Snow bound and frustrated
01-11-2010, 09:52 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by luigi524td' post='1088158' date='Jan 11 2010, 03:58 PM
If your car is equipped with proper winter weather tires it would be a very capable driver in (most) snowy weather. However, some conditions are treacherous even for commercial vehicles equipped for winter. Ice - Ice is unforgiving! It doesn't matter how many wheels are powered on a car. Rubber on ice = NO GO & NO STOP & NO STEER!
And, extreme low profile tires are NOT intended for snow driving - especially if they are marked "SUMMER ULTRA HIGH PERF" ... because in addition to the tread design, the tread rubber compound hardens when temperatures fall below 40 degrees F. Even on dry pavement summer tires are DANGEROUS and should NOT be driven in cold temperature conditions!
As for chains or wheel socks - there is insufficient clearance for most chain set-ups. I've heard about wheel socks but also read that they get chewed up quickly if driven even short distances on dry pavement.
Sorry for your misfortune but consider yourself lucky that a couple scraped wheels are all that resulted. It could have been much worse.
And, extreme low profile tires are NOT intended for snow driving - especially if they are marked "SUMMER ULTRA HIGH PERF" ... because in addition to the tread design, the tread rubber compound hardens when temperatures fall below 40 degrees F. Even on dry pavement summer tires are DANGEROUS and should NOT be driven in cold temperature conditions!
As for chains or wheel socks - there is insufficient clearance for most chain set-ups. I've heard about wheel socks but also read that they get chewed up quickly if driven even short distances on dry pavement.
Sorry for your misfortune but consider yourself lucky that a couple scraped wheels are all that resulted. It could have been much worse.
Thanks for pointing some of this out. I guess on my 535 I'm driving with the equivalent of F1 'slicks' and hence the problems. One of the scenarios I'm trying to cater for is not being caught out like I was on the 21st Dec when the snow fell and I just happened to be out. Luckily, the family was not in the car so I could have contemplated abandoning it and walking home, so as you say, it could have been worse.
The other embarrasing thing is that every other manufacturer of car is managing to drive up and down our road with ease. Am getting paranoid they're smiling when they go past.
01-11-2010, 09:53 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by Anzafin' post='1088216' date='Jan 11 2010, 05:50 PM
01-11-2010, 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by simba' post='1088229' date='Jan 11 2010, 06:09 PM
I had the worst driving experience last year in the snow and the 5er - this year, I've not taken the car out when we've had snow. Have a look at this thread .....
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.a...mt=Snow%20Socks
I might just get some of those and keep them in the back of the car - sounds like they could help quite a bit
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.a...mt=Snow%20Socks
I might just get some of those and keep them in the back of the car - sounds like they could help quite a bit
Many thanks Simba for pointing that one out.
i have an SUV to play in snow. 
01-11-2010, 10:11 AM
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Just ordered my AutoSocks. Unfortunately (but luckily) they're out of stock in the UK. I found some in Germany for 10% cheaper anyway 
01-11-2010, 10:16 AM
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Originally Posted by davestone' post='1088250' date='Jan 11 2010, 01:52 PM
The other embarrasing thing is that every other manufacturer of car is managing to drive up and down our road with ease. Am getting paranoid they're smiling when they go past.
01-11-2010, 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='1088268' date='Jan 11 2010, 07:16 PM
Dave, are the other manufacturer of cars also using the equivalent of "F1" slicks? Probably not. Change the tires and see for yourself what a great ride you have in snow. G/L
01-11-2010, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by covinsky' post='1088176' date='Jan 11 2010, 04:28 PM
You need a set of Nokian tires!
01-11-2010, 01:27 PM
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My Ride: SOLD...Jet Black 2008 550i M Sport with SAT, black interior. RPI exhaust and air scoop, 35% huper optik tint all around, CF roundels, flat black kidneys, Springfield Armory XD-40 jet black in glove box, charcoal filter removed.
buy a cheap jeep or other 4wd vehicle and park the beemer for the winter. it's what i do, and it works without fail everytime.