330 w/sport package driving in the winter

BMWBMW · 05-10-2006, 07:50 AM

I know that this subject may have been discussed in the past but has anyone driven its 330 w/sport package in the winter. I am woindering how did it handles in the cold or snow........BTW, I am picking up my car on Sat

stressdoc · 05-10-2006, 07:56 AM

You must, repeat must, get winter tires if you expect to drive in the snow/ice. In DC, well, if you can deal with the metro on the few days you get snow then no problem. That said, current winter tires are really excellent (e.g., Dunlop M3). They are not that expensive, save wear on your summer tires, and you get the best of both worlds: great summer & winter performance (all-seasons are not so great in snow). So I would not take this as any reason not to get the sports package (the single best option, IMO).

James Bond · 05-10-2006, 07:58 AM

Hmm, I don´t think, there´s given any differences between a normal
E90 and someone with the M-package, only the body looks with M
more sportive and chassis is 15 mm deeper than the standard.
You shouldn´t have any prob´s with it in the winter months, believe
me.

FlyingFinn · 05-10-2006, 08:00 AM

I have 325i with sport package and it is absolutely great fun to drive on a slippery surface. The car is very predictable when driving on the edge of loosing the grip. I drove half of the winter sideways the DSC off and had a lots of fun. Of course you must have good tires.

stressdoc · 05-10-2006, 08:01 AM

BMWBMW is asking about the USA sports package, which comes with summer performance tires. It is not the Euro M-pack, which we cannot get here.

gscone · 05-10-2006, 08:06 AM

All depends how much snow you get. Since you are in the VA/DC area, I would suggest you get some quality snow tires.

ldpantoja · 05-10-2006, 08:10 AM

If you don't get winter tires your 330i will be completely useless in the snow.

Carnage · 05-10-2006, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldpantoja

If you don't get winter tires your 330i will be completely useless in the snow.

I second that. Even my 17" RFT's where just about useless in a small amount (1-2 in.) of snow. The traction control helps but it's not enough. I had winter tires but didn't get them on fast enough. I won't make that mistake again this winter.

BMWBMW · 05-10-2006, 08:25 AM

Thanks to all for the feedback. I'm going to take a look in the fall for some winter tires, or get a beat-up Subaru for the winter days. I have to say, that last winter was so mild we only had a couple of snow days.

stressdoc · 05-10-2006, 08:27 AM

Driving an E90 in snow with Dunlop M3s is heaven.

FlyingFinn · 05-11-2006, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

BMWBMW is asking about the USA sports package, which comes with summer performance tires. It is not the Euro M-pack, which we cannot get here.

It's same thing in here. We have to buy the winter tires separately of course.

croaker · 05-11-2006, 01:26 AM

For DC you will need winter tires. Unless you have another car to drive in the snow. The low profiles are absolulty useless for those conditions. Other than that, it did fine.

Artz 330 · 05-11-2006, 01:29 AM

i had winter tires and i barely moved anywhere...

CnoteMD · 05-11-2006, 05:17 AM

I got a set of 17 inch wheels with Dunlop Winter M3 (RFT) tires for the winter. This was by far the best decision I could have made this winter. The only limiting factor was the ground clearance of my car. As long as the snow wasn't high enough cause a "plowing" effect with the front of the car, I was fine.

Frequently, I would pass SUV's that had spun off the road (likely due to driving too fast for the conditions), while I was able to keep driving comfortably.

h_curtis · 05-11-2006, 06:19 AM

You can also add some weight in the trunk. This will help getting around in the snow. I live in Pittsburgh and we really don't get much snow any more because of it just getting warmer every year. Last year, I would have been fine without doing anything. I plan on not doing anything and just driving my 330i w/sport. I may add a little weight in the trunk if it is snowing, but it is becoming like Florida here due to global warming.

croaker · 05-11-2006, 06:20 AM

Yeah I forgot to mention that I bought 17's as well. Much better ride for the conditions.

BMWBMW · 05-11-2006, 06:44 AM

Wow, what a great community this is.....appreciate all the feedback!

h_curtis · 05-11-2006, 07:00 AM

DC is also flat, so it will even be easier to get around than Pittsburgh. You guys can get some snow if the conditions are right, but it tends to melt pretty fast due to how warm it is way down there.

