Xdrive + Winter tyres

So with Essex rather white this morning I had a chance to test out (for the 1st time ever) the above on the rural part of my trip to work where it was a total white out. I have to say I was very impressed although driving sensible I could manage a steady safe speed of 40mph even on the most dodgy bits of road. Where as my neighbour couldn't do more than 15 mph is his front wheel drive Audi A4 Avant

 

Hi Duncan, your 550i tyres are still alive on my 520d, I purchased them off you when you had your X5, they are on their last winter but still great.

 

It was, I don't do many miles in the 5 now so they have only done about 2-3K a year, when the 2018 beast from the East struck they were amazing, l loved confusing everybody by going round all the 4x4's on summer tyres...wasn't defeated.

 

That's comforting to know, I have to drive 40 miles tomorrow for a clinic - we had c 5" of snow overnight and it's chucking it down atm, the forecast isn't good either.

Might have to reschedule.

 

Still using my 17" winter set on the X3 (bought them second hand with next to new Sottozero's) - no drama's when we had a decent amount of snow 3 weeks back. I saw lots of SUV's sliding about and inevitably the German cars stranded. 4th winter and wouldn't be without them.
Both kids (adults) , are now enquiring about winter tyres for the golf (proud dad moment)

 

Tyres are the answer picture from 2018....waiting for the digger to clear the drift (Had gone right across here) on the way to work...plenty of grip

 

I think it was back in 2011/12 I bought my first ever BMW, a 325i E92. So panicked was I about winter I bought a set of 17” wheels/tyres for the winter. We didn’t see a single flake of snow for the entirety of that winter. I was assured in the cold weather and rain, but hugely disappointed I didn’t get to try them out.
Really need to sort out a set of winters for the 440i, haven’t been out in any of the recent snow but imagine it wouldn’t be much use given the 255 width rear Bridgestone run flats!
Being in the Midlands we don’t really see that much snow, previous years have seen one or two days maximum. This year has seen more snow for some time, still coming down this morning.
Although I’m not worried about being snowed in today.....

 

Here is the old gal sitting proudly on her 17” Bridgestone Blizzaks: (note the photo was taken in late January, no sign of winter!)

 

We are missing the snow over this side of the mountains... lovely sunny day with light snow flurries, but sub-zero.

Stay safe John.

Peter

 

This was our first car that came with a set of winter tyres. It drove without drama on roads where everything else, including a Disco and a Jeep could not make progress. Even in dry conditions, the grip at low temperatures was unmistakable. A no brainer.

We haven't swapped over this year. It tends to be mild in the South West and I have probably walked further than I have driven in the past six months.

 

I'd so love to try out a proper winter set up with X drive (especially in the X5) but my local commutes and frequency of those don't warrant the outlay.

Interesting to hear everyone's experiences

 

Some memories there, Harry. Besides the car... Our Olli... the BMW wheel and tyre encyclopaedia.

Did the Alpina have Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme's on it? I know Olli rated and recommended them (he had them on his 535d). I put a set on my 330d due to his recommendation, no regrets, a brilliant winter tyre.

Peter

 

Keep a look out for a second hand set. I bought mine for £350 with almost new winter tyres

 

@Peter @Harry I remember Olli and his Alpina - in fact I've experienced it when he collected me from the airport when I flew down to collect his e34 which I'd bought.

Does anyone know what happened to him? Returned to Germany, perhaps?

 

We haven't had Olli post on here since October 2016, if I'm checking it correctly. Often wonder if he's still into BMW and forums.

Peter

 

So he must have been on here at one point.

 

Yes he joined the current BMWLand and posted the occasional comment.

Peter