Does anyone garage there xdrive in the winter?

Herakles · 11-09-2015, 09:02 AM

Hey guys
So I went from a tl sh awd to getting my 335 xdrive to be able to drive in the nasty ne pa weather

Something weird came over me and had serious thoughts about sticking it in my garage when the nasty stuff comes and getting a winter beater

Is this a totally stupid idea ? Now I'm like well I couldnofnjust went with a non xdrive and enjoyed a better handling car too!

But I have a Honda Accord I can fall back on- amd a relative has a nice 08 suburban with 130k miles he's looking to unload for 6000.. The accord is getting rough so thinking about grabbing the suburban for winter - wouldn't be bad to have at home too since I don't have a pick up..

Wife's DD is a Acura MDX which is getting tired too.07 with 130k but still solid thankfully

piker28 · 11-09-2015, 09:38 AM

There are always two sides to this type of argument. For me I do store it for snow days because I have my beater Subaru with winter tires. On regular winter days it still comes out because well I do not own this car for it to sit all the time. If you plan to store it please remember to get a battery tender.

joshe92 · 11-09-2015, 09:57 AM

You should have gotten a RWD. I have an E92 xDrive, and I garage in the winter because I have a other cars.

Saves me about $500 in insurance costs, but I've always wanted an RWD but can live with xDrive.

dbond · 11-09-2015, 10:03 AM

I concur with should have gotten RWD. I drive an RWD 325i with proper winter tires in Upstate NY. During the winters it may not be the fastest off the line but it stops much better and feels more stable than most 4x4s around on all-seasons.

norsairius · 11-09-2015, 10:08 AM

Well, what's causing enough concern on your end to make you consider garaging it? I think that's what we need to look at to help you make your decision.

If it's about maintaining the car's cleanliness or general integrity (salt can be harsh, after all), then all right, I can see why you'd want to garage it.

If it's because of concerns regarding drive-ability in the snow, then I wouldn't worry at all. I had an E92 328i xDrive coupe in Wisconsin and my E90 335i xDrive up here in Minnesota. No issues in the winter driving in snow or bitter cold.

It's just a fact that these cars, and modern cars in general, are built to operate in most any climate you may drive in around the world. That includes areas with harsh winters. Many manufacturers do their testing up near the arctic circle, after all. Here's a quick article about the upcoming 5-series being tested there: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/20...ery-91356.html

If your car will be exposed to a lot of road salt, I'd just make sure to take it to a car wash whenever you get a chance / when it's "warm" enough to do so.

Hope that helps!

Herakles · 11-09-2015, 10:15 AM

Thanks for your input all

The primary reason is to just keep it clean- the salt and general winter driving is horrible . I never felt this way about my car before..was really pristine when I got it a few months ago..

Should I just slap some winter tires and wheels on it and run it ?

MacE90 · 11-09-2015, 10:20 AM

The State throws down sand and gravel in the winter....my baby goes in the garage and the truck gets to play!

John 070 · 11-09-2015, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshe92

You should have gotten a RWD. I have an E92 xDrive, and I garage in the winter because I have a other cars.

Saves me about $500 in insurance costs, but I've always wanted an RWD but can live with xDrive.

I'm in the same boat as you, I put 4 snows on my RWD E92 but try to avoid driving when there's snow. The salt is killer (if you lease, I know, who cares, and then we get all these threads it's just a car blah blah blah).

Once in a while the BMW is the convenient car to drive, I drive it, and now it's covered with salt, and the temps are too low to wash.

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Welcome to NBA Jam · 11-09-2015, 10:48 AM

I drove my RWD in OH snow all the time. If you have a good coating of wax on the car and spray the underside every week or so, it's fine.

dbworld4k · 11-09-2015, 10:52 AM

Washing it 1-2 times a week (especially those touchless washes that blast the underbody) makes a huge difference to ensuring it won't have any lasting paint damage. These cars have amazing corrosion protection from the factory.

My E92 has been winter driven every year since it rolled off the assembly line and I've had no issues.

