how does the i handle in bad weather conditions?

natalia · 10-12-2005, 07:41 AM

Those of you who have non xi, how does your vehicle handle in wet conditions...heavy and light rain and light snow? I've been driving an AWD SUV for the past 3 years so I'm concerned about this. We don't get much snow around here maybe 3 times a year and it's never too bad.

Also would like the opinions of those with the sports and without sports.

thanks.

LEDZEP · 10-12-2005, 07:57 AM

It's been great in heavy rain, but haven't had snow yet. It has more to do with driving skills and habits and good tires than anything. I think the 50/50 weight distribution will greatly help.

Meatnog · 10-12-2005, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

It's been great in heavy rain, but haven't had snow yet. It has more to do with driving skills and habits and good tires than anything. I think the 50/50 weight distribution will greatly help.

Ditto. I'll tell how how it handles in the snow in a month. I'm waiting to buy snow tires to see if I need them or not. I live in the city so usually I deal with plowed / salted / gravelled roads.

scottz5 · 10-12-2005, 09:07 AM

i think the SP tires suck in the rain! Rear slips out very easy, but its fun! My E46 was not too bad in the snow and it had SP. I think this car will be about the same as long as your a good driver.

thd13 · 10-12-2005, 10:06 AM

I am nervous about this winter. I have never driven RWD, let alone RWD MT in the snow. Any pointers?

F32Fleet · 10-12-2005, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thd13

I am nervous about this winter. I have never driven RWD, let alone RWD MT in the snow. Any pointers?

Turn of the tranny nanny, and have a good set of snows.

scottz5 · 10-12-2005, 10:15 AM

MT is better in the snow then an auto. Forget snow tires they are for wimps! JK Just take it easy on the gas!

natalia · 10-12-2005, 10:36 AM

Same here...I've never driven a rear wheel drive in the snow. I had a front wheel drive (malibu) a few years ago that I took on ski trips. It did pretty well.

scottz5 · 10-12-2005, 10:51 AM

Mess around with in a parking lot the 1st snow fall to get used to RWD and how to drive out of a slide. Turn off traction control for real fun! Realy mess around in a safe parking lot to get the hang of it. Easy on the gas and steer.

ska///235i · 10-12-2005, 10:56 AM

look here
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5427

etherbored · 10-12-2005, 11:33 AM

my other car is an all wheel drive volvo.
as the weather begins to turn rainy, i'm beginning to drive in light to heavy rain.
as far as holding the road, grip-a-bility, and so on, the e90 is excellent.
as far as general traction is concerned, however, there's been at least twice the amount of slippage i experience in the volvo (not that it's been dangerous or involved a lack of control).
it'll be interesting to see what the winter brings...
-e-

MCS · 10-13-2005, 09:25 AM

330i sport wheels - great in the soggy wet roads that we've been getting in NY/NJ lately. Have had complete confidence in the tires in the wet.

Has not snowed yet. I'm getting snow tires and plan on installing in Dec.

silverado · 10-13-2005, 03:26 PM

My sports package tires are slipping in the rain a lot more than I expected given the excellent dry traction. I had stability control kick in and save me on a curvy road turn!! I don't think the low thickness of tread on these tires is made for good rain traction. I'm fitting my car with winter tires soon and I think it will do very well in rain and snow once that happens.

greg0320 · 10-13-2005, 08:27 PM

sh--ty!

Barry626 · 10-13-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottz5

MT is better in the snow then an auto. Forget snow tires they are for wimps! JK Just take it easy on the gas!

I hope your advice is for people with non-sport package?

Most of us have sport package & car will not move in snow.
These are summer tires only & you can kill yourself if u drive in snow.
Sport package cars need 4 snows or all season tires & car will be great!

Ed_330i · 10-13-2005, 08:29 PM

just take the turns slowly, and dont gun it in the apex.

Oz · 10-13-2005, 08:36 PM

My 330i have been excellent in rainy weather so far. I plan to get snow tires in December so I won't have any trouble with the snow

Is it better to buy the winter tires now or wait until winter. Will there be a price difference? I'm thinking about getting the Dunlop snow tires for my 17"

David328M-Sport · 10-13-2005, 08:48 PM

No snow in the city where I live but heavy downpours are not a problem. Feels like the RF tyres (arrrrggghhh - taboo for some, I know) are on dry roads. I just drive sensibly for the conditions.

Very nice drive wet or dry.

