328xi observations after the first snowfall

[Grumpa72]

I had to go out this morning with 2-3 inches of snow on the ground and thought I would see what the various bells and whistles on the xi do. First, I have the Continental RFT with 6500 miles on them mounted.

This was in a large, empty parking lot:
1. ABS is ok, but definetly not great
2. you can get a bit of the tail to slide before DSC kicks in
3. the car is better going uphill than down
4. the Conti RFT are only ok. I may still go with snow tires.

And my windshield washers were frozen! :eek: I had filled the reservoir last night (or so I thought) with the generic blue stuff. The headlight squirters work fine but not the windshield. I added more blue stuff and was amazed that it took the whole gallon. Just how big is that reservoir? It keeps taking the antifreeze/cleaner even when you can see the top of the reservoir level. How's that work.

For those that go with snow tires, have you tried BMW steel wheels or do you buy aftermarket aluminum wheels? I can't imagine screwing up the looks of my car with steel wheels and aftermarket hubcaps!

Gary
07 328xi

[mryakan]

I had to go out this morning with 2-3 inches of snow on the ground and thought I would see what the various bells and whistles on the xi do. First, I have the Continental RFT with 6500 miles on them mounted.

This was in a large, empty parking lot:
1. ABS is ok, but definetly not great
2. you can get a bit of the tail to slide before DSC kicks in
3. the car is better going uphill than down

1-3: Probably a function of the not so great traction of your all season tires. They are not great on snow.



4. the Conti RFT are only ok. I may still go with snow tires.

Do that and you will see a world of difference. You'll look at your x-drive in a whole new light. I am still surprised how people think all wheel drive is a substitute for good snow tires, they just complement each others, but tires are the most important factor. You need decent traction for any of the electronic/mechanical functions to behave the way they should.




And my windshield washers were frozen! :eek: I had filled the reservoir last night (or so I thought) with the generic blue stuff. The headlight squirters work fine but not the windshield. I added more blue stuff and was amazed that it took the whole gallon. Just how big is that reservoir? It keeps taking the antifreeze/cleaner even when you can see the top of the reservoir level. How's that work.

It takes a full 5 liters. That is just over 5 quarts. I also had the washers freeze on me (look for thread with that title), but that was only when the temps dipped below -15C or 0F. Haven't had that issue since then.



For those that go with snow tires, have you tried BMW steel wheels or do you buy aftermarket aluminum wheels? I can't imagine screwing up the looks of my car with steel wheels and aftermarket hubcaps!

Gary
07 328xi

I reused my stock 16" wheels since I do plan to get a new set of 18" in the summer (at least the plan so far). But I've seen both steels with hub caps and aftermarket/BMW OEM wheel. They go in that order of looking better/costing more. But then in winter everything looks like crap. I can't tell what color my car is anymore nor can see the wheels shape, just lots of salt and grime. And to make things worse I haven't washed my car since it started snowing (that's more than 2 weeks) since there is no point. The roads have been constantly dirty/wet and the car will get as dirty again by the time I get home. I am waiting for a 2 day stretch of dry and very cold weather where the road dry up and everything freezes and doesn't melt before washing. In short, looks in winter are one thing that is not worth fretting about IMO (at least here).

[Grumpa72]

I have used Blizzak snow tires in the past and they are quite awesome. I will start looking at their Blizzaks in the RFT to see if it is worth it or even regular Blizzaks (non-RFT) with a new wheel setup.

Five liters for the windshield washers? Wow! Whoda thunk it?
thank you,
Gary

[mryakan]

I have used Blizzak snow tires in the past and they are quite awesome. I will start looking at their Blizzaks in the RFT to see if it is worth it or even regular Blizzaks (non-RFT) with a new wheel setup.

Five liters for the windshield washers? Wow! Whoda thunk it?
thank you,
Gary
Yup, every BMW I've seen had a huge windshield washer tank. Germans know the importance of having enough fluid in winter driving, God bless their hearts.:D Wonder if it is the same with other German manufacturers.

[MrOffshore]

We had 5" of lake effect snow (Lake Michigan) here in Northern Indiana, this was my first shot at the snow with my 335xi...I had some experience on ice last week and was impressed overall. I look at it this way, I'm not out trying to run a race in the snow...just get to and from work and enjoy the car from time to time. Having been a Goodyear Franchisee for 10 years I have some experience with all kinds of tires...I used to have tires mounted on wheels for just about any occasion you can imagine, but being out of the business now I don't have the time, space or energy to change tires so frequently.

I won't debate the importance of tires and how they can make a monsterous difference...not only in snow, ice or rain, but just about any different kind of weather...but what I will say it this, after driving the car today I see no reason to change to special tires...my all-season Conti RFT's performed well enought that I would be wasting my money on a special set of winter tires. If I still was in the business, by all means I would have different tires for different conditons, but that's not the case anymore. I felt the traction was more than adequate and stopping was the same...the only place things weren't as stable as I might have wished was when I was screwing around in an empty parking lot trying to see how the electronic stability control systems performed...you could get the car out a bit if you tried...but under normal and cautious driving I can't see that a specialized set of tires would be necessary. I would much rather put that money into a set of UHP tires and wheels for the summer and give the car a individualized look.

