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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 Snow performance of 550xi |
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02-08-2016, 08:05 PM | #1 |
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Snow performance of 550xi
For all the recent bashing of the 550, I thought I'd provide a counter point of view - where this car really shines. In the midst of snowstorm "Mars" this evening, I had to make a run to a local pharmacy. I decided to take the 550xi instead of the wife's Q5... which I'm very familiar with in terms of snow performance.
Let's just say, the 550xi did wonderfully! The roads were still pretty well covered in snow (still coming down). It's heavier and much more sure-footed than the Q5. The xDrive performance is considerably better than the wife's quattro. In fact, where the Q5 would typically lose traction, I had to really push the 550xi just to encourage it to find its limits. The weight of the car really helps to plant it, and the power of the engine really provides tons of torque if you find yourself in need. All in all, I have to say, this car is wonderful in the snow. It really gives you a sense of confidence that all four wheels are working optimally to find traction, and that 4300+ lbs of weight... well, it finally pays off.
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
02-09-2016, 10:22 PM | #4 | |
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Likewise, the ABS kicks in relatively easily on the Q5 when coming to a stop on the snow. In comparison, even jabbing the brakes on the 550xi, ABS didn't kick-in MOST of the time... and not to say it needed to, either... the car just stopped normally. I suppose a more fair comparison, for weight reasons, would be a 3-series or x3 - but regardless, just pretty nicely surprised at what a capable car the F10 is in the snow.
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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02-09-2016, 10:39 PM | #5 | |
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02-10-2016, 01:04 PM | #6 |
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Gotta say I'm surprised too, that it'd be "that much" better.
I think the 5 is great in the snow don't get me wrong, and I especially like that it "communicates very well" any hint of loosing grip to the driver, so that you can quickly adjust. But few Audis I tried (granted not Q5 with 5 back to back) were fantastic winter cars too. |
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02-10-2016, 05:02 PM | #7 |
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I think tires have a lot to do how well a car handles the snow.
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02-10-2016, 08:35 PM | #8 | |
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I'm just really happy with how this thing performs in the snow. When I went out the other night, my wife was about to throw me her keys (thinking I'd want the SUV for the snow)... I just politely declined. Trying something like this may be next...
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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02-20-2016, 12:55 PM | #9 |
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02-21-2016, 06:19 AM | #10 |
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Just about anything fitted with Blizzaks is going to be insanely capable. Most people who don't live in snow country have no idea the huge difference in capability between an all-season time and a full up snow tire.
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02-21-2016, 04:03 PM | #11 | |
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02-23-2016, 08:37 AM | #13 |
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this vid is just CRAZY! i could never drive my RWD in snow like that. but like Remmib said maybe with snow tires but still
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02-23-2016, 09:58 AM | #14 | |
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I'm still very impressed with 535 RWD performance and handling on snow, of course not as capable as xDrive (really can't get off the line as quick), but I expected a lot worse. Good tires are the key, no matter the drive-train. One that impressed me a lot personally is Subaru's symmetric AWD, with great winter tires, I found it moves around less than what I experienced with xDrive. |
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02-23-2016, 02:37 PM | #15 |
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Great video. Snow tires and RWD seem to work very well for me in this car. Clearance is really the bigger issue.
Seemed like a good day to post a snow photo!
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02-23-2016, 03:34 PM | #17 |
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Now THAT'S a snow pile!
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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
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02-23-2016, 09:52 PM | #18 |
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Lol the front of your car looks like it's teeth is chattering from the cold
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