2009 335i Sedan in snow

jhp012 · 12-03-2008, 09:38 PM

I am contemplating on leasing a 2009 335i or a 335i x drive sedan. I live in NJ right next to NYC and get some snow during the winter.

How does the 335i drive in the snow? is it really bad? or is it manageable?

radix · 12-03-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhp012

I am contemplating on leasing a 2009 335i or a 335i x drive sedan. I live in NJ right next to NYC and get some snow during the winter.

How does the 335i drive in the snow? is it really bad? or is it manageable?

It should be manageable with proper snow tires. Actually, it'll be fine. A similarly equipped xi will be even better in heavy snow, however you might prefer the handling of the i model the 99% of the time there is no snow on the ground. BTW, this question has been asked and answered here several times already.

alq80 · 12-04-2008, 12:51 AM

in all honesty, i have driven a 328xi in the snow and when it snows hard, the awd helps, but is not magic. it'll make things easier, but most of it comes down to the tires you have.

i now own a 335i coupe and i live in state college PA. last monday (10 days ago) it snowed REALLLY bad. like the thin layer that makes the car slip like crazy so i basically relied on the tires which are all seasons and im kinda used to the snow.

basically, it's only gonna snow that hard a few times in the year, and you can bet that the roads will be cleaned soon enough. so if you want the extra safety in those times get an xi. if you like to enjoy the sound of screeching tires and burning rubber, and are willing to give up on driving in the few days of snow, get a 335i.

and NOTHING is gonna give you traction in black ice, so dont let that get in the way

JunkStory · 12-04-2008, 05:06 AM

if you live on a hill like I do, you pretty much have no option. AWD is the only way to get back home after work. Otherwise if you live on flat land, snow tires + RWD will be fine.

Spydeputy · 12-04-2008, 05:46 AM

go for the 335xi, but get all seasons all around.

slupie · 12-04-2008, 06:56 AM

Get the car you really want and put winter tires on it anyways. There will be night and day difference, do not believe what people tell you about no seasons. I had them on my E39 and then went to dedicated snow tires, same on the e90 and e91 we currently own. With all seasons the car lacked traction during winter months due to tires getting stiff due to low temperatures. No season had low traction during flurries and cold temps, then we bought dedicated winter tires Blizzak LM-22 RFT for the E90 and Dunlop WinterSport 3D on the e91. Let me tell you that before we put the LM-22 on the e90 my wife refused to drive the car when it fluried and now she has no problems driving it during snow storms. With winter tires our cars handled 6"+ snow storms last season and we had hard time driving on all seasons with 1-2" of snowfall.

Just my .02

CirrusSR22 · 12-04-2008, 07:52 AM

Yeah, this question has come up a million times. It all depends on the tires. In my opinion ANY vehicle can have good traction in the winter with proper tires, and ANY vehicle can have terrible traction with the wrong tires. Put some summer performance tires on an xDrive, Quattro, SH-AWD, etc. and it'll be absolutely horrible on the snow/ice.

Although, if you live in a very hilly area, xDrive is great, but still no substitute for winter tires.

ragingclue · 12-04-2008, 08:58 AM

The DSC is incredible. Even with my summers still on the car, I was amazed earlier this week at how well the car still handled itself despite the fact I was running on cold summer run-flats with all the torque this engine puts out down low.... Granted, I was accelerating like Grandma on Quaaludes, but the car still got around just fine, but I'm sure conditions will be much worse many times for the next few months.

No matter how good of a driver you are, or how competent your car is, you can NEVER out-handle or out-brake your tires. I'd still recommend snow tires in the winter. Difference is night and day, even from all seasons. From what I've heard on the xi, it's suspension acts weird over normal bumps, undulations in the road, and tends to understeer, so don't get it unless you really want/need it.

Keep in mind you can't get sport suspension on the xDrive.

mmm def · 12-04-2008, 09:17 AM

I couldn't go up a hill with 1 inch of snow in my S4 with summer tires..that tells you something. Tires play a huge role in snow traction. Go for an I with a good set of snows and you will be fine.

Omni · 12-04-2008, 11:08 AM

Get the i. With decent show tires you'll be fine. I live in Michigan and I have all seasons on my 325i, and I don't have any problems...DSC is awesome.

