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BMW 335i 2007+

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Comments

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    To be honest, if you're driving at the limits you complain about on U.S. public roads, I don't want you anywhere near me.

    Don't worry, you'll be a rapidly dwindling speck in my rear view mirror. Of my Wrangler- never mind my BMWs... ;)

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • centralcalcentralcal Member Posts: 215
    I also haven't been on the board for awhile. I agree with everything you say. I have to say I get tired of this "european?" opinion about bigger versus smaller cars. My european experience would say that "they" would prefer bigger/more powerful cars, it is just that the average consumer can't/won't pay for it (gas, parking, etc) This is is the largest difference in the US versus others market. Also, it is still about the bottom line. As long as they (put any company here) make a ton of $$, they will make what the market desires, US or otherwise. The US consumer continues to have more disposable income than other developed countries and we will continue to use it as they see fit. I am personally very excited about the 1 series, but I have tons of friends who love their bigger cars.
  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    I'm still on my initial free tank of gas from the dealer, but I'm working on it! I have barely 100 miles on the car. From this perspective, decent, I guess! I'll post mileage when I get a few more tankfulls in.

    Does anyone find any difference (other than the price) between 91 and 93 octane in the twin-turbo 335 engine?

    Anyone in the Boston Chapter of the BMWCCA?

    xeye
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    When you hit the first turn on this proposed race in your "Wrangler" you will be "Mangled" trying to keep up with the 335xi. Stick to your other BMW's! The only specks you will see is the dust as you slide off the road. Let's get real please.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    Does anyone find any difference (other than the price) between 91 and 93 octane in the twin-turbo 335 engine?

    Like all modern Bimmers, the 335i engine management system has a knock sensor. If the use of lower octane fuel causes detonation, the ECU will roll back ignition timing and/or boost pressure. Which will result in a loss of horsepower and a decrease in fuel economy.
    You also need to do the math. In my area there is a 20 cent per gallon difference between regular and premium fuel. If you drive 15,000 miles per year and average 20 mpg you will use 750 gallons annually. The price difference amounts to all of $150 per year- the princely sum of 41 cents per day. And that's assuming the lower grade fuel doesn't reduce your fuel economy. All of my cars save the Wrangler call for premium fuel, and that's exactly what they get. In addition I only use Top Tier gasolines, just as BMW recommends.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    Let's get real please.

    My tongue was only partially in cheek. I have never lost a "speed contest" by underestimating the driving ability of the typical US vehicle operator("driver" being to generous a term). At CCA drivers schools I've seen stock a E30 M3 nearly lap an E39 M5. I've also seen an E36 325i give a C5 Corvette fits. I once ran off and hid from a Subie WRX on a rainy two lane, and I was at the wheel of a 1993 Pathfinder SE(the shocks were set to "Sport" however). Mike Valentine once told me that at most schools there may a 5-10 second per lap difference between the cars, but there will be a 25-30 second gap between the drivers. A fast car doesnt make you a fast driver. I'd be willing to bet that fedlawman and his real M3 would slice and dice 99% of the owners on this board even if they were driving a new M Coupe. I always suggest that serious BMW owners attend a bunch of CCA schools so that their driving skills will not be overmatched by their car.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Well said and agree drivers need to get serious by training first. These cars are extremely capable..in the right hands.

    I would not take your bet regarding "The Fed". I also wouldn't bet on 99.9% of the Wrangler owner against you in yours!

    Regards,
    OW
  • getzgetz Member Posts: 24
    "I once ran off and hid from a Subie WRX on a rainy two lane, and I was at the wheel of a 1993 Pathfinder SE(the shocks were set to "Sport" however)".

    As a well seasoned big city emergency medicine physician, I would like to make a simple plea. Please try not to kill my wife and children while performing your "validate my manhood" antics on public roads. Keep it on the track.

    As an aside, currently debating the upcoming M3 vs C63 AMG vs S5. I drove the 335xi and found it to be very intriguing, but am jonesing for a bit more hp. What are your thoughts?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 236,830
    If you follow the BMW forums, the general consensus is that the sedans are much stiffer than the coupes, and this applies to both the E36 and E46 models..

    Like shipo, I have no empirical evidence to back this up, but those who track the cars attribute it to the presence of the B-pillar in the sedans. They also say that fold-down rear seats lead to more flex, as they remove some of the bracing behind the back seats. I believe these are standard on the coupe, but optional on the sedans.

    So, there you have it. I don't know that the reasoning applies to other makes, but the guys that should know swear by it.

