gleek

I was putting together an order for a xi but noticed that I cannot spec the sport auto and a true sport package. For those of you that have a 550i or 535i in winter climates, what is the real world usability of a rwd with sport in a winter (mild to moderate snow and ice). If I went with the rwd sport, I would definately have to get winter tires/wheels.

Thanks!

JSpira

I think you answered the question yourself. In addition, it is illegal in many parts of the world to drive on snow and ice on summer tires. Gross negligence if you get into an accident.

With winter tires, it?s fine.

Naturally, an AWD car with winter tires would be even better but that would be for heavy winter conditions moreso than mild to moderate.

silver530sportwagon

My previous 330i performed like billy goat on a mountain trail with snow tires. I would not bother with Xi (speaking from experience). Only have an Xi Wagon, because that is the only way you can get it in the US.

ObD

Advantage of AWD

1. higher ground clearance
2. quicker starting from a stop on slippery inclines

Advantage of RWD with winter tires

1. less weight for shorter stopping distance when slippery
2. better handling when the roads are dry - for most locations the roads are 90% dry during winter

My personal opinion is that AWD is overrated unless you need to take things offroad or live in locations which would require it.

I'm in my 6th winter with a RWD BMW with winter tires. Never have had an issue getting to where I need to go. No white knuckles either. Kind of chuckle when I drive by 4x4 SUV's in the ditch.

C's Bimmer

Get the RWD car. I like my AWD, but I totally miss the true "sportiness" that makes a BMW. I had an E39 530 Sport before my E60 and the Sport suspension is key. Now don't get me wrong, I have the Sport Pack on my E60, so everything is identical to the RWD except for the suspension. And to me, that's one of the most important pieces that make up this car.

hinckley

I'd love to have AWD to add that extra level of security in the winter, but I've been driving RWD 5ers - with snow tires - for years in Boston without incident. Driving a non-sport suspension BMW is like driving a Merc or an Infiniti imho.

pennetta

my 545 Sport was horrendous/horrible/ridiculous in any small amount of snow. My 535 which has the same wheels/tires would have been the same. I installed Bridgestone RE960AS all season tires and have been through the snow twice, its now a very capable car in snow.

jmatthe

Unless you plan on more that 50% of your time on snow and ice, why get AWD. I have had both, lived in mountain locations, still an avid skier, but would never make the trade off AWD presents. Snows and Go!...and Stop! The only limitation is not RWD, but ground clearance of the sport package. More than 6'' of snow that is really soft, and it can build up under the car. I don't know about you, but that is rare, like only happend once in 15 years.

luigi524td

AWD or RWD ...

My other BMW's have been RWD and with proper tires and careful driving I've been able to negotiate moderately heavy snow.

The (only) reason I bought the 530xi was the options and color combinations were perfect, as was the price. It has the sport package but I would have been happy to pass. On the xi some of the RWD suspension tweaks aren't included. Mine also has the 18" RF all-season tires - they are notorious for wearing faster than the standard shoes, but they really handle and ride quite well. When it's time to re-tire listen for my wallet screaming.

No snow yet to try out traction, but in heavy rain it sticks nicely. If i were living in the snow belt the AWD w/proper winter tires would be a great combination. That's why Audi Quattros have been such popular cars for drivers in snow country. For most others, it's marketing magic and it looks like everybody is jumping on the bandwagon - even the Infiniti M45 is now available with AWD! And, when I was thinking about the M35, my local dealers had more of them than the RWD models. Guess we know what they're pushing!

gleek

Thanks for all the replies. As it relates to the differences between ride height on a sport vs. non-sport, do you know approximately this difference?