.:Official Snow vs 318ti.org Thread:.

[budget76]

finally unloaded my phone, got a couple winter pics. Salt is from a trip home from CT I think. Snow is one of a couple big snowstorms NJ got, the only one I was home for.

[ct_14]

Hi, I am looking to purchase a 1995 318ti, but I live in CT and I am worried about the RWD in the snow. I have only driven FWD w/ snow tires in the snow. How do you think this will handle with snow tires in the winter?

[ChItalian1027]

Originally Posted by ct_14

Hi, I am looking to purchase a 1995 318ti, but I live in CT and I am worried about the RWD in the snow. I have only driven FWD w/ snow tires in the snow. How do you think this will handle with snow tires in the winter?

With snow tires it'll handle like its dry out.

[budget76]

I wouldn't go as far as saying it'll handle like it's dry out, but you won't have any problems. I DD mine in CT in the winter during school, and only had a problem one time.

It was a sudden blizzard out, snowing HARD, 2-3" of fresh snow on the ground. I'm going up a semi-steep, fairly long gradual hill when the idiot in front of me decided to stop about 1/4 way up. I had a little problem getting going again, and actually had the rear start to slide out towards the outside of the road, but I was able to modulate the gas and clutch and get her straight with no real problems


If you're worried about traction, a good set of snows+some weight in the trunk will be just fine. Plus, it's more fun

Another story: I took my snow from NJ to north VT (Jay Peak), and when I hit NY a nice storm picked up for the rest of the ride. Low visiblity, 3-6" of fresh snow on the highway most of the way, and it was an easy ride. Remember my car has alot more power than a stock TI, and is 2-4" lower.

[ssimms]

All,

I discovered this past winter and awesome snow tire that is also quite a good all season tire on my 5 series although it is a true M+S tire.
Michelin's X ice iX2. My sister in law has been running this tire for three years straight on her subaru and has gotten about 45,000 miles on a set and loves the ride year round. I put them on my wife's 5 series last winter and she said she was comfortable again driving in winter without an SUV. We put 26,000 miles per year on each of three cars and I have them on two of our cars and they handle better in deep snow and ice than the studded Yokohama's on my MINI Cooper. They MIchelin's are pricey but, have a much better tread life than the Blizzaks that are so highly touted. You won't be sorry, but, you need snows on all four wheels. I can't tell you how much better that is on both front wheel drive and rear wheel drive cars. You need them on all corners.

Scott

[jccaruso]

one word - Snow Tires. Ok that 2 words but seriously, i got hung up on the smallest of inclines with HP tires and 1/2" of slushy snow on the ground. I ended up finding a parking lot and then walked home. I've been using snow tires every winter since and I have yet to have a problem. I been thru massive storms in NY and vermont (last yer 24" fell over 2 days). I've driven thru unplowed 8" of snow easy.

[ChItalian1027]

I hope everyone is getting ready for the white stuff soon!! I just bought some Continental ContiExtreme DWS for the Mini and the ti is going in the garage for awhile till I get some much needed suspension. RTABs are what I need and running low on money sucks.

Good Luck to everyone driving during winter. I don't want to hear about any accidents but I guess that is what is expected during winter because of others on the road.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Just got caught in a little storm tonight. Polished ice everywhere in town. Parking the Ti tomorrow for the winter and breaking out the jeep

[Jean H.318TI]

got stuck in a storm last weeek with my summer tires so i had to order some snow tires, got them today and put em on, so now i have to wait for the next snow storm and see how these new bridgestone blizzak ws70 do in the winter snow/ice.

do u guys put weight in the rear or not, and also what kind of tires do u guys use and what psi.

[ssimms]

Ok so I bragged so much about the Michelin Xice Xi2 tire and then I went out and purchase the Continental Extreme Winter Contact for the Ti. 1) I saved about $150 on the set vs the Xice and 2) they beat out the Xice on the Tire Rack's latest studless Ice and snow tire test. So I am going to try them. Also with a 3" snow fall day before yesterday, I can attest that they feel very, very good. The ride is smooth and completely quiet on dry roads and minor snow traction was excellent but, more to follow as the season continues in the Colorado foothills. (7000 feet).

[ssimms]

Update on the Michelin Xice I run on my e39 5 series. They now have 36,000 miles and really look great. I estimate 50% wear and they worked great in the two minor (3-4 inch) storms we have had so far. I can't rave enough about these tires.
We have been running them year round on the 5er and I haven't rotated them once. The are wearing evenly and quite well. I am stunned frankly. If I decide to leave them on through next summer (mileage guess) they won't be adequate for another winter. We'll see and I'll keep updating.

[ssimms]

I recommend BMW's tire pressure recommendations. I run 34 fr - 41 rear in the 5er.

33 front - 40 rear in the Ti and I like the ride and control in year round driving.

Obviously, I change these pressures for track running.

[budget76]

Jean, I have about an extra $100# in the rear between my false floor, amp, sub enclosure, etc. Never put more weight, but could have used it a couple times. Keep in mine I have alot more torque than you at low RPM's with the 6cyl, so I really have to work the clutch sometimes

[Jean H.318TI]

Originally Posted by budget76

Jean, I have about an extra $100# in the rear between my false floor, amp, sub enclosure, etc. Never put more weight, but could have used it a couple times. Keep in mine I have alot more torque than you at low RPM's with the 6cyl, so I really have to work the clutch sometimes

true that, but i dont have anything in the rear of my car just bare metal lol well we will see if not then ill just put sand bags in the rear and call it good

[Isis07]

Last winter in DC I was doing fine without extra weight in the back. Well, I had my stock interior and a shovel (just in case). I only lost rear end traction when my car was bottoming out from 8"+ of snow. I did try to keep my gas at least half-full which may have helped a bit.. that's more a safety precaution in case I get stuck wherever.