[g9icy]

I'm in one of my bi-monthly "I want a new car" cycles, and given that I can't find many of the cars I'd like to own with xDrive/4WD, it's looking like I may have to get a RWD car next.

I've had a 330d previously and I don't remember really being affected by it being RWD, other than the as-expected handing differences when cornering. But it was a long time ago.

What's the consensus of those on here with RWD cars? How do you find RWD in the predominantly damp UK weather? Do you think it's worth waiting for a decent 4WD replacement, or sod it and get something RWD now?

For reference, I'm back at looking at a 440i again... Even though I just don't think it's quite got the torque I'm used to (considering a '17 model for remapping/modding). Also with the recent M3/M4 developments being in the news I'm wondering if now/soon is a good time to grab an F80 M3. I'll just have to rig something up for the dog in the back

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

I went from a powerful diesel to a 440i. The torque difference isn’t quite as much as you think real world, and you soon get used to it. And it’s more than made up for by being quicker higher up the rev range.

And rear wheel drive never bothered me too much in the wet, slight moderation of driving, but it’s nice to have no power going through the front.

And winter tyres will get you anywhere in a 440i if your live near the hills. I put them on a 440i and went all over the peaks, didn’t struggle once.

[Alscoob]

Exactly as above...330d with steinbauer, RWD circa 300 ish bhp no issues. 340i now, still no issues.
I actually chose the 330d as it was just rwd nicer driving car than the 4wd IMO



2wd & never got stuck I just reversed out of that lot, much to the neighbours amazement

[TimMcC]

RWD is absolutely fine, at least down here in the soft south.

I've had 5 RWD cars since 2010 - and not a single issue!

[Hooded]

Never had a real problem with RWD and UK weather .. although I’m not up north.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Never had a real problem with RWD and UK weather .. although I’m not up north.

I live right next to the Peak District and we’ve only had one snowy winter in the last 5, and that was when pretty much everyone did.

No more than the odd morning with snow that soon melted last year.

[JustChris]

By odd circumstance taken delivery of each M car at the start of winter. No issues whatsoever and not even on my mind.

[isleaiw1]

I've had AWD since 2014 and have never bloody needed it in that time. It was handy for putting 600hp down in the M5 (in the dry let alone the wet!) but I think 300 to 350hp is probably OK through the rear wheels.

Winter tyres probably a good idea for cold and wet though...

[robbiep]

RWD perfectly fine

Snow, packed ice, etc - RWD and winter tyres are all you need, as long as you aren't an idiot and remember that the laws of physics still apply

[Cootie]

Are all season tyres an option if you go with RWD? Latest Michelin Crossclimate and Goodyear Vectors are supposed to get very close to Summer tyre performance in fair weather, whilst being snow capable if and when we get it.

Mate of mine recently was using the Crossclimate at the Ring on his Megane R (in wet weather and on the recommendation of another Ring regular) and said he was very impressed.

[lethbridge]

My first 335d (in 2008) was RWD and quite frustrating in the way it couldn't put the power down. Previous car was a 335d xDrive and that was great. Now with an M3CP though I don't miss xDrive as it is truly impressive how it puts 450hp down and I have a set of winters just to be on the safe side (though rarely likely to need them as I'm in the SW). I think the lesson is a well fettled suspension and good tyres don't need xDrive to put under 500hp down and winters are the answer if you drive in wintery conditions as they help you stop and not just start. Obviously if you live in an area where winter conditions are commonplace then there is more of a case for xDrive... Also depends what you want from a car - I plan my next car to be a 992 (or whatever comes next) Carrera S - I wouldn't want the 4S as again the S is so well sorted so no need for the added weight/steering impact of AWD.

[Lincoln61]

I have a 330d RWD and to be honest it's been no real problem. You learn to drive for the conditions and the vehicle your driving. If you boot it round a wet roundabout you will have an issue, but in general its fine.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Cootie

Are all season tyres an option if you go with RWD? Latest Michelin Crossclimate and Goodyear Vectors are supposed to get very close to Summer tyre performance in fair weather, whilst being snow capable if and when we get it.

Mate of mine recently was using the Crossclimate at the Ring on his Megane R (in wet weather and on the recommendation of another Ring regular) and said he was very impressed.

Someone on here (Tengocity?) posted a video review of all season tyres last year and it was quite interesting. From memory the results were very much in line with what you're suggesting - i.e. good performance in summer conditions and not far off winter tyre performance in all but the most extreme winter conditions - and overall they sounded like an option worth considering, especially for people concerned about continuing to use summer tyres in winter.

