330Ci, how is it in the snow?
- Thread starter fleiscd
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I will be able to answer your question by the end of this year. ![[:)]](/images/smilies/smile.png "Smile [:)]")
I was reassured by my sales guy that the stock all-season tires are fine, since the car's got traction control. I know someone who just got a '04 325ci before this winter and he said it wasn't too bad, but then that doesn't necessarily represent the case for the 330. Of course, for peace of mind, definitely get snows. I am going to hold off until I see what the all-season tires can do on the snow because 17" snows are so expensive.
I was reassured by my sales guy that the stock all-season tires are fine, since the car's got traction control. I know someone who just got a '04 325ci before this winter and he said it wasn't too bad, but then that doesn't necessarily represent the case for the 330. Of course, for peace of mind, definitely get snows. I am going to hold off until I see what the all-season tires can do on the snow because 17" snows are so expensive.
I agree the sports package will make it a little more tricky if the snow is high. I had my 328i out in Aspen last winter and it did just okay with all seasons. If was lving back in Colorado or in CT...I would definitely invest in some snow tires.
The Car Talk guys say "Finally, be aware that the BMW 328is unequivocally sucks in the snow." http://www.cartalk.com/content/testdrives/Reviews/bmw-328is-1999.html
I disagree. I think, with the 50/50 weight distribution, the car handled great. Granted, there's not a lot of clearance for high snow and mine had some troubles with some steep hills. But it's not a SUV and wasn't driving snow tires.
BTW, BMW chains cost a fortune!!!
The Car Talk guys say "Finally, be aware that the BMW 328is unequivocally sucks in the snow." http://www.cartalk.com/content/testdrives/Reviews/bmw-328is-1999.html
I disagree. I think, with the 50/50 weight distribution, the car handled great. Granted, there's not a lot of clearance for high snow and mine had some troubles with some steep hills. But it's not a SUV and wasn't driving snow tires.
BTW, BMW chains cost a fortune!!!
Can I use the rims or will I have to buy new?
I want the Sports Package (I love the White Indicators, and the M-Rims that come with it). Having said that, will I have to buy new rims for snow tires? The Sports Package adds different tires/rims (M Double Spoke (Styling 68M) alloy wheels, 17 x 7.5 front, 17 x 8.5 rear; 225/45R-17 front, 245/40R-17 rear performance tires).
I'm now having 2nd thoughts about buying the car at all. I'm supposed to finalize the deal tomorrow. Any help/insight would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks all!
I want the Sports Package (I love the White Indicators, and the M-Rims that come with it). Having said that, will I have to buy new rims for snow tires? The Sports Package adds different tires/rims (M Double Spoke (Styling 68M) alloy wheels, 17 x 7.5 front, 17 x 8.5 rear; 225/45R-17 front, 245/40R-17 rear performance tires).
I'm now having 2nd thoughts about buying the car at all. I'm supposed to finalize the deal tomorrow. Any help/insight would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks all!
SP will not make it a little more tricky -- You will NOT be able to drive the car in any snow with those performance tires, period! Last year I witnessed a poor dude with a '03 or '04 E46 coupe (now that I know "all" about the E46, the guy has the M Package -- which is sort of like the ZHP in the US without the added hp and performance tweaks). He was trying to go up a moderately steep hill, and his car was moving forward at a 45 degree angle.... [headbang] His car was taking up two lanes, and NONE of the cars behind him would dare to pass him. I wish I had a camera with me at that time, as I was waiting in traffic on the opposite side of the road -- and I had waited for at least 5 minutes. That scene was a classic!
Even BMW Canada states clearly nowadays when you order SP or perf. tires : "Not recommended for winter use!"
BTW I remember reading somewhere (a FAQ) that BMW does not recommend using chains on the wheels.
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Get a separate set of rims for the snow tires. Steel rims would do. However, since you're getting the 330ci, 16" rims won't fit, so you have to use 17". Steel rims are cheap, but 17" snow tires aren't.
It is for this reason I didn't get the SP, because to me, the only point for SP is the sport seats (which I really like)... but once you get SP, you are *forced* to buy snow tires for the winter. Meaning SP = cost of SP + cost of snow tires + cost of rims. They really add up.
Good luck and keep us posted!
It is for this reason I didn't get the SP, because to me, the only point for SP is the sport seats (which I really like)... but once you get SP, you are *forced* to buy snow tires for the winter. Meaning SP = cost of SP + cost of snow tires + cost of rims. They really add up.
Good luck and keep us posted!