RadM5 · 05-11-2006, 08:46 AM

I cannot drive with my summer sports even if it smells like snow! I tried in about 1inch and the traction was gone..and I mean gone...zero..zilch..nada..gone home..have a nice day. I had to push the car while my g-friend steered while i smelled burning rubber from the rear tires. I know...I know...It states that it is not RECOMMENDED to drive sports in the snow...hello BMW...It is suicide..how about something a little more to match the danger so we don't kill ourselves. Thankfully, I'm moving to LA...

ALPINE6SPD · 05-11-2006, 09:22 AM

the car is AWFUL in the snow without snow tires

Juve29 · 05-11-2006, 09:32 AM

You absolutely need snow tires. Believe me I have driven in a snow storm with the summer tires, ITS SUICIDAL, NOT RECOMMENDED. With a good set of snow tires you should be OK. The lower suspension is not noticeable, get a higher profile tire. Its suprising how well the car handles in the snow.

h_curtis · 05-11-2006, 12:11 PM

Keeping in mind, I am 40 years old and have way more experience in the snow than most anyone here. I am not worried about driving my 330i w/Sport in the snow. Shouldn't be that bad, may actually be fun. Now I can see if you are young and really don't have the experience, you may need some snow tires until you get a feel for driving in the snow. It takes practice and that practice would be better done on a cheaper car. It doesn't snow much in DC to really justify any snow set up really.