John 070 · 11-09-2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

Washing it 1-2 times a week (especially those touchless washes that blast the underbody) makes a huge difference to ensuring it won't have any lasting paint damage. These cars have amazing corrosion protection from the factory.

My E92 has been winter driven every year since it rolled off the assembly line and I've had no issues.

I take my wife's car routinely to a car wash (first one in my life, it's just too big to wash by hand), but am afraid to do the E92. My friend said he damaged 4 rims and the body on his 550i......wife's uncle who sets up car washes said he wouldn't run a nice car through a car wash. It usually is ok, but that one time the equipment is not setup properly....

critical05 · 11-09-2015, 10:59 AM

Don't worry, I did the same. I got the XI and it was my primary, as time went on, I ended up buying a 4x4 truck.

I still have dedicated snows for the XI and I still drive it in the winter but it doesn't see snow if i can help it. Truck comes out if there is snow in the forecast and a few days after the snow. Also it stays in the heated garage if temps are sub-zero.

I thought several times that I should trade the XI for a RWD as well. For now, I like the XI and it will only be replaced in a few years when I move on to something newer.

dbworld4k · 11-09-2015, 11:00 AM

I've been using touchless washes (without rails, mind you) and never had an issue. If there's a coin-op nearby, you could use that.

John 070 · 11-09-2015, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbond

I concur with should have gotten RWD. I drive an RWD 325i with proper winter tires in Upstate NY. During the winters it may not be the fastest off the line but it stops much better and feels more stable than most 4x4s around on all-seasons.

What you see today are families where every car has AWD. It's kind of like FWD, where people honestly believe that it's simply better with no trade-off.

I think every family should have a car with AWD, it's handy 10% of the time when you go to drive in inclement weather. But what about the other 90% of the time?

RWD is best. There are those who will point out that supercars have AWD, yeah, because of the sheer torque.

floydarogers · 11-09-2015, 11:05 AM

Had a similar discussion on bimmerfest last couple weeks: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=876501

critical05 · 11-09-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

I've been using touchless washes (without rails, mind you) and never had an issue. If there's a coin-op nearby, you could use that.

I did have the wash head of a touchless car wash hit the front of my Audi S4 once. I think there was ice on the rails or something. The Audi wasn't a big car with a large front overhang but it was the middle of winter with a lot of ice inside.

Yes my front tire was on the sensor.

TheBigYahi · 11-09-2015, 11:31 AM

Admission: I went 2 months without a wash last winter with my daily driver XI. The subframe has rust, but the paint is still pristine. I do wish I had washed it more to help keep the subframe clean, but it was below 0 for a couple weeks straight there.

John 070 · 11-09-2015, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBigYahi

Admission: I went 2 months without a wash last winter with my daily driver XI. The subframe has rust, but the paint is still pristine. I do wish I had washed it more to help keep the subframe clean, but it was below 0 for a couple weeks straight there.

I don't actually think it would have mattered....in an ideal world my car would have never seen rain. The sad part is I'm serious.

My car has literally seen salt maybe 6 times in 9 years, and yes, it does have rust on the subframe. Was it those 6X? Maybe, but I doubt it....but yes I also left the car unwashed for over a month due to sub 32F temps consistently....I only do the spray/wand....

imho you didn't do your car any harm. The only way we can be sure is if someone has a northeastern car that has never seen the winter, and have them lift it and show us what it looks like 9 years later.....

John 070 · 11-09-2015, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by critical05

I did have the wash head of a touchless car wash hit the front of my Audi S4 once. I think there was ice on the rails or something. The Audi wasn't a big car with a large front overhang but it was the middle of winter with a lot of ice inside.

Yes my front tire was on the sensor.

I don't trust topless car washes. For one, they are expensive, and also I find more often than not they don't do a good job cleaning the car with their ****.....

