Do I need snow tires for my BMW 325xi

bigperm · 09-03-2009, 12:52 PM

This is going to be my first winter with my new (used) 2006 325xi wagon. I love the car and cannot wait to see how well the X Drive system works durning a New England winter, but was wondering if I should get winter tires.

I loved putting the tires on my GTI, turned the little front wheel drive rabbit into a snow machine, but don't know if I need new rubber now that I have all wheel drive. Then again the stock tires don't have much in the way of tread.

Thanks for any advice.

MrDummy · 09-03-2009, 01:09 PM

I also have a 325xi 2006 but the sedan and I was told the RFTs are fine in the winter time, so you should be fine, only ones that suck are directional tires or summer only tires as most call them.

PS turn the DSC OFF when driving in the winter, even the manual will tell you that.

bigperm · 09-03-2009, 01:30 PM

Thanks MrDummy - I'll have to remember to turn the DSC off this winter.

Still interested to hear what other New Englanders have to say about X Drive and Snow Tires.

TL · 09-03-2009, 01:59 PM

I have an Xi and it really all depends on your driving and road conditions. In light snow you should be fine, but when driving in heavy snow it's a different story. I've driven in summer tires during the winter (during light snow) before but i made sure my speed was no more than 30 - 35 mph then when i made a turn i can feel the car slip and the DSC came on to adjust the slip. Luckily, i wasn't going too fast and was able to control the slip. IMO it's not worth the gamble, so i now have a set of winters for my car.

MassBimmer · 09-03-2009, 02:35 PM

As long as you have all season tires, you're fine running those in snow with AWD. Summers are a different story, you DO NOT want to run those in snow

virtualbong · 09-03-2009, 02:57 PM

You should be fine with all season tires. I mean...when I was growing up...I was driving a RWD car with just all seasons and I did just fine. The main thing is to respect the conditions, avoid hills and you will be just fine.

bigperm · 09-03-2009, 05:08 PM

Hmmmm - Well this is New England - Maybe I'll start pricing out some snow tires as hills and bad conditions are something that start in November and last through April.

Plus they might help with the massive pot holes.

Titania · 09-11-2009, 01:11 PM

An AWD car with snow tires is ALWAYS a much better drive in the snow than AWD on all-seasons. Remember, all seasons are a compromise.

My personal favorite snow tire is the Dunlop Wintersport M3.

Mooreski · 09-11-2009, 01:36 PM

Granted, I only have RWD, not xi, but I couldn't imagine being without snow tires in the winter. You said your All-seasons are getting pretty bald. Might as well replace those with summer tires and get a dedicated set of winter rims and tires that you don't mind beating up! Then it's the best of both worlds!!!

Just a note about MrDummy's advice. Make sure to leave DTC on when disabling DSC. That's just a quick push of the DTC button, not holding it down!

jpsum · 09-11-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titania

An AWD car with snow tires is ALWAYS a much better drive in the snow than AWD on all-seasons. Remember, all seasons are a compromise.

My personal favorite snow tire is the Dunlop Wintersport M3.

Of course winter tires would be better, but he will do just fine with all seasons on an xi.

cb4 · 09-25-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigperm

This is going to be my first winter with my new (used) 2006 325xi wagon. I love the car and cannot wait to see how well the X Drive system works durning a New England winter, but was wondering if I should get winter tires.

I loved putting the tires on my GTI, turned the little front wheel drive rabbit into a snow machine, but don't know if I need new rubber now that I have all wheel drive. Then again the stock tires don't have much in the way of tread.

Thanks for any advice.

I am sure your GTI had summer rubber...are you happy with the all season's on your new bimmer in the summer?

I personally will pay for the additional traction and handling(safety and performance). I am going to convert my stock wheels to winter wheels with winter rubber. I am then going to buy a new set of summer wheels with summer rubber. All this as soon as the current all season RFTs are done. If you don't need maximum all year round traction then all seasons should be fine.

branabolic · 09-26-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigperm

Hmmmm - Well this is New England - Maybe I'll start pricing out some snow tires as hills and bad conditions are something that start in November and last through April.

