2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum 535i and Snow
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-28-2012, 12:43 PM   #23
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Did you actually talk to the last owner or you are just going by what the used car salesman told you? If you are going by what the used car salesman said, then he has every reason to lie, he wants to sell you a car that is in low demand.
I am sorry, when was the last time the Broncos won a Super Bowl? Did you say 13 years ago
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 07:02 PM   #24
Grover432
Lieutenant
22
Rep
585
Posts

Drives: 2013 535 XDrive
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by The X Men View Post
Well, 90% of owners here in the northeast disagree with you. For every 10 BMW here, 9 are X-drives. The convenience of all season out weights the performance disadvantage for most BMW owners, unless you track your car. The cost of the rims, snow tires and the cost of mounting 2 times a years is a big turn off for most people. In a 4 year period, we are talking about $2000 or so. That happens to be about the cost of the AWD and you get half of that $2000 back when you trade in your X-drive after 4 years.
AWD is not only for snow, its handle rain stroms and puddles better than RWD as well. AWD also provide more traction off the line and thru high speed turns.
I have owned AWD with all season and RWD cars with snow, they both have their advantage and disadvantages. RWD with snow will stop better in the snow, but AWD with all season climb hills better in the snow and accelarate better. With a RWD, if one gets the two rear wheel stuck, you are out of luck, with AWD, you still have the front wheels to pull get you out of trouble. AWD with snow would be ideal.
In citys with mild winters, somedays it snows and the next it can be up to 50 degrees F. If you are caught with snow tires in warm weather or summer tires in cold weather, it is worst than driving with all seasons.

awd is great for traction off the line and aids in handling. But without snow tires in northern climates, you won't stop any quicker than a car with rwd and the same tires. Too much go without the same level of slow can result in a no no (crash).
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 08:43 PM   #25
JNoSol
Brigadier General
JNoSol's Avatar
United_States
1378
Rep
3,834
Posts

Drives: 750 MSPORT & E90M3
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kansas City

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by The X Men View Post
Looking at MA's biggest BMW dealer's website, Herb Chamber BMW, they have over a 100 F10 in stock and not one of them is RWD, that should tell you something.
Same situation in Kansas City, it's really hard to find a 5 and 7 with RWD during the winter time. My next car will be a .50i xdrive, having 400/445hp only make sense to have AWD. For .28i and .35i, RWD will do just fine with winter tires. I've seen old mustangs and Camaros on the road during the snow storm with winter tires, they do just fine w/o any traction control. BMW 5 weighs more with 50/50 balance and superior traction control, it's not a problem on the now.
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2012, 09:52 PM   #26
hufington
Major
hufington's Avatar
3115
Rep
1,354
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 m50i
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I've had both RWD and AWD cars for the last 12 years here in the Northeast.

Except being burried in deep snow overnight and very steep hills, the only deciding factor for both systems is the tires.

They are your only contact to the surface and if you have crappy tires, it does not make any difference even if you have the best AWD system on the planet. It is like Usain Bolt trying to run in stripper heels!!

That's why I ordered my 535i w/o xDrive and will have a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3 if I can find a good deal.

By the way, the best "snow plough" that I have owned in NYC was a 2000 Crown Vic Police Interceptor.

Cheers.
__________________
2022 BMW X5 m50i
2024 MB S63 on order
'18 X5 50i / '16 BMW F10 550xi / '13 BMW F10 535i / '07 BMW E64 630i / '03 BMW E65 745i / '95 BMW E34 540i / '89 BMW E30 M3
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 12:59 AM   #27
Lee
Lieutenant
Germany
64
Rep
411
Posts

Drives: '17 X5 50i/'01 Z3
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Pretty good article and video: http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...er_tires_test/
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 09:06 AM   #28
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grover432 View Post
Too much go without the same level of slow can result in a no no (crash).
Too much slow and without any go means you car is as good as a car in a ditch.