From what I've read of other people's experiences on another site, you'll likely need snow tires. (I think I saw a video somewhere too) If so, you want to buy separate rims for them. It's an incredible hassle, if you can find a place willing to do it, to take your car in, have it hoisted up, remove all the wheels and switch it over to snows. It's much easier to have a snow set all ready to go and you can change the tires yourself.
i'm def not a fan of all seasons, esp if you live where you know you'll see snow and temps below 40F during the winter months. all seasons = good for nothing, bad at nothing imo. rubber compounds get pertty hard as temps drop and your handling becomes pretty piss poor.. (depending on what a/s tires you have tho..)
as for the 17 inch rims only comment, it's true, except for the tirerack's AT italia type 5s.. $140 a pop for the rims, and only one big enough to clear the bigger calipers. (you might want to call them) yer right about the 17 inch snows costing way way more than 16s..
my take is this: if you are gonna spend 40k + for a 330ci, get the sp (looks nicer, performs better) get nicer rims, either the 17 or the 18 inch upgrades, and get the snows w/ dedicated rims. (i'm sure you can afford the winter tire/rim set, and it'll keep your high perf tires lasting longer) you wouldn't want your nice rims to get hacked up in the winter seasons would you? why handycap a fine sports car like a 330ci w/ all seasons?
as for the 17 inch rims only comment, it's true, except for the tirerack's AT italia type 5s.. $140 a pop for the rims, and only one big enough to clear the bigger calipers. (you might want to call them) yer right about the 17 inch snows costing way way more than 16s..
my take is this: if you are gonna spend 40k + for a 330ci, get the sp (looks nicer, performs better) get nicer rims, either the 17 or the 18 inch upgrades, and get the snows w/ dedicated rims. (i'm sure you can afford the winter tire/rim set, and it'll keep your high perf tires lasting longer) you wouldn't want your nice rims to get hacked up in the winter seasons would you? why handycap a fine sports car like a 330ci w/ all seasons?
I'm actually doing a 3 year lease. This is my first BMW, so I'm starting with a lease and moving up to a 4 in 2007 when they come out (or a 6 maybe...) in 3 years. So, can I just put snow tires on the existing rims? I mean, I know it would be better to buy separate rims, but there's a place here where I live that if you buy snow tires from them they'll change them over for you free of charge each year. After the lease is up I'd be stuck with rims I couldn't use (I'll already be stuck with 4 tires I can't use). I saw the Blizakk (-10 for spelling) tires in the sizes I'd need for the Sports Package, so I guess I should be ok. Anybody used those tires? According to reviews I read they are good in the snow, but nobody who reviewed them (that I saw anyway) had a BMW.
THANKS again for all the replies!
THANKS again for all the replies!
About six months ago I went from a 99 328 to a 330cic with SP and all weather package. Now, my 328 wasn't too bad in the snow (I live in Ohio). I was OK as long as I drove according to the conditions. Never got stuck, was always able to make it out of my driveway and up my street. Freeway driving was fine.
But then came a teeeny tiny little snow storm with my beautiful new 330. I was driving down the freeway with my car sliding around all over the place and I was only able to do about 25...spinning all the way! I was scared to death that I was going to end up under a semi squished like a bug! When I finally made it home I needed a glass of wine to calm down. Next day....just a little more snow...not much. But I couldn't even drive up my street. My neighbor had to rescue me and physically push me back to my house. Well, that's when I parked the car and told my hubby that I will not drive this car coz I was afraid I was going to die!
We ended up buying snow tires and and new rims which will be installed in October way before the next snow hits.
Bottom line....get the tires and rims.......don't risk your life! But, in spite of all of this I dearly love my car!
But then came a teeeny tiny little snow storm with my beautiful new 330. I was driving down the freeway with my car sliding around all over the place and I was only able to do about 25...spinning all the way! I was scared to death that I was going to end up under a semi squished like a bug! When I finally made it home I needed a glass of wine to calm down. Next day....just a little more snow...not much. But I couldn't even drive up my street. My neighbor had to rescue me and physically push me back to my house. Well, that's when I parked the car and told my hubby that I will not drive this car coz I was afraid I was going to die!
We ended up buying snow tires and and new rims which will be installed in October way before the next snow hits.
Bottom line....get the tires and rims.......don't risk your life! But, in spite of all of this I dearly love my car!
It's still highly recommended to get separate rims just for the snows, regardless of whether you can find a place that will mount them on for you for free every year.
