I want the sport package but live in the north east

Brunotheboxer · 02-05-2006, 10:26 AM

I am planning to order my new e 90 within the next month. I want a 330 with the premium package, comfort access, and heated seats. I am interested in the sports package but am afraid that winter driving will be more difficult (I dont want all wheel drive because i love rear wheel drive better).
Has anyone from the snowbelt gotten the sports package and wished they didnt? Has anyone's rims been damaged from bad roads? I have an e46 now that is not all wheel drive and i do fine with it. Any imput would be appreciated.

Speedy E90 · 02-05-2006, 10:36 AM

what you need is the sports package and winter tires and youll be fine!!!

LEDZEP · 02-05-2006, 10:43 AM

If you don't mind changing your wheels and tires every winter and spring you're fine. I have heard though that there is a problem putting 16" wheels on the 330i with the sport package (brakes are bigger) - maybe someone can confirm or deny that.

At the very least - get a good set of all season tires.

triton. · 02-05-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

I am planning to order my new e 90 within the next month. I want a 330 with the premium package, comfort access, and heated seats. I am interested in the sports package but am afraid that winter driving will be more difficult (I dont want all wheel drive because i love rear wheel drive better).
Has anyone from the snowbelt gotten the sports package and wished they didnt? Has anyone's rims been damaged from bad roads? I have an e46 now that is not all wheel drive and i do fine with it. Any imput would be appreciated.

Im in Delaware and have the 330i with zSP. No winter tires, it's been ok so far this winter. Very mild. The car is useless in the snow though the 1 time there was alittle.

espo · 02-05-2006, 10:48 AM

Yep.. Minimum rim size that will fit on a 330i is 17"

ssam · 02-05-2006, 11:30 AM

high performance summer tires are dangerous in the snow.....no control

I have sport package with 4 RFT winter tires and there is no problem

Rkrush · 02-05-2006, 11:47 AM

Although it's been a relatively mild winter, I have a 330i w sports package and have had no problems. I was a little worried as well but I bought a set of 17" wheels and snow tires and have not even been nervous once. As far as wheel damage, none yet.

E90 · 02-05-2006, 12:06 PM

I have sport package and 17" studded Michelin non run flat tires.No problem in heavy snow fall.You should not have any problem driving it.No wheel damage.

ap1994 · 02-05-2006, 02:54 PM

I have the sport package in the north east. I bought snows and also bought a junker for about the same price as snows as I dont want my car all filthy anyway in the snow

Andy

kprince · 02-05-2006, 03:33 PM

I have E90 sports package. Not much difference with E46 sports package. Car is terrible in slick conditions (and awesome otherwise). I usually take mass transit under those circumstances. Since I live in the city, no storage space available for snows. If you depend on the E90 for transport, winter tires should suffice.

Craigar · 02-05-2006, 06:02 PM

330i with sport package. 18" blizzaks and no problems at all.

Snows just about every day here. Except lately.

DO NOT BUY THE CAR W/O THE SPORT PACKAGE.

I feel it's not the same car without it.

kenadianz · 02-05-2006, 07:01 PM

325i with sport package with 17" dunlop M3s in Toronto.
No trouble here. Sport package is awesome... you definitely won't regret it.

com_mander · 02-06-2006, 10:47 AM

With sport package and winter tires there are no traction issues, but the lower ride height causes a problem when there is more than about 6 inches of snow on the road, as you end up using the front of your car as a snow plow. The worst are the big chunks of frozen slush that you hit. I cringe every time.

jflecha · 02-06-2006, 11:12 AM

You must use at least a 17" rim if you go with snow tires on the 330i with the sport package.
If you go to http://www.tirerack.com/ and plug in the 330i with SP in the winter tire and wheel packages section you'll get a better idea about choices.

The extra cost and hassle of winterizing the car should be taken into consideration when your deciding on the sport package, I admit I didnt even think about it but I would've done the same thing anyway, I love the car with SP.

SteveMD · 02-06-2006, 11:29 AM

I have the SP and live in wintery MD.

