435 X Drive or 240i as an everyday car?

435 X Drive or 240i as an everyday car?

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CarsOrBikes

1,135 posts

183 months

Thursday 8th December 2016
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I have the 435 M Sport+ in the same colours, both nice, the way either car drives is different, but both good, the M240 is more urgent initially, but I feel some of that is just gearing perhaps. I had the M135 for a bit a couple of weeks ago (from Chester) and it was a hoot. Getting used to the 435 the last couple of months, and having others this last year, find it takes a while to adapt to them. The steering is a little odd but as above, I think the epas has something to do with it. On yours I think the iDrive will allow you to opt to select engine or chassis or both in eco pro settings, but personally I seem more comfortable with the feel in sport.

BMW have M Performance accessory parts to enhance the car, and on your car the M Performance kit, with different wheels and tyres will change the feel, as may the M Performance suspension. The X Drive can't use M Performance suspension but can use Schnitzer, you can have either.

Really, take your time to get used to it. Have some faith pressing on in time as you get more comfortable and I'm sure you may feel differently. The car is different to a Porsche of course, but surprisingly capable. The 435 will leave things like that standing, as will yours in particular situations easily, and both models I think prove pretty versatile, and great fun on demand.

Ultimately, the answer to your original question is 'either' they have different characteristics. The 435 being able to give over 40mpg on average over nearly 3,000 miles alone considering how it goes when required, is just fantastic, and the 135 I used although thirsty, was just plain silly and sounded ace when pushed (sport auto) but had the M Performance exhaust. If that was X Drive it would be crazy quick, but still, very good.

Go see Chester for some toys for yours before you make a hasty move perhaps.

Just my2p

Billy_Whizzzz

1,989 posts

142 months

Friday 9th December 2016
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I have an M140i and also a Z4M - which doesn't have the electric power steering. I find the 140 a great hack - racking up the miles in it - but it doesn't have the analogue feel of the Z4M or a Boxster. For everyday use it's perfect (except for the manual gearing) but I'd mind enormously if I didn't have the Z4M for high days as the 140 just doesn't thrill in the same way. Conversely - I'd hate to use the Z daily!

Davel

Original Poster:

8,982 posts

257 months

Friday 9th December 2016
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Well thanks everyone for your input.

I'm now at about 1200 miles and have to say that, apart from the lack of feel in the steering, the car is really growing on me.

The Professional Nav might have been better but it does the job and I'm slowly getting used to the i-drive system.

I think that the grip is far better than first thought - you just don't 'feel' it.

Edited by Davel on Tuesday 10th January 12:07