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    What you just wrote dove-tails exactly with what I've read elsewhere. A combination of a "B" pillar and the extra bracing behind the rear seatback contribute to a stiffer sedan, or so I've read. To be sure I have no horse in this race, and only want to know for curiosities sake. I wonder how we get a definitive answer. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    Please try not to kill my wife and children while performing your "validate my manhood" antics on public roads. Keep it on the track.

    Well, in that particular case I don't believe I ever exceeded 50 mph, and I know that I never crossed the center line; Soob Man was so inept that he slowed to almost a walking pace at every corner(I guess an abject fear of lateral acceleration will do that to you). Anyway, when I drive on the street you could hardly call me a hooligan- I stay in my lane and I keep my speed within within 5-10 mph of the posted limit(although I will admit that I pretty much ignore the "Advisory Speeds" posted at corners and entrance ramps). You won't find me engaging in any full-tilt opposite lock craziness either. Just like when I'm on my Speed Triple, I ride my own ride. The same holds true when I'm behind the wheel of a car. Whether I'm on two wheels or four I don't allow other riders or drivers to coerce me to ride or drive outside my own personal comfort or safety zone. That said, if some anonymous fool behind me doesn't share that philosophy, that's his/her problem.

    I drove the 335xi and found it to be very intriguing, but am jonesing for a bit more hp. What are your thoughts?

    I haven't driven a 335xi, but I've accumulated quite a bit of seat time in the 335i. In my opinion, the power is ample but the weight of the car dulls the handling to the point that it feels more like an E39 5er- to me, anyway. While that's certainly no bad thing, it just doesn't have the direct feel of the E46 3er. As for generating more HP, it's simply a matter of cranking up the boost- and there are already several vendors marketing devices/software that do exactly that. The problem is, there's no free lunch; more boost and more hp will generate more heat- and the 335i cooling system is pretty marginal in stock form. I've considered picking up a 135i in a year or so, but I think I'd probably be happier with an E46 M3 with the Competition Package. Having said all that, if BMW NA decides to import the M5 wagon all bets are off...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    "Does anyone find any difference (other than the price) between 91 and 93 octane in the twin-turbo 335 engine?"

    Regarding octane, remember that while the knock sensor will prevent detonation with lower octane fuel, you get no benefit from using fuel rated higher than specified. If BMW recommends 91 octane for optimum performance, using 93 or 100 octane won't result in added performance or economy.

    "fedlawman and his real M3 would slice and dice 99% of the owners on this board even if they were driving a new M Coupe."

    I feel pretty confident about the Wrangler, but an M Coupe I'm not so sure...

    http://www.carspace.com/videos/play!id=.5b3f9bf9
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    If BMW recommends 91 octane for optimum performance, using 93 or 100 octane won't result in added performance or economy.

    Agreed, although in my area the only fuel grades are 87, 89, and 93 octane. These are the "Yellow Label" or AKI numbers, which are an average of the research octane number and the motor octane number. Since BMW usually refers to the AKI rating in their newer owners manuals, that means that 93 is the proper choice for me.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • nkeennkeen Member Posts: 313
    Here's a nice video of a real M3 thrashing around the Isle of Man -- the only place I know of with no speed limit on rural non-freeway roads (now that the Australia's Northern Territories has adopted 130 kph as of Jan 1).

    http://www.metacafe.com/watch/207521/bmw_e30_m3/
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Amazing video!
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    Wow. That's phenomenal!

    The isle of man is where top gear goes to test cars sometimes. They did the m3 csl test there (loved it), as well as the m6/mkr/911s comparison test.
  • dan12dan12 Member Posts: 114
    Amazing video!

    Out of curiosity, do any of you guys drive (or race) like that? Is that why you look for such fast cars? Maybe I should stick to something slower so I don't embarrass myself. :)
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I think I passed that guy in the M3 on my way to the office. ;)

    It does go to show you what "only" 240 hp will do in a lightweight, well suspensioned car. (And with a good driver).
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    I don't know the specs, but by 1991, the E30 M3 Gruppe A race cars were putting out 370 hp (yes, naturally aspirated 2.5L I-4) at 9,500 RPM. Race weight was about 2300 lbs.

    My 240hp EVO III clone (with soft suspension, leather interior, air conditioning, etc.) will hit 60 MPH in the high 5 second range - a barge by comparison to the full-spec race cars.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    I believe that driver is one of the best in that race class...I posted that clip awhile back. There is no way that car had "only 240 HP".

