So I'm ready to replace my E60 535xi with a F10 550. I live in Chicago, so every once in a while we get some snow. The question I have for everybody that lives in snowy areas, do I really need the xdrive, or a regular 550 with winter tires would be just as good?

 

I live in Michigan, and my brother has a 335i and i have a 528xi. He definitely thinks my car has more grip on snow (both cars running new all season tires). When i switched to winter blizzaks, he said my car feels like a snow plow . I'd get the xdrive forsure, we live in cold climates aha. Better to have the extra protection.

 

If you live in Illinois id go with the xDrive but the car is heavy, its not necessary.

 

i have winter tires for my e60 2wd 550. granted i dont daily drive it in the winter, but it actually does pretty good in the snow.
get the xdrive and winter tires for the ultimate winter machine
i live in the suburbs.

 

My retired E60 RWD with good snows was no problem to drive in the snow.
However, my F10 X-drive with good snows feels much more stable and reliable but some of that is the 'feeling of confidence' I get that X-drive is better.
Here, 535s only come X-drive so I don't have a choice but if I did I'd still go X-drive.
BTW, the car handles a lot differently in summer as well. Accelerating on a curve feels different and sharp turns don't light up the tires anymore. It just goes.
The extra power from the 550 may need the X-drive to tame the beast in the winter.

Remember, the most important equipment for winter driving is the 'car nut' behind the wheel and the 'pretend egg' placed under the accelerator.

 

xdrive is a beast.. I live in new england. its literally like driving a truck when going through the snow.. however dont think modding your e60 will be easy.. pain in the ass getting certain things such as coil overs.way fewer companies make stuff for xdrive e60 and bring your wallet when you find something..
quick example would be coilovers.. 2800 dollars for KWs.. only option for xdrive.. rear wheel.. can spend 1000. many more examples.. dunon if any of that matters. just giving you an FYI.
however for snow.. rediculous differnece compared to non xdrive.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I just bought an xdrive 550. Picking it up tomorrow night. Can't wait.
You guys are the best.

 

I choose xDrive
In the case that wheelspin or directional instability still occurs while xDrive is or ... a BMW M5 with xDrive, although an availability date has not been confirmed.

 

Xdrive lets you take off in any weather like bat from hell =D

 

Recently drove my 545i to Tahoe and there was lots of Ice at the half way point to my cabin. a 550i xdrive would definitely have been awesome!!!



~ Shar