Plus they might help with the massive pot holes.

i have a set of 17's with snow tires mounted on them that i used last winter on my 335i. they were the tits, never got stuck once. i am getting rid of them as i am getting snows for my stockers now that i have DPE's for the summer. they are ugly as shit tho, so if anyone is interested i will seriously let someone take them for like $150. let me know.

virtualbong · 09-27-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by branabolic

i have a set of 17's with snow tires mounted on them that i used last winter on my 335i. they were the tits, never got stuck once. i am getting rid of them as i am getting snows for my stockers now that i have DPE's for the summer. they are ugly as shit tho, so if anyone is interested i will seriously let someone take them for like $150. let me know.

Just PM'd ya.

YianniM3 · 09-27-2009, 10:42 PM

i have a 325xi with the all season run flats and i have to say my car grips pretty amazing ive never gotten stuck, just be careful on down hills and dont speed like an idiot cuz snow tires or not your car is going to slip

branabolic · 09-28-2009, 11:29 AM

^ exactly. snow tires will grip awesome in the snow but they'll slip like any other tire on pure ice.

blueaudi18 · 10-21-2009, 08:14 PM

150 for rims and tires? ill take them jsut for the hell of it

jchdmd · 11-02-2009, 06:55 AM

I have 4 OEM wheels and Blizzarks for sale with sensors......new more then 1800
2000 miles on tires........1000 bucks In CT.......can send photos
jchdmd@gmail.com
these will also fit all e36 and e46 3 Series excluding the M3's

fdiprete · 11-10-2009, 07:03 AM

I ran the continental run flats all season last winter and ended up driving in one of the worst storms of the winter. With nearly new tread the all seasons with awd was pretty good. Traction was sufficient at low highwy speeds (40 or so) given that the plows were rolling and the snow on the road was kept to a few inches. I could also climb my driveway incline with uncleared snow on it. (a feat not possible with my rwd e36 without snows)

However, turning and braking are not good with all seasons in this scenario. awd is good for going, but not stopping. Also, tread wear on all seasons is important. Although the tread may be more than sufficient for dry pavement, a semi worn set of tires will lose an argument with a new england snow storm.

With winter coming I found myself with a choice. Buy a new set of all seasons even though the ones I have are not worn down, or buy a set of snows for the winter.

Given the massive improvement in braking and handling in the snow with winter tires, I am going to run a set of blizzaks this winter. I am hoping to achieve "tank mode"

redfred18t · 11-10-2009, 02:17 PM

For what it's worth, you can have fwd, rwd, awd, whatever... it doesnt make a difference when you're stopping. You're drivetrain layout doesn't make a difference when you need to stop in a snow storm.

That being said, I would run snow tires even with awd. I've got my work cut out for me though, I'm going from a relatively easy to drive jetta (only problem it was slammed so it had clearance issues) with snow tires to a rwd 335i. Luckily I've got the snows from the jetta. They'll fit the bmw because they are the same size tires.

MrDummy · 11-16-2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooreski

Granted, I only have RWD, not xi, but I couldn't imagine being without snow tires in the winter. You said your All-seasons are getting pretty bald. Might as well replace those with summer tires and get a dedicated set of winter rims and tires that you don't mind beating up! Then it's the best of both worlds!!!

Just a note about MrDummy's advice. Make sure to leave DTC on when disabling DSC. That's just a quick push of the DTC button, not holding it down!

Thanks for clearing that up, I should of mentioned that

SamuelBadillo23 · 01-17-2012, 12:22 AM

This is my first winter with it today there was light snow its awd but i have no clue how all this work i think i might need winter tires myself the ones it has seem to be all season tires which sucks it slides like hockey puck its insane

deven8703 · 01-19-2012, 10:36 AM

This will be my first winter with a awd car as well. I always had FWD cars before, my last was a Stage 2 9-3 Aero. Had all seasons on it, never had a problem in the snow.

The biggest thing I can say though, is that tires or drive system is not a crutch. Do your best to stay in a straight line at all times, and set yourself up for corners by slowing down and taking it wide, or staying in the groove already made for you by the guy ahead. The harder you turn your wheel, the more likely you are to slip. Don't swap lanes unless you absolutely have to, and if you do, take 3-5x as long to do it. Exit ramps are NOT your friend, be extra, extra cautious on those. Go slow, it will take you much longer to get where you're going if you have to be pulled out of a ditch.

Remember, straight line, go slow, wheel movement to a minimum, and then the only thing you'll have to worry about is all of those other idiots that don't follow those simple rules.

Edit: Forgot, use your brakes as sparingly and smoothly as possible and try to never use them on a corner, use them before you get to the corner.

