[nicholascanada]

For a non modded m235i xdrive with winter tires, how does it handle in winter? Will I miss my SUV? Large snowfalls bog it down? Thanks!!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by nicholascanada

For a non modded m235i xdrive with winter tires, how does it handle in winter? Will I miss my SUV? Large snowfalls bog it down? Thanks!!

No car can make up for the loss of ground clearance on unplowed snow versus a taller SUV. However, the tires have no idea what kind of vehicle lives above them, and that is where the traction exists. Therefore, if the car can clear the depth of snow, and you have winter tires, the results are outstanding. Glad to see you're wise enough to dismiss using "all seasons" in the winter.

[nicholascanada]

Ah Michigan! You know what I speak of lol.

Totally understand. I was wondering as you mention, what is it like on just snow and ice. I assume like you say I won't know a difference. Salesmen alway keep telling me its a "beast" in winter but I just not sure how much to believe lol

Also if there is a fairly good new snowfall here, my SUV handles it most of the time fine. If I hit a big pocket of snowfall on our street, I always can push through. Same scenario in the m235i xdrive, or might you ever be able to hang it up and get stuck? Thanks again!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by nicholascanada

Ah Michigan! You know what I speak of lol.

Totally understand. I was wondering as you mention, what is it like on just snow and ice. I assume like you say I won't know a difference. Salesmen alway keep telling me its a "beast" in winter but I just not sure how much to believe lol

Also if there is a fairly good new snowfall here, my SUV handles it most of the time fine. If I hit a big pocket of snowfall on our street, I always can push through. Same scenario in the m235i xdrive, or might you ever be able to hang it up and get stuck? Thanks again!

Assuming you've got the ground clearance you need the 235 may well be better in the nasty stuff. I've passed SUVs in my S4 quite often, smaller car less mass to get moving with same amount of grip. Fairly certain you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Apezzone]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Assuming you've got the ground clearance you need the 235 may well be better in the nasty stuff. I've passed SUVs in my S4 quite often, smaller car less mass to get moving with same amount of grip. Fairly certain you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I recently just got caught in a snowstorm on the highway traveling to Akron OH. My m235 xdrive took it like a beast, so many cars were spun out or slipping but my car handled amazingly. I was very pleased to see the all wheel drive keep me safe and let me get to my destination even with 3+ inches of snow on the highway

[JChristie]

I live just outside the Kitchener/Waterloo area in Ontario and I've been fine with my RWD m235i this year. I'm very impressed with how much the traction and stability control systems help out the car in the snow and ice. Obviously winter tires are a must, but I'm sure xDrive would just be icing on the cake in terms of winter driving.

My only caveat is that we've yet to have a really deep snowfall in the area. The front end is so low on these cars that I'd be a little worried about pushing it hard through heavy deep snow. Even if the AWD could help push it, I'd still be worried about scuffing up the front end or damaging something behind the grill if the front end was buried in the snow.

[BEM-S4]

One other thing to keep in mind, often tough to tell what's under the snow. I back into parking spots for instance bc the front lip is low, can never be sure exactly where those moveable curb things are for instance when everything is covered in powder.

[slider86]

Like a few have mentioned above, you're not going to have any issues at all if you're on AWD and snows in a few inches of powder. It's really when it gets deeper that you'll have issues - do your car a favor and don't use it as a plow. You never know what you'll find in deeper snow, especially if the snow isn't fresh (chunks of road from plowing, pieces of other cars, and other misc. obstacles and road hazards).

[Luv2]

Originally Posted by JChristie

I live just outside the Kitchener/Waterloo area in Ontario and I've been fine with my RWD m235i this year. I'm very impressed with how much the traction and stability control systems help out the car in the snow and ice. Obviously winter tires are a must, but I'm sure xDrive would just be icing on the cake in terms of winter driving.

My only caveat is that we've yet to have a really deep snowfall in the area. The front end is so low on these cars that I'd be a little worried about pushing it hard through heavy deep snow. Even if the AWD could help push it, I'd still be worried about scuffing up the front end or damaging something behind the grill if the front end was buried in the snow.

That is good news to hear about the RWD M235i. That is what I'll be getting in a month or so. Was a little worried about winter driving, coming from an STi. Going to get good winter tires of course. My sister lives in Stratford, so I know the snow accumulation that you can get in the K/W area.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

I live in the snow-belt and have Blizzak Performance snows on my M235xi. The thing is a tank in the winter. Outside of clearance? Not an issue. Very solid. When the snow is deep and the roads unplowed? Its time to drive the wifes X4.

Only problem is? I'm ready to put my PSS's back on already.