A lot of old timers still like RWD with snow, along with 5000 miles sythetic oil change and 25000 miles tranny fluid changes....... There is nothing wrong with that except that modern technology is simply passing them by. Snow tire's only advantage is shorter stop distance, a good set of all season will come very close in stopping power. Today AWD system are much better than what was available 20 years ago. A AWD system such as X-drive or Quattro can improve on performance in some areas and weight penalty and gas mileage penalty is very minimal.

Last edited by The X Men; 12-29-2012 at 09:19 AM..
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 03:56 PM   #29
OzDriver
Private First Class
OzDriver's Avatar
Australia
6
Rep
114
Posts

Drives: '13 535i & '08 530i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by hufington View Post
They are your only contact to the surface and if you have crappy tires, it does not make any difference even if you have the best AWD system on the planet. It is like Usain Bolt trying to run in stripper heels!!.
Interesting metaphor, conjures up all sorts of bizzare images ...
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 05:10 PM   #30
Boulder Bill
First Lieutenant
Boulder Bill's Avatar
United_States
61
Rep
371
Posts

Drives: 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

I wonder why the M5 doesn't offer X-drive?

Just saying. . .
__________________
2013 F10 550i | 6 Speed Manual | M Sport Package | Carbon Black | Oyster & Black Nappa | Dynamic Handling w/Dynamic Damper Control | Executive Package (Comfort Access - Soft Close - HUD) | B&O Sound | Luxury Seating & Heated Seats
(retired: 2002 E39 540i | 6 Speed Manual)
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 05:46 PM   #31
Lee
Lieutenant
Germany
64
Rep
411
Posts

Drives: '17 X5 50i/'01 Z3
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boulder Bill View Post
I wonder why the M5 doesn't offer X-drive?

Just saying. . .
My friend's dad used to say that having sex with a condom on is like washing your feet with socks on -- RWD is sans socks, right?
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 06:03 PM   #32
hufington
Major
hufington's Avatar
3115
Rep
1,354
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 m50i
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by OzDriver View Post
Interesting metaphor, conjures up all sorts of bizzare images ...
__________________
2022 BMW X5 m50i
2024 MB S63 on order
'18 X5 50i / '16 BMW F10 550xi / '13 BMW F10 535i / '07 BMW E64 630i / '03 BMW E65 745i / '95 BMW E34 540i / '89 BMW E30 M3
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 08:50 PM   #33
COBodom
Lieutenant
COBodom's Avatar
525
Rep
439
Posts

Drives: 2024 540i
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boulder Bill View Post
I wonder why the M5 doesn't offer X-drive?

Just saying. . .
Maybe for the same reason why RS4, RS6 and R8 always come in Quattro ?
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2012, 08:57 PM   #34
Juiced46
Major
74
Rep
1,035
Posts

Drives: 03 Turbo Cobra, 2011 335xi
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Wallingford CT

iTrader: (3)

With the correct tires for the conditions, there is no need for AWD plain and simple.

Just took my 535i RWD 6spd out in the snow with Pirelli Pzero Sotto snow tires and it faired just fine with the 10 inches we have on the ground. It did just as good as my AWD 335i with Blizzaks. The AWD is just dead weight added to the car IMO
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2012, 07:33 AM   #35
Alan l.
Major General
Alan l.'s Avatar
5279
Rep
8,742
Posts

Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: United States

iTrader: (9)

I don't agree. RWD with snow tires can do just fine but AWD will always do better in the same conditions. For me the slight (if any) performance edge that rwd has doesn't out weigh the safety and confidence of having awd on a snow covered road.

