2000 323i - Snowy Driving Experiences? - BMW Forum

CrazzzCat · 08-26-2004, 07:19 AM

I recently moved to Wisconsin and am wondering how well my 2000 323i will do in the snow if I get snow tires. Does anyone have experience with this? I've had a lot of trouble when needing to drive it in the snow before, but have never tried with snow tires. To be honest, I don't want to get the snow tires if it's not going to allow me to consistently get around - as I have a 30 mile commute, I'm not going to get out of driving!

I do have the winter package, and the traction control really helps - but when it's quite slippery, the car just won't go anywhere. If some of you could share your experience, that would really help. Thanks!

-The Mad Cat...

Eraj · 08-26-2004, 08:27 AM

Hi crazzcat,

Sorry I don't have answers for you, but I'm in the same situation as yourself. Just bought an older bimmer (94) and looking forward to my first winter with it. I drive 43 km to work in Toronto Canada. (And yes, it DOES snow here...lol)

What exactly is the "winter pakage?" My car has 3 modes. Sport, Economy and winter. All it does is lock the gear in, and not downshift or upshift, which means you can start off in 2nd or 3rd gear in snow. What does your car offer as a winter package apart from traction control?

thanks

Eraj

CrazzzCat · 08-26-2004, 09:44 AM

I have a manual transmission - not sure if what I have was the winter package or not, now that I look - maybe it was on a 2000, but in the 2004, the dynamic stability control is standard. Who knows, that seems to be the primary active element to help winter driving in my model.

Eraj · 08-26-2004, 12:15 PM

Hey,

You could be right. I know my buddy drives a 2002 525i, and he doesn't even bother with winter tires, and has no problems at all. He has tiptronic and just shifts when he want to I guess.

Thanks

Eraj

jefft325i · 08-26-2004, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrazzzCat@Aug 26 2004, 10:24 AM
I have a manual transmission - not sure if what I have was the winter package or not, now that I look - maybe it was on a 2000, but in the 2004, the dynamic stability control is standard. Who knows, that seems to be the primary active element to help winter driving in my model.

At least on the E46, I've never heard of a winter package. There's a Cold Weather Package which includes heated seats, ski bag, and fold down rear seats, but I think that different than what your talking about.

If your talking about traction control, all E46's have it - it's not an option. That's the DSC or ASC, depending on the year of your car.

We got a little snow last winter here in Seattle. Even on a slight incline with DSC on, my car couldn't get all the way up. With it turned off, it was like I was on a dyno - the car wouldn't move!

CrazzzCat · 08-26-2004, 03:08 PM

Little did I know - thanks!

Anyone who has some experience driving E46 in snow with winter tires, please let me know. Agreed as well that w/o, it IS NOT a snow/ice car. Thanks.

xtra328i · 08-26-2004, 03:13 PM

The 328i that I own, performs weekly 150/155 depending on the wind direction.
that's about 240/250 km/u.

The needle is pointing the end of the counter and the revs are 6000, just on the start of the red zone.

fastest self driven speed 260 km/u /180 mph.with porsche 996s4 2004.

xtra328i,belgium,greetz

Relevart · 08-27-2004, 03:18 PM

I live in NH and have 2002 325i 5 speed.
On stock tires nothing will help you! I had to turn DSC off, when I got stuck on steep hill in fresh snow. DSC and ABS were working full time in city traffic.
I hear that snow tires make all the difference. I am not taking any chances this winter: I am going for studded tires. Yes, they limit your top speed, but you're gott to be on prozac going over 90 in a snow...