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      12-15-2014, 06:37 PM   #1
Sackman1886
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Possibly upgrading from sDrive28i to xDrive35i. Questions

So I bought a 2014 sDrive28i a year ago. I have regretted NOT getting the xDrive. Recently been in touch with an old roommate that I found out is a Sales Manager at a local dealership. I think he can get me a good deal. They currently have 2 xDrive35i's in stock as CPO options with about 10k miles.

Is the 35 worth the additional cost/gas? I know I need to go test drive it, but from those of you that have experienced both - will I punch the gas on the 35, and never look back? Or is the new N20 engine (I have really had no complaints with it - both efficient, and relatively powerful) good enough?
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      12-15-2014, 07:39 PM   #2
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Hey Sackman...

I just got my '13 XDrive35i back from Service. While it was at the dealership I drove a '14 sDrive28i. My opinion of the difference in driving experience is this... The RWD bias can certainly be felt and I was able to accidentally kick the backend loose on damp streets. With the xDrive I always feel firmly glued to the road regardless of the conditions. Regarding the N20, it certainly has no trouble moving the X1 around. With that said... I feel like the straight 6 does it with less effort and more aural pleasure. I have also noticed that I push the N20 a bit harder (to maintain similar driving performance) and thus the difference in fuel economy is typically only 2-3 mpg. My $.02 I hope this helps.
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      12-15-2014, 08:22 PM   #3
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The xdrive35i is more confident in inclement weather due to all wheel drive. As for the engine difference. It is night and day due to power delivery and overall refinement. The N20 sounds unrefined at idle and sound when accelerating is less than inspiring. That said, power delivery is more than adequate and fuel savings are great. Plus you get the 8speed transmission. I think the next gen turbo 4 will be more refined. Acceleration is just soooo effortless with the 35i.
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      12-15-2014, 08:29 PM   #4
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The x135 is a lil beast. I love the surge of effortless power that presses me into the seat. It would be ideal with the 8spd instead of the ol 6spd. That's is weakest link. Otherwise, totally worth it. Going on 2 years.
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      12-15-2014, 08:45 PM   #5
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I'll tell you this much, as a Saab 9-3 owner I cannot believe how rough the X1 4 banger is. Has enough grunt but sounds like a Massey Furguson.

The car generally is awkward to drive slowly. i know that sounds nuts but both the go pedal and brakes are very snatchy, the steering very heavy and the transmission quite rough compared to the Saab. Drive it hard however, and that all goes away! Weird!

I'd have to drive the 6 to get an idea but TBH I'd just be tempted to tune the 4 banger.
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      12-15-2014, 08:52 PM   #6
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If crushing modified muscle cars on drag radials in a grocery getter suv appeals to you, you will enjoy the 35i

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      12-16-2014, 11:51 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrueRedX1 View Post
Hey Sackman...

I just got my '13 XDrive35i back from Service. While it was at the dealership I drove a '14 sDrive28i. My opinion of the difference in driving experience is this... The RWD bias can certainly be felt and I was able to accidentally kick the backend loose on damp streets. With the xDrive I always feel firmly glued to the road regardless of the conditions. Regarding the N20, it certainly has no trouble moving the X1 around. With that said... I feel like the straight 6 does it with less effort and more aural pleasure. I have also noticed that I push the N20 a bit harder (to maintain similar driving performance) and thus the difference in fuel economy is typically only 2-3 mpg. My $.02 I hope this helps.
This makes sense to me. Thank you for the input. I agree about the engine, it's not that the n20 is weak, you just have to convince it to go (often times end up driving in sport mode just to feel the power) - mpg definitely suffers as a result. Thanks again.
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      12-16-2014, 12:28 PM   #8
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I'm a power junkie, and the 35i is remarkably strong for small wagon. I get a consistent 20+ in constant in-city driving, with lots of stops. It's just OK, but when I call for acceleration, it's a rocket.
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      12-16-2014, 02:27 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zeevette View Post
I'm a power junkie, and the 35i is remarkably strong for small wagon. I get a consistent 20+ in constant in-city driving, with lots of stops. It's just OK, but when I call for acceleration, it's a rocket.
That is what I like to hear. I am getting a quote today - I will report back to let everyone know if I pull the trigger or not.
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      12-16-2014, 02:42 PM   #10
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I'm a manual driver, but after driving the X1 28ix, X3 35ix and 335i with autos, I really still prefer the 6s. It's just weird for me driving cars that have shifted five or six times by 40mph.