09-03-2009, 12:52 PM	#1
bigperm New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 328xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (0)	Do I need snow tires for my BMW 325xi This is going to be my first winter with my new (used) 2006 325xi wagon. I love the car and cannot wait to see how well the X Drive system works durning a New England winter, but was wondering if I should get winter tires. I loved putting the tires on my GTI, turned the little front wheel drive rabbit into a snow machine, but don't know if I need new rubber now that I have all wheel drive. Then again the stock tires don't have much in the way of tread. Thanks for any advice.
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09-03-2009, 01:09 PM	#2
MrDummy →сяuisiиg iи му вмш← 66 Rep 1,642 Posts Drives: 2010 Space Gray 328i Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Unemployment Capitol of America iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 BMW 328i [0.00]	I also have a 325xi 2006 but the sedan and I was told the RFTs are fine in the winter time, so you should be fine, only ones that suck are directional tires or summer only tires as most call them. PS turn the DSC OFF when driving in the winter, even the manual will tell you that. __________________ SuPerMoD @ MassMonsterz.com A "Happy" Owner of a Metallic Space Gray 2010 BMW 328i ProGaMeR on the XboX 360
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09-03-2009, 01:30 PM	#3
bigperm New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 328xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (0)	Thanks MrDummy - I'll have to remember to turn the DSC off this winter. Still interested to hear what other New Englanders have to say about X Drive and Snow Tires.
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09-03-2009, 01:59 PM	#4
TL Brigadier General 283 Rep 3,102 Posts Drives: Happy on H&R coil overs Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: The Hub iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 335xi [1.00]	I have an Xi and it really all depends on your driving and road conditions. In light snow you should be fine, but when driving in heavy snow it's a different story. I've driven in summer tires during the winter (during light snow) before but i made sure my speed was no more than 30 - 35 mph then when i made a turn i can feel the car slip and the DSC came on to adjust the slip. Luckily, i wasn't going too fast and was able to control the slip. IMO it's not worth the gamble, so i now have a set of winters for my car. __________________ 2008 E92 335xi ------->Links to my Mods: H&R Street Performance Coil Overs \|\| 19" Alufelgen CS7 \|\| Interior Swap: Black to Coral Red My Website \|\| My Flickr \|\| My Tumblr \|\| My Twitter\|\| My Facebook\|\| My 500px
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09-03-2009, 02:35 PM	#5
MassBimmer Major General 306 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	As long as you have all season tires, you're fine running those in snow with AWD. Summers are a different story, you DO NOT want to run those in snow
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09-03-2009, 02:57 PM	#6
virtualbong Lieutenant Colonel 103 Rep 1,760 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5 MSport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (2)	You should be fine with all season tires. I mean...when I was growing up...I was driving a RWD car with just all seasons and I did just fine. The main thing is to respect the conditions, avoid hills and you will be just fine. __________________ 2015 BMW X5 35i M-Sport (White/Brown) - 4/16/18 (Current) 2011 BMW 550i M-Sport (Jet Black/Cinnamon Brown) - 4/30/14 \| 2007 BMW 328xi e92 (Jet Black/Coral Red) - PAST \| 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe (Ivory White/Stone) - PAST \| 2005 Acura TSX (Obsidian Black/Black) - PAST \| 1998 Acura Integra (Black/Black) - PAST
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09-03-2009, 05:08 PM	#7
bigperm New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 328xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (0)	Hmmmm - Well this is New England - Maybe I'll start pricing out some snow tires as hills and bad conditions are something that start in November and last through April. Plus they might help with the massive pot holes.
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09-11-2009, 01:11 PM	#8
Titania Private First Class 3 Rep 198 Posts Drives: 2007 328 xiT Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	An AWD car with snow tires is ALWAYS a much better drive in the snow than AWD on all-seasons. Remember, all seasons are a compromise. My personal favorite snow tire is the Dunlop Wintersport M3.
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09-11-2009, 01:36 PM	#9
Mooreski Lieutenant 29 Rep 489 Posts Drives: LMB '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	Granted, I only have RWD, not xi, but I couldn't imagine being without snow tires in the winter. You said your All-seasons are getting pretty bald. Might as well replace those with summer tires and get a dedicated set of winter rims and tires that you don't mind beating up! Then it's the best of both worlds!!! Just a note about MrDummy's advice. Make sure to leave DTC on when disabling DSC. That's just a quick push of the DTC button, not holding it down!
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09-27-2009, 10:42 PM	#14