CnoteMD · 10-13-2005, 10:28 PM

I drove this past weekend in pouring rain from NYC to Niagara Falls, Ontario. My 330i has the sport package run-flats and it handled the rain fine (the temperature was 45-55 F).

I averaged about 70mph (as per the trip computer). In the heavy rain, I would drive 55-60 and with light rain, I was in the 70-80 range.

I have driven a manual transmission, rear wheel drive car in the snow in the past and as long as you drive gently, you should be fine. I was taught that in the snow, your car can accelerate, brake, and steer, and you should always do each separately.

I definitely plan on buying a set of 17 inch snow tires and wheels this winter.

Mark · 10-13-2005, 10:34 PM

the problem is not the sports package or the rear wheel drive (in fact you can control a RWD car alot easier in the snow), but rather the tires that come with the sports package (summer tires)

do not even attempt to drive a car with summer tires in snow.. first off you'll be lucky to get the car to move, and if it does, i'd be surprised f you could get it going straight at speeds anywhere above 5mph

get snow tires for the dedicated drivers or atleast a good set of all-season tires (michelin pilot sport a/s really drive like snow tires in the snow, amazing !)

Barry626 · 10-14-2005, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oz

My 330i have been excellent in rainy weather so far. I plan to get snow tires in December so I won't have any trouble with the snow

Is it better to buy the winter tires now or wait until winter. Will there be a price difference? I'm thinking about getting the Dunlop snow tires for my 17"

Oz

Don't wait because more then likely places like "Tire Rack" will be sold out?
Good chance prices will be higher in next couple months?
I got my car in June & got my snows in July. Wasn't taking any chances!

ben1364 · 10-25-2005, 07:10 PM

natalia wrote in part, "...We don't get much snow around here maybe 3 times a year and it's never too bad."
__________________________________________________ __
Natalia,
I lived in (Northern) Virginia for quite a few years and owned rwd BMWs the whole time. Since it only snows, on average, about 3 times per year, as you mentioned, I never felt inconvenienced by the lack of an AWD vehicle. I always got a charge out of listening to neighbors who were government bureaucrats trying to justify their AWD vehicles under these conditions, especially since at least one of those annual snows was on a weekend! Buy a car you like and don't worry about the snow.
Having said that, front engine FWD or rear engine RWD cars do better in light snow; but front engine RWD cars do better in heavy snow, all other things equal.

