 First time owner of the BMW. Being from the Northeast, Ive only driven AWD vehicles. I was well aware of the certain stigma clouding the x-drives, BMW being predominantly RWD and all, as well as the CDV issue.  I can certainly put the CDV issue to rest. At first the minuscule delay will be noticeable, but after 200 or so miles of getting used-to, if you cant adjust the feather of your foot to compensate for the delay, any discomfort from passenger head-banging is all on you.  As for the AWD, havent had a chance to test it out yet this winter, but there is a difference between the xi and the 328i that I test drove in the dry, in how each gets off the line. The i is more responsive.