3 Series in Snow vs Front Wheel Drive

Over the next few months, I hope that e90fanatics will let the rest of us in the snowbelt know how well the new 3 series handles the snow. It's a toss-up for me between a spring purchase of a manual 06 Acura TSX and the Canadian 323i (174hp, 170 lb-ft, 2.5L), with snow capabilities really being the deciding factor. Both cars have traction and stability control. Runflat 205/55-16 snowtires seem like a must, but I've got teenagers learning to drive, we like to ski, and travel for miles along deserted country roads.

Until two days ago, the only BMW I'd ever driven was a second generation 296hp M3 (and it had snows, but it was dry out). I drove an 06 325i in the rain, and sensed that the car is up to the job, but I'm not so sure about the rest of the family, who have been brought up on fwd. I don't want 4wd; I'd like a car that I can steer with the throttle.

I intend to take a snow-day test-drive, but torque-limited, manual 323's seem to be somewhat rare, and I would appreciate hearing your experiences.

Best bet is to go to E46fanatics. This topic has been discussed ad nauseam.

[Staszek]

I cant imagine that the E90 will handle worse then the E46 in snow. It basically has the same weight ratio and better traction control. Being slightly heavier overall wont hurt it in the snow either.

My E46 with performance snows runs great in the winter. I know we dont get as much snow in NJ as you do up there, so you may want to go with more of a regular snow tire like the Blizzarks WS-50 and you will be fine

[Jackboot]

I had the exact same question a few years ago. I drove a 2000 Acura EL and was concerned about going to a rear-wheel drive with the amount of snow and ice here. I ended up replacing the Acura with a 2004 330i and got some Blizzaks for it.

Now, I will NEVER own a FWD car again. I far prefer the handling abilities of a RWD car in the snow, particularily when coupled with BMW's traction control. I never flinched once the last 2 winters. Also, the other 6-8 months of the year are way more fun with a RWD car.

BTW, the E46 and E90 are certain to be nearly identical in their winter handling abilities. If anything, logic says the E90 should be better simply because it has a few newer technologies.

I sold the 330i 6 months ago and this is my first winter with the M3 and I have another set of Blizzak WS-50s for it.

As far as a comparison of the E90 323 and the Acura TSX - my best friend bought a TSX a few days before I bought my 330i. The TSX is a very nice car, especially for the money. However, the driving experience simply isn't the same...no steering feel, handling pales in comparison, and I have always felt that his car is a little "hollow" feeling - just not as solid as the 3-series. I also think the interior of the TSX is kinda tacky in some ways (blue LEDs) and definately an order of magnitude cheaper than the 3-series. Like I said, we bought our cars new the same week and his leather is wearing very poorly (even rips) while mine looked the same as when I bought it. Go for the 323 - we are lucky to get it just like the Europeans

[UnPossible]

Before getting my E46 330i, I had an all wheel drive Subaru WRX.
This may sound crazy, but I feel much more secure in the 330i with snow tires, than I ever did in the WRX with all season tires.

Five inches of snow arrived last night, so this morning I took another test drive in a 325i, but with AT this time, and the OEM Bridgestone Turanza 205/55-16 all-season tires. I now believe that modern electronics and the car's weight and weight distribution can make the E90 a viable winter alternative to fwd, for my whole family, if equipped with snowtires - which for me would be stock size.

I know what people think of the Turanzas, but I was very impressed by the car, which was completely controllable. Staring on a hill in the virgin snow presented no problems: the TC significantly cuts engine power, and I wouldn't want to be caught in the middle of an intersection with oncoming traffic, so I'd get snowtires to maximize traction, but I never, never, never felt that the car was out of control, or it would leave me stranded. Turning corners in a residential area was without drama; meandering left, right, left, right immediately had the car pointing whatever direction I wanted it to go. The E90 may, or may not, be as fast as my Protege with snowtires in the snow, but there is a lot less sawing of the streeing wheel, less understeer (was there really NO oversteer in the 325?!?), and a lot less useless spinning of the tires.

[Jackboot]

told ya so