According to a source of mine . . .

The 325xi and 330xi are the first 3 series models with all-wheel drive since a 325xi model was released in 1991.

The AWD system shunts a steady 38 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels and a corresponding 62 percent to the rears.

This ratio helps to preserve the driving dynamics of what is considered to be a world class rear drive sedan.

I've never seen any BMW called an "xi" . . .

I saw a 330xi last weeked and I wondered why it was called an xi. That's interesting to see a 3 Series with all wheel drive.

Personally I wouldn't buy it ... it isn't that great... and nowhere close to the AWD of the Audi's.....

However in 12 months the M3 is coming with a V8 in it.... zoom zoom.

Guh? You mean to say that they're actually going to drop the M5's 5.0 litre V8 in the M3? I thought that beast of a car was reserved for GT only?

NOooooo not the M5 engine... that would never fit... they are using the same engine that the GT uses... I don't know the size off hand.

Didn't Hamman build a fleet of M3's w/ the M5 engine? I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere. I don't see why it wouldn't fit.

I heard that BMW will be releasing an M6 (coupe) if the launch of the 6 series does well. I don't know when the launch of the new 6 series will be though.