Winter Driving in the E90

Steve P. · 03-01-2006, 07:00 AM

Hello everyone, just wanted to hear what you guys had to say about the 325i or 330i in winter driving conditions. I just have to say this is by far the worst car I have ever drivin in the winter. And before you jump on me for trashing it.. I do have winter tires, Blizzazks LM-22, which are supposed to be good. The problem is not the handling or the stopping, it is getting going. I find my self getting stuck in the littlest of snow... it is useless, it really is. And before you guys start saying you should have got X drive or this or that, lets all face the facts these 325i's and 330i's are not made at all for winter driving in mind. Iam not impressed at all. And with only 12,000km on the car Iam thinking about trading it in already.

harbour456 · 03-01-2006, 07:06 AM

Sorry to hear you're having such trouble. I too live in Canada. I'm near Kingston, Ontario and commute in my 330i about 55 km each way on county highways... lot's of sketchy drives this year. I have the Dunlop wintersport M3's on my car and haven't had much difficulty at all. I've actually been pleasantly surprised at the 330i's winter performance. This is after coming from an AWD Subaru WRX with the same winter tires. I'm not sure what to say other then the fact that I have not shared your experience. Perhaps the Dunlops are the difference. Any other Canucks out there who can give us their opinions?

Tierfreund · 03-01-2006, 07:10 AM

Welcome to front engine RWD. What you´re describing is true for most cars with that setup. Only a few older designs with a solid rear axle (Volvos) and/or rear limited slip differential, drive better despite front engine and rear drive.

But you´re right of course. The 3 is fine in snow once you get going. Getting going is awfull though. And snow tires do help only to a certain extend. Switching to DTC helps a bit, but not much. (btw with DTC on, to make it work properly, you have to keep your foot planted on the accelerator even when a wheel start spinning badly to allow the DTC to work. Only when there´s excessive spin on the wheel with less traction can the DTC shift torque to the other wheel. This goes against every instinct you may have developed when driving cars without a system such as DTC, where, when traction breaks, you take your foot of the accelerator to regain traction). Best practice with a RWD 3 on snow is to drive with a lot of presight. Make sure not to stop on an incline, plan your approaches, don´t try to take off rapidly from a crossing to pass before oncoming traffic. When trying to get up an incline, make sure you have plenty of runup area. You catch my drift

Kamando · 03-01-2006, 07:17 AM

Dunlop Winter Sport M3's here and I dont have any problems with getting moving in the snow. I hardly ever need to use DTC. Like the poster above, maybe the Dunlops are what helps me.

E90 · 03-01-2006, 07:42 AM

I live in Finland and using Michelin studded tires.No problem what so ever. BMW E90 was one of the best winter cars here in a test.They said in the test that it handles far best RWD they ever driven.And I fully agree with them.I wonder if it something to do with the Blizzak tires?

Juve29 · 03-01-2006, 08:07 AM

My E90 is mounted with Toyo tires and I have to admit it drives pretty well in the snow. But I also find my self getting stuck when trying to get going especially on littles hill. I find that the best way is to swicht to DTC, and if that does not work disactivate the DSC completely and just floor the gas pedal, the back slides from side to side but it works.

ThreeBimm · 03-01-2006, 08:40 AM

I've got a 325xi with Blizzaks and it is really good in the snow. Besides clearance issues I haven't had any problems in the snow at all. I came from driving a Land Rover which could drive through anything and I am still pleasantly surprised by how well the BMW drives in the snow.

croaker · 03-01-2006, 09:01 AM

I have a 20lb bag of salt that fits in the storage compartment of the trunk. When we get snow I stick it in there. It adds a little weight that helps traction at start up, and can melt the shit if I really get stuck somewhere.

-Croaker

vladinecko · 03-01-2006, 09:03 AM

no winter tires and DTC seems to be working beautifully for me! of course, if there is shitload of snow out there, you'd get stuck pretty much with any car. i don't know why you're having problems even with a little bit of snow though.

i know you didn't want anyone to mention the xi option, but i think in your case, you should just get a strong SUV with a 4x4 drive and that should give you an exit from pretty much any weather situation.

ic · 03-01-2006, 10:09 AM

I've LM-25 and works fine for me even for unplowed resident area. Try turn DTC on. I'm not sure you drove RWD before. But WS-50 is much better than LM22/25 for snow if you're not confident in snow.

prolix21 · 03-01-2006, 01:08 PM

Without winter tires my 330i was a nigthmare, but add some winter tires and it's much much better. I think the overall conclusion is that to own one of these cars you pretty much have to have 2 sets of wheels (unless you're lucky enough to live somewhere warm year round). Even here in Cincinnati (where our snow is quite hit and miss) I couldn't escape without buying winter wheels.

seevemonka · 03-01-2006, 05:44 PM

I have nokian wr"s,this is an, all season tire(one of the few,that have a winter tire rating)and will last at least 50,000 miles.Still handles well.Mine spins a little bit when it snows,but once you get going,i have no problem,and i still have that solid to the ground feeling,when driving.I live in minnesota,where i get plenty of snow,and i would never get an xi.But everybody has there own needs.Also with the traction controls and stuff,as long as your not irresponsible,you should be just fine.IMO

ABR · 03-01-2006, 06:11 PM

That was a mild winter here in Ontario, but on rare snow accasions my bimmer felt more solid then previous Honda Accord (FWD). I don't even have winter tires.

poldim · 03-01-2006, 06:30 PM

I've got 18" Blizzaks (see sig) and have yet to be stuck in the snow after I took off the 162's.

e46e49 · 03-01-2006, 07:16 PM

I had a 2000 E46 and loved it! But starting on hills in snow or ice was virtually impossible, even with winter tires (and there are lots of hills here). So...I just took the plunge and ordered a 2006 E90 (325xi, titanium silver, black leather, aluminum trim, premium package, cold weather). It's on the ship now and I can't wait!!! I seriously test drove other cars, including the Suburu, but the BMW has no peer!!! It's an awesome car.

CnoteMD · 03-01-2006, 08:30 PM

I have been very impressed with the way this car handles snow with my Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires (size 225-45-17).

I haven't had any problems with moderate amounts of snow. The only limiting factor has been the low ground clearance (I have the sport suspension). With really deep snow, the front of the car acts like a plow . Aside from those situations this car does GREAT in the snow. I have even had my share of hills and I can usually hang with the SUV's.

Schweitzer · 03-01-2006, 09:20 PM

Here in Los Angeles we've had a brutal winter. We had a heavy rain for a whole day! (note the sarcasm.) Thankfully it doesn't snow here or rain that much here, at least this winter; so I keep the same tires on year round. I felt slip from the sport tires on the freeway in heavy rain. I know they're not all-season; so I was expecting them be behave like that. As for snow, you couldn't pay me to drive in snow, since I don't know how.

Romulus · 03-01-2006, 09:27 PM

you live in canada, decided to buy a rwd car for winter driving, and are bitching about traction..?

hmm. why don't you kick yourself in the ass for not getting awd?

Marven · 03-01-2006, 09:43 PM

I am waiting on my 330 but I have an E34 and am originally from Toronto where we get lots of snow. I had winter tires and didnt have any issues..

M.

poldim · 03-01-2006, 10:55 PM

If you need to go somehwere, the main roads are usually plowed. Biggest problem is getting out of the parking space.

FlyingFinn · 03-02-2006, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve P.

Hello everyone, just wanted to hear what you guys had to say about the 325i or 330i in winter driving conditions. I just have to say this is by far the worst car I have ever drivin in the winter. And before you jump on me for trashing it.. I do have winter tires, Blizzazks LM-22, which are supposed to be good. The problem is not the handling or the stopping, it is getting going. I find my self getting stuck in the littlest of snow... it is useless, it really is. And before you guys start saying you should have got X drive or this or that, lets all face the facts these 325i's and 330i's are not made at all for winter driving in mind. Iam not impressed at all. And with only 12,000km on the car Iam thinking about trading it in already.

Interesting. On my opinion this is the best car in the winter conditions I have driven. I play with it all the time with lots of drifting. I have hardly ever the DSC on. Well Audi Quattro is also o.k. but I don't like the way it under steers. I have studded Continental winter tires and the car handles just perfectly. Also the edge when loosing the grip is really smooth and predictable. This car is pure fun on snow. I have never got stuck either. Once on very slippery and wet ice I had to turn the DTC on because the DSC cut too much power.

chiefhiawatha · 03-02-2006, 07:31 AM

There are various models in the Blizzak line of snow tires.

The WS50 is their ultimate tire for best snow traction. The LM-22 is much more oriented for all around performance than the WS50. I drive an A4 quattro, with the LM-22 tires. I can generate tons of wheelspin with ESP off.

I like the LM-22 tires a lot, mostly because they are good enough for an AWD vehicle, and they are great as a cold-weather tire once the snow is gone.

I previously used Nokian Hakkapelita Q tires on a FWD Honda Prelude. THOSE were some amazing snows..

Anyway, if you had a more serious snow tire, less biased towards overall performance, you will have better luck with your new RWD vehicle.

03-01-2006, 07:00 AM	#1
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	Winter Driving in the E90 Hello everyone, just wanted to hear what you guys had to say about the 325i or 330i in winter driving conditions. I just have to say this is by far the worst car I have ever drivin in the winter. And before you jump on me for trashing it.. I do have winter tires, Blizzazks LM-22, which are supposed to be good. The problem is not the handling or the stopping, it is getting going. I find my self getting stuck in the littlest of snow... it is useless, it really is. And before you guys start saying you should have got X drive or this or that, lets all face the facts these 325i's and 330i's are not made at all for winter driving in mind. Iam not impressed at all. And with only 12,000km on the car Iam thinking about trading it in already.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-01-2006, 07:06 AM	#2
harbour456 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2010 Audi S4 (prev E90 330i) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear you're having such trouble. I too live in Canada. I'm near Kingston, Ontario and commute in my 330i about 55 km each way on county highways... lot's of sketchy drives this year. I have the Dunlop wintersport M3's on my car and haven't had much difficulty at all. I've actually been pleasantly surprised at the 330i's winter performance. This is after coming from an AWD Subaru WRX with the same winter tires. I'm not sure what to say other then the fact that I have not shared your experience. Perhaps the Dunlops are the difference. Any other Canucks out there who can give us their opinions? __________________ 2010 Audi S4! Previously 2006 330i / ZSP / TiAg on black 'ette / Comfort Access / Logic 7
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 07:10 AM	#3
Tierfreund Major 21 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Welcome to front engine RWD. What you´re describing is true for most cars with that setup. Only a few older designs with a solid rear axle (Volvos) and/or rear limited slip differential, drive better despite front engine and rear drive. But you´re right of course. The 3 is fine in snow once you get going. Getting going is awfull though. And snow tires do help only to a certain extend. Switching to DTC helps a bit, but not much. (btw with DTC on, to make it work properly, you have to keep your foot planted on the accelerator even when a wheel start spinning badly to allow the DTC to work. Only when there´s excessive spin on the wheel with less traction can the DTC shift torque to the other wheel. This goes against every instinct you may have developed when driving cars without a system such as DTC, where, when traction breaks, you take your foot of the accelerator to regain traction). Best practice with a RWD 3 on snow is to drive with a lot of presight. Make sure not to stop on an incline, plan your approaches, don´t try to take off rapidly from a crossing to pass before oncoming traffic. When trying to get up an incline, make sure you have plenty of runup area. You catch my drift __________________ No, not THAT kind of tierfreund!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 07:17 AM	#4
Kamando Captain 56 Rep 617 Posts Drives: - Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: - iTrader: (3)	Dunlop Winter Sport M3's here and I dont have any problems with getting moving in the snow. I hardly ever need to use DTC. Like the poster above, maybe the Dunlops are what helps me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 07:42 AM	#5
E90 Bemuri 3 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 2013/320i AxDrive Alpine White Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Finland H:ki iTrader: (0)	I live in Finland and using Michelin studded tires.No problem what so ever. BMW E90 was one of the best winter cars here in a test.They said in the test that it handles far best RWD they ever driven.And I fully agree with them.I wonder if it something to do with the Blizzak tires? __________________ 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

