winter (snow) is coming

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I'm starting to think that drivetrain is overrated because our cars even w/ low clearance and rear drive handles amazingly well in winter/snow (yes, even >2" of snow). The key is obviously good winter tires. I've driven my car for 3 Toronto winters and it's been good, no complaints or scary stuff - hit black ice one time and needed to correct twice, but car was very stable and predictable. Just drive safely and one will be fine.

For the the flat parts you can definitely get away with RWD + snow tires.

But once there are any slopes (even a sloped and snowy driveway or street) then AWD with LSD or locking diffs + snow tires is unstoppable / the way to go

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

For the the flat parts you can definitely get away with RWD + snow tires.

But once there are any slopes (even a sloped and snowy driveway or street) then AWD with LSD or locking diffs + snow tires is unstoppable / the way to go

That's true, but luckily many roads are built to mitigate/avoid angles if possible, so in Toronto our cars are ok.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by tranquility

That's true, but luckily many roads are built to mitigate/avoid angles if possible, so in Toronto our cars are ok.

Agreed. That was my experience in Chicago as well. I made it through in a RWD E90 with snow tires. There was only 1-2 days when it was really sketchy.

On the flip side, when I was going to school in Ithaca NY there was a ton of both snow and hills and in that case an old Subaru wagon with center and rear lock diffs and snow tires was BOSS

On topic.. I highly recommend the OEM recommended bridgestone winter RFTs. I had the LM-22 and they were solid in the snow, and the stiff RFT sidewall prevented the squirmy feeling in the cold and dry that typically makes winter tires so miserable. Another advantage is that in case of a flat I would be able to get to a dealer instead of having to jack up the car and change wheels in the snow

[army_men]

Z4 will be my only car this winter, but I'm leaving the country mid Dec, and returning after a few months. I don't think it will see much snow at all this time around. Pretty much stored away for the whole snow season.

Last year was fun fun fun in the snow. occasional controlled sliding just adds to the fun. I don't even want to take out my Hyundai. BUT, everyone I meet has been asking me what I drive in the winter, they are assume I absolutely cannot drive the Zed in the snow at all. They sound sure of it. I feel guilty telling them that I do drive the Zed in snow occasionally and it makes me sound like a crazy person.

[hyper1]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

For the the flat parts you can definitely get away with RWD + snow tires.

But once there are any slopes (even a sloped and snowy driveway or street) then AWD with LSD or locking diffs + snow tires is unstoppable / the way to go

The flat parts are not an issue as you mention.
I use to have a 328x drive and the car was great in the snow.
However, British Columbia is not flat. we have these slopes everywhere around the city where I leave.
will see in a few months how it perform.

[RedMach5]

I have a 2011 Z4 3.0 s-drive with sport package (18 inch rims). I drive it in winter with 17's on all four tires 205/50 R17 Dunlop Wintersport 3D. Great driver in the snow. Last 2 cars before this one was Mazda RX8 and Mazda Miata (both rear drive obviously). I drove them both in winter with the same Dunlop Wintersports. Again, both drove great. In fact one winter, my wife's Acura TSX (front drive, with electronic traction/stability and all season tires) could no get up our driveway, but my Miata with the Dunlop WinterSports could easily (and that car didn't even have traction control). So, I guess I'm saying... the Z4 is a great car... drive it all year!

[ant1path]

hey guys, not to hijack this thread, but staying on topic for winter storage.

Couple of questions:

#1 Is it necessarily for me to over inflate my tires even though they are RFT?
#2 Was thinking of putting a "tarp" under the car to stay off the concrete, good idea?

Cheers,
Vince

[hyper1]

maybe just put some blocks under the car.
that way the tires would not touch the ground and the suspension could relax for a few months