E90ice · 12-04-2008, 11:17 AM

I had the 335i and it absolutely SUCKED in the snow. Most of the people on this forum have the "i" so they will tell you to get the "i".

Everytime I drove mine last winter it got stuck in the snow and I had to walk home or have someone pick me up.

Nikolas · 12-04-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90ice

I had the 335i and it absolutely SUCKED in the snow. Most of the people on this forum have the "i" so they will tell you to get the "i".

Everytime I drove mine last winter it got stuck in the snow and I had to walk home or have someone pick me up.

Washington gets a lot more snow than NE. If I had the i where I live, I would be stuck putting on chains all the time. I lived in NE for 25 years and never had problems with RWD and snows. Clearly XI will have a huge advantage in snow, especially on hills.

742 · 12-04-2008, 12:14 PM

4 good snows and a gentle right foot have gotten me through 30+ central PA winters with very little drama. I have found that the car itself is a minor matter, the tires are what make the difference. And just think of all those RWD Volvos that the Swedes have been driving around for decades in real winter weather.

There is no magic to AWD. It makes acceleration easier, but the actual traction available for stopping and steering is determined by the rubber at the 4 corners -- which is probably why AWD does not seem to get any insurance discounts. And perhaps this is also why I pass SUVs off the sides of the roads whenever the snow flies.

That said, a high powered RWD car with an automatic transmission needs a very gentle right foot.

mmm def · 12-04-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90ice

I had the 335i and it absolutely SUCKED in the snow. Most of the people on this forum have the "i" so they will tell you to get the "i".

Everytime I drove mine last winter it got stuck in the snow and I had to walk home or have someone pick me up.

Do you have snow tires?

jlstyle · 12-04-2008, 12:25 PM

I have been driving roadsters (s2000, z4) on stock performance tires last 4 years DD and as long as you are cautious and know what you doing, even stock tires are fine.
Also I had even driven through a blizzard in my S2k on stock tires and didn't have too much of a problem.

Payroll · 12-04-2008, 12:27 PM

In the winter, I would take RWD with snow tires over AWD with summer tires. I would say get the xi if you live in an area where it snows often and they don't plow the streets and/or there are a lot of hills.

AJ M2 comp · 12-04-2008, 12:43 PM

If you get the Xi you will have to spend about $2500 on a set of KwV3s. If you dont mind spending an extra 5K (~2500 on the Xi and 2500 on the V3s) then i would say go for the Xi if not go with the i and a set of snow tires.

In my opinion the Xi with V3s handles slightly better then a stock 335i, but the stock 335i handles a lot better the a stock 335Xi.

vadim · 12-04-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlstyle

I have been driving roadsters (s2000, z4) on stock performance tires last 4 years DD and as long as you are cautious and know what you doing, even stock tires are fine.
Also I had even driven through a blizzard in my S2k on stock tires and didn't have too much of a problem.

Streets must be taken care of pretty well where you live for you to give this advice. You wouldn't even make it to the nearest light in my neighborhood on summer tires. I tried once, just out of curiosity. I was lucky to not hit anything, let alone the embarrassment - but couldn't even make it past the nearest intersection (and that's from someone who learned driving on a RWD in the snow and lived in a cold climate for a long time). A set of LM22s sure helped!

jlstyle · 12-04-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vadim

Streets must be taken care of pretty well where you live for you to give this advice. You wouldn't even make it to the nearest light in my neighborhood on summer tires. I tried once, just out of curiosity. I was lucky to not hit anything, let alone the embarrassment - but couldn't even make it past the nearest intersection (and that's from someone who learned driving on a RWD in the snow and lived in a cold climate for a long time). A set of LM22s sure helped!

Yes, I was saying based on the fact streets weren't covered with thick snow. Just normal snow left over from the plowing.
And yes, set of LM22s are good to have.

Deda · 12-04-2008, 03:17 PM

i will always go for xi and winter tyres for snow!

Cloud9blue · 12-04-2008, 03:41 PM

just get RWD and some goood snow tires.

jhp012 · 12-04-2008, 04:00 PM

do most of you get an extra set of snow tires and wheels? or just replace the stock tires with snow tires and then back?

also doesn't the xi drive with most of the power in the rear until awd is needed? does this still make a difference when riding around performance and fun wise? compared to the i and the xi?