YianniM3 Lieutenant 107 Rep 590 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mass iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 335i [10.00]	i have a 325xi with the all season run flats and i have to say my car grips pretty amazing ive never gotten stuck, just be careful on down hills and dont speed like an idiot cuz snow tires or not your car is going to slip __________________ Current:F80 M3 SB/SO Full leather, Black Wheels, Executive Package, Adaptive Suspension, Manual Sold: LeMans Blue 335i e92 Sold: JB 325xi e90
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09-28-2009, 11:29 AM	#15
branabolic Major 24 Rep 1,037 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: so. new hampshire iTrader: (5)	^ exactly. snow tires will grip awesome in the snow but they'll slip like any other tire on pure ice. __________________ i'm not addicted to boost, but i sure am more fun when i'm on it.
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10-21-2009, 08:14 PM	#16
blueaudi18 Colonel 296 Rep 2,687 Posts Drives: e92 08' 335i , mb sl500 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: boston iTrader: (25)	150 for rims and tires? ill take them jsut for the hell of it __________________ POSTED WITH APOLOGIES FOR POOR SPELLING, GRAMMAR AND SENTENCE STRUCTURE Poor Man's M3
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11-02-2009, 06:55 AM	#17
jchdmd New Member 1 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: connecticut iTrader: (0)	I have 4 OEM wheels and Blizzarks for sale with sensors......new more then 1800 2000 miles on tires........1000 bucks In CT.......can send photos jchdmd@gmail.com these will also fit all e36 and e46 3 Series excluding the M3's
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11-10-2009, 07:03 AM	#18
fdiprete First Lieutenant 21 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2014 512i xdrive Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NH iTrader: (2)	I ran the continental run flats all season last winter and ended up driving in one of the worst storms of the winter. With nearly new tread the all seasons with awd was pretty good. Traction was sufficient at low highwy speeds (40 or so) given that the plows were rolling and the snow on the road was kept to a few inches. I could also climb my driveway incline with uncleared snow on it. (a feat not possible with my rwd e36 without snows) However, turning and braking are not good with all seasons in this scenario. awd is good for going, but not stopping. Also, tread wear on all seasons is important. Although the tread may be more than sufficient for dry pavement, a semi worn set of tires will lose an argument with a new england snow storm. With winter coming I found myself with a choice. Buy a new set of all seasons even though the ones I have are not worn down, or buy a set of snows for the winter. Given the massive improvement in braking and handling in the snow with winter tires, I am going to run a set of blizzaks this winter. I am hoping to achieve "tank mode"
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11-10-2009, 02:17 PM	#19
redfred18t First Lieutenant 23 Rep 366 Posts Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (3)	For what it's worth, you can have fwd, rwd, awd, whatever... it doesnt make a difference when you're stopping. You're drivetrain layout doesn't make a difference when you need to stop in a snow storm. That being said, I would run snow tires even with awd. I've got my work cut out for me though, I'm going from a relatively easy to drive jetta (only problem it was slammed so it had clearance issues) with snow tires to a rwd 335i. Luckily I've got the snows from the jetta. They'll fit the bmw because they are the same size tires.
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01-17-2012, 12:22 AM	#21
SamuelBadillo23 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 05 BMW 325xi Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston MA iTrader: (0)	I have a 05 325xi This is my first winter with it today there was light snow its awd but i have no clue how all this work i think i might need winter tires myself the ones it has seem to be all season tires which sucks it slides like hockey puck its insane
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01-19-2012, 10:36 AM	#22
deven8703 New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 08 335XI Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	This will be my first winter with a awd car as well. I always had FWD cars before, my last was a Stage 2 9-3 Aero. Had all seasons on it, never had a problem in the snow. The biggest thing I can say though, is that tires or drive system is not a crutch. Do your best to stay in a straight line at all times, and set yourself up for corners by slowing down and taking it wide, or staying in the groove already made for you by the guy ahead. The harder you turn your wheel, the more likely you are to slip. Don't swap lanes unless you absolutely have to, and if you do, take 3-5x as long to do it. Exit ramps are NOT your friend, be extra, extra cautious on those. Go slow, it will take you much longer to get where you're going if you have to be pulled out of a ditch. Remember, straight line, go slow, wheel movement to a minimum, and then the only thing you'll have to worry about is all of those other idiots that don't follow those simple rules. Edit: Forgot, use your brakes as sparingly and smoothly as possible and try to never use them on a corner, use them before you get to the corner.
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