135i to get electronically controlled LSD?!

[zenmaster]

Greg Kable wrote the article. Has been writing for various car mags for 19 years. Was one of the 2007 International Engine of the Year Award judges (won by BMW).

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by krassanova

I am wondering if X-Drive would be just as good as an LSD. Anybody know? More importantly, have there been any discussions about a 135xi?

They are different things trying to accomplish a similar goal: more grip. While xDrive would eliminate problems with rear wheel grip by shifting the power to the front wheels, it would also make the car more nose heavy and also change the handling characteristic to understeer. The xDrive drivetrain would also add a significant portion of weight. In though, you would be able to avoid the problems with rear wheel grip.

Now, as to availability, there have been no rumors to suggest that xDrive would come in any 1er, let alone a 135. I think that BMW had a damn old time trying to get the N54 in as it is. Additionally, reading through the press release, they mention how the car has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution which only happens on BMWs without xDrive. I think BMWs point with this car is a lot about dynamics and I dont think xDrive falls into that philosophy (at least in BMW's mind).

[alex2364]

I wouldn't even consider xDrive in any BMW sedan, wagon, or coupe. It just adds weight to the car and ruins the RWD driving experience. And if I lived in snow country, I'd get snow tires. I'd only get xDrive in the X3 or X5.

[murdoc158]

Originally Posted by krassanova

BMW bent that rule with MINI. I am wondering if X-Drive would be just as good as an LSD. Anybody know? More importantly, have there been any discussions about a 135xi?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but X-Drive uses 2 open differentials and a transfer case to send power front/back. There have been some pretty heated discussions on other boards about the 335i vs. 335xi in handling. Unless you live in the snow belt, there is no reason to get X-Drive. The added weight and negative impact on fuel mileage are just not worth it.

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by murdoc158

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but X-Drive uses 2 open differentials and a transfer case to send power front/back. There have been some pretty heated discussions on other boards about the 335i vs. 335xi in handling. Unless you live in the snow belt, there is no reason to get X-Drive. The added weight and negative impact on fuel mileage are just not worth it.

You are correct. There are two open differentials on both ends with a transfer case that can send power 100% to either axle (as opposed to the latest Quattro systems that can only send up to 85%). I would imagine that the launching ability of the car would be improved but I dont know about handling in the corners.

[krassanova]

Originally Posted by MPower

They are different things trying to accomplish a similar goal: more grip. While xDrive would eliminate problems with rear wheel grip by shifting the power to the front wheels, it would also make the car more nose heavy and also change the handling characteristic to understeer. The xDrive drivetrain would also add a significant portion of weight. In though, you would be able to avoid the problems with rear wheel grip.

Now, as to availability, there have been no rumors to suggest that xDrive would come in any 1er, let alone a 135. I think that BMW had a damn old time trying to get the N54 in as it is. Additionally, reading through the press release, they mention how the car has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution which only happens on BMWs without xDrive. I think BMWs point with this car is a lot about dynamics and I dont think xDrive falls into that philosophy (at least in BMW's mind).

That makes a whole lot of sense when you bring up the point about the 50/50 weight distribution. I think you are right about them not wanting to screw that up...I'm sure the engineers would not be happy.

I'm sure there is understeer already "built-in" to the car, and it would be a PITA to balance everything with the X-Drive.

I guess I'll just have to take the wife's X3 during ski season!

[audisp0rta4]

I just hope that this electronic sissy LSD simulator can be un-installed and replaced with a real LSD without too many headaches. My Audi A4 Quattro had a similar setup from the factory and people were able to install rear LSDs without dissrupting the electrical systems, so I assume you can do the same with the 1er.

[335i=:)]

Originally Posted by AUDISP0RTA4

I just hope that this electronic sissy LSD simulator can be un-installed and replaced with a real LSD without too many headaches. My Audi A4 Quattro had a similar setup from the factory and people were able to install rear LSDs without dissrupting the electrical systems, so I assume you can do the same with the 1er.

Yes you can, at least I know you can on the 335i's. Quaife makes one for 1,500.00

[kere]

I read from somewhere that 123d will get the eLSD too, can someone confirm this?

[danp]

Originally Posted by replicat

It would be a dream if it came with one, but it would definately be against all marketing logic.

The 335i is a hair slower that the E46 m3.. and purposefully so, they didnt want it to be quicker...and LSD would have gave it the advantage.

It also came detuned from factory, as to not rival the E92 M3 so closely. Adding an LSD to that equation would make the cars alot harder to choose from to the idiot office jerk that only looks at 0-60 times.

Now imagine if the 135i which,

(unless BMW decides to be punks and makes it purposefully slower, however they shouldn't worry as it is a different market of ppl.)

should beat the 335i without a doubt, had an LSD, it would be a 0-60 4.5 second car....

WOW! im already getting excited!

LSD, vishnu, 3" TBE, = 400rwhp 0-60 3.9-4.0secs
and using an ET Calculator i got 11.8!!!

C6 Z06 goodday SIR!!! (okay maybe im getting ahead of myslef, but wow. $40K + $10K mods = Quick, balanced, and agile sex!

Not sure that the 0-60 would be improved much (if at all ?) with an LSD...but with that amount of torque (especially on a chipped one) I suspect it would help accelerating out of tight, low speed corners. (i.e. so that the inside wheel doesn't just spin away it's torque)

[Vornado]

I'm dunno about all that, but I'll wait to see how well it drives first before considering screwing with the diff.