05-10-2006, 07:50 AM	#1
BMWBMW 2011 e92 335 xi 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 11 335ix/zsp/zpp/zcw/nav/ipod Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DC Metro (MD) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 330xi [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2003 X5 4.4i [0.00] 2003 330ci (retired) [0.00]	330 w/sport package driving in the winter I know that this subject may have been discussed in the past but has anyone driven its 330 w/sport package in the winter. I am woindering how did it handles in the cold or snow........BTW, I am picking up my car on Sat
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05-10-2006, 07:56 AM	#2
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	You must, repeat must, get winter tires if you expect to drive in the snow/ice. In DC, well, if you can deal with the metro on the few days you get snow then no problem. That said, current winter tires are really excellent (e.g., Dunlop M3). They are not that expensive, save wear on your summer tires, and you get the best of both worlds: great summer & winter performance (all-seasons are not so great in snow). So I would not take this as any reason not to get the sports package (the single best option, IMO).
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05-10-2006, 07:58 AM	#3
James Bond Sheer Driving & Biking Pleasure 19 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 318ti compact E36 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: southern Bavaria iTrader: (0) Garage List 1996 318ti compact E36 [0.00]	Hmm, I don´t think, there´s given any differences between a normal E90 and someone with the M-package, only the body looks with M more sportive and chassis is 15 mm deeper than the standard. You shouldn´t have any prob´s with it in the winter months, believe me. __________________ "...we´re from Bavaria, it´s near Germany..." Greets, Flo Mountainbike: CUBE Stereo EX-CAR´S: Ford Fiesta 1.1 \| Nissan Primera 1.6 SLX \| 318ti-E46 \| 320dT-E46-FL \| 120d E87-Pre-FL \| Skoda O² Combi 2.0TDI Elegance \| 325CiA E46-Pre-FL \| Ford Focus I Turnier Sport TDCi
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05-10-2006, 08:00 AM	#4
FlyingFinn Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 294 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	I have 325i with sport package and it is absolutely great fun to drive on a slippery surface. The car is very predictable when driving on the edge of loosing the grip. I drove half of the winter sideways the DSC off and had a lots of fun. Of course you must have good tires.
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05-10-2006, 08:01 AM	#5
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	BMWBMW is asking about the USA sports package, which comes with summer performance tires. It is not the Euro M-pack, which we cannot get here.
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05-10-2006, 08:06 AM	#6
gscone First Lieutenant 23 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 2016 Porsche Turbo, 2017 BMW M Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	All depends how much snow you get. Since you are in the VA/DC area, I would suggest you get some quality snow tires. __________________ Too many damn cars..
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05-10-2006, 08:10 AM	#7
ldpantoja Lieutenant 15 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 330i (E90) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	If you don't get winter tires your 330i will be completely useless in the snow. __________________ P's Little Ride 2006 330i / SG / SP / NAV
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05-10-2006, 08:25 AM	#9
BMWBMW 2011 e92 335 xi 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 11 335ix/zsp/zpp/zcw/nav/ipod Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DC Metro (MD) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 330xi [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2003 X5 4.4i [0.00] 2003 330ci (retired) [0.00]	Thanks to all for the feedback. I'm going to take a look in the fall for some winter tires, or get a beat-up Subaru for the winter days. I have to say, that last winter was so mild we only had a couple of snow days.
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05-10-2006, 08:27 AM	#10
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Driving an E90 in snow with Dunlop M3s is heaven.
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05-11-2006, 01:26 AM	#12
croaker First Lieutenant 54 Rep 340 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	For DC you will need winter tires. Unless you have another car to drive in the snow. The low profiles are absolulty useless for those conditions. Other than that, it did fine. __________________ E90 330i Monaco Blue, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Six Speed, Aluminum Pedals, M-Shifter, Sport Package, Premium Package, Winter Package, Comfort Access, Navigation Holding a space for Racing Green Lotus Elise
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05-11-2006, 01:29 AM	#13
Artz 330 Colonel 196 Rep 2,486 Posts Drives: Z4M, 335i, 135i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	i had winter tires and i barely moved anywhere... __________________
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05-11-2006, 05:17 AM	#14
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 got a set of 17 inch wheels with Dunlop Winter M3 (RFT) tires for the winter. This was by far the best decision I could have made this winter. The only limiting factor was the ground clearance of my car. As long as the snow wasn't high enough cause a "plowing" effect with the front of the car, I was fine. Frequently, I would pass SUV's that had spun off the road (likely due to driving too fast for the conditions), while I was able to keep driving comfortably. __________________ 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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05-11-2006, 06:19 AM	#15
h_curtis Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 252 Posts Drives: ordered blk s 330 sp, pr, cold Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: pittsburgh, pa (steeler country) iTrader: (0)	You can also add some weight in the trunk. This will help getting around in the snow. I live in Pittsburgh and we really don't get much snow any more because of it just getting warmer every year. Last year, I would have been fine without doing anything. I plan on not doing anything and just driving my 330i w/sport. I may add a little weight in the trunk if it is snowing, but it is becoming like Florida here due to global warming.
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05-11-2006, 06:20 AM	#16
croaker First Lieutenant 54 Rep 340 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Yeah I forgot to mention that I bought 17's as well. Much better ride for the conditions. __________________ E90 330i Monaco Blue, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Six Speed, Aluminum Pedals, M-Shifter, Sport Package, Premium Package, Winter Package, Comfort Access, Navigation Holding a space for Racing Green Lotus Elise
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05-11-2006, 06:44 AM	#17
BMWBMW 2011 e92 335 xi 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 11 335ix/zsp/zpp/zcw/nav/ipod Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DC Metro (MD) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 330xi [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2003 X5 4.4i [0.00] 2003 330ci (retired) [0.00]	Wow, what a great community this is.....appreciate all the feedback!
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05-11-2006, 07:00 AM	#18
h_curtis Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 252 Posts Drives: ordered blk s 330 sp, pr, cold Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: pittsburgh, pa (steeler country) iTrader: (0)	DC is also flat, so it will even be easier to get around than Pittsburgh. You guys can get some snow if the conditions are right, but it tends to melt pretty fast due to how warm it is way down there.
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05-11-2006, 08:46 AM	#19
RadM5 Private 16 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Competition Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: O.C. iTrader: (0)	snow dc I cannot drive with my summer sports even if it smells like snow! I tried in about 1inch and the traction was gone..and I mean gone...zero..zilch..nada..gone home..have a nice day. I had to push the car while my g-friend steered while i smelled burning rubber from the rear tires. I know...I know...It states that it is not RECOMMENDED to drive sports in the snow...hello BMW...It is suicide..how about something a little more to match the danger so we don't kill ourselves. Thankfully, I'm moving to LA...
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05-11-2006, 09:22 AM	#20
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 156 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	the car is AWFUL in the snow without snow tires __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
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05-11-2006, 09:32 AM	#21
Juve29 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 325i titanium silver spk Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Montréal, Canada iTrader: (0)	You absolutely need snow tires. Believe me I have driven in a snow storm with the summer tires, ITS SUICIDAL, NOT RECOMMENDED. With a good set of snow tires you should be OK. The lower suspension is not noticeable, get a higher profile tire. Its suprising how well the car handles in the snow.
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05-11-2006, 12:11 PM	#22
h_curtis Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 252 Posts Drives: ordered blk s 330 sp, pr, cold Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: pittsburgh, pa (steeler country) iTrader: (0)	Keeping in mind, I am 40 years old and have way more experience in the snow than most anyone here. I am not worried about driving my 330i w/Sport in the snow. Shouldn't be that bad, may actually be fun. Now I can see if you are young and really don't have the experience, you may need some snow tires until you get a feel for driving in the snow. It takes practice and that practice would be better done on a cheaper car. It doesn't snow much in DC to really justify any snow set up really.
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