    Again, one of the best drives I've seen yet on a grueling course like that. The car was airborne a good percentage of the time and 300 degree turns were made with so much precision it is mind-boggling to me!! IMO, that is what an outstanding driver can do given a great car...any other driver, even race bred, would have problems duplicating that run. (BTW, the teammate had to be heavily sedated sitting in that passenger seat!!!)

    Regards,
    OW
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    "Out of curiosity, do any of you guys drive (or race) like that?"

    Like _that_? In my dreams. :)
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Driving like that takes not only great skill, but COURAGE....you've got to be either a)very young, or b) very brave. :P
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    The driver's name is Patrick Snyers from Belgium. I believe he won the 1994 European Rally Championship in an Escort Cosworth...we can see why these guys are so good...he makes a BMW sing, too!

    Regards,
    OW
  • nkeennkeen Member Posts: 313
    Off Topic, but I wish Speed Channel was still showing WRC -- they seem to have dropped it in favor of the NASCAR niche.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Check out the test CD posted in July. Here is an excerpt. My take during a recent drive with a non-SP version was the fastest sedan I ever drove so far, including an '05 G35 coupe.

    A Winning Performance Combination

    Even knowing what we know about the engine and tranny, we were still surprised just how quick the 335i automatic is. Indeed, this particular Arctic Metallic 335i coupe was the quickest 3-series coupe we’ve ever strapped our instruments to, and it also ended up right on top of an E46 M3, with 0-to-60-mph passes in 4.9 seconds and 100 mph in 12.1. The quarter-mile happened in a blistering 13.4 seconds at 106 mph, 0.2 second and 1 mph quicker than the 335i manual we tested last year.

    Regards,
    OW
  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    OK, I have about 250 miles on my Sparkling Graphite Metallic 335xi, Premium, Sport (no oil cooler but also no issue either (so far), and ContiProContacts), Cold Weather and PDC. If I can figure this out, I'll post some pictures. They may be large, so be patient with the download.

    I've read a couple thousand postings about "this coupe vs that sedan" and this "RWD vs that AWD". All I can say is that this car is freakin' fantastic! I don't care what all the testosterone-injected junkies say - this car performs like nobody's business. If I could only remove the PO-lice from the bushes, I'd be able to perfect my downshift technique and really command the twisties. Acceleration is never an issue - remember that this car still has TWO turbines cramming air into direct-injected thirsty cylinders waiting for a spark. AND FOUR wheels asking.."When? Now? NOW????"

    If you get this car, get the Sport package. The seats are a little narrow (maybe I'm a little wider than I want?), but I see it as incentive to hit the gym more often.

    I came out of a dedicated and trustworthy Toyota 4Runner, and I loved the ability to literally toss my golf clubs in the back, but I will never regress! Loaded leaf bags and complete dining room sets be damned, 0-60 (at least) and "HANG ON!!!" are the rules of the road from now on!

    xeye

    P.S. The pics didn't seem to work. Can someone help with how to post pic(s) on this site?
  • dan12dan12 Member Posts: 114
    Thanks for the update and glad to see that the PO-lice hasn't found you yet. I'm still waiting for my 335. Besides tossing stuff in the back of an SUV, I think the other things I will miss are the higher view of the road and the room on the inside. Compared to my SUV, the 335 feels a little tight on the inside. I'm sure I'll get used to it.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    xeye, that's the feeling I got with my '06 xi but without the testosterone! Have fun and stay safe.

    Here's how to post photos:

    You may post a link to a photo or insert the photo using the standard html tag for an image: image

    Or you may use the HTML formatting provided beneath the text box. Type the subject of your photo in the "Title." In the message text box, click on "Img". This will insert the first portion of the image tag. Insert the URL of the photo after it. Then click on "Img" again. It should look like this: image

    Click on "Post My Message."

    NOTE: Photos must be uploaded to a web site or hosting service. This will generate a URL that you can use in the above tag.

    As a member of Edmunds.com Forums, you can upload your photos to your personal CarSpace page.

    Photos that hamper our page to render, either the photo is too large in size or file size, will be removed by the host.

