545i vs. 530xi and winter driving
05-10-2008, 05:11 PM
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So I have this crazy dream of mine. My dad had a leased 530i and I personally thought it was one of the coolest looking cars I've seen. Been a BMW fan since 
Only got to drive it twice, though 
I'm heading off to college next year in Colorado. I've got some ideas to help me get a job involving computer networking, just to help me get money during school. Now, this crazy dream of mine is this: I wanna buy a used 2004-2005 5-series my junior year. I'm hoping that the used price will be relatively low in 2010 (relative to how much a brand new one would cost), especially if the car has higher mileage. I don't know if I'll ever make the money to get it, but I'm gonna be open to maybe going for it depending upon what my expenses will be during college
So, let's say I somehow find that I can get a 5-series. Colorado winters can be pretty rough. I'm looking more towards a 545i because it's faster and is apparently more fun to drive. However, it does not come with xDrive. Would a 530xi be a better thing to have in Colorado? How well does xDrive work in winter driving compared to no xDrive? I can't find any website which will give me a definitive answer; I don't know how much xDrive will benefit me in winter driving because of how well BMW's DSC is. Would xDrive with DSC keep me from spinning out/sliding better than just DSC alone?
Only got to drive it twice, though I'm heading off to college next year in Colorado. I've got some ideas to help me get a job involving computer networking, just to help me get money during school. Now, this crazy dream of mine is this: I wanna buy a used 2004-2005 5-series my junior year. I'm hoping that the used price will be relatively low in 2010 (relative to how much a brand new one would cost), especially if the car has higher mileage. I don't know if I'll ever make the money to get it, but I'm gonna be open to maybe going for it depending upon what my expenses will be during college
So, let's say I somehow find that I can get a 5-series. Colorado winters can be pretty rough. I'm looking more towards a 545i because it's faster and is apparently more fun to drive. However, it does not come with xDrive. Would a 530xi be a better thing to have in Colorado? How well does xDrive work in winter driving compared to no xDrive? I can't find any website which will give me a definitive answer; I don't know how much xDrive will benefit me in winter driving because of how well BMW's DSC is. Would xDrive with DSC keep me from spinning out/sliding better than just DSC alone?
05-10-2008, 06:27 PM
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Most of the time an all-wheel drive car will be better than rear wheel drive car in snowy weather. It depends on the driver too. BTW...You're playing make believe 2 years from now? 
05-10-2008, 06:28 PM
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id think the xdrive would benefit you, and you could lower her with H&R springs like a couple other members have. nice dream man. welcome and enjoy the forums.
05-10-2008, 06:31 PM
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And don't forget - snow/winter tires make a huge difference. An xi with summer tires - or even all season tires - won't cut it in the mountains. Ground clearance is another issue as snow builds up on the roads.
05-10-2008, 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by ZellDincht' post='577998' date='May 10 2008, 09:11 PM
I don't know how much xDrive will benefit me in winter driving because of how well BMW's DSC is. Would xDrive with DSC keep me from spinning out/sliding better than just DSC alone?
05-11-2008, 07:26 AM
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Should be quite obivious the XI is going to be better in the snow.
I would question by going with the BMW are you going to beable to afford to repair one while going to college?? Something quite simple on these cars can cost $1,500+ to fix.
IMHO I think I'd look for something more like a Lexus GS, IS, or ES, Honda Accord, or an Acura. All will be much more realiable then a high mileage five or six year old BMW 545 or 530 and less expensive to fix if need be. Plus you can still look good in any of those cars in most people's eyes.
I would question by going with the BMW are you going to beable to afford to repair one while going to college?? Something quite simple on these cars can cost $1,500+ to fix.
IMHO I think I'd look for something more like a Lexus GS, IS, or ES, Honda Accord, or an Acura. All will be much more realiable then a high mileage five or six year old BMW 545 or 530 and less expensive to fix if need be. Plus you can still look good in any of those cars in most people's eyes.
05-11-2008, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by skylolow' post='578220' date='May 11 2008, 11:26 AM
Should be quite obivious the XI is going to be better in the snow.
I would question by going with the BMW are you going to beable to afford to repair one while going to college?? Something quite simple on these cars can cost $1,500+ to fix.
IMHO I think I'd look for something more like a Lexus GS, IS, or ES, Honda Accord, or an Acura. All will be much more realiable then a high mileage five or six year old BMW 545 or 530 and less expensive to fix if need be. Plus you can still look good in any of those cars in most people's eyes.
I would question by going with the BMW are you going to beable to afford to repair one while going to college?? Something quite simple on these cars can cost $1,500+ to fix.
IMHO I think I'd look for something more like a Lexus GS, IS, or ES, Honda Accord, or an Acura. All will be much more realiable then a high mileage five or six year old BMW 545 or 530 and less expensive to fix if need be. Plus you can still look good in any of those cars in most people's eyes.
05-11-2008, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by ZellDincht' post='577998' date='May 10 2008, 09:11 PM
I'm heading off to college next year in Colorado.
Best college on the planet. 
As for the xi in the Colorado winters, it's a must. You don't want to be driving over I-70 at the pass and going down in a RWD BMW with snow tires. Those grades are some of the steepest in the west and you will need all the traction you can get during blizzards.
05-11-2008, 10:12 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535xi / Platinum Grey / Black leather / Step Auto / Sport / Premium / Cold weather / 18" wheels / Logic 7 / Comfort / ipod / Navigation / Fold Down Rear Seats / Rear Airbags / Sirius SAT / Spoiler / Extended Clear bra / Bluetooth. (Previously owned a 2002 sport 525I Loaded).
On order: 535xi Platnium Grey with Black interior, Step Auto, Sports package, Premium package, Cold weather package, 18" wheels, Logic 7, Comfort access, ipod adapt, Navigation, Sat radio, Rear spoiler, Extended Clear coat bra.
Calton is on the money with his post (C's Bimmer). The xi with all wheel drive and some dunlop m3's winter sport. Forget about it...lololo works great in the rain too.
Either way you have a way to go and i'll tell you what I always told my son, focus on your studies, make the grades and enjoy yourself along the way because everything will somehow fall into place. You have a nice dream about the car and we all did at some point in our lives but at this point save your money and stabilize yourself and when your really ready then go buy the car you want.
Good luck in school and stay focused. Most importantly don't rush life it goes by faster than you think.....
Either way you have a way to go and i'll tell you what I always told my son, focus on your studies, make the grades and enjoy yourself along the way because everything will somehow fall into place. You have a nice dream about the car and we all did at some point in our lives but at this point save your money and stabilize yourself and when your really ready then go buy the car you want.
Good luck in school and stay focused. Most importantly don't rush life it goes by faster than you think.....