Would the E90 rwd work in snow?

rs1985 · 09-30-2005, 03:58 PM

as topic said!

Ponchoyu · 09-30-2005, 04:06 PM

Sure will! Get a nice set of snows and you're off!

Bimmerista · 09-30-2005, 04:08 PM

It'll better work, I am getting mine in October - It would really suck if it were to shut down on me until April 2006.

mBechara · 09-30-2005, 04:11 PM

If you are not stuck in the snow, a good snow set will do as Ponchoyu sad. However, the problem now with the E90 is to find a good run flat winter tier !!!

Bimmerista · 09-30-2005, 04:14 PM

I ordered mine through Tiretrends.com (out of Vancouver), following the advice from other members who posted on this forum. I am getting 225.45.17 Dunlop M3s on Replica Wheels (M5 replica).

I got the 17 in rims becasue I want to get my money's worth-if in future I change for 330, the 16 in rims do not fit the brake disks of the 330, but the 17 in M5 replicas do.

lux.sh · 09-30-2005, 04:26 PM

Not just E90, but I think generally, RWD don't work well with snow.

Snow + AWD would be ideal.

mBechara · 09-30-2005, 04:30 PM

Sur but the problem is to choose between the awd and be safe for winter or rwd and get the most of BMW

DerekS · 09-30-2005, 04:35 PM

Make sure you get a set of dedicated snow tires. Checkout Tirerack.com and you'll see that the Dunlop M3s are the best rated snows. Recently ordered a set for my car, saved more than $600 compared to local dealer's price.
My previous E46 with snows performed very well, just add a bag of sand (about 50lbs.) to your trunk and you will be able to outperform most other vehicles in the snow. The E90 should be similar.

Nikki · 09-30-2005, 04:39 PM

Yeah, it will work technically. But a AWD or FWD car would be safer.

edit: unless you live in a hilly area where it snows a lot, then forget about it. (damn that place i used to live)

LEDZEP · 09-30-2005, 05:14 PM

I figure I'll find out when the snow comes. I haven't seen RFT snows by any maker yet. I'm going to trust the 16" all weathers, the 50/50 weight balance, DSP, and sensible driving. When it gets too bad, I'll take the wife's 325xiT.

I see a lot of posts about sacrificing RWD with the x drive system. You need to read up on x drive. It is RWD almost all the time - unless extra traction is needed. When it is, it works with the DSP system to send power to the wheels that need it.

JVFan · 09-30-2005, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

I figure I'll find out when the snow comes. I haven't seen RFT snows by any maker yet. I'm going to trust the 16" all weathers, the 50/50 weight balance, DSP, and sensible driving. When it gets too bad, I'll take the wife's 325xiT.

I see a lot of posts about sacrificing RWD with the x drive system. You need to read up on x drive. It is RWD almost all the time - unless extra traction is needed. When it is, it works with the DSP system to send power to the wheels that need it.

Dunlop Sport M3 and Pirelli Sottozeros are RFT's. I bought M3's and Replica Wheels M5 17"s.

Will L. · 09-30-2005, 10:24 PM

My experience has been that AWD is nice, but tires are much more important.

My wife has a 325xi (E46) and I have a Z4. When we had our first snowy, icy day in the new cars, I noticed that my traction (on my summer tires) was non-existant. I couldn't let the clutch out without my traction control going crazy and my wheels spinning unless I was very, very careful, and the anti-lock brakes would go crazy and I would slide through intersections unless I was very, very careful braking.

My wife's car had absolutely no problem in either situation, and I thought to myself: "AWD shouldn't do anything to improve braking." Her tires were the standard Continental all-seasons.

I got a set of Falken (512?) the only all-season tires to fit on the 18 inch rims that I could find, and the difference was night and day. Never had a problem in snow all last winter. The tires were also noticably better on dry pavement than the stock Bridgestone run-flats.

If your E-90 comes with the all-seasons, I'd think they should be fine unless you get a LOT of snow. If you've got the "Sport" tires, I'd recommend snow tires or, at least changing to all-seasons.

With the right tires, RWD shouldn't be a problem.

CirrusSR22 · 09-30-2005, 11:32 PM

It's all about the tires

DDTAN · 10-01-2005, 12:15 AM

If there is snow in the future of your E90, you will want studless snow tires. Believe me, if you are even able to move at all, the sliding around that your brand new baby will do in traffic will be more than enough to convince you to keep it parked until you get them.

lux.sh · 10-01-2005, 03:52 AM

RWD just generally don't respond well to snow as good as FWD or AWD.

Good snow tires are great extra protection, but if there is enough snow,
FWD, AWD, Snow tires, and all the traction control, etc won't do any good.
At the end, they will all slide around above the snow.

I wouldn't drive a bmw in snow. Not that it won't perform, but just because
its a beautiful car.

