|
|
02-03-2014, 08:58 AM | #1 |
Private
21
Rep 80
Posts |
Tire Dilemma
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. |
02-04-2014, 10:04 AM | #2 |
Private First Class
13
Rep 169
Posts
Drives: LCI F11 MSport Xdrive (I.Blue)
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Sweden
|
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.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-04-2014, 05:34 PM | #4 |
Colonel
602
Rep 2,196
Posts |
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????
__________________
Bake
2011 Alpine White on Black 535i M-Sport 2013 Space Gray on Fox Red M3 Vert |
Appreciate
0
|
02-05-2014, 06:14 AM | #5 |
Captain
185
Rep 947
Posts |
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.
__________________
Current Mistress: 2014 F10 535D M Sport - Alpine White
Retired but not forgotten: 2011 F10 535i - Titan Silver; E53 X5 4.4L Sport - Space Grey; E46 M3 Individual Convertible - Phoenix Yellow; E39 528 - Glacier Green; E36 328 Convertible - Montreal Blue |
Appreciate
0
|
02-05-2014, 06:50 AM | #6 |
Big Beaver Smile
2101
Rep 3,791
Posts |
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.
__________________
______________________________________________
Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch |
Appreciate
0
|
02-05-2014, 09:41 AM | #7 | |
Private
21
Rep 80
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-05-2014, 10:49 AM | #8 |
Second Lieutenant
40
Rep 213
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-05-2014, 03:10 PM | #9 | |
Big Beaver Smile
2101
Rep 3,791
Posts |
Quote:
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.
__________________
______________________________________________
Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|