I will continue monitoring how they handle in different snow conditions, but overall thus far I am pleased.

[Grumpa72]

[quote=MrOffshore;11413549]...the only place things weren't as stable as I might have wished was when I was screwing around in an empty parking lot trying to see how the electronic stability control systems performed...you could get the car out a bit if you tried...quote]

I generally agree with that statement after my initial trial in the empty parking lot. If I really got into the throttle, the controls would take over. Same thing with accelerating and then just dumping the brake pedal. Lots of ABS action and the car slid farther than I expected. But, it DID stop straight ahead in a controlled manner.

[MrOffshore]

I would agree....the ABS system may not be the best performing...but it is adequate...I think the key, is as noted so many times before by others, you just need to get to know the car in a safe environment. These cars are absolutely awesome...I love mine!

[Kernel Kurtz]

overall thus far I am pleased.

My experience also. Full winter tires are way better than all-seasons. All seasons are way better than summer tires.

Summer tires are unusable in winter. I think the AS will get me through. I think this car with 4 studded snows would be insanely fast on slippery roads.

Might try that next winter.

I am waiting for a 2 day stretch of dry and very cold weather where the road dry up and everything freezes and doesn't melt before washing.

We've been "lucky" in that regard here. We pretty much skipped the mild winter weather where salt works, and the roads are snow covered, but the car stays clean. Previous cars of mine have frozen up solid after washing in cold weather. The BMW seems good in that regard. The keyless entry surely helps.

[greenie99]

There are enough people around here that get by with A/S tires such that coupled with XI, winter shouldnt present too much difficulty, Hell, I spent a few winters driving an Acura RL through 6-10" snows with no trouble at all. In order of importance.....................tires, drive set up and the driver. All important.

[MrOffshore]

There are enough people around here that get by with A/S tires such that coupled with XI, winter shouldnt present too much difficulty, Hell, I spent a few winters driving an Acura RL through 6-10" snows with no trouble at all. In order of importance.....................tires, drive set up and the driver. All important.

I agree with most of what you're saying here...but there are always going to be exceptions...I think drive set up is most important...you can have AWD and mediocre or average tires and get around better than someone with great winter tires and a poor RWD drive car with bad weight distribution, etc...and driver input can be important great, but there's only so much you can do without the right equipment.

xDrive all the WAY!!

:redspot:redspot:buttrock:redspot:redspot

[Kernel Kurtz]

Works for me!

[greenie99]

I agree with most of what you're saying here...but there are always going to be exceptions...I think drive set up is most important...you can have AWD and mediocre or average tires and get around better than someone with great winter tires and a poor RWD drive car with bad weight distribution, etc...and driver input can be important great, but there's only so much you can do without the right equipment.

xDrive all the WAY!!

:redspot:redspot:buttrock:redspot:redspot

Absolutely!

[Kernel Kurtz]

I do have to say, however, the driver is the biggest factor in whether a given car gets from A to B.

Certainly the car has to be up to the job, but whether it makes it or not is not up to the car.

[greenie99]

I do have to say, however, the driver is the biggest factor in whether a given car gets from A to B.

Certainly the car has to be up to the job, but whether it makes it or not is not up to the car.

May I say absolutely again???

[Mad Dragon]

And my windshield washers were frozen! :eek: I had filled the reservoir last night (or so I thought) with the generic blue stuff. The headlight squirters work fine but not the windshield. I added more blue stuff and was amazed that it took the whole gallon. Just how big is that reservoir? It keeps taking the antifreeze/cleaner even when you can see the top of the reservoir level. How's that work.You might have a leak.

As far as winter tires go, I use Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3s on my GTI and highly recommend them. I have the standard tires, but they're available as run-flats (DSST). Both versions have excellent reviews on tirerack.com.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Winter+Sport+M3
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Winter+Sport+M3+DSST

[mryakan]

I generally agree with that statement after my initial trial in the empty parking lot. If I really got into the throttle, the controls would take over. Same thing with accelerating and then just dumping the brake pedal. Lots of ABS action and the car slid farther than I expected. But, it DID stop straight ahead in a controlled manner.
Dude what were your expectations based on! You realize snow is slippery right? Jeez, I find the ABS with snow tires works amazingly well, it stops in extremely short distances and I am thankful for that in case I need it. I'll say this again maybe it will sink in, ABS and other controls will only work as well as your traction affords them. No matter how good the ABS is or how good a driver you are, if your traction is not up to par you will slide, it is basic physics not quantum mechanics!
Sorry for the rant, please don't take offense. The car is great, try one with good snow tires and you'll see for yourself what I mean.

[neapolitan]

Great to hear your collective experiences. I had my first few days driving on snow too recently.