LEDZEP · 10-01-2005, 05:42 AM

I agree about the tires. I had a MB with 17" performance tires (summer) and in the winter I was all over the place with them. Changed to a set of Michelin Pilot Sport all seasons (pricey) and it made a huge difference. These stock all season Bridgestones look pretty decent, so I'm going to give them a try. I also think the 50/50 weight distribution has a lot to do with it. Most RWD cars have no weight over the driven wheels (which is why FWD got so popular).

34Three · 10-01-2005, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Yeah, it will work technically. But a AWD or FWD car would be safer.

edit: unless you live in a hilly area where it snows a lot, then forget about it. (damn that place i used to live)

Hills can be a problem but I disagree that AWD/FWD is "safer" if you mean safer as avoiding collision, stopping, or not sliding off the road. It only helps you get started...won't help you slow down.

Think about the 1st big blizzard each year...why are all those new SUVs in the ditch...idiots who think their 4WD makes them invincible

I've driven BMWs in Minnesota for years and its all about the tires...would take RWD with snows over FWD any time!!!

LEDZEP · 10-01-2005, 07:35 AM

I love seeing SUVs in the ditch!! Those dumb asses think it's magic.

RedLeader · 10-01-2005, 08:53 AM

Had a 98 M3 and drove it in the snow one time. Made it about 1 mile and figured out that it was a bad idea. Turned around and waited for it to melt. Got snow tires with rims and my snow problems were solved. I live in upper Wisconsin so we see a fair bit of snow. RWD is no problem with snow tires. Besides I live in the city so it isn't too long before everything is fairly clear. My previous car to the M3 was an Eagle Talon TSI AWD. It did accelerate better in the snow but that was about it. The M3 had traction control so if the rears kicked out a little it did 90% of the work to bring it back in line.

Nikki · 10-01-2005, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 34Three

Hills can be a problem but I disagree that AWD/FWD is "safer" if you mean safer as avoiding collision, stopping, or not sliding off the road. It only helps you get started...won't help you slow down.

Think about the 1st big blizzard each year...why are all those new SUVs in the ditch...idiots who think their 4WD makes them invincible

I've driven BMWs in Minnesota for years and its all about the tires...would take RWD with snows over FWD any time!!!

I remember seeing people with RWD spinning and spinning and they keep getting so frustrated,and then finally they punch it and it goes flying out of control, so dangerous. Also, I've seen cars on the highway that are just driving along at around 35mph and then they just suddenly lose traction and do a 360 in the middle of the road. Of course, all cars can do these things, but it is easier to stay on the road with a FWD or an AWD. I also agree though that the best thing you can do it get snow tires. A good set of snow tires was the best thing I did for my Integra. After I put those things on, I only remember slipping a couple times, and I lived in a very hilly area that got tons of snow.

stressdoc · 10-01-2005, 09:10 AM

Having raced FWD, AWD, and RWD cars in the snow, I would take RWD anyday for handling. An xi will have better initial traction, so if your commute involves lots of nasty stop and starts on steep hills, then AWD is what you need. Otherwise an E90 with Dunlop M3s and some weight in the trunk will be the best.

Nikki · 10-01-2005, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Having raced FWD, AWD, and RWD cars in the snow, I would take RWD anyday for handling. An xi will have better initial traction, so if your commute involves lots of nasty stop and starts on steep hills, then AWD is what you need. Otherwise an E90 with Dunlop M3s and some weight in the trunk will be the best.

Yes, the extra weight in the back definitely works. My dad used to use bags of salt.