My winter tire set up is called a Chevy Suburban

dkizerian · 02-06-2006, 11:46 AM

Get a set of skinny, non-staggered 17s with snow tires and you wont have a problem. I have a 325 with the sport package and the stock tires pretty much will not get you anywhere in the snow. But my set of blizzaks haven't had any problem with the snow at all.

ashecnc · 02-06-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ap1994

I have the sport package in the north east. I bought snows and also bought a junker for about the same price as snows as I dont want my car all filthy anyway in the snow

Andy

Yes beater is always good, keeps mine free of damage

Bimmerista · 02-06-2006, 02:58 PM

I have sports package and our winters (Quebec) are second to none. The key is the tire; with a 330 you cannot go lower than 17 inch rim, but you can put 215s on it (the skinnier the better).

I actually use runflats as winters as well (I DO NOT want to go out there to change the tire in winter-or have to wait until BMW trukkie gets there). The runflats saved my rim on one pothole, since they are sturdier (sidewalls).

The lower ride height is an issue during storms, when the middle of the road is full of accumulated snow and when trying to get over ploughed over snow (like trying to get in and out of the driveway).

Otherwise, no problems - if I had to do it all over I would.

Brunotheboxer · 02-06-2006, 05:22 PM

thanks everyone for the input so far. im glad i found this site :rocks:

RGRAY · 02-06-2006, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

...(I dont want all wheel drive because i love rear wheel drive better)...

Have you driven the 330xi?

Try it you'll like it.

Damage Inc · 02-06-2006, 05:58 PM

I live in Michigan (worst roads in the country btw), have a 330i SP. I bought a set of dunlop winter tires and mount to my factory rims. Each season I do a swap but I then have a factory look 12 months a year (didnt buy the car to drive around with little 16" wheels half the year). No issues with traction and the SP is acceptable over broken pavement, etc.

Dont buy the car without the SP! Dont understand why anybody would...