It is definitely the most "electronic" car I've driven. In every short ride, I feel ABS or DTC (I'm used to pushing hard on snow and doing a bit of controlled sliding). In fact, I learned to drive on 3 inches of snow in the dead of winter, which is another story...

The ABS is pretty unobtrusive, but clearly obvious when it kicks in. Like I said, I have noticed this on almost every drive.

Stability control is harder to feel (I'm not sure if what I'm feeling when rounding a corner almost skidding is the traction control) but the car just does not snap into a skid very easily. Previous car driven by me was a Ford Taurus, which I could spin in a parking lot very easily. I haven't turned DTC on yet ever. Of course, I also have the xi, and have never driven a 4 wheel sedan before (but plenty of trucks.)

Second thoughts -- MT is GREAT on snow. The whole control of torque helps, and the engine braking is fantastic. Sorry if I sound a bit ridiculously excited, but the ability to slow your speed just by easing your foot off the gas instead of tapping this big fat brake pedal is wonderful. Going down hills is much easier -- I haven't needed to use hill decent any time; just keep her in second! I really was unprepared how much of a difference this would make. :cool

[mryakan]

Sorry if I sound a bit ridiculously excited, but the ability to slow your speed just by easing your foot off the gas instead of tapping this big fat brake pedal is wonderful.
So true, and for those who complain about MT and their busy commute, you can use the same technique in traffic in 2nd or 1st and roll close to a stop before needing to use the brake pedal or the clutch, less effort than even the AT.

[Grumpa72]

Dude what were your expectations based on! You realize snow is slippery right? ... it is basic physics not quantum mechanics!
Sorry for the rant, please don't take offense.

Snow is slippery? No $hit? What I was implying, but I guess for some I should have spelled it out, was that my other ABS equipped cars stop shorter than my BMW. A lot of the difference is tires but even my Lexus RX, big and heavy, stops very quickly with all seasons. My Acura Legen, with all seasons, is actually very good in the snow and stops remarkably well.

Thanks for the comments but next time leave the sarcasm out. It makes you sound like a teenager!

[GatorM]

A lot of the difference is tires but even my Lexus RX, big and heavy, stops very quickly with all seasons. My Acura Legen, with all seasons, is actually very good in the snow and stops remarkably well.


Are they all using the same tires? If not, it's not a valid comparison. Tires make all the difference in the world.

[mryakan]

Snow is slippery? No $hit? What I was implying, but I guess for some I should have spelled it out, was that my other ABS equipped cars stop shorter than my BMW. A lot of the difference is tires but even my Lexus RX, big and heavy, stops very quickly with all seasons. My Acura Legen, with all seasons, is actually very good in the snow and stops remarkably well.

Thanks for the comments but next time leave the sarcasm out. It makes you sound like a teenager!
lol, touchy crowd. What is life worth without some sarcasm :devillook. Last I checked, Jay Leno, Dave Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Bill Maher (among others) are not teenagers, although they may sound like ones to some. No I am not comparing myself to them, but I learn from the best ;).

P.S. If you can't tell I joke a lot, feel free to comment on the above.

[mryakan]

Are they all using the same tires? If not, it's not a valid comparison. Tires make all the difference in the world.
Finally a voice of reason that doesn't sound like an echo ;).

[neapolitan]

lol, touchy crowd. What is life worth without some sarcasm :devillook. Last I checked, Jay Leno, Dave Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Bill Maher (among others) are not teenagers, although they may sound like ones to some. No I am not comparing myself to them, but I learn from the best ;).

P.S. If you can't tell I joke a lot, feel free to comment on the above.


Why did you leave out Conan O'Brien? He is consistently bizarre. :confused :)

Yeah, classic case of keyboard overreaction ('net rage?) I remember some police guy going off on me a couple weeks ago because he thought I insulted his profession.

Ahh well. I have the feeling that I'm going to drift from these boards as I start to become more busy with work in the coming months, but it was a really, really fun diversion, with very useful info! :redspot

[mryakan]

Why did you leave out Conan O'Brien? He is consistently bizarre. :confused :)

Yeah, classic case of keyboard overreaction ('net rage?) I remember some police guy going off on me a couple weeks ago because he thought I insulted his profession.

Ahh well. I have the feeling that I'm going to drift from these boards as I start to become more busy with work in the coming months, but it was a really, really fun diversion, with very useful info! :redspot
lol, good catch. He is in fact one of my favorites, but comes on so late I always miss him, so I guess out of sight out of mind.
I actually use this to lessen the stress at work. I mean I am in front of the computer 8-9 hours a day, waiting for compilers to finish. Here I get to have some fun and learn/share a few things along the way. People have to realize though that forums are not like a support call center where everyone must be extra courteous to you and politically correct. You say dumb stuff expect to get blasted with sarcasm and it goes both ways (P.S. I am not condoning degrading comments or abuse in any way). I've said stupid shit here before and accepted the sarcasm I was handed with an open mind. It's all for fun, I am not getting paid for this. Now if someone gives me this kind of attitude at work, that's a different story :devillook, but I am also more restrained in what I say at work. /end of rant, back to work.