535xi Sport in the Snow?

Damage Inc · 12-20-2011, 10:24 PM

Hello, do I need to swap out my tires for winter if I pick up a 535xi? I'm coming from 3 M cars, so I'm used to putting winter tires on. However this car is a short term lease, and hoping I dont have to invest in a set of seperate wheels for winter... thanks

kave · 12-21-2011, 02:23 AM

Well, it wont brake better than your M cars, probably even worse due to more weight. Get som proper winter tyres, its night and day difference in snow.

AVIMAX · 12-21-2011, 07:58 AM

Yes, if it snows where you are, you need winter tires. If the lease is short term, just invest in the tires and forget the second set of rims.

Sharbotcom · 12-21-2011, 08:01 AM

I wouldn't even consider driving on the crap GY all-season tires during the winter months. They are just too hard of a compound rubber to be of any value in cold conditions. Seriously, anyone who thinks that all-season (with the exception of the dual compound hybrids) are adaquate for cold weather are living in a fantasy world. Sure, you are going to have grip for take off under many conditions but you are not under many others. But the real issue is braking. It is the softer compounds found in winter (note it is winter not snow) tires that give you the ability to stop much quicker (read shorter distances) than with the harder compound summer or all-season tires. It is for that reason that many jurisdictions are either making the use of winter tire manditory or are imposing additional fines on drivers who are involved in accidents or impede traffic when their vehicle is not equipped with winter tires when they should be.

Bill

Krash7172 · 12-22-2011, 06:18 PM

Mine came with GY LS-2's and they are fine. Last year, I played around in snow deeper than the front end could clear

If you drive responsibly in the snow, you will have no trouble.

dr.mba · 12-22-2011, 07:23 PM

This is to represent my own experience and not to say that who ever posted their opinions are wrong. I had all season tires on my 525Xi 2007 E60 for 3 winters in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I am sure 3/4 of those reading this thread will not know where the hell that is! To put it simply we get temperatures on average of -40 C and alot of dumping. In the 3 years of driving there, I think I wished I had winter tires 4 times. So bottom line is, if you drive carefully and responsibly in winter it really doesn't matter what brand or type of tire your're on (ofcourse that excludes performance summers). Just for reference I had goodyear all seasons and they sucked in every aspect on reviews but they still pulled through when tested in the prairies. I hope this helps you.

MBA

kmac1980 · 12-22-2011, 07:36 PM

since the consensus is you really need a winter tire on the 535xi, I went out and got the factory winter package with dunlop winter sport 3ds, however, I really scratch my head to understand why they need to equip our cars with these so called "all season tires" when the non xdrive models get decent summer performance tires

Krash7172 · 12-23-2011, 01:53 AM

Just to quantify, I see snow a half dozen times a year in the midwest. Normally in the 2-6" range. If you have conditions beyond that, I can't comment.

I have a lease and drive these tires year round. My next will be the same. Hope that helps some.

crmgr · 12-23-2011, 09:56 AM

I've lived in Northern Ohio with its lake effect winters all my life. I haven't used snow tires ever since all-seasons came out. My last 2008 535XI pulled through a really bad winter last year with no problems. I expect my 2011 535XI M-Sport to be the same.

I would try sticking with the all-season and see how it works out for you. If you're uncomfortable with them in the snow, swap them out for a set of winter tires.

vdubturbo · 12-23-2011, 10:15 AM

I can't speak for the Bimmer, but on my other car's snow tires have proved to be a tremendous bang for the buck. For me, it's the difference between apprehension and certainty.

I realize the size of the BMW wheels/tires makes it a more expensive decision, but I think it's worth considering. And if for no other reason, it makes for fun snow days.

A couple years back we had a couple substantial snowfalls and I never got stuck once in the VW, which was equipped with nothing more than Dunlop Graspic snows (cheapest available for my size). And believe me, I tried to get stuck! That car is nothing short of dumped in terms of ride height, and it pushed through everything while doing a bit of plowing with the Euro lip on the front. Good times...

crmgr · 12-23-2011, 02:39 PM

Point of clarification. There is a big difference between driving a 535I and a 535XI in the snow, even if the rear wheel drive is using traction control. I would definately go with a snow tire package on a rear wheel drive.

All-seasons on a rear drive help, but you won't have that "I can get through anything" feeling and you may even get stuck once or twice. Never had that problem with all-wheel drive.