Herakles · 11-09-2015, 01:21 PM

Guys I would never run this car throug car wash- if your paint is in great shape stay away from car washes - the most is do is spray it in a booth

I think I have convinced myself to at least get a set of snow tires/wheels instead of a trick (was 6000)

I will keep my 2000 accord and use that when have to I guess

I never owned anything so nice for me and hate how this feels - I want to drive the car and not care

Antetokounmpo · 11-09-2015, 01:41 PM

Cars don't come with flawless paint. The amount of orange peel in paint these days is absurd.

That being said, I always use touchless because my car is too low to go through conventional car washes with the guide rail. A touchless is basically an automated pressure washer.

tgyberg · 11-09-2015, 04:10 PM

I drive mine, Bimmers are great in the snow! Handling, heated seats, headlight washers...ftw!

11-09-2015, 09:02 AM	#1
Herakles Captain 248 Rep 824 Posts Drives: United States Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pa iTrader: (0)	Does anyone garage there xdrive in the winter? Hey guys So I went from a tl sh awd to getting my 335 xdrive to be able to drive in the nasty ne pa weather Something weird came over me and had serious thoughts about sticking it in my garage when the nasty stuff comes and getting a winter beater Is this a totally stupid idea ? Now I'm like well I couldnofnjust went with a non xdrive and enjoyed a better handling car too! But I have a Honda Accord I can fall back on- amd a relative has a nice 08 suburban with 130k miles he's looking to unload for 6000.. The accord is getting rough so thinking about grabbing the suburban for winter - wouldn't be bad to have at home too since I don't have a pick up.. Wife's DD is a Acura MDX which is getting tired too.07 with 130k but still solid thankfully __________________ 2011 335 Msport Xdrive Space grey purchased on 8/7/15
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11-09-2015, 09:38 AM	#2
piker28 Private First Class 15 Rep 123 Posts Drives: bmw 335xi Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: new jersey iTrader: (2)	There are always two sides to this type of argument. For me I do store it for snow days because I have my beater Subaru with winter tires. On regular winter days it still comes out because well I do not own this car for it to sit all the time. If you plan to store it please remember to get a battery tender.
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11-09-2015, 09:57 AM	#3
joshe92 Major 86 Rep 1,046 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Detroit, MI iTrader: (-1)	You should have gotten a RWD. I have an E92 xDrive, and I garage in the winter because I have a other cars. Saves me about $500 in insurance costs, but I've always wanted an RWD but can live with xDrive. __________________ 2017 F80 M3 competition Sakhir Orange: // ER catless downpipes, // AA EL midpipe resonated, // MHD tune Retired: E92 335i MSport Sapphire black: // aFe intake // Remus quad // AR Downpipe, Secondary cat delete // MHD // BMW PPK // Alpina B3 Flash // Vrsf 5" Stepped IC & CP
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11-09-2015, 10:03 AM	#4
dbond Private First Class 53 Rep 199 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Phila iTrader: (3)	I concur with should have gotten RWD. I drive an RWD 325i with proper winter tires in Upstate NY. During the winters it may not be the fastest off the line but it stops much better and feels more stable than most 4x4s around on all-seasons.
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11-09-2015, 10:08 AM	#5
norsairius Foodie and Gearhead 102 Rep 733 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xDrive Sedan Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i xDriv ... [9.50]	Well, what's causing enough concern on your end to make you consider garaging it? I think that's what we need to look at to help you make your decision. If it's about maintaining the car's cleanliness or general integrity (salt can be harsh, after all), then all right, I can see why you'd want to garage it. If it's because of concerns regarding drive-ability in the snow, then I wouldn't worry at all. I had an E92 328i xDrive coupe in Wisconsin and my E90 335i xDrive up here in Minnesota. No issues in the winter driving in snow or bitter cold. It's just a fact that these cars, and modern cars in general, are built to operate in most any climate you may drive in around the world. That includes areas with harsh winters. Many manufacturers do their testing up near the arctic circle, after all. Here's a quick article about the upcoming 5-series being tested there: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/20...ery-91356.html If your car will be exposed to a lot of road salt, I'd just make sure to take it to a car wash whenever you get a chance / when it's "warm" enough to do so. Hope that helps! __________________ 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, Deep Sea Blue w/Oyster Interior
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11-09-2015, 10:15 AM	#6
