Unofficialbmw.com

Scott1bmw · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

I am considering buying a used bmw and would like some input from those who know the cars the best. I have been looking at 330xi's because of the all wheel drive, and I live in an area that gets a fair amount of snow in the winter. But I have been wondering about the performance trade offs. I would realy like to hear from those who use their vehicles in snowy areas.
Thanks in advance for your input.

stadel · Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Posts: 283 Location: Milan Italy

If you have to live with "withe" winters go for the "X" without any doubt.

Without X you will fight any day. BMW's are perfectly balanced so driving them in the snow is a really pleasure ( winter tyres are mandatory otherwise live the car into the garage) but this is true until you have to climb a hill or simply a step. Even take out the car from a parking in reverse could be very hard. I have a lot experience with BMW's in the snow and I had also owned many of them. My father has an old but exellent 525iX touring and with four good snow tyres it's like a snow cat. All the others RWD BMW inclusive the ones with ASC+T or DSC may create problems climbing roads. I often have to put on snow chains even if I use snow tyres.

I hope this will help.

Luca.

stadel · Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Posts: 283 Location: Milan Italy

If you have to live with "withe" winters go for the "X" without any doubt.

Without X you will fight any day. BMW's are perfectly balanced so driving them in the snow is a really pleasure ( winter tyres are mandatory otherwise live the car into the garage) but this is true until you have to climb a hill or simply a step. Even take out the car from a parking in reverse could be very hard. I have a lot experience with BMW's in the snow and I had also owned many of them. My father has an old but exellent 525iX touring and with four good snow tyres it's like a snow cat. All the others RWD BMW inclusive the ones with ASC+T or DSC may create problems climbing roads. I often have to put on snow chains even if I use snow tyres.

I hope this will help.

Luca.

SSearch · Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 591 Location: Vermont, USA

The all wheel drive in the xi is a blast. It's very balanced, and feels right, although the traction control does come on a little early on dry pavement. It is still a sports sedan though, and will handle the snow and ice as one... I have all season perfomance tires on mine, and do drive it all year round - however on the messy days and mud season I drive me explorer...
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02 330XI