09-30-2005, 03:58 PM	#1
rs1985 First Lieutenant 55 Rep 303 Posts Drives: BMW325i MB ML500 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Vancouver Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	Would the E90 rwd work in snow? as topic said!
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09-30-2005, 04:06 PM	#2
Ponchoyu Private First Class 15 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Black Join Date: May 2005 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	Sure will! Get a nice set of snows and you're off! __________________ ________ 2006 330i Sapphire Black, Premium Package, Sport Package, 6 Sp, Active Steering
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09-30-2005, 04:08 PM	#3
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	It'll better work, I am getting mine in October - It would really suck if it were to shut down on me until April 2006.
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09-30-2005, 04:11 PM	#4
mBechara Enlisted Member 0 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 325I Idrive Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montreal Canada iTrader: (0)	If you are not stuck in the snow, a good snow set will do as Ponchoyu sad. However, the problem now with the E90 is to find a good run flat winter tier !!! __________________ e90 325 , sport, prem, Idrive e46 330xi
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09-30-2005, 04:14 PM	#5
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	I ordered mine through Tiretrends.com (out of Vancouver), following the advice from other members who posted on this forum. I am getting 225.45.17 Dunlop M3s on Replica Wheels (M5 replica). I got the 17 in rims becasue I want to get my money's worth-if in future I change for 330, the 16 in rims do not fit the brake disks of the 330, but the 17 in M5 replicas do.
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09-30-2005, 04:26 PM	#6
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	Not just E90, but I think generally, RWD don't work well with snow. Snow + AWD would be ideal. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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09-30-2005, 04:30 PM	#7
mBechara Enlisted Member 0 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 325I Idrive Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montreal Canada iTrader: (0)	Sur but the problem is to choose between the awd and be safe for winter or rwd and get the most of BMW __________________ e90 325 , sport, prem, Idrive e46 330xi
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09-30-2005, 04:35 PM	#8
DerekS Major 197 Rep 1,180 Posts Drives: '24 X3 M Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: YVR iTrader: (0)	Make sure you get a set of dedicated snow tires. Checkout Tirerack.com and you'll see that the Dunlop M3s are the best rated snows. Recently ordered a set for my car, saved more than $600 compared to local dealer's price. My previous E46 with snows performed very well, just add a bag of sand (about 50lbs.) to your trunk and you will be able to outperform most other vehicles in the snow. The E90 should be similar.
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09-30-2005, 04:39 PM	#9
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Yeah, it will work technically. But a AWD or FWD car would be safer. edit: unless you live in a hilly area where it snows a lot, then forget about it. (damn that place i used to live) __________________ Nikki
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09-30-2005, 05:14 PM	#10
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I figure I'll find out when the snow comes. I haven't seen RFT snows by any maker yet. I'm going to trust the 16" all weathers, the 50/50 weight balance, DSP, and sensible driving. When it gets too bad, I'll take the wife's 325xiT. I see a lot of posts about sacrificing RWD with the x drive system. You need to read up on x drive. It is RWD almost all the time - unless extra traction is needed. When it is, it works with the DSP system to send power to the wheels that need it. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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09-30-2005, 10:24 PM	#12
Will L. Private First Class 2 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001 Ducati 750 Sport [0.00] 2003 Z4 [7.00]	My experience has been that AWD is nice, but tires are much more important. My wife has a 325xi (E46) and I have a Z4. When we had our first snowy, icy day in the new cars, I noticed that my traction (on my summer tires) was non-existant. I couldn't let the clutch out without my traction control going crazy and my wheels spinning unless I was very, very careful, and the anti-lock brakes would go crazy and I would slide through intersections unless I was very, very careful braking. My wife's car had absolutely no problem in either situation, and I thought to myself: "AWD shouldn't do anything to improve braking." Her tires were the standard Continental all-seasons. I got a set of Falken (512?) the only all-season tires to fit on the 18 inch rims that I could find, and the difference was night and day. Never had a problem in snow all last winter. The tires were also noticably better on dry pavement than the stock Bridgestone run-flats. If your E-90 comes with the all-seasons, I'd think they should be fine unless you get a LOT of snow. If you've got the "Sport" tires, I'd recommend snow tires or, at least changing to all-seasons. With the right tires, RWD shouldn't be a problem.
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09-30-2005, 11:32 PM	#13
CirrusSR22 Major 342 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	It's all about the tires
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10-01-2005, 12:15 AM	#14
DDTAN Private First Class 2 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 07 335i E90 ZSP Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Gig Harbor iTrader: (0)	If there is snow in the future of your E90, you will want studless snow tires. Believe me, if you are even able to move at all, the sliding around that your brand new baby will do in traffic will be more than enough to convince you to keep it parked until you get them.
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10-01-2005, 03:52 AM	#15
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	RWD just generally don't respond well to snow as good as FWD or AWD. Good snow tires are great extra protection, but if there is enough snow, FWD, AWD, Snow tires, and all the traction control, etc won't do any good. At the end, they will all slide around above the snow. I wouldn't drive a bmw in snow. Not that it won't perform, but just because its a beautiful car. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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10-01-2005, 05:42 AM	#16
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I agree about the tires. I had a MB with 17" performance tires (summer) and in the winter I was all over the place with them. Changed to a set of Michelin Pilot Sport all seasons (pricey) and it made a huge difference. These stock all season Bridgestones look pretty decent, so I'm going to give them a try. I also think the 50/50 weight distribution has a lot to do with it. Most RWD cars have no weight over the driven wheels (which is why FWD got so popular). __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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10-01-2005, 07:35 AM	#18
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I love seeing SUVs in the ditch!! Those dumb asses think it's magic. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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10-01-2005, 08:53 AM	#19
RedLeader New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: E90, 6SP, Titanium Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Green Bay, WI iTrader: (0)	Had a 98 M3 and drove it in the snow one time. Made it about 1 mile and figured out that it was a bad idea. Turned around and waited for it to melt. Got snow tires with rims and my snow problems were solved. I live in upper Wisconsin so we see a fair bit of snow. RWD is no problem with snow tires. Besides I live in the city so it isn't too long before everything is fairly clear. My previous car to the M3 was an Eagle Talon TSI AWD. It did accelerate better in the snow but that was about it. The M3 had traction control so if the rears kicked out a little it did 90% of the work to bring it back in line.
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10-01-2005, 09:10 AM	#21
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Having raced FWD, AWD, and RWD cars in the snow, I would take RWD anyday for handling. An xi will have better initial traction, so if your commute involves lots of nasty stop and starts on steep hills, then AWD is what you need. Otherwise an E90 with Dunlop M3s and some weight in the trunk will be the best.
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