Our 35i has been a great replacement for our 135i, the first BMW since my M Coupe that we'll consider keeping for a long period of time.
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      12-16-2014, 03:36 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrueRedX1
The RWD bias can certainly be felt and I was able to accidentally kick the backend loose on damp streets.
It's mostly due to tires and not exactly because of power. You can cut it loose even with 18i engine with improper tires for the given condition. During sumertime it was impossible for me to spin the wheels with summer performance tires no matter dry or wet. Now the temp dropped and I noticed traction control kicked in couple times on some tight turns. i
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      12-16-2014, 04:09 PM   #12
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I think the combination of N20 and 8 speed is better suited to this car.

N20 feels rough around idle, the cure is to run it harder. Then it becomes smooth and sound nice.

My only advice is that get one with lighting package.
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      12-16-2014, 04:24 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MazdaFan View Post
I think the combination of N20 and 8 speed is better suited to this car.

N20 feels rough around idle, the cure is to run it harder. Then it becomes smooth and sound nice.

My only advice is that get one with lighting package.

Different needs, and different environments decide which is better suited.
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      12-16-2014, 04:58 PM   #14
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Drive the X35i and you will be sold. It is thirsty if you have a heavy foot, 17-18 when my wife drives in town, but very solid and planted feeling with the extra weight and awd. The smooth acceleration and torque make the car feel much more relaxed.
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      12-16-2014, 07:07 PM   #15
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That's a negative Ghost Rider. Deal isn't working out, but I appreciate everyone's feedback! I'm going to (as my Mom used to say), be thankful for what I have!

Thanks again guys!
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      12-16-2014, 08:09 PM   #16
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I've drove both back to back and I love the N20/8spd combo. I can get all four of my PSS to break loose in the summer easily enough around any offramp. Nothing JB4 can't help you with.
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      12-16-2014, 10:06 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sackman1886 View Post
That's a negative Ghost Rider. Deal isn't working out, but I appreciate everyone's feedback! I'm going to (as my Mom used to say), be thankful for what I have!

Thanks again guys!
What did they offer you if you don't mind sharing? Also I drove the 28/35 back to back and it was a no brainer. N20 is peppy but coming from a e39 M5 I wanted some of that power back. Yeah, Jb4 and mods can bring the n20 to N55 power but jb4 and some mods can bring the N55 to 400/400.
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      12-17-2014, 11:21 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sackman1886 View Post
So I bought a 2014 sDrive28i a year ago. I have regretted NOT getting the xDrive. Recently been in touch with an old roommate that I found out is a Sales Manager at a local dealership. I think he can get me a good deal. They currently have 2 xDrive35i's in stock as CPO options with about 10k miles.

Is the 35 worth the additional cost/gas? I know I need to go test drive it, but from those of you that have experienced both - will I punch the gas on the 35, and never look back? Or is the new N20 engine (I have really had no complaints with it - both efficient, and relatively powerful) good enough?
Do you really need AWD in SoCal? no rain, no snow, no uphill......
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      12-17-2014, 12:07 PM   #19
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Everybody thinks California is a flat desert. They forget the highest mountain in US (Whitney) is right in the middle of California.

If you go skiing frequently or drive in Sierras AWD helps. In mountain passes CHP will force you to put on chains unless you have AWD. So lets say you have FWD with snow tires and enough traction, they don't care, you have to put chains on which is a pain in the ass when you are trying to get to the ski resort at 6 am.
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      12-17-2014, 01:38 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sacsac View Post
Do you really need AWD in SoCal? no rain, no snow, no uphill......
HEY WE HAVE HILLS! haha But seriously, we're like 45 minutes from the mountains and have family up there. When it snows, it's really nice to not have to worry about chains and all of that nonsense. They are all on the back side of the mountains off the beaten path, so AWD traction would help. Plus I like the secure feeling of AWD. Need? Probably not. Want? Absolutely.
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      12-17-2014, 01:40 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E39lolz View Post
What did they offer you if you don't mind sharing? Also I drove the 28/35 back to back and it was a no brainer. N20 is peppy but coming from a e39 M5 I wanted some of that power back. Yeah, Jb4 and mods can bring the n20 to N55 power but jb4 and some mods can bring the N55 to 400/400.
You mean for the trade in? (obviously I didn't even shop around for a private party sell) But they only offered me $21k for mine. (Ouch)
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      12-17-2014, 09:00 PM   #22
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Drove both and loved the 2.8i mostly for the 8 speed.
If you know how to drive it, the engine is a blast.
It is better in gas and good power for the vehicle.
yeah sounds a little bit "dieselish" when idling but I got used with it. Keep in mind that there is no under hood insulation, maybe that will make a difference.
Bottom line, I will buy the same engine.
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