Topic: First Drive: 2019 BMW 3 Series

[AutoTrader.ca]

Upping the ante
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[ChaosphereIX]

no manual no wagon no care when/if I wanted to get one in 10 years time 

[Seafoam]

Times certainly are a changing when you can't get a 3 series in a manual. 

[OliverD]

I'm surprised they're even bothering with the RWD M340i. There's only a single used RWD 340i listed for sale on bmw.ca.

[mlin32]

I'm surprised they're even bothering with the RWD M340i. There's only a single used RWD 340i listed for sale on bmw.ca.

Probably an easy certification given the larger market in the US.

The autonomous features taken to the next level is intriguing and I kind of want to experience it with no hands and feet at 60km/h. I mean, imagine how much easier the daily slog could be !

[OliverD]

I'm surprised they're even bothering with the RWD M340i. There's only a single used RWD 340i listed for sale on bmw.ca.

Probably an easy certification given the larger market in the US.

The autonomous features taken to the next level is intriguing and I kind of want to experience it with no hands and feet at 60km/h. I mean, imagine how much easier the daily slog could be !

True, although they haven't offered a RWD 320i or 328i here in a few years.

[tortoise]

But then you'd have to live in Forida.  Or Texas.

[mlin32]

I'm surprised they're even bothering with the RWD M340i. There's only a single used RWD 340i listed for sale on bmw.ca.

Crazy.

This had me thinking the other day. I get the whole AWD car/SUV/CUV thing here in Canada and in the northern states (given winter and winter sports, etc) but I can't believe people bother with AWD in much of the states. It always struck me as odd. It seems like such a dream to live in a place where you can DD your RWD sports car or sports sedan year round.

Remember, the vast majority of buyers for new BMWs aren't enthusiasts. They prefer the mental security net of AWD.........on all-season tires. This is true even in places that don't get much snow.

The same kind of people that we all whinge about getting into accidents when it snows and clogging up traffic.

[OliverD]

I'm surprised they're even bothering with the RWD M340i. There's only a single used RWD 340i listed for sale on bmw.ca.

Crazy.

This had me thinking the other day. I get the whole AWD car/SUV/CUV thing here in Canada and in the northern states (given winter and winter sports, etc) but I can't believe people bother with AWD in much of the states. It always struck me as odd. It seems like such a dream to live in a place where you can DD your RWD sports car or sports sedan year round.

Well the reality is that they don't bother with AWD in many southern states. Just looked up BMW of Dallas, they have 39 540i in stock and only one is xDrive. Of the 27 750i, 10 are xDrive. 44 330i, just one is xDrive. 19 340i, two xDrive. And 2WD trucks and SUVs are super popular down there.

[mlin32]

I'm surprised they're even bothering with the RWD M340i. There's only a single used RWD 340i listed for sale on bmw.ca.

Crazy.

This had me thinking the other day. I get the whole AWD car/SUV/CUV thing here in Canada and in the northern states (given winter and winter sports, etc) but I can't believe people bother with AWD in much of the states. It always struck me as odd. It seems like such a dream to live in a place where you can DD your RWD sports car or sports sedan year round.

Well the reality is that they don't bother with AWD in many southern states. Just looked up BMW of Dallas, they have 39 540i in stock and only one is xDrive. Of the 27 750i, 10 are xDrive. 44 330i, just one is xDrive. 19 340i, two xDrive. And 2WD trucks and SUVs are super popular down there.

But.....that's Texas. I remember when I lived in the Southeast, the AWD models were becoming equally prevalent as the rear-drive models. Even in places like Atlanta it would be common to find a 335xi or whatnot.

In Europe, the norm remains the standard drivetrain for vehicles (not AWD options) so rear or front wheel drive. Even most crossovers are uniquely front wheel drive with no AWD offering. Then again, we have country-specific tire requirements.

[evil_twin]

The notion that AWD is a must for snowy conditions is a creation of the last 10-15 years.   Sure if you're driving the alpine pass routinely, but for day-to-day commuting in Ontario?   RWD with proper tires is fine.   

No manual in the 3 makes me sad.   Otherwise reads like a great vehicle.