12-20-2011, 10:24 PM	#1
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 790 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	535xi Sport in the Snow? Hello, do I need to swap out my tires for winter if I pick up a 535xi? I'm coming from 3 M cars, so I'm used to putting winter tires on. However this car is a short term lease, and hoping I dont have to invest in a set of seperate wheels for winter... thanks __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
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12-21-2011, 02:23 AM	#2
kave First Lieutenant 19 Rep 329 Posts Drives: BMW 520D Touring 2012 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 520D Touring [10.00]	Well, it wont brake better than your M cars, probably even worse due to more weight. Get som proper winter tyres, its night and day difference in snow. __________________
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12-21-2011, 07:58 AM	#3
AVIMAX Second Lieutenant 26 Rep 228 Posts Drives: last BMW was 2014 535xd Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Yes, if it snows where you are, you need winter tires. If the lease is short term, just invest in the tires and forget the second set of rims.
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12-21-2011, 08:01 AM	#4
Sharbotcom First Lieutenant 28 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2011 535xi M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Sharbot Lake, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't even consider driving on the crap GY all-season tires during the winter months. They are just too hard of a compound rubber to be of any value in cold conditions. Seriously, anyone who thinks that all-season (with the exception of the dual compound hybrids) are adaquate for cold weather are living in a fantasy world. Sure, you are going to have grip for take off under many conditions but you are not under many others. But the real issue is braking. It is the softer compounds found in winter (note it is winter not snow) tires that give you the ability to stop much quicker (read shorter distances) than with the harder compound summer or all-season tires. It is for that reason that many jurisdictions are either making the use of winter tire manditory or are imposing additional fines on drivers who are involved in accidents or impede traffic when their vehicle is not equipped with winter tires when they should be. Bill __________________ 2011 535i xDrive, Dark Graphite Metallic, Veneto Beige Dakota Leather, Technology Package, M Sport Package, Executive Package delivered Christmas Eve '10, Mods - quad tips, 20% tint, JB4.
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12-22-2011, 06:18 PM	#5
Krash7172 Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2018 530e, 2020 X4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Mine came with GY LS-2's and they are fine. Last year, I played around in snow deeper than the front end could clear If you drive responsibly in the snow, you will have no trouble.
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12-22-2011, 07:23 PM	#6
dr.mba Captain 275 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 2017 F. Grey M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	This is to represent my own experience and not to say that who ever posted their opinions are wrong. I had all season tires on my 525Xi 2007 E60 for 3 winters in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I am sure 3/4 of those reading this thread will not know where the hell that is! To put it simply we get temperatures on average of -40 C and alot of dumping. In the 3 years of driving there, I think I wished I had winter tires 4 times. So bottom line is, if you drive carefully and responsibly in winter it really doesn't matter what brand or type of tire your're on (ofcourse that excludes performance summers). Just for reference I had goodyear all seasons and they sucked in every aspect on reviews but they still pulled through when tested in the prairies. I hope this helps you. MBA
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12-22-2011, 07:36 PM	#7
kmac1980 Major 35 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: '19 540xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: toronto iTrader: (1)	since the consensus is you really need a winter tire on the 535xi, I went out and got the factory winter package with dunlop winter sport 3ds, however, I really scratch my head to understand why they need to equip our cars with these so called "all season tires" when the non xdrive models get decent summer performance tires
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12-23-2011, 01:53 AM	#8
Krash7172 Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2018 530e, 2020 X4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Just to quantify, I see snow a half dozen times a year in the midwest. Normally in the 2-6" range. If you have conditions beyond that, I can't comment. I have a lease and drive these tires year round. My next will be the same. Hope that helps some.
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12-23-2011, 09:56 AM	#9
crmgr Private 6 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535XI M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	I've lived in Northern Ohio with its lake effect winters all my life. I haven't used snow tires ever since all-seasons came out. My last 2008 535XI pulled through a really bad winter last year with no problems. I expect my 2011 535XI M-Sport to be the same. I would try sticking with the all-season and see how it works out for you. If you're uncomfortable with them in the snow, swap them out for a set of winter tires.
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12-23-2011, 10:15 AM	#10
vdubturbo Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 299 Posts Drives: E90, E36, 997 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	I can't speak for the Bimmer, but on my other car's snow tires have proved to be a tremendous bang for the buck. For me, it's the difference between apprehension and certainty. I realize the size of the BMW wheels/tires makes it a more expensive decision, but I think it's worth considering. And if for no other reason, it makes for fun snow days. A couple years back we had a couple substantial snowfalls and I never got stuck once in the VW, which was equipped with nothing more than Dunlop Graspic snows (cheapest available for my size). And believe me, I tried to get stuck! That car is nothing short of dumped in terms of ride height, and it pushed through everything while doing a bit of plowing with the Euro lip on the front. Good times... Attached Images
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12-23-2011, 02:39 PM	#11
crmgr Private 6 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535XI M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Point of clarification. There is a big difference between driving a 535I and a 535XI in the snow, even if the rear wheel drive is using traction control. I would definately go with a snow tire package on a rear wheel drive. All-seasons on a rear drive help, but you won't have that "I can get through anything" feeling and you may even get stuck once or twice. Never had that problem with all-wheel drive.
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