Herakles Captain 248 Rep 824 Posts Drives: United States Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pa iTrader: (0)	Thanks for your input all The primary reason is to just keep it clean- the salt and general winter driving is horrible . I never felt this way about my car before..was really pristine when I got it a few months ago.. Should I just slap some winter tires and wheels on it and run it ?
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11-09-2015, 10:20 AM	#7
MacE90 Private First Class 36 Rep 179 Posts Drives: Chevrolegs Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: MT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 335i xdrive [10.00]	The State throws down sand and gravel in the winter....my baby goes in the garage and the truck gets to play! __________________ 1982 Chevro-legs
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11-09-2015, 10:48 AM	#9
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I drove my RWD in OH snow all the time. If you have a good coating of wax on the car and spray the underside every week or so, it's fine.
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11-09-2015, 10:52 AM	#10
dbworld4k Banned 583 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: '12 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: YYZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2002 BMW M5 [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [10.00]	Washing it 1-2 times a week (especially those touchless washes that blast the underbody) makes a huge difference to ensuring it won't have any lasting paint damage. These cars have amazing corrosion protection from the factory. My E92 has been winter driven every year since it rolled off the assembly line and I've had no issues.
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11-09-2015, 10:59 AM	#12
critical05 First Lieutenant 36 Rep 311 Posts Drives: E92 335xi 6 spd Join Date: May 2012 Location: IA iTrader: (0)	Don't worry, I did the same. I got the XI and it was my primary, as time went on, I ended up buying a 4x4 truck. I still have dedicated snows for the XI and I still drive it in the winter but it doesn't see snow if i can help it. Truck comes out if there is snow in the forecast and a few days after the snow. Also it stays in the heated garage if temps are sub-zero. I thought several times that I should trade the XI for a RWD as well. For now, I like the XI and it will only be replaced in a few years when I move on to something newer.
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11-09-2015, 11:00 AM	#13
dbworld4k Banned 583 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: '12 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: YYZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2002 BMW M5 [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [10.00]	I've been using touchless washes (without rails, mind you) and never had an issue. If there's a coin-op nearby, you could use that.
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11-09-2015, 11:05 AM	#15
floydarogers Curmudgeon and Pedant 690 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: 2010 335d, 2014 328d Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Had a similar discussion on bimmerfest last couple weeks: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=876501
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11-09-2015, 11:31 AM	#17
TheBigYahi Private First Class 40 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi 6MT Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Syracuse, NY iTrader: (0)	Admission: I went 2 months without a wash last winter with my daily driver XI. The subframe has rust, but the paint is still pristine. I do wish I had washed it more to help keep the subframe clean, but it was below 0 for a couple weeks straight there.
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11-09-2015, 01:21 PM	#20
Herakles Captain 248 Rep 824 Posts Drives: United States Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pa iTrader: (0)	Guys I would never run this car throug car wash- if your paint is in great shape stay away from car washes - the most is do is spray it in a booth I think I have convinced myself to at least get a set of snow tires/wheels instead of a trick (was 6000) I will keep my 2000 accord and use that when have to I guess I never owned anything so nice for me and hate how this feels - I want to drive the car and not care
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11-09-2015, 01:41 PM	#21
Antetokounmpo Brigadier General 1552 Rep 3,475 Posts Drives: E90 6MT FBO; '18 F150 Platinum Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 Ford F-150 Pla ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	Cars don't come with flawless paint. The amount of orange peel in paint these days is absurd. That being said, I always use touchless because my car is too low to go through conventional car washes with the guide rail. A touchless is basically an automated pressure washer.
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11-09-2015, 04:10 PM	#22
tgyberg Second Lieutenant 88 Rep 261 Posts Drives: E90 328 6MT / E36 M3 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	I drive mine, Bimmers are great in the snow! Handling, heated seats, headlight washers...ftw!
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