[225]

Same here, tuning box equipped 340i and had no issues for traction plus was good fun on roundabouts so I heard.....

[Soul_Glo]

When I had my x drive on winters I thought it was a formidable combination. Much like you I couldn't find an AWD car in my desired specification so I went back to RWD. Come to think of it my E92 never had an issue in the winter on summer tread. The G20 has (with adaptive m sport) a trick lift related damping system on the front so it can feel like an x drive at times because the front is pushing down for grip and balance. I'm quite excited to see how it performs in the winter.

I think some people take it too far and panic or laugh at the idea of buying a RWD. Thinking they will be stranded. In the 70's most cars were RWD and ultimately I think it comes down to driver input / skill. Winter wheels can help with that though.

Sure the x drive helps put more power down in damp conditions but it's also expensive and complex. My transfer case was on it's way out by 78k miles. It was also sensitive to low tread depth.

I think there is a lot to go wrong on a front wheel drive car. You hit a pot hole hard and you'll take out a a CV joint/ball joint. Trying to put power down and steer at the same time just doesn't feel right in a FWD car. That feeling of being pulled. RWD has it's issues too because an entire drive shaft is beneath the car to the rear wheels but the body is also rigid for it even if rear legroom in the centre is taken up. I prefer the feeling of being pushed along and having more control over steering input.

[TouringPleb]

I've never had any problems with RWD in U.K. weather.

When it's wet I just take it slightly easier and the only time it snowed enough to be a problem no one was getting out. Winters are getting milder and the big snow events seems to be getting fewer and fewer.

[g9icy]

Thanks for the input all.

I think a 440i is still my best option. An M3 is simply too much power and expense. I'll never take it on track. Although there is something to be said for getting a used one and it not depreciating as quickly as other BMW's (but still not great).

I think I will miss the xDrive handling, as I do really love it, but I really want to experience the i6 petrol before they're all gone/not being made anymore. I think it has to be done.

[Sennen]

Originally Posted by g9icy

Thanks for the input all.

I think a 440i is still my best option. An M3 is simply too much power and expense. I'll never take it on track. Although there is something to be said for getting a used one and it not depreciating as quickly as other BMW's (but still not great).

I think I will miss the xDrive handling, as I do really love it, but I really want to experience the i6 petrol before they're all gone/not being made anymore. I think it has to be done.

If people really shy away from the new M3/4 (which i very much doubt) buying an outgoing M3/4 may prove to be a good investment. There must be lots of lightly used ones knocking about and maybe even some new ones still in the system.

[Abzynthe]

Ive never had a problem with my 440i, but thats because it stays in the garage and I use the X Trail if it snows

[g9icy]

Originally Posted by Sennen

If people really shy away from the new M3/4 (which i very much doubt) buying an outgoing M3/4 may prove to be a good investment. There must be lots of lightly used ones knocking about and maybe even some new ones still in the system.

There are some well priced 2-3 year old ones around yeah.

I seriously doubt the new ones won't sell, people will still go out and buy the newest shiny thing.

Despite that, they still don't depreciate as bad as the bigger M's so I'm thinking if I did go mad and buy one (there is a murdered out one floating about I've had my eye on) at a bare minimum I won't lose quite as much as I would otherwise.

I'm wavering between "being sensible" and "FUCKIT YOLO".

[Sennen]

Originally Posted by g9icy

There are some well priced 2-3 year old ones around yeah.

I seriously doubt the new ones won't sell, people will still go out and buy the newest shiny thing.

Despite that, they still don't depreciate as bad as the bigger M's so I'm thinking if I did go mad and buy one (there is a murdered out one floating about I've had my eye on) at a bare minimum I won't lose quite as much as I would otherwise.

I'm wavering between "being sensible" and "FUCKIT YOLO".

I dont think you will go far wrong buying an unmolested recent M3/4, I very much doubt even taking into account warranty cost and maintenance etc it will cost as much as a new M340i which is also a very nice car by the way.

[g9icy]

Originally Posted by Sennen

I dont think you will go far wrong buying an unmolested recent M3/4, I very much doubt even taking into account warranty cost and maintenance etc it will cost as much as a new M340i which is also a very nice car by the way.

I'm not much of a fan of the M340i interior or exterior, so I've kinda ruled it out.
They do come in touring and xDrive though so there is that...tbh I think the car's just too big.