    Regards,
    OW
  • jenno2jenno2 Member Posts: 13
    Congratulations! Hope you enjoy the car. I was vacillating between this vehicle, and the 328i coupe. With all the run flat issues, and the cost of the 335i coupe, I went up to the 2008 528i. Cost less than the 335i coupe. However, the exact car I was thinking about (335i coupe, dark grey, dark brown interior) pulled up next to me at the stop light today, and as he sped away, I just sighed. Don't get me wrong, I love my 528i, but shoulda, woulda, coulda....
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    I just checked and, sure enough, my 07 335i Coupe has a B-pillar....?
  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    Jenno2,

    I'm sure the 528 is a fabulous car and you'll enjoy it for a long time. I have to tell you, though, that I was in 6th gear (manual) coming back from Cape Cod this afternoon. I had to pass a slower car around 60 mph, and didn't bother to downshift. I didn't have to! I just pressed a little harder on the go-pedal, the turbines kicked in, and VOOOOOM! No problem! The ContiProContact RFT tires might be a little louder, or it might be my imagination. Either way, it's no issue and until I have a flat, I'm not going to worry about it. When it happens, I'll probably invent some new profanity!

    I love the car. For me, it was a great choice.

    xeye

    I'll work on the pics tomorrow.
  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    I think I figured this out. I hope the shots aren't too large to download. Enjoy!

    image
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,421
    an E36 in the background? What's that? I know that's RWD!

    I'm glad you're happy with your car! Looks nice and shiny!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    It worked!

    image
  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    Hi,

    I'm not up on all the Exx numbers yet, but that's a 1995 318ti with 125,000+ miles on it, and yes, it's RWD and a California native. It's my wife's car (IF she doesn't get her hands on MY car key!). Fortunately, she knows how to drive a Bimmer. I call her Maria Andretti, the daughter Mario never knew he had!. It still runs beautifully, and the (original) clutch is a lot more forgiving than the 335xi. It feels a little like a truck after un-belting from the 335xi, but still a joy to drive.

    Good eyes!

    We're going to join the BBMCCA soon, maybe tomorrow and see what they've got to offer.

    xeye
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,421
    You've got a great car like a '95 318ti with a stick (and what other options? Can you post a pic of it?). You're obviously a car enthusiast (you did get a stick after all) and you still went with the AWD model. I'm sure it is a nice car (your 335xi) and I'm glad you enjoy it and I'm not going to rehash the RWD/AWD bit again. I'm not trying to dog you at all, just wondering what made you choose the Xi.

    BTW, your 318ti is an E36 (all 3 series produced from '92 - '98 + '99 for coupes), the model after that is an E46 (Produced '99 - '05 + '06 for coupes) and your current 335xi is an E90 (3 series sedans from MY '06 to present). It is just an internal code used by BMW for various models picked up by BMW enthusiasts.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    It feels a little like a truck after un-belting from the 335xi, but still a joy to drive.

    That's funny, I drove a 335i convertible for a couple of weeks and I thought that my ti was much more nimble and responsive. The E90 hides it's mass pretty well, but there's no repealing the laws of physics. Of course, the 335i killed it in a straight line, but swapping in a Metric Mechanic 2100 Rally engine would narrow the gap considerably.
    The problem with your E90 clutch is the infamous Clutch Delay Valve, or CDV. There's a simple fix: Get rid of it. More information can be found here.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    BTW, your 318ti is an E36

    If you really want to be technical about it, the ti-or "Compact", as it was known in Europe- is an E36/5 AKA- "Stroke 5".
    The E in the E-code stands for Entwicklung, which means development in German. The E number was assigned at the beginning of the development process. That's right, I said was. BMW apparently doesn't want any three digit codes, so the current 3ers(E90/91/92/93) will be the last E-code Bimmers; the upcoming 7er has been assigned the platform code F01.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    I don't think this 318ti has any options! Power windows, maybe? It's a stealth car as it's black, inside & out, in what I think is old BMW tradition. I'll post a shot later today.

    I've posted a shot which hopefully will explain why I chose AWD. I traded the 4Runner for the 335xi. I originally wanted the Coupe, but opted for the sedan for the AWD. We also get some record breaking puddles when it rains hard, and AWD hydroplanes less than RWD. I hate the loss of steering input when floating through even a few inches of water.

    On a freeway on-ramp yesterday at 60 mph glued to the road, I really don't think I'm missing anything. Having said that, the ti may get replaced by a 135i next year if the cash situation allows it!

    xeye

    image
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Hi, Please delete the above photo and make it a LOT smaller. It messes up the screen width for everyone. Thanks!

    Visiting Host
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    "We also get some record breaking puddles when it rains hard, and AWD hydroplanes less than RWD."

    I'd love to see some hard evidence of that factoid. As best as I can tell, a 335i non-SP and a 335xi should hydroplane identically in identical conditions.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    The hard evidence is experiencing it. I just would like to reiterate the difference between a 335i and the 330xi on recent personal comparo (same roads in the rain). The traction on the xdrive is the real deal. The 335i had the DSC light flickering on a number of hard corners. The xdrive handled the same velocities without DSC intervention.

