[clerkpalmer]

Hi everyone,

Just got my new to me 2011 550xi msport. Car came equipped with Goodyear LS-2 All Seasons. Tires have decent treadwear. I also purchased a set of Conti DWS All Seasons but my dealer convinced me to run the runflats until next fall and then switch since they have a lot of tread left.

Well, I live in Pittsburgh. We got about an inch of snow overnight. I have a driveway that is about a 30% incline. It did not go well. Where my B8 S4 would get through an inch or two with no shoveling, the 550 almost didn't make it. I almost slid back down my driveway and wrecked a parked car.

So, I am trying to figure out why the S4 with all seasons did not have issues where the 550xi does. I'm hoping the answer isn't that the 550 is too heavy with too much power since the car is useless to me if I can't get out of the driveway. Now I need to decide whether to switch to the Conti DWS now or maybe buy dedicated snows. It does not snow that much here and I really am loathe to buy snows when I have lived with all-seasons for years without issue.

Appreciate any input and experiences others may have had.

[EmArAsOnS]

Had a B5 S4 myself but never drove it with all season so can only recommend a set of winter tires...
Tip: Nokian studded or non studded tires. If u don't get much snow then go non studded.

[Nitrous Garage]

It wouldn't be the weight or the power. Weight would help. What size tires are they? Maybe they are too wide for the snow.

[bake]

I am a big supporter of dedicated winter and summer tires. I understand that many all season tires perform well, but they are all a compromise. Why not get tires with ultimate grip for your ultimate driving machine????

[Jet in Oz]

Sorry Bud, but I actually believe weight may have played a big part in your problem as the 550 xDrive (at 4413 lbs) is 600-700 lbs heavier than an Audi B8 S4 (at approx 3714 lbs). Hence if there's too much weight and grip lets go then gravity (i.e. slipping downhill) or force (i.e. directional momentum) kicks in.

Science crap aside, a really well qualified middle aged tyre tech should be able to advise you what the solution is. Best of luck cos slipping uncontrollably in your pride and joy is not a good feeling.

[wrickem]

I've also got about a 30% incline on my driveway and I couldn't get up with my 528-xdrive at the beginning of the season with fresh snow tires, my 335-xdrive and my 328-xdrive (6-speeds) always went right up. What I found was happening is my car's automatic 8 speed was shifting into 2nd half way up my hill so I lost power and grip. You can't get any car up it in 2nd, even on a dry day. After posting here and getting a lot of tips what worked perfectly is putting the car in M1 and it runs right up the hill like a champ. Good luck.

[clerkpalmer]

Originally Posted by wrickem

I've also got about a 30% incline on my driveway and I couldn't get up with my 528-xdrive at the beginning of the season with fresh snow tires, my 335-xdrive and my 328-xdrive (6-speeds) always went right up. What I found was happening is my car's automatic 8 speed was shifting into 2nd half way up my hill so I lost power and grip. You can't get any car up it in 2nd, even on a dry day. After posting here and getting a lot of tips what worked perfectly is putting the car in M1 and it runs right up the hill like a champ. Good luck.

Thanks, I will try this. I am putting the Conti DWS on today. Hopefully this will work. I agree dedicated snows are best but I already bought the Conti's. This is a great idea. Appreciate all the input everyone.

[audiogolf]

you will not be disappointed by conti DWS as a DD, even spirited DD, other than going to trak. I have had them on various cars, including my past 911 and on my current car.

Felt very confident today driving through sleet and snow, here in NJ.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by clerkpalmer

Thanks, I will try this. I am putting the Conti DWS on today. Hopefully this will work. I agree dedicated snows are best but I already bought the Conti's. This is a great idea. Appreciate all the input everyone.

With your DWS you should go right up easily, and I wouldn't be surprised if you can go up with the tires you have on now. My DWS got me through a good snowstorm without any trouble or slipping at all and if I didn't already have my Winter tires ready to go, I probably wouldn't even have bothered switching, the DWS were that good.

I think you'll be fine. Some of the other advice was good (turn off traction control and other things), but that one simple step of keeping it in first like I do in any manual car did the trick and it goes right up even in snow and ice.

Good luck. Let us all know how you did.