what assistance can you offer by way of tips to a RWD noobie? All of my other cars have been FWD Most especially appreciated are tips for bad weather (rain and snow)
Lots of people have winter tyres they use for snow and have another set of wheels with the winters on to switch over as rear wheel drive cars are not great in snow. Personally as I don't use the car for work, i just simply don't use the car when it snows and I've been fortunate so far that it hasn't snowed over Xmas when visiting family etc so not ran into any issues. I've thought about getting some numerous times but its also the storing of the wheels/tyres plus additional expense which so far I've avoided You can get all season tyres but i don't have any experience to advise if any better or not. I find the braking takes a bit of getting used to as my car now doesn't feel like it stops as well as FWD cars but that maybe because of it being rear wheel drive, its a different feeling when stopping. I tended to feel more stopping in FWD that in rear. I was advised still 8mm on brake pads in health check recently and 6mm all round on tyres so all good on tat front, just different feeling is all, takes a bit to get used to. I have the standard brakes on mine so maybe different if you have the up rated brakes on yours. Kev
I have never felt any difference in braking in RWD cars to FWD........biggest joy I find is the steering, FWD cars often feel like they are going round bends like a 50p piece if that make sense...... the uncorrupted steering of RWD is something I love. Modern BMWs are well sorted dry or wet you needn't change you driving style, they are normally set up for mild understeer but can be provoked into oversteer by heavy use of the trottle especially if the traction control is off.... RWD is rubbish in snow with summer tyres although FWD isn't much better nor is 4WD with low profile summer tyres.... I have been running winter tyres now for 10 years and never had a problem in my 520D M Sport even during the beast from the east where I didn't get stick once and managed to get to work every day..
First... enjoy! Rear wheels driving, front wheels steering, the way it works best for driving enjoyment, IMO. Bad weather... learn to be light on the controls, feel the chassis' reactions to inputs. Learn to balance the chassis on the throttle, like pushing you through bends. Winter tyres make a massive difference to driving in low temperatures and snow with RWD. Remember it is not just for traction, but braking and total car control. Peter
When I bought my first E92 325i I was a little concerned as to the RWD. After a few weeks the confidence came into the driving experience. Same with all cars, if you push the laws of physics and traction past their limits you will get bitten. I love pushing the car when the road conditions allow, corners and islands in particular. Feels like it is on rails. Drive sensibly and get a feel for the car and you will end up loving it as well. I also panicked about winter with the first E92, bought a set of winter tyres on the 17” wheels, bought 18” wheels for the summer. Didn’t see a single flake of snow all winter! Haven’t got any for the current car, will see how the winter goes this year. I’m lucky, I use the train or hire cars for work if needs be.
