5, that competes in a class where HP is king.

The M3 has always been about balance. Xdrive has a sometimes benefit and an all the time penalty of weight, handling, and mileage. I don't think it belongs on the M3.

[6ixSpd]

Just buy some damn good winter tires. Done. You people and your inability to drive without AWD is ruining the sports car segment. Stick to the SUVs, then.

[vaporblade]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

You people and your inability to drive without AWD is ruining the sports car segment.

Lol. If you only knew my driving history here in Vermont.

[vaporblade]

Originally Posted by SoManyBlueCars

I think it's ok for the M5, that competes in a class where HP is king.

The M3 has always been about balance. Xdrive has a sometimes benefit and an all the time penalty of weight, handling, and mileage. I don't think it belongs on the M3.

Good feedback and thoughts. I agree. Beginning with the e30 the cars have always been about balance. I'm interested to see how this turns out.

[xander_g]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Just buy some damn good winter tires. Done. You people and your inability to drive without AWD is ruining the sports car segment. Stick to the SUVs, then.

[Transfer]

I've said this before but the xDrive in my M235i is really quite entertaining. Other than mild steering corruption, it drives like an easily controlled RWD car. I get the tail out all the time. For some of us with roads that are more often wet (or frozen) than dry and hills upon hills, AWD can be the better choice if you don't want to be slowed down or stranded. My next car would probably be an RS5 if the steering were better and it didn't weigh 4000 lbs, so an M3 with xDrive would certainly interest me. But I'm going back to an E9x next year and will deal with the RWD issues half the year here.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Just buy some damn good winter tires. Done. You people and your inability to drive without AWD is ruining the sports car segment. Stick to the SUVs, then.

Yet another sign that BMW M doesn't consider you (and me) a part of their target market?