12-03-2008, 09:38 PM	#1
jhp012 New Member 7 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Lexus Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	2009 335i Sedan in snow I am contemplating on leasing a 2009 335i or a 335i x drive sedan. I live in NJ right next to NYC and get some snow during the winter. How does the 335i drive in the snow? is it really bad? or is it manageable?
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12-04-2008, 12:51 AM	#3
alq80 Lieutenant 47 Rep 437 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: PA / Kuwait iTrader: (3)	in all honesty, i have driven a 328xi in the snow and when it snows hard, the awd helps, but is not magic. it'll make things easier, but most of it comes down to the tires you have. i now own a 335i coupe and i live in state college PA. last monday (10 days ago) it snowed REALLLY bad. like the thin layer that makes the car slip like crazy so i basically relied on the tires which are all seasons and im kinda used to the snow. basically, it's only gonna snow that hard a few times in the year, and you can bet that the roads will be cleaned soon enough. so if you want the extra safety in those times get an xi. if you like to enjoy the sound of screeching tires and burning rubber, and are willing to give up on driving in the few days of snow, get a 335i. and NOTHING is gonna give you traction in black ice, so dont let that get in the way __________________ 335i . Montego Blue . HKS Exhaust .
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12-04-2008, 05:06 AM	#4
JunkStory Major 160 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: E92 M3, 8V RS3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: 98230 iTrader: (3)	if you live on a hill like I do, you pretty much have no option. AWD is the only way to get back home after work. Otherwise if you live on flat land, snow tires + RWD will be fine.
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12-04-2008, 05:46 AM	#5
Spydeputy Brigadier General 205 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	Xi go for the 335xi, but get all seasons all around.
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12-04-2008, 06:56 AM	#6
slupie Lieutenant 101 Rep 474 Posts Drives: 07 328iT, Montego Blau Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bartlett, IL iTrader: (2)	Get the car you really want and put winter tires on it anyways. There will be night and day difference, do not believe what people tell you about no seasons. I had them on my E39 and then went to dedicated snow tires, same on the e90 and e91 we currently own. With all seasons the car lacked traction during winter months due to tires getting stiff due to low temperatures. No season had low traction during flurries and cold temps, then we bought dedicated winter tires Blizzak LM-22 RFT for the E90 and Dunlop WinterSport 3D on the e91. Let me tell you that before we put the LM-22 on the e90 my wife refused to drive the car when it fluried and now she has no problems driving it during snow storms. With winter tires our cars handled 6"+ snow storms last season and we had hard time driving on all seasons with 1-2" of snowfall. Just my .02
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12-04-2008, 07:52 AM	#7
CirrusSR22 Major 342 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	Yeah, this question has come up a million times. It all depends on the tires. In my opinion ANY vehicle can have good traction in the winter with proper tires, and ANY vehicle can have terrible traction with the wrong tires. Put some summer performance tires on an xDrive, Quattro, SH-AWD, etc. and it'll be absolutely horrible on the snow/ice. Although, if you live in a very hilly area, xDrive is great, but still no substitute for winter tires.
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12-04-2008, 08:58 AM	#8
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	The DSC is incredible. Even with my summers still on the car, I was amazed earlier this week at how well the car still handled itself despite the fact I was running on cold summer run-flats with all the torque this engine puts out down low.... Granted, I was accelerating like Grandma on Quaaludes, but the car still got around just fine, but I'm sure conditions will be much worse many times for the next few months. No matter how good of a driver you are, or how competent your car is, you can NEVER out-handle or out-brake your tires. I'd still recommend snow tires in the winter. Difference is night and day, even from all seasons. From what I've heard on the xi, it's suspension acts weird over normal bumps, undulations in the road, and tends to understeer, so don't get it unless you really want/need it. Keep in mind you can't get sport suspension on the xDrive.
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12-04-2008, 09:17 AM	#9
mmm def Colonel 144 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I couldn't go up a hill with 1 inch of snow in my S4 with summer tires..that tells you something. Tires play a huge role in snow traction. Go for an I with a good set of snows and you will be fine.
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12-04-2008, 11:08 AM	#10
