3 Series (F30) F30 xDrive

[skbmw]

I thought I would start a thread for the subject in question. There has been some information available on the internet on the F30 xDrive, however there is much that is unknown at this point.

I was recently in contact with someone in the xDrive department at BMW AG and they seem unwilling to comment on the schedule and F30 models that will receive the xDrive treatment. The general answer seems to be "too early" and what I got from them was that they will have "different engine versions" and not "before end of 2012". My question about a 335d xDrive didn't get a response. I hope they make it this time around. The 313 hp unit would be something to fancy about.

 

[Deckhook]

There was something mentioned in the UK motoring press that we in the UK will get xDrive for the first time in the 3 series. I can't recall exactly what was said but I think it was that not all engine sizes would get it.

I just hope that they offer it this time round with M/sport.

 

[skbmw]

I learned yesterday from a local BMW dealer that the first xDrive version to be launched in Finland will be the F31 330d xDrive meaning the Touring. It will be launched in June.

An interesting fact I learned is that the xDrive technology has gone through some serious weight loss, it is approximately 50 kgs lighter than it's E9x counterpart. With the general weight loss of F3x compared to E9x, this is very exciting news. We might look at 70-80 kg weight loss for F3x xDrive models compared to the outgoing E9x models.

 

[Deckhook]

That's great news because in the past it was a bit porky. I wonder has anything else changed apart from the weight?

 

[speed_kills]

I believe it when I see it.
Will they offer an Mxxx version with Xdrive like they done with M550d?

 

[Foxfire]

That would be very nice. Preferably with a manual this time, if it can handle the torque.

 

[skbmw]

F30 xDrive models can be ordered since 1.4.2012, at least here in Finland. My understanding is that xDrive will be launched with the 7/2012 model. Anyway, xDrive models which can be ordered are: 320i xDrive, 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 320d xDrive. No surprises there. Nice to see that the low-end 320d xDrive is available from the beginning, good move from BMW.

 

[speed_kills]

How about that weight loss?

 

[skbmw]

Specifications are not available yet. I'm sure they will appear on https://www.press.bmwgroup.com when we get closer to the xDrive model availability date.

 

[skbmw]

So now that the first xDrive models have started to appear (technical specifications from BMW are however still not available), looking at the EU weights:

320i M Sport 1490 kg (1500 kg)
320i xDrive M Sport 1545 kg (1565 kg)

Since there was no 320i E90 xDrive, I used the 320d model (3/2010) as basis for the comparison. The figures:

320d 1495 kg (1505 kg)
320d xDrive 1600 kg (1615 kg)

So the new xDrive counts for 55 kg (65 kg) compared to the old one which counted for 105 kg (110 kg).

Impressive weight loss if you ask me.

 

[klier]

Definitely!