    As best as I can report, this is a fact you need to experience. I plan to attend the performance driving school soon and one of the courses is an X5 through over a foot of water. There is also a water wall obstacle course. I assume I will not be able to test a 335xi vs a rwd variant but perhaps some of the instructors could shed some light. I will be sure to discuss.

    Yes, driver experience will keep you planted in the rwd version, but given the same exact tire combination, going through standing water favors the xdrive car.

    Expect the AWD future iterations to operate even better.

    Regards,
    OW
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Nope, sorry, not buying.

    Hydroplaning is hydroplaning any way you cut it. What you are doing is confusing all wheel traction with hydroplane resistance and one doesn't equate to the other. Like it or not, if your front end is hydroplaning, you're going to have a problem turning, FWD, AWD or RWD, it makes no difference.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    No problem, I' not selling.

    I can tell you from experience, there is no hydroplaning that I have experienced. It just doesn't happen at speed through downpours or through high water on turns on this xi. There jut isn'y a more solid experience that I can relate, even vs. an AWD SUV.

    That's all Ive got.

    Regards,
    OW
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I've got to tell you; it seems that you are ascribing way too many attributes to AWD than can be justified either by science or by empirical observation. FWIW, I drove both of my RWD BMWs through all sorts of foul weather, and quite honestly cannot remember even a single hydroplane event with the All-Season rubber I had on my 328i or the winter rubber (when it was mounted) on the 530i. That said, with the wider OEM summer rubber that came with my 530i SP, there were a couple of times when I could tell due to the lightness of steering that the front rubber was beginning to lose contact with the pavement. I know you would rather not believe this, but there is no way AWD could have done anything to negate that fact.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,421
    you're right! AWD is the way to go! I think you should rid yourself of that unsightly, unreliable, RWD, 318ti (I'll gladly take it off your hands for $1000 :P )

    anything I say about BMWs is superceded by what roadburner has to say! He's beyond knowledegable, he's an expert, and the kind of guy we need to shake up BMW's engineering department to get them to KTWD (Keep The Weight Down)!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    I know you would rather not believe this, but there is no way AWD could have done anything to negate that fact.

    I believe you are correct with your experiences. As you have noted in the past, there are many factors relative to the priciples of adhesion/road holding/handling. As far as hydroplaning, I echo what you have conveyed in this xi. The 335i was just looser in the wet.

    I believe the All Season rubber is one of the main factors in this discussion as you have attested to on the 318/530.

    I can only relate the experiences I have had. It FEELS more grip vs. the RWD to me in bad weather (with huge amounts of water in the mix, given same all weather tires). That's all I can tell you.

    I will qualify to all I am FAR from an expert and hardly any expierience with past BMW machines.

    Regards,
    OW
  • xeyexeye Member Posts: 168
    Shipo,

    I respect your opinion on most things, but you missed it on this one. I speak from experience, not on the xi but on my 4Runner. In two wheel drive, even with the weight of the truck, there is a momentary loss of road feel when plowing into a deep puddle. In 4x4 with the front wheels pulling, I can feel the resistance of the water, but there is absolutely no floating feel. With a constant power feed to the front wheels in the xi, I expected the same sense, and in fact, did experience it in a recent rain storm.

    It is the fact that the front wheels are pulling that makes the difference.

    xeye

    By the way, I am trying to delete the huge snapshot in my earlier post. Now that I figured out to post a pic, I have to figure out how to delete one. I did not intend to post something so big. My apologies.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,349
    I agree, Shipo. The propensity of a tire to hydroplane is a function of water depth, rotational speed, tire tread design, the shape of the contact patch, and the weight supported by the tire. If a tire is hydroplaning, the fact that it is a driven tire makes absolutely no difference; it will still be unable to transmit power to the road surface. Period.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Hydroplaning takes place when a tire is lifted off the road by a wedge of water getting trapped under the leading edge of the tire as it travels through a puddle of water. The speed at which a tire hydroplanes is a function of the vehicle velocity, water depth, vehicle load, tire pressure and most importantly the tread pattern depth and design. When the tire is unable to remove sufficient water from its path, water lifts the tire completely off the road, causing the vehicle to lose control.

    You just have a better chance if this situation occurs in the xdrive given its capability to switch power to the wheels with traction.

    Regards,
    OW
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