02-05-2006, 10:26 AM	#1
Brunotheboxer Colonel 371 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: 2014 Shelby GT500. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston/Cape Cod iTrader: (0)	I want the sport package but live in the north east I am planning to order my new e 90 within the next month. I want a 330 with the premium package, comfort access, and heated seats. I am interested in the sports package but am afraid that winter driving will be more difficult (I dont want all wheel drive because i love rear wheel drive better). Has anyone from the snowbelt gotten the sports package and wished they didnt? Has anyone's rims been damaged from bad roads? I have an e46 now that is not all wheel drive and i do fine with it. Any imput would be appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-05-2006, 10:36 AM	#2
Speedy E90 330 Sport, Comfort, Winter, Navi, Carbon Fiber Lip, Sparkling Graphite, Beige Leather, V710 21 Rep 155 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330 sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington D.C., sometimes Durham, NC iTrader: (0)	what you need is the sports package and winter tires and youll be fine!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 10:43 AM	#3
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 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]	If you don't mind changing your wheels and tires every winter and spring you're fine. I have heard though that there is a problem putting 16" wheels on the 330i with the sport package (brakes are bigger) - maybe someone can confirm or deny that. At the very least - get a good set of all season tires. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 10:48 AM	#5
espo Captain 12 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sugar Land TX iTrader: (0)	Yep.. Minimum rim size that will fit on a 330i is 17" __________________ E46 325xi Oxford Green/Sand Leatherette/Myrtle Wood Auto ZCW - Retired E90 330xi Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA - Retired F22 M235i Mineral Gray/Red Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZPP/ZTP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 11:30 AM	#6
ssam Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 269 Posts Drives: carefully Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (0)	high performance summer tires are dangerous in the snow.....no control I have sport package with 4 RFT winter tires and there is no problem
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 11:47 AM	#7
Rkrush New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: Black and tan330 i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	No problems so far! Although it's been a relatively mild winter, I have a 330i w sports package and have had no problems. I was a little worried as well but I bought a set of 17" wheels and snow tires and have not even been nervous once. As far as wheel damage, none yet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 12:06 PM	#8
E90 Bemuri 3 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 2013/320i AxDrive Alpine White Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Finland H:ki iTrader: (0)	I have sport package and 17" studded Michelin non run flat tires.No problem in heavy snow fall.You should not have any problem driving it.No wheel damage. __________________ Alpine Weiss 320i,(man)sport package,17"Breyton Inspiration wheels,through load system,proff radio,hifi speakers,bi-xenons,auto air-condition,alarm,light package,pdc,rainsensor,cruise control,cup holders,heated seats,headlamp washers,tinted windows rear,Ac-Schnitzer aluminium pedals.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 02:54 PM	#9
ap1994 Private 7 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Middlebury, CT iTrader: (0)	I have the sport package in the north east. I bought snows and also bought a junker for about the same price as snows as I dont want my car all filthy anyway in the snow Andy __________________ 330i Titanium Silver, Black, Aluminum trim, Comfort Access, Heated Seats, Sport, Bluetooth, Nav, Sat prep
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 03:33 PM	#10
kprince New Member 2 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 330i SG/Terra ZHP Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I have E90 sports package. Not much difference with E46 sports package. Car is terrible in slick conditions (and awesome otherwise). I usually take mass transit under those circumstances. Since I live in the city, no storage space available for snows. If you depend on the E90 for transport, winter tires should suffice.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 06:02 PM	#11
Craigar Private 4 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2006 330I Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	330i with sport package. 18" blizzaks and no problems at all. Snows just about every day here. Except lately. DO NOT BUY THE CAR W/O THE SPORT PACKAGE. I feel it's not the same car without it. __________________ Freude am Fahren
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2006, 07:01 PM	#12
kenadianz New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 06 325i 6MT Bl Sapph Sprt Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada iTrader: (0)	325i with sport package with 17" dunlop M3s in Toronto. No trouble here. Sport package is awesome... you definitely won't regret it. __________________ [ CDN 2006 325i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Manual \| Sport Package \| Black Leatherette \| Sunroof \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 10:47 AM	#13
com_mander New Member 0 Rep 28 Posts Drives: 325i sport package Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ottawa iTrader: (0)	With sport package and winter tires there are no traction issues, but the lower ride height causes a problem when there is more than about 6 inches of snow on the road, as you end up using the front of your car as a snow plow. The worst are the big chunks of frozen slush that you hit. I cringe every time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 11:12 AM	#14
jflecha Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 205 Posts Drives: E90 06 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: The Garden State iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330I [0.00]	You must use at least a 17" rim if you go with snow tires on the 330i with the sport package. If you go to http://www.tirerack.com/ and plug in the 330i with SP in the winter tire and wheel packages section you'll get a better idea about choices. The extra cost and hassle of winterizing the car should be taken into consideration when your deciding on the sport package, I admit I didnt even think about it but I would've done the same thing anyway, I love the car with SP. __________________ Tit-Silver 330i/STEP/SP/PP/CWP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 11:29 AM	#15
SteveMD Colonel 196 Rep 2,485 Posts Drives: 2016 F10 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Raventown! iTrader: (3)	I have the SP and live in wintery MD. My winter tire set up is called a Chevy Suburban __________________ 2006 E90 330i (retired) 2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 11:46 AM	#16
dkizerian Digital Ruler 2 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 325i AW/Terra Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Riverton Utah iTrader: (0)	Get a set of skinny, non-staggered 17s with snow tires and you wont have a problem. I have a 325 with the sport package and the stock tires pretty much will not get you anywhere in the snow. But my set of blizzaks haven't had any problem with the snow at all.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 02:58 PM	#18
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	I have sports package and our winters (Quebec) are second to none. The key is the tire; with a 330 you cannot go lower than 17 inch rim, but you can put 215s on it (the skinnier the better). I actually use runflats as winters as well (I DO NOT want to go out there to change the tire in winter-or have to wait until BMW trukkie gets there). The runflats saved my rim on one pothole, since they are sturdier (sidewalls). The lower ride height is an issue during storms, when the middle of the road is full of accumulated snow and when trying to get over ploughed over snow (like trying to get in and out of the driveway). Otherwise, no problems - if I had to do it all over I would.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 05:22 PM	#19
Brunotheboxer Colonel 371 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: 2014 Shelby GT500. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston/Cape Cod iTrader: (0)	thanks everyone for the input so far. im glad i found this site :rocks:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2006, 05:58 PM	#21
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 790 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	I live in Michigan (worst roads in the country btw), have a 330i SP. I bought a set of dunlop winter tires and mount to my factory rims. Each season I do a swap but I then have a factory look 12 months a year (didnt buy the car to drive around with little 16" wheels half the year). No issues with traction and the SP is acceptable over broken pavement, etc. Dont buy the car without the SP! Dont understand why anybody would...
	Appreciate 0 Quote