Everytime you mount or unmount a tire, the tire wall gets a bit of damage. Also, if the folks who do it aren't careful (and I've seen this happened), be ready for nicks and scratches on your nice BMW rims.
If you're going to pay so much for 17" snows anyway, IMHO there's no point to save the $$ on rims. If you're on a tight budget like me (or if the place you live is like Toronto where road salt is used during the winter), steel rims are a good choice as they are cheap and you don't have to worry about them. Of course, some people (like some of my friends) hate steel rims as they make the car look like crap. I just don't care because all cars look like crap in the winter anyway. I leave that decision up to you -- go for good looks and pay for alloy rims, or save money and get steel rims.
As for Blizzak. This is also my first BMW so I do not know. I have used them on my old Integra and they were amazing. However, be advised that only about 50% of the tread on the Blizzak is the actual "snow compound", meaning the tires are snow tires for only the first half of their life. Once you're down to about 50%, they become regular all-season's. So, if you can afford them or want some of the best snow tires, get them. I decided not to get Blizzak's on the car I'm driving right now because of this, and I'm pretty sure if my new 330ci does need snows I won't be getting Blizzak's either.
Everytime you mount or unmount a tire, the tire wall gets a bit of damage. Also, if the folks who do it aren't careful (and I've seen this happened), be ready for nicks and scratches on your nice BMW rims.
If you're going to pay so much for 17" snows anyway, IMHO there's no point to save the $$ on rims. If you're on a tight budget like me (or if the place you live is like Toronto where road salt is used during the winter), steel rims are a good choice as they are cheap and you don't have to worry about them. Of course, some people (like some of my friends) hate steel rims as they make the car look like crap. I just don't care because all cars look like crap in the winter anyway. I leave that decision up to you -- go for good looks and pay for alloy rims, or save money and get steel rims.
As for Blizzak. This is also my first BMW so I do not know. I have used them on my old Integra and they were amazing. However, be advised that only about 50% of the tread on the Blizzak is the actual "snow compound", meaning the tires are snow tires for only the first half of their life. Once you're down to about 50%, they become regular all-season's. So, if you can afford them or want some of the best snow tires, get them. I decided not to get Blizzak's on the car I'm driving right now because of this, and I'm pretty sure if my new 330ci does need snows I won't be getting Blizzak's either.
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That's because you have SP which comes with performance tires (correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the cold weather you have includes tires, does it?).
Bottom line:
Performance tires and snow don't mix.
All seasons might be fine as long as you are careful. I was told they work fine. I don't know myself until end of this year -- but let's not talk about winter now!
Nothing beats snow tires on snow (obviously).
i would definately recommend a set of wheels w/ summer tires, and a set of wheels w/ snow tires.
reasons:
-summer tires will rock your world in the mid spring, summer, and early fall. all seasons will get you around fine, but some sticky summers will like i said, rock your world
-having an extra set of wheels with the snows makes it so you can put them on yourself at a moments notice, it takes no more than 30 minutes to do it, and if its warm out one day, and snows that night you don't want to risk driving to a tire shop to get them on, you can just do it in your garage and vice versa for the summer
-having an extra set of wheels w/ tires will save your wheels big time. tire jockey's always somehow scuff wheels when they swap tires on them, and it isn't exactly good for the tires.
-having an extra set of wheels w/ tires allows you to run some meaty tires in the summer, and get a smaller diameter wheel and smaller width wheel to deal with increased pot holes and hazards, and to cut through the snow respectively.
i'm sure there are others, but thats just my ten cents.
reasons:
-summer tires will rock your world in the mid spring, summer, and early fall. all seasons will get you around fine, but some sticky summers will like i said, rock your world
-having an extra set of wheels with the snows makes it so you can put them on yourself at a moments notice, it takes no more than 30 minutes to do it, and if its warm out one day, and snows that night you don't want to risk driving to a tire shop to get them on, you can just do it in your garage and vice versa for the summer
-having an extra set of wheels w/ tires will save your wheels big time. tire jockey's always somehow scuff wheels when they swap tires on them, and it isn't exactly good for the tires.
-having an extra set of wheels w/ tires allows you to run some meaty tires in the summer, and get a smaller diameter wheel and smaller width wheel to deal with increased pot holes and hazards, and to cut through the snow respectively.
i'm sure there are others, but thats just my ten cents.
I too have a '02 330i w/SP and live in central Ohio. Luckily the last two winters have been relatively "Snowless". I was advised when I bought the car to go to www.tirerack.com and start shopping for winter tires and rims. I would advise the same for you. About $1000 will cure your ills...