10-12-2005, 07:41 AM	#1
natalia Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 266 Posts Drives: Not a BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	how does the i handle in bad weather conditions? Those of you who have non xi, how does your vehicle handle in wet conditions...heavy and light rain and light snow? I've been driving an AWD SUV for the past 3 years so I'm concerned about this. We don't get much snow around here maybe 3 times a year and it's never too bad. Also would like the opinions of those with the sports and without sports. thanks.
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10-12-2005, 07:57 AM	#2
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	It's been great in heavy rain, but haven't had snow yet. It has more to do with driving skills and habits and good tires than anything. I think the 50/50 weight distribution will greatly help. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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10-12-2005, 09:07 AM	#4
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 94 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	i think the SP tires suck in the rain! Rear slips out very easy, but its fun! My E46 was not too bad in the snow and it had SP. I think this car will be about the same as long as your a good driver. __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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10-12-2005, 10:06 AM	#5
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I am nervous about this winter. I have never driven RWD, let alone RWD MT in the snow. Any pointers? __________________ My other ride is your mom.
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10-12-2005, 10:15 AM	#7
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 94 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	MT is better in the snow then an auto. Forget snow tires they are for wimps! JK Just take it easy on the gas! __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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10-12-2005, 10:36 AM	#8
natalia Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 266 Posts Drives: Not a BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Same here...I've never driven a rear wheel drive in the snow. I had a front wheel drive (malibu) a few years ago that I took on ski trips. It did pretty well.
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10-12-2005, 10:51 AM	#9
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 94 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Mess around with in a parking lot the 1st snow fall to get used to RWD and how to drive out of a slide. Turn off traction control for real fun! Realy mess around in a safe parking lot to get the hang of it. Easy on the gas and steer. __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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10-12-2005, 10:56 AM	#10
ska///235i ***** noob 1369 Rep 10,479 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	look here http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5427 __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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10-12-2005, 11:33 AM	#11
etherbored klactoveesedstene 2 Rep 98 Posts Drives: das gut Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: here iTrader: (0)	my other car is an all wheel drive volvo. as the weather begins to turn rainy, i'm beginning to drive in light to heavy rain. as far as holding the road, grip-a-bility, and so on, the e90 is excellent. as far as general traction is concerned, however, there's been at least twice the amount of slippage i experience in the volvo (not that it's been dangerous or involved a lack of control). it'll be interesting to see what the winter brings... -e-
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10-13-2005, 09:25 AM	#12
MCS e90 newbie 35 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 E93 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	330i sport wheels - great in the soggy wet roads that we've been getting in NY/NJ lately. Have had complete confidence in the tires in the wet. Has not snowed yet. I'm getting snow tires and plan on installing in Dec. __________________ E93 IL Blue M3 ZPP, ZCW
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10-13-2005, 03:26 PM	#13
silverado Captain 288 Rep 874 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	My sports package tires are slipping in the rain a lot more than I expected given the excellent dry traction. I had stability control kick in and save me on a curvy road turn!! I don't think the low thickness of tread on these tires is made for good rain traction. I'm fitting my car with winter tires soon and I think it will do very well in rain and snow once that happens. __________________ 2018 F87 M2 \| LBB \| Executive \| Moon Roof \| Apple CarPlay [2018 F22 M240 (sold) ; 2015 F22 M235i (sold); 2006 E90 330i (sold); 1983 E30 Coupe 320i (sold)]
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10-13-2005, 08:27 PM	#14
greg0320 New Member 1 Rep 28 Posts Drives: BMW 330xi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN iTrader: (0)	sh--ty!
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10-13-2005, 08:29 PM	#16
Ed_330i Lieutenant 58 Rep 515 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: North America iTrader: (0)	just take the turns slowly, and dont gun it in the apex.
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10-13-2005, 08:36 PM	#17
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	My 330i have been excellent in rainy weather so far. I plan to get snow tires in December so I won't have any trouble with the snow Is it better to buy the winter tires now or wait until winter. Will there be a price difference? I'm thinking about getting the Dunlop snow tires for my 17" __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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10-13-2005, 08:48 PM	#18
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	No snow in the city where I live but heavy downpours are not a problem. Feels like the RF tyres (arrrrggghhh - taboo for some, I know) are on dry roads. I just drive sensibly for the conditions. Very nice drive wet or dry. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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10-13-2005, 10:28 PM	#19
CnoteMD Commander in Chief 37 Rep 1,034 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 535i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M5 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	I drove this past weekend in pouring rain from NYC to Niagara Falls, Ontario. My 330i has the sport package run-flats and it handled the rain fine (the temperature was 45-55 F). I averaged about 70mph (as per the trip computer). In the heavy rain, I would drive 55-60 and with light rain, I was in the 70-80 range. I have driven a manual transmission, rear wheel drive car in the snow in the past and as long as you drive gently, you should be fine. I was taught that in the snow, your car can accelerate, brake, and steer, and you should always do each separately. I definitely plan on buying a set of 17 inch snow tires and wheels this winter. __________________ 2008 BMW 535i Space Gray, Black Leather, Dark Bamboo Trim\| Sport Automatic with Paddles \| Sport Package 2008 BMW M5 (gone, but not forgotten) Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Mods: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers
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10-13-2005, 10:34 PM	#20
Mark Administrator 6731 Rep 4,201 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [8.34]	the problem is not the sports package or the rear wheel drive (in fact you can control a RWD car alot easier in the snow), but rather the tires that come with the sports package (summer tires) do not even attempt to drive a car with summer tires in snow.. first off you'll be lucky to get the car to move, and if it does, i'd be surprised f you could get it going straight at speeds anywhere above 5mph get snow tires for the dedicated drivers or atleast a good set of all-season tires (michelin pilot sport a/s really drive like snow tires in the snow, amazing !) __________________ BMW 1M. BMW M2. BMW M2.
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10-25-2005, 07:10 PM	#22
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	natalia wrote in part, "...We don't get much snow around here maybe 3 times a year and it's never too bad." __________________________________________________ __ Natalia, I lived in (Northern) Virginia for quite a few years and owned rwd BMWs the whole time. Since it only snows, on average, about 3 times per year, as you mentioned, I never felt inconvenienced by the lack of an AWD vehicle. I always got a charge out of listening to neighbors who were government bureaucrats trying to justify their AWD vehicles under these conditions, especially since at least one of those annual snows was on a weekend! Buy a car you like and don't worry about the snow. Having said that, front engine FWD or rear engine RWD cars do better in light snow; but front engine RWD cars do better in heavy snow, all other things equal.
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