The Princess wanted a BMW XI - Educate me Please

[LakeCleElum]

We live in snow country. Her Camry with 4 studs gets around just fine, BUT she kept talking about a AWD for her next car. She was talking Volvo, Subaru and other stuff I wouldn't like.

So, I just happened to mention that the BMW XI was AWD and now she's off an running. So, I need some advice on the differences between say a 325,330, 335 etc.

I'd probably buy a '04 to '07 with under 60,000 miles, but might consider older if low mileage for a good price. I don't mind spending a year to search out the right car.

What years are good, bad, etc. What should I beware of and look for in a PPI? What's a good BMW Forum beside Pelican

Thax

[Halm]

Bob, I special ordered a 325Xi in '03. A few years later my son bought it from me and it is going strong today. It is / was one of the better cars we have owned.

And FWIW I tend to agree with your wife about AWD. We travel a lot in our business and after the Xi, every "business" car we get will have AWD.

[ruf-porsche]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

We live in snow country. Her Camry with 4 studs gets around just fine, BUT she kept talking about a AWD for her next car. She was talking Volvo, Subaru and other stuff I wouldn't like.

So, I just happened to mention that the BMW XI was AWD and now she's off an running. So, I need some advice on the differences between say a 325,330, 335 etc.

I'd probably buy a '04 to '07 with under 60,000 miles, but might consider older if low mileage for a good price. I don't mind spending a year to search out the right car.

What years are good, bad, etc. What should I beware of and look for in a PPI? What's a good BMW Forum beside Pelican

Thax

Don't want to say anything BAD about the Pelican BMUU forum but I spend my time when I am not here at

bimmerforums.com or bimmerfest.com

[Rot 911]

Any Xi sits higher than a stock BMW and comes with 16" wheels. The 330 has about 70 more hp than the 325 and the 335 is about 50 hp more than the 330. None of them are slouches and the 335 is a twin turbo with some serious hp. The awd system adds some weight, but has been pretty reliable. The 335's have had problems with the high pressure fuel pumps (there are two of them) and the injectors. Some people have had the pumps go out just driving out of the dealership after buying a new car. Not all the cars, but enough of them that BMW, instead of doing a recall like they should, has extended the warranty on the fuel pumps to 10 years/100,000 miles. You will probably get an automatic in the Xi. Keep in mind that BMW claims the transmission fluid is "lifetime." In reality BMW just wants to avoid changing the fluid for free as part of their "free" warranty period service. It needs changing every 35K miles. Let me know if you have more questions.

[VaSteve]

I have an '04 325xi. Amazing in the snow. So composed and predictable. Handles well on the dry, but the AWD dampens the fun a little bit. Mine's an auto. 49% of the time I wish it was a 5 speed, 51% I'm glad it's not.

[LakeCleElum]

Thanks for the great tips, it really helps.....Around here, the big advantage of AWD is you don't have to chain up when it's "Chains Required" on the Mtn pass.......

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'll sell you this:



2005 Subaru Legacy GT with 53k. 250 HP turbo flat-4, AWD, 5 speed automanual with steering wheel shift buttons, Momo wheel, sport suspension, sport seats, etc. Very nice interior as well, it's BMW-esque. Lots of nice snow features as well, like heated wiper blades. If you really want to have fun, you can get over 300 HP for less than $1k. Having owned BMWs myself, this wouldn't leave you wanting. Subarus aren't just for lesbians.

[Hetmann]

We have an 06 330Xi and are pretty well satisfied with the car and its ability in the snow.