My IS350 got stuck in the snow, now I'm really considering to trade it
02-03-11, 10:28 AM
#47
Probably need to start practicing in an empty parking lot in the snow to learn how to control the car in snow conditions for those who are not quite experienced in the snow.
Since the car does not have true LSD, the throttle control is more important important so it does not cut off the power if you feather the pedals right or use the parking brake for assistance. With true LSD (or for those who have modified their car to have true LSD), you the RWD would essentially would be able to get out of situtations since the wheel with traction would spin up instead of staying still.
Since the car does not have true LSD, the throttle control is more important important so it does not cut off the power if you feather the pedals right or use the parking brake for assistance. With true LSD (or for those who have modified their car to have true LSD), you the RWD would essentially would be able to get out of situtations since the wheel with traction would spin up instead of staying still.
Last edited by Sango; 02-03-11 at 11:02 AM.
02-03-11, 11:49 AM
#52
the 2IS Traction Control and/or snow mode almost killed me once (ok, that's exaggerating but it did almost get me t-boned). I'm not sure which was to blame but I think it was the traction control. I made a left turn onto a main road out of my development which is at the bottom of a hill. In the process of crossing the main road in my left turn, the car sensed wheel slip (duh!, there's gonna be some, it's snowing!) and cut all power for way too long and left me just sitting in the middle of the road with cars coming down hill with limited ability to brake. I had plenty of room when I pulled out but sitting there for 10 seconds like a turd in the middle of the road certainly took away any margin for error and scared the bejeezus out of me.
In my case, I was taking a right turn on red, and had plenty (and I mean plenty) of time before on-coming traffic would get to the intersection...
The roads were clear, but I slipped on some random patch of ice over the storm grate, and the traction control killed power for far, far, far too long. I believe the people behind me had to slow down to avoid hitting me, and I felt really really bad.
I guess you could shut off the traction control, but that seems like such an over-reaction to a feature that could be helpful. Hopefully Lexus adjusts the traction control in the 3rd Gen IS.
02-03-11, 12:00 PM
#53
Good snow tires, proper use (or non-use in some cases) of traction control, and for bad conditions some extra weight in the trunk, and a RWD car is extremely capable in snow.
Witness all the folks who drive around in IS350s (or even IS-Fs) in the north, including Canada.
02-03-11, 12:47 PM
#54
And yet most of the world drove around in snow with RWD for most of the last 100+ years just fine.
Good snow tires, proper use (or non-use in some cases) of traction control, and for bad conditions some extra weight in the trunk, and a RWD car is extremely capable in snow.
Witness all the folks who drive around in IS350s (or even IS-Fs) in the north, including Canada.
Good snow tires, proper use (or non-use in some cases) of traction control, and for bad conditions some extra weight in the trunk, and a RWD car is extremely capable in snow.
Witness all the folks who drive around in IS350s (or even IS-Fs) in the north, including Canada.
It is mainly the driver's skill and he or she is using the proper tires.
02-03-11, 01:06 PM
#56
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I think OP needs some driving lessons. I drive in the snow with my RWD 5 series with all seasons and NO PROBLEMS.
Grow some *****... trading in your car because you got stuck. And the XI system is not that good. Its overrated...sure its better then RWD but if you think XI will magically make you an amazing driver overnight think again.
Grow some *****... trading in your car because you got stuck. And the XI system is not that good. Its overrated...sure its better then RWD but if you think XI will magically make you an amazing driver overnight think again.
Last edited by tardorange; 02-03-11 at 01:10 PM.
02-03-11, 01:23 PM
#57
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I knew RWD was not the best in the snow but I seem to manage also knew i had the optikn to get my car in AWD but for my own reasons didn't want it ... I have a truck also for that reason, these are all things I've considered before buying this car PLUS I have experience driving a powerful RWD vehicle in the snow, maybe it just wasnt a good match for you ... either way NO BMW!!! get the new STI or something lol my friend picked one up recently, sweet lil ride no more hatchback sedan is back!
. The STI is just a boy racer car. Also the warranty and maintenance costs concerning BMW...I have paid more money servicing my Lexus cars then I have on my BMW's. My 325XI has 78k miles and its a daily driver and not a single thing has broken on the car just simple maintenance. My 528i has 40k miles and since day 1 it has needed nothing either. I am going to be paying $550 to get my ES350 and IS350 serviced this weekend.
. I pay $90 for an oil change at Lexus and I pay $120 at BMW. $90 gets my normal oil at 5k miles and $120 gets me synthetic oil for 15k miles. Whats the more expensive car now?
02-03-11, 01:31 PM
#58
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Different circumstances are different circumstances. I have the same issues with my car because I live in the mountains (I bought my 350 before I even considered moving).
As much as I'd love to be able to drive around town in the snow, my 350 just doesn't cut it. If you feel you need AWD and can afford the trade, do it.
As much as I'd love to be able to drive around town in the snow, my 350 just doesn't cut it. If you feel you need AWD and can afford the trade, do it.
