snow

[MrElussive]

The 325 and 330 models were available in AWD starting in the 2001 model year. For 2002, the 3-series sedans received a face lift, but all their specifications remained the same.
My car is RWD and it does suck in the winter (mainly because of the Michelin Pilot Sport tires). RWD compared to FWD or AWD does not make the ride smoother, really. RWD is faster than FWD because it is easier to "push" (referring to RWD) than it is to "pull" (referring to FWD). RWD also has more traction than a FWD car under hard acceleration because when you are accelerating, all of the weight gets transferred to the back wheels. Also, the "pushing" feeling of RWD feels more natural than the "pulling" feeling of FWD. RWD also gives you the most control compared to FWD and AWD, assuming you know how to handle it (I personally don't, but I'm trying to learn). AWD gives you the most traction under all conditions because you have all four wheels constantly grabbing for traction. But AWD puts the most stress on the engine since the engine has to power all four wheels, so RWD is usually quicker than AWD in straight-line acceleration.
In New Jersey, I think anyone can get around the winter fine with an RWD vehicle and snow tires (assuming the car has a near-50:50 weight distribution).

 

[Tweet227]

TSilver: As MrE said, the xi (which is the AWD model) became available on the 325 and the 330 in the 2001 model year. I agree with him, being a New Jerseyan myself, that anyone can get around during the winter with RWD with a good set of snow tires. I haven't had any problems with my car (330 cic RWD) with snow tires in the snow!

 

[Average Jae]

awds are also slower due to extra heft added on by the awd eqpt. but don't tell that to 911 turbo, sti and evo drivers.. just mention it to an a4 3.0Q drivers

and if you dun a have a 50/50 split add a 50lb salt bag or two to give it the needed heft. oh yea, or if yer korean like me, coupla 50lb bags of rice'll do just fine once the winter's over, you can always eat it!

 

[TSilver330CI]

Thanks a lot for your feedback. I am trying to learn and understand this as best as possible.

Like I said, I have a 2001 330Ci. Now I don't know what the split means, or what I have, but I believe I have all purpose tires, and it handles like shit. Should I invest in snow tires? How much does it cost to have the tires put on and removed, and do I need to change my rims as well?

Thanks

 

[MrElussive]

TSilver330Ci, your car is rear wheel drive and has high performance tires, which are best suited to summer driving, and they do a crappy job in the snow. The 50/50 split that Average Jae is talking about is weight distribution. It means that the car's weight is evenly distributed throughout the car. 50% of the weight in front, 50% of the weight in rear. BMW tries to achieve a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution in all of their cars. It makes for very neutral handling (no unpredicted oversteer/understeer).
As for your snow tires issue, you have to decide whether snow tires are right for you or not. Ask yourself: is the 330Ci your only car, or do you have a snow-capable vehicle as backup? Do you really need to be out and about when it starts snowing, or are you able to just quickly get home and hide until all the snow is gone?
If you feel that you really need snow tires, then there are two ways to approach it. One way is that you can invest in snow tires only, and every season, just have the tires swapped every season and use those. Doing that procedure costs about $50. The second option is to get a whole set of snow tires and rims. It initially costs more to invest in a new set of rims with the snow tires, but this way you can just swap the wheels yourself per season, and not have to pay any money. Doing this will also protect your "good" summer rims from all the salt and road grime and crap that we experience during the winter months. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

[donmbmw]

I don't think you will be dissapointed with the Dunlops. I installed them between snow storms (last week) and the difference was amazing. I had no problems with the dunlops in the snow. The DSC hardly came on at all, whereas the week before was a true test of my terror threshold. The Dunlops also have great dry and wet traction as do the Bizzaks. My preference for the Dunlops was that they ride as quietly as the all seasons. The Blizzaks are definetly louder, but may have a slight advantage in snow.
PS I got my bachelors at Adelphi and my Masters at Hofstra. Long Island all the way.

 

[MrElussive]

PS I got my bachelors at Adelphi and my Masters at Hofstra. Long Island all the way.

 

[Tweet227]

[headbang]