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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    88
    My Cars
    1991 325ic, 1994 325is

    e53 x5 4.4 vs 4.8is for winter use

    I'm debating between a 4.8is and a 4.4. My daily is an e46m3 vert. My winter driver is currently a suburban and I'm dreading the downgrade in driving fun. I was debating between the 4.4 and 4.8is. I used to own a 4.4 but have not driven a 4.8is. Is there that much of a difference in acceleration that you can "feel" it? How is the winter driving with the 4.8is? I've read that the standard wheel setup doesn't work in winter and needs to be swapped out?
    Cheers!
    Last edited by Aaron325i; 10-13-2017 at 01:30 AM.

    2002 M3 Vert 6 speed with hardtop

    1991 325i 'vert auto

    1994 325is 5spd

    2004 x5 4.4

    2001 325i sedan

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Both models hav the same AWD system...but winter driving requirements depends on what type of conditions you'll be driving in.

    If you live in snow country where winter driving can have consist of deep snow, ice, freeing rain, consistent temps below 45° F....then what make the difference is tires that can handle the driving conditions. If you have summer or all season tires mounted and you'll be driving in wet/snowy/icy/dry/cold conditions and ambient temps are below 45° F...then dedicated snow/winter tires will provide a much better driving experience...because regardless of the AWD system...if you have tires mounted that can't handle the conditions...then the AWD system can't perform at its best.

    Tires are like "shoes" for your vehicle...the tire's design/type that's appropriate for the conditions...will provide the best experience. Would you run track in flip flops? Would you go to the beach in cleats? Would you go hiking in house slippers? Probably not...but you could...but the experience would not be the best or most comfortable or safe.

    In regards to the engine performance...the numbers speak for themselves...as well as the CAFE gas mileage specs.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    88
    My Cars
    1991 325ic, 1994 325is
    Thanks for the info. It made sense, if I were to get the 4.8is I would probably need a set of snow tires on rims as well.

    2002 M3 Vert 6 speed with hardtop

    1991 325i 'vert auto

    1994 325is 5spd

    2004 x5 4.4

    2001 325i sedan

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