Omni Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 250 Posts Drives: E90 335xi 6MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Grand Rapids, MI iTrader: (9)	Get the i. With decent show tires you'll be fine. I live in Michigan and I have all seasons on my 325i, and I don't have any problems...DSC is awesome.
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12-04-2008, 11:17 AM	#11
E90ice Banned 205 Rep 2,002 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2006 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I had the 335i and it absolutely SUCKED in the snow. Most of the people on this forum have the "i" so they will tell you to get the "i". Everytime I drove mine last winter it got stuck in the snow and I had to walk home or have someone pick me up. __________________
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12-04-2008, 12:14 PM	#13
742 Major 13 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: E90 325i; F10 528i; 2002tii Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	4 good snows and a gentle right foot have gotten me through 30+ central PA winters with very little drama. I have found that the car itself is a minor matter, the tires are what make the difference. And just think of all those RWD Volvos that the Swedes have been driving around for decades in real winter weather. There is no magic to AWD. It makes acceleration easier, but the actual traction available for stopping and steering is determined by the rubber at the 4 corners -- which is probably why AWD does not seem to get any insurance discounts. And perhaps this is also why I pass SUVs off the sides of the roads whenever the snow flies. That said, a high powered RWD car with an automatic transmission needs a very gentle right foot.
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12-04-2008, 12:25 PM	#15
jlstyle Lieutenant Colonel 355 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: Porsche Panamera Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Audi S7 [0.00] 2015 BMW X5 [0.00]	I have been driving roadsters (s2000, z4) on stock performance tires last 4 years DD and as long as you are cautious and know what you doing, even stock tires are fine. Also I had even driven through a blizzard in my S2k on stock tires and didn't have too much of a problem.
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12-04-2008, 12:27 PM	#16
Payroll Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 230 Posts Drives: '08 e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: little place called none of your Goddamn business iTrader: (1)	In the winter, I would take RWD with snow tires over AWD with summer tires. I would say get the xi if you live in an area where it snows often and they don't plow the streets and/or there are a lot of hills. __________________ 2008 335i \| Space Gray \| Blk & Gray Poplar \| 6 MT, M3 Lip, Painted Reflectors, Huper Optik 30 (35%), V1 Hardwire, Pussy Magnet
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12-04-2008, 12:43 PM	#17
AJ M2 comp Lieutenant 31 Rep 460 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 335Xi Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle WA iTrader: (0)	If you get the Xi you will have to spend about $2500 on a set of KwV3s. If you dont mind spending an extra 5K (~2500 on the Xi and 2500 on the V3s) then i would say go for the Xi if not go with the i and a set of snow tires. In my opinion the Xi with V3s handles slightly better then a stock 335i, but the stock 335i handles a lot better the a stock 335Xi. __________________ 2020 M2 comp, 6mt, Hockenheim Silver, blue stitching, premium, STEK paint protection, 20% tint 2008 e92 335xi 6mt, Montego Blue, Jade Grey, Grey Poplar, Sport, Cold Weather, Comfort Access, KW V3s, M3 spoiler, 35% tint, 3M clear bra, GP Thunder H8 2007 E92 335i* 2003 E46 330Ci* 1994 Ford Probe SE* *Retired
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12-04-2008, 03:17 PM	#20
Deda Major General 564 Rep 7,034 Posts Drives: BMW M5 comp Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	i will always go for xi and winter tyres for snow!
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12-04-2008, 03:41 PM	#21
Cloud9blue Brigadier General 711 Rep 3,251 Posts Drives: around the potholes Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NY/NJ/MA iTrader: (13)	just get RWD and some goood snow tires. __________________ 09 BMW E92 335i: Top Mount EFR 7670 / Dinan / AP Racing / Wavetrac / TC Kline [Full Mod List] 07 BMW R1200S: Shine Yellow / Akrapovic / Ohlins 19 Volvo V90 T6: R-Design / Bowers & Wilkins / Polestar Optimization
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12-04-2008, 04:00 PM	#22
jhp012 New Member 7 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Lexus Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	do most of you get an extra set of snow tires and wheels? or just replace the stock tires with snow tires and then back? also doesn't the xi drive with most of the power in the rear until awd is needed? does this still make a difference when riding around performance and fun wise? compared to the i and the xi?
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