For the E90 crowd the Xi cars were actually quicker doing the quarter mile than the rwd counterparts because of the extra traction during take off. I was pissed because i had a rwd 6mt 335i thinking it had the advantage lol

Alan
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2012, 09:22 AM   #36
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Juiced46 View Post
Just took my 535i RWD 6spd out in the snow with Pirelli Pzero Sotto snow tires and it faired just fine with the 10 inches we have on the ground. It did just as good as my AWD 335i with Blizzaks.
I think you are reaching now, the 335i AWD with Blizzaks can probably drive circles around your RWD in the snow
We just had our 1st major storm here in New England yesterday, about 10 inches. My wife was driving her 328xi with oem conti pro contact. It handled it fine. On one stretch of the way home, we were behind a old Subaru, the front of the Subaru kept sliding sideway everytime he try to stop. If you RWD guys mean that AWD with the inproper tires such as the Subrau is dangerious in the snow, then I agree. Tires are one of the most important factors in snow traction, a RWD with a bald set of snow is just as bad.
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2012, 10:05 AM   #37
jdong
Lieutenant
19
Rep
503
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

I think AWD is hands down an improvement over RWD given both have the same tires, but as someone who's lived a long time in snowy climates, I'd have to say if the false dichotomy is between AWD + all seasons or RWD + snow tires, I'd pick the latter. Of course my ideal choice would remain AWD and winter tires.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2012, 11:25 AM   #38
bubbahead
Captain
Canada
185
Rep
852
Posts

Drives: 2022 G05 40i Msport
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

I had snows on my e92 335i and now on my f10 550xi. Even though i got by fine with the 335i, there is no comparison with the 550xi. It goes thru the snow much easier.
If you live in Canada or northeast USA, the AWD is and will always be much better suited, regardless if you have snow tires on RWD. In the winter time, I don't want to just 'get by' ..I want to have the best setup possible in the winter. Just like Goodyear (or MIchelin(?) use to say "Cause so much is riding on your tires"
In Canada you can only buy the AWD...aside from 2011 when they offered the RWD. For resale in snowy climates, doubt anyone will look at a RWD f10.
Just my 2 cents.
__________________
2018 540ix msport
2015 X5 msport
2013 750ix msport
2011 550ix msport
2009 e92 335i msport
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2012, 09:00 AM   #39
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

I agree, resale is a big issue to consider when buying a RWD in the snow belt US states as well.
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2012, 04:11 PM   #40
pMart36
New Member
United_States
6
Rep
29
Posts

Drives: 2012 535xi M Sport
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (0)

Question - which traction control is better for snow (driving an XI), DTC or DSC?
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2012, 04:35 PM   #41
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

DSC
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2012, 04:42 PM   #42
Boulder Bill
First Lieutenant
Boulder Bill's Avatar
United_States
61
Rep
371
Posts

Drives: 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by The X Men View Post
DSC
If you post on this thread enough, you may just convince yourself you are right about AWD. And about the Patriots.
__________________
2013 F10 550i | 6 Speed Manual | M Sport Package | Carbon Black | Oyster & Black Nappa | Dynamic Handling w/Dynamic Damper Control | Executive Package (Comfort Access - Soft Close - HUD) | B&O Sound | Luxury Seating & Heated Seats
(retired: 2002 E39 540i | 6 Speed Manual)
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2013, 12:21 PM   #43
chsu74
New Member
0
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 550XI, 993TT, GL320
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

AWD w/snow tires > RWD w/snow tires > AWD w/summer tires > RWD w/summer tires. There is also the issue of weight over the wheels that are transmitting power.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2013, 04:52 PM   #44
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chsu74 View Post
AWD w/snow tires > RWD w/snow tires > AWD w/summer tires > RWD w/summer tires. There is also the issue of weight over the wheels that are transmitting power.
Those orders are only valid for stopping distance. If you are talking about accelaration in the snow, climbing a hill in the snow or getting unstuck when your rear wheel has no traction, then AWD w/all season tires > RWD w/snow tires. Another advantage of AWD is that if you can always add snow tires if one need more stopping power but if you want more traction in thw RWD with snow, you cannot add AWD.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:17 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST