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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series AWD - Pros and Cons
74 messages, Last post on Feb 04, 2008 at 4:16 PM
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I'm considering '05 325 but looking at the previous posts, seems like the jury is still out there on whether the AWD really trumps over RWD in snowy conditions. I agree that it comes down to the driver but would be very interested to hear about experiences of driving RWD just when it starts snowing on the roads and it tends to be most slippery. Thanks, Concerned Chicago Driver
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Replying to: birdrules (Jan 15, 2008 7:36 pm) I told you that as a means of illustrating that you'll do just fine in the Chicago area with a RWD BMW, just remember to buy yourself a set of winter skins (way cheaper than AWD).  Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: birdrules (Jan 15, 2008 7:36 pm) |
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Replying to: shipo (Jan 15, 2008 8:04 pm) Not to mention more fun... 
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Replying to: shipo (Jan 15, 2008 8:04 pm) If you get winter tires, you have the cost of the tires as well as the cost of mounting them prior to winter and switching them back out in the fall. Add up those costs over the years, and things tend to even out. Plus, with AWS there is no hassle of getting teh tires switched out twice a year. Just my thoughts, I went with AWD.
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Replying to: golfnut802 (Jan 16, 2008 7:07 am) In my case, I had a 3 year lease on a 530i SP, and I paid $1,007 for my set of wheels and tires delivered. I then swapped them myself twice a year and stored the off-season set in my basement. When I turned the car back in I found that my factory tires still had between 1mm and 2mm of tread beyond the minimum, and as such I didn't have to spend over $1,200 on a new set of skins before turning the car in. Instant savings of $193. But wait, that's not all! I was then able to turn around and sell the used set of winter wheels and tires for $400. When I said "way cheaper", I meant, "way cheaper". Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Jan 16, 2008 7:26 am) Also, I doubt a place is going to store 4 sets of tires for you over the course of a few years, and change the tires out twice a year, all for free, just to make profit on the initial tire sale. Just does not seem worth it for them. Maybe you are buddies with them. Plus, who wants to wait around a couple hours everytime you have that done.
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Replying to: golfnut802 (Jan 16, 2008 8:26 am) I just rotated my tires ('06 330xi) so I guess I'm guilty of too much work. The AS are fine in the snow but definitely one step lover than AWD + snows for ultimate grip. I am sure RWD with snows will do just fine. In a twisted sort of way, you can have fun driving AWD, specifically the 3-series. I am tempted with the 335d soon to arrive in the US, however. Loads of torque and that great chassis....sweet and 27 MPG to boot. Look Ma, no AWD! Regards, OW |
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Replying to: golfnut802 (Jan 16, 2008 8:26 am) As far as driving in the snow goes, I have never had any problems except for plowing some snow with the front air dam. And I've driven on a 30 degree incline when my boss' A8 with A/S started spinning. And yes, I get better gas mileage and more acceleration than an AWD. The last reason that I use snows is that they stop better and have excellent grip turning corners. An AWD with A/S will definitely not stop better, considering the added wieght of the AWD setup, but turning corners is a toss-up since there is AWD. My two cents!
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Replying to: akv25 (Jan 16, 2008 9:05 am)
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