If you live somewhere it snows a lot - buy the xi. It will be slower and thirstier than the i, but will behave a lot better in bad weather. The xi may be more expensive to maintain, especially the drive train.
If it doesn't snow a lot buy the i, and borrow your brother-in-laws land rover when you need it.
Hello.
>
> I am going to buy my first BMW.
> I am going to buy a used 2003 model 325 next month.
> I am considering two sedan models: 325i or 325xi.
>
> All things being equal, the only differnece that I am aware of is the
> all-wheel-drive of the xi vs the rear-wheel-drive of the i.
>
> I will retain my 1993 Toyota SR5 p/u for winter snow driving (I live in
> the Northeast; northshore area of Boston), so the BMW generally shouldn't
> be driven in the snow. But, that said, there may well be times when
> driving my pickup isn't in the cards (i.e.: kids with me; on a date);
> which means the BMW might see snow.
>
> My question is really this: how much sport driving enthusiams do I give
> up if I get the xi; would it drive much different?
>
> I wouldn't say I'm a huge drive like a race fan, but I also don't want to
> sacrafice the supreme performance of the well known 325i for the sake of
> better traction for a few days in the snow.
>
> I realize that should I ever try to re-sell the car, the xi would be
> easier to sell in the Northeast.
>
> Last year I lived in Ireland for 7 months, and drove a Saab 9-3. Liked
> it, but didn't love it. Now that I have the cash to buy a second vehicle,
> I want a 4 door, absolute fun to drive, quality sedan. The BMW from all
> accounts is THE choice. Always have wanted a BMW since I could reach a > gas pedal.
>
> Thoughts? Any and all welcome.
>
> ... Ralph
>