C'mon Spring...

[nicholascanada]

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

I live in the snow-belt and have Blizzak Performance snows on my M235xi. The thing is a tank in the winter. Outside of clearance? Not an issue. Very solid. When the snow is deep and the roads unplowed? Its time to drive the wifes X4.

Only problem is? I'm ready to put my PSS's back on already.

C'mon Spring...

Thanks!!

That is what I was a bit concerned about as this would be my DD all year. I also read someone from Ontario where they get some good snow saying it was good..but I thought maybe on those few days of a big snow here and no blowing, one might just have to be careful through the drifts..but with no chance of actually getting stuck it sounds.

[Mclrbra]

I bet its only downfall will be height... beyond that i'm sure it will act like a mini plough and push through most all snow you would see on the highways.

[rjroch]

I used to be right there with everyone else on the all season hate, but honestly, the stock Pirelli all seasons you get on the xDrive are pretty good.

Nearly on par with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 I had on my WRX.

That said, being runflats, they do ride like crap.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by rjroch

I used to be right there with everyone else on the all season hate, but honestly, the stock Pirelli all seasons you get on the xDrive are pretty good.

Nearly on par with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 I had on my WRX.

That said, being runflats, they do ride like crap.

My gf's 3 diesel has the Pirelli all season run flats and xDrive. They are not crap, far from it. When they are done I'd think about going to a summer non RF and winter setup for her, but really they are not that bad.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by rjroch

I used to be right there with everyone else on the all season hate, but honestly, the stock Pirelli all seasons you get on the xDrive are pretty good.

Nearly on par with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 I had on my WRX.

That said, being runflats, they do ride like crap.

I think what you're suggesting is that so-called "performance" winter tires aren't that much better than all seasons. Completely agree, especially for quick avoidance/braking on snow/ice! They are a compromise at best.

True winter tires start with studless, such as Blizzak WS80 or XIce xi3.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by slider86

Like a few have mentioned above, you're not going to have any issues at all if you're on AWD and snows in a few inches of powder. It's really when it gets deeper that you'll have issues - do your car a favor and don't use it as a plow. You never know what you'll find in deeper snow, especially if the snow isn't fresh (chunks of road from plowing, pieces of other cars, and other misc. obstacles and road hazards).

You do not need snows in a few inches of powder.

xDrive comes with A/S's w/a M&S rating, so it does quite well.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

You do not need snows in a few inches of powder.

xDrive comes with A/S's w/a M&S rating, so it does quite well.

If it's flat where you are the AS will be fine. Hills pose problem.

[Zooks527]

Looking back on 35 years (this month) of 4WD, 4x4, and AWD cars, at the end of the day it's 80% tires / 20% driveline.

Best car I ever drove in the snow: 2004 Passat 4mo with winter tires (Blizzak WS-50) and no stability control.
2nd best: 2009 335xi with winter tires (Blizzak WS-60).
Close 3rd: 2015 M235xi with winter tires (Blizzak WS-80).
Trailing the pack: 1985 Bronco with front and rear LSDs, followed by 1996 Bronco with rear LSD.

The M235xi has handled 5" or so of heavy, wet snow this year without getting bogged down. Does like to tramline in slush. Less sure footed than the 335xi due to a bit more power.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

You do not need snows in a few inches of powder.

xDrive comes with A/S's w/a M&S rating, so it does quite well.

Totally agree.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

You do not need snows in a few inches of powder.

xDrive comes with A/S's w/a M&S rating, so it does quite well.

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

If it's flat where you are the AS will be fine. Hills pose problem.

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

Totally agree.

Respectfully, I think you are considering this from the perspective of getting the car moving, and you are likely correct. However, for a sudden need to brake/turn if and when a problem happens in your snowy/icy path, AS tires are at a significant disadvantage, and the outcomes are potentially quite bad.

[Zooks527]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Respectfully, I think you are considering this from the perspective of getting the car moving, and you are likely correct. However, for a sudden need to brake/turn if and when a problem happens in your snowy/icy path, AS tires are at a significant disadvantage, and the outcomes are potentially quite bad.

More so if, instead of fluffy powder, you're getting alternating ice / rain. A/S tires are miserably ineffective on wet ice. Snow / ice tires are nothing to write home about in those conditions either, but at least they'll do something.

[crywolf]

I've got Blizzaks on my M235xi here in Iowa and the car really is great in snow. Granted the M front spoiler can be a bit of a snowplow in the deep stuff, the car really handles well. Surprisingly I find my self turning traction control to sport mode most of the time around town in the snow, the car with AWD is really predictable and drives great!