Controversial - bigger 5-ers need Quattro
12-09-2006, 01:31 PM
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Rear wheel drive is great in the dry, but IMHO not enough traction for cold, wet and muddy roads.
Going cross country last two weekends was unable to slam in full power for the lightning quick overtaking moves possible in the summer. Even with "just" a 530d the traction would come on in kick down - (a) this depowers rather than grips and (b) don't like relying fully on computer to keep the car in line (roads here too narrow to consider any over-steer!). Instead had to go at 75% with manual selection to minimise inopportune kick-downs. A 535d would have been a tip-toe job, even without snow to worry about.
Sorry guys, but on the wet roads I would have been able to slam down full power in my previous 4wd and gotten there quicker, safer and with more fun. Sadly no x/4wd models available here - come on BMW !
Going cross country last two weekends was unable to slam in full power for the lightning quick overtaking moves possible in the summer. Even with "just" a 530d the traction would come on in kick down - (a) this depowers rather than grips and (b) don't like relying fully on computer to keep the car in line (roads here too narrow to consider any over-steer!). Instead had to go at 75% with manual selection to minimise inopportune kick-downs. A 535d would have been a tip-toe job, even without snow to worry about.
Sorry guys, but on the wet roads I would have been able to slam down full power in my previous 4wd and gotten there quicker, safer and with more fun. Sadly no x/4wd models available here - come on BMW !
12-09-2006, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by new-kid' post='365482' date='Dec 9 2006, 10:31 PM
Sorry guys, but on the wet roads I would have been able to slam down full power in my previous 4wd and gotten there quicker, safer and with more fun. Sadly no x/4wd models available here - come on BMW !
12-09-2006, 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by dlevi67' post='365502' date='Dec 10 2006, 12:43 AM
Agreed. However, I suspect that RHD/LHD is a factor here...
4WD will put the power through 4 wheels not 2, so less power per wheel, so yes will produce better grip in poor conditions.
However there is a power loss through the transmission in normal conditions.
However winter tyres will improve the performance of the 5er in cold wet conditions, in Scotland they are a must.
Summer tyres perform poorly in temps below 7c, that will be most of November through March in there surely?
12-10-2006, 01:23 AM
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My Ride: 07' 530d - M-Sport - Titanium Silver / Black Dakota leather
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Don't you have the 530xd were you are from?
12-10-2006, 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted by new-kid' post='365482' date='Dec 9 2006, 11:31 PM
Sorry guys, but on the wet roads I would have been able to slam down full power in my previous 4wd and gotten there quicker, safer and with more fun. Sadly no x/4wd models available here - come on BMW !
If you happen to drive a lot on winter roads in the mountains, xDrive is the way to go. Otherwise I would rather try to discipline myself a bit
12-10-2006, 01:50 AM
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for me no X-drive ever and even tho' now HR springs to drop it! still the only FUN is RWD as the nice sports cars 
counter steering is fun, last year at 120km/h in snow and -10C the rear was in my rearview mirror but acted smoothly and folks in the car did not really feel. Then I would rather have a 4wd suv or sg like that for winter 
counter steering is fun, last year at 120km/h in snow and -10C the rear was in my rearview mirror but acted smoothly and folks in the car did not really feel. Then I would rather have a 4wd suv or sg like that for winter
12-10-2006, 06:42 AM
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Its not a question of tyres - have long since dumped the run flats, which are over hard and not "sticky" enough for cold weather. It is a question of pure physics - too much torque for two wheels when the roads are greasy.
X-models of 5-er not available in LHD markets - unlike Audi's Quattro.
4WD does not need to mean dull handling - look at the Subarus, Evo VIII's and 911 Carera 4's
X-models of 5-er not available in LHD markets - unlike Audi's Quattro.
4WD does not need to mean dull handling - look at the Subarus, Evo VIII's and 911 Carera 4's
12-10-2006, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by F?nfer' post='365618' date='Dec 10 2006, 10:48 AM
What's the story? xDrive is available for 525i, 530i and 530d (525xi, 530xi and 530xd) - at least in Germany. Isn't BMW selling xDrive models in your country?
If you happen to drive a lot on winter roads in the mountains, xDrive is the way to go. Otherwise I would rather try to discipline myself a bit
If you happen to drive a lot on winter roads in the mountains, xDrive is the way to go. Otherwise I would rather try to discipline myself a bit
No xdrive is not an option on RHD cars.
12-10-2006, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by new-kid' post='365652' date='Dec 10 2006, 03:42 PM
Its not a question of tyres - have long since dumped the run flats, which are over hard and not "sticky" enough for cold weather. It is a question of pure physics - too much torque for two wheels when the roads are greasy.
You have half a point, but proper winter tyres are much better on cold wet roads than summer, the compound is much softer.
Not the same level of grip as 4wd , I agree, but a huge improvement over normal summer tyres.
Did you not see the Z6 v Audi TT Quatro test on 5th gear last week.
When they did an acceleration test on a wet bit of track the Audi left the Z6 off the start.
When they repeated the test on a dry track the Z6 left the Audi way back off the start.
4wd is only better in the wet, in the dry RWD with a balanced set up wins.