MERGED SNOW tire and rims discussion
02-05-14, 09:59 AM
#62
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Having lived in Quebec most of my life, I would say get AWD.
I am in Toronto and got AWD (thankfully the ride height on the 3IS is the same in RWD as AWD unlike previous gen) and am glad I did. Just the security of being on teh highway and being able to move along at a decent speed on snow covered roads is awesome. I love it, no regrets... and I still put on Blizzak LM32 even though it is not mandatory.
it is snowing hard at the molment and am about to go for a ride. There is about 10cm out and they havent cleaned my streets yet
I am in Toronto and got AWD (thankfully the ride height on the 3IS is the same in RWD as AWD unlike previous gen) and am glad I did. Just the security of being on teh highway and being able to move along at a decent speed on snow covered roads is awesome. I love it, no regrets... and I still put on Blizzak LM32 even though it is not mandatory.
it is snowing hard at the molment and am about to go for a ride. There is about 10cm out and they havent cleaned my streets yet
Hi all.
I'm probably getting an IS350 this spring-summer and a major question I have is which drivetrain to choose. I live in Quebec, which means we get a fair amount of snow and sometimes even freezing rain. As I type this it's -6F outside with windchill, and this past week we've even had -22F...
After driving my wife's 335i with the 8 speed transmission and seeing how low RPM's are on highways, I'm loving the 8-speed transmission, which means I'd be getting the RWD. I also love the faster shifts... and hate that bump near the driver's knee.
But the downside is going to be snow and ice handling. Snow tires are mandatory here in Quebec from october to march, and I plan on fitting WS70's, probably the best handling non-performance winter tires on the market (have them on my car right now and they're fabulous!)
So I would like to get any opinions and inputs on the matter? Anyone here drives a 350 RWD with winter tires in the northern states or Canada? How do the drive aids compensate for the absence of AWD?
Thanks!
I'm probably getting an IS350 this spring-summer and a major question I have is which drivetrain to choose. I live in Quebec, which means we get a fair amount of snow and sometimes even freezing rain. As I type this it's -6F outside with windchill, and this past week we've even had -22F...
After driving my wife's 335i with the 8 speed transmission and seeing how low RPM's are on highways, I'm loving the 8-speed transmission, which means I'd be getting the RWD. I also love the faster shifts... and hate that bump near the driver's knee.
But the downside is going to be snow and ice handling. Snow tires are mandatory here in Quebec from october to march, and I plan on fitting WS70's, probably the best handling non-performance winter tires on the market (have them on my car right now and they're fabulous!)
So I would like to get any opinions and inputs on the matter? Anyone here drives a 350 RWD with winter tires in the northern states or Canada? How do the drive aids compensate for the absence of AWD?
Thanks!
02-05-14, 12:04 PM
#65
Ya its definitely not cheap. I just dont plan on replacing the f sport rims so i didnt want to ruin them from the harsh conditions of winter ie: salt, sand, ect..
02-05-14, 12:05 PM
#66
02-06-14, 08:31 AM
#67
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I live in Ohio and I'll be getting a winter wheel/tire package next year. Don't even try to drive in snow with the RWD and summer tires. I couldn't even get out of my driveway with 1 inch of snow on the ground. I've been driving my other car. I bought my F-sport in early December and I've put less than 1000 miles on it since because of all the snow here in Ohio. :/
02-06-14, 08:39 AM
#68
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Any kind of heavy snow and you're done with summer tires. I too have been stuck in my (mostly plowed) driveway because there was a tiny hump of packed snow/ice beneath and slightly behind my rear tires. Today I was able to get out of my driveway with a fair amount of soft snow but got stuck on the street because the snow was clumpy and packed. A good set of winter tires solves these problems, even in a RWD car.
I think I'm inclined to buy an AWD car next time, just because it's much more enjoyable to drive in the snow. It's also more fun in the rain during the warmer seasons.
I think I'm inclined to buy an AWD car next time, just because it's much more enjoyable to drive in the snow. It's also more fun in the rain during the warmer seasons.
02-06-14, 11:31 PM
#70
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I just took delivery of an IS350 RWD with 18's and it did come through with summer tires. I'm in the Boston area and we do get a few snow days. My 2IS was horrible in snow with all-seasons, so this time I'm thinking of getting a set of Blizzaks. I just have a couple of questions for those of you with experience with winter tires:
(1) Do most of you install the winter tires on the stock 18's, or do you buy a cheap set of 17's (possibly narrower than stock)?
(2) if you use the stock 18's, what size do you get for the rear? The stock 255/35R18's appear to be an odd size. Tire Rack lists nothing in that size for winter tires. Is 255/40R18 an acceptable substitute?
(1) Do most of you install the winter tires on the stock 18's, or do you buy a cheap set of 17's (possibly narrower than stock)?
(2) if you use the stock 18's, what size do you get for the rear? The stock 255/35R18's appear to be an odd size. Tire Rack lists nothing in that size for winter tires. Is 255/40R18 an acceptable substitute?
I'm running 17's mainly because they're cheaper and I'm running on a narrower 225 width tire which will help with traction. Go with alloys - it's very likely that the steelies won't clear the front brake calipers.
I'm running on Michelin Xi3s and it performs quite well. WIth winter tires, you shouldn't run into any problems but carry a shovel in your car just in case. The problem with our cars is the low clearance. Just avoid dense packed snow and you should be good.
02-07-14, 03:02 AM
#71
AWD provides the traction from all four wheels, giving you more confidence for sporty driving in all slick conditions, including rain.
02-07-14, 05:09 AM
#72
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Any kind of heavy snow and you're done with summer tires. I too have been stuck in my (mostly plowed) driveway because there was a tiny hump of packed snow/ice beneath and slightly behind my rear tires. Today I was able to get out of my driveway with a fair amount of soft snow but got stuck on the street because the snow was clumpy and packed. A good set of winter tires solves these problems, even in a RWD car.
I think I'm inclined to buy an AWD car next time, just because it's much more enjoyable to drive in the snow. It's also more fun in the rain during the warmer seasons.
I think I'm inclined to buy an AWD car next time, just because it's much more enjoyable to drive in the snow. It's also more fun in the rain during the warmer seasons.
02-07-14, 06:58 AM
#73
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Not only are you done when there is heavy snow when you have summer tires but you put others on the road at risk! Once you are moving, great, but when you have to stop, good luck! Irresponsible drivers with summer tires sliding into me = law suit for negligent and irresponsible driver!
02-07-14, 07:00 AM
#74
Winter tires are hrd to come by this time of year. The only ones I could find were Blizzak LM32's. They're more expensive than the more popular WS70's, but I'm not sure if they're any better. For the rear I had to go with 255/40-18's.
02-07-14, 07:03 AM
#75
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I use LM32 RFT's on the BMW 135i. They've dealt well with some horrific conditions, and that's trying to reign in the super torquey N55 engine. You'll be fine.