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Feb 28, 2007 | 07:10 AM

#31

marshmallo

Lexus Champion

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 2,184

Likes: 1

From: MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ff_

Absolutely not true. Like I mentioned further up the thread, I drove my 330i (RWD) through several MN winters, where ice and deep snow are a very common occurance. It handled the conditions better than any FWD car (w/ all season tires) that I ever owned.

We have to agree to disagree then. My friend who also has a 330i
and ALWAYS puts snow tires on gets stuck at least 2 times a year...
Not to mention the times when he has to give up going around hilly
unplowed roads because his car won't go up that hill.

Some people with RWD cars make a mess out of winter traffic
around here. Why? Because they think they possess some special
physics defying skill that makes them great, legendary, historical
drivers

AWD+winter tires in conjunction with careful driving is the best
choice for winter driving.

Feb 28, 2007 | 08:28 AM

#32

ff_

Lexus Champion

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 1,600

Likes: 0

From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshmallo

AWD+winter tires in conjunction with careful driving is the best choice for winter driving.

We agree on this point

Feb 28, 2007 | 10:54 AM

#33

rai

Lead Lap

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 620

Likes: 0

From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incendiary

OP?

I thought it was a bad idea to drive in others' tracks for fear that they'd have turned into ice?

OP = other people. You have to watch your car as well as other cars that may wander in your path. The other day I was on a major side road guy in front of me was going about 20 mph and all the sudden he gives it too much gas and he is completely sideways on the road. I was a good way back but had to come to a complete stop lucy there was no one passing in the other direction when he lost it.

About the tracks, this was thick slush and semi trucks were leaving good solid ground, while the other lanes were 3" of slush.

Last edited by rai; Feb 28, 2007 at 11:03 AM.

Feb 28, 2007 | 12:19 PM

#34

doug_999

Lexus Champion

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 2,854

Likes: 0

From: IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshmallo

AWD+winter tires in conjunction with careful driving is the best
choice for winter driving.

I would argue that your friend needs new snow tires. I recently had a 328i loaner (with all seasons) and it was terrible in the snow. My 550 with Dunlop M3s is far superior and I've never had an issue driving up the hill by our house. The 328i had no chance.

I agree nothing beats AWD and the if you add in snows, you have an incredible machine. However, I'm torn by the fact that 99% of the time you just don't need AWD. Worse you burden the car with additional weight worse fuel economy. So if I have a choice, I'm probably going RWD (say Caddy STS) and putting snows on.

Feb 28, 2007 | 06:26 PM

#35

mmarshall

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 94,226

Likes: 222

From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

I agree nothing beats AWD and the if you add in snows, you have an incredible machine. However, I'm torn by the fact that 99% of the time you just don't need AWD. .

Depends on where you live, of course. Here in the D.C. area we live in a borderline region between normally severe and mild-winter areas.....the amount of snow and ice we get here in this area varies tremendously from one year to the next. AWD is good when you do need it, though you are correct that much of the time you don't.

And Incendiary, the guy who started the thread, now lives in PA, a more-severe winter region than D.C.

Mar 1, 2007 | 02:40 AM

#36

siamiam

Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 123

Likes: 0

From: alaska

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetopdog

Does he post on any forums? I would really like to speak with him and get a few tips

im not sure if he gets online, the next time i see him ill ask. i always see him and a Camaro SS going the other direction from me

Mar 1, 2007 | 06:48 AM

#37

Hameed

EV ftw!!!

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 8,972

Likes: 563

From: Lake Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

I agree nothing beats AWD and the if you add in snows, you have an incredible machine. However, I'm torn by the fact that 99% of the time you just don't need AWD. Worse you burden the car with additional weight worse fuel economy. So if I have a choice, I'm probably going RWD (say Caddy STS) and putting snows on.

I'm not the only one after all that thinks AWD is a tad overkill.

Mar 1, 2007 | 02:12 PM

#38

Incendiary

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,509

Likes: 0

From: MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by ff_

A few thoughts come to mind:

1) Are your snow tires becoming worn out? Bridgestone, for instance, only uses the multi-cell compound in the top 50% (I believe it's 50) of the tread depth. Once you wear beyond that, not only do you have less tread available, but you're also down to normal tire compound, which isn't as effective as the multi-cell.
2) Your traction/stability control might need re-calibration. The '03 ZHP I had needed it during its first winter. Was fishtailing more than normal after a fresh snowfall. Dealer reprogrammed it, and everything was fine again. They'll do this under warranty.

Absolutely not true. Like I mentioned further up the thread, I drove my 330i (RWD) through several MN winters, where ice and deep snow are a very common occurance. It handled the conditions better than any FWD car (w/ all season tires) that I ever owned.

Interesting about reprogramming the traction control... More fishtailing than normal was the only way you could tell something was wrong?

My tires are Dunlop WinterSport M3s and they appear to have almost all of their tread depth still intact...

To be honest, the only problem I had with the BMW was fishtailing while going uphill in some snow/slush/ice. I wouldn't have thought much of it if the early 90's minivan behind me hadn't zoomed past me after I turned off onto a side street. The other issues I had were with different vehicles. I guess my experiences this winter have given me a newfound respect for AWD would be my ultimate conclusion. To say that I will only own AWD and 4WD cars from now on would be overkill.