[Bavfan]

For those that drive