03-01-2006, 08:07 AM	#6
Juve29 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 325i titanium silver spk Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Montréal, Canada iTrader: (0)	My E90 is mounted with Toyo tires and I have to admit it drives pretty well in the snow. But I also find my self getting stuck when trying to get going especially on littles hill. I find that the best way is to swicht to DTC, and if that does not work disactivate the DSC completely and just floor the gas pedal, the back slides from side to side but it works.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 08:40 AM	#7
ThreeBimm Private First Class 15 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 325 xi Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I've got a 325xi with Blizzaks and it is really good in the snow. Besides clearance issues I haven't had any problems in the snow at all. I came from driving a Land Rover which could drive through anything and I am still pleasantly surprised by how well the BMW drives in the snow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 09:01 AM	#8
croaker First Lieutenant 56 Rep 340 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I have a 20lb bag of salt that fits in the storage compartment of the trunk. When we get snow I stick it in there. It adds a little weight that helps traction at start up, and can melt the shit if I really get stuck somewhere. -Croaker __________________ 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
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 09:03 AM	#9
vladinecko Brigadier General 283 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	no winter tires and DTC seems to be working beautifully for me! of course, if there is shitload of snow out there, you'd get stuck pretty much with any car. i don't know why you're having problems even with a little bit of snow though. i know you didn't want anyone to mention the xi option, but i think in your case, you should just get a strong SUV with a 4x4 drive and that should give you an exit from pretty much any weather situation. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 10:09 AM	#10
ic Private 1 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 06 325i SP MT Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I've LM-25 and works fine for me even for unplowed resident area. Try turn DTC on. I'm not sure you drove RWD before. But WS-50 is much better than LM22/25 for snow if you're not confident in snow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 01:08 PM	#11
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	Without winter tires my 330i was a nigthmare, but add some winter tires and it's much much better. I think the overall conclusion is that to own one of these cars you pretty much have to have 2 sets of wheels (unless you're lucky enough to live somewhere warm year round). Even here in Cincinnati (where our snow is quite hit and miss) I couldn't escape without buying winter wheels.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 05:44 PM	#12
seevemonka Private 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2006 bmw 325,black Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: mpls iTrader: (0)	I have nokian wr"s,this is an, all season tire(one of the few,that have a winter tire rating)and will last at least 50,000 miles.Still handles well.Mine spins a little bit when it snows,but once you get going,i have no problem,and i still have that solid to the ground feeling,when driving.I live in minnesota,where i get plenty of snow,and i would never get an xi.But everybody has there own needs.Also with the traction controls and stuff,as long as your not irresponsible,you should be just fine.IMO
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 06:11 PM	#13
ABR First Lieutenant 29 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	That was a mild winter here in Ontario, but on rare snow accasions my bimmer felt more solid then previous Honda Accord (FWD). I don't even have winter tires. __________________ 94' Opel Vectra Manual 96' Opel Vectra Manual99' Honda Accord Auto01' Toyota Sienna 06' BMW 330i Step
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 06:30 PM	#14
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	I've got 18" Blizzaks (see sig) and have yet to be stuck in the snow after I took off the 162's. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 07:16 PM	#15
e46e49 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: west coast iTrader: (0)	I had a 2000 E46 and loved it! But starting on hills in snow or ice was virtually impossible, even with winter tires (and there are lots of hills here). So...I just took the plunge and ordered a 2006 E90 (325xi, titanium silver, black leather, aluminum trim, premium package, cold weather). It's on the ship now and I can't wait!!! I seriously test drove other cars, including the Suburu, but the BMW has no peer!!! It's an awesome car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 08:30 PM	#16
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 have been very impressed with the way this car handles snow with my Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires (size 225-45-17). I haven't had any problems with moderate amounts of snow. The only limiting factor has been the low ground clearance (I have the sport suspension). With really deep snow, the front of the car acts like a plow . Aside from those situations this car does GREAT in the snow. I have even had my share of hills and I can usually hang with the SUV's. __________________ 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
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 09:20 PM	#17
Schweitzer Lieutenant 46 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2015 M5 CP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Here in Los Angeles we've had a brutal winter. We had a heavy rain for a whole day! (note the sarcasm.) Thankfully it doesn't snow here or rain that much here, at least this winter; so I keep the same tires on year round. I felt slip from the sport tires on the freeway in heavy rain. I know they're not all-season; so I was expecting them be behave like that. As for snow, you couldn't pay me to drive in snow, since I don't know how. __________________ 2015 M5, Alpine White, Sakhir Orange/Black leather, 20"M Style 343M, forged black wheels, Carbon Fiber trim/mirror caps, Competition Package, Executive Package, Bang & Olufsen sound.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 09:27 PM	#18
Romulus Private First Class 15 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 05 M3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	you live in canada, decided to buy a rwd car for winter driving, and are bitching about traction..? hmm. why don't you kick yourself in the ass for not getting awd?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 09:43 PM	#19
Marven First Lieutenant 37 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Sedan Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: TeeDot! iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I am waiting on my 330 but I have an E34 and am originally from Toronto where we get lots of snow. I had winter tires and didnt have any issues.. M. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 10:55 PM	#20
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	If you need to go somehwere, the main roads are usually plowed. Biggest problem is getting out of the parking space. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2006, 07:31 AM	#22
chiefhiawatha New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: silver 325xit Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	about those blizzaks There are various models in the Blizzak line of snow tires. The WS50 is their ultimate tire for best snow traction. The LM-22 is much more oriented for all around performance than the WS50. I drive an A4 quattro, with the LM-22 tires. I can generate tons of wheelspin with ESP off. I like the LM-22 tires a lot, mostly because they are good enough for an AWD vehicle, and they are great as a cold-weather tire once the snow is gone. I previously used Nokian Hakkapelita Q tires on a FWD Honda Prelude. THOSE were some amazing snows.. Anyway, if you had a more serious snow tire, less biased towards overall performance, you will have better luck with your new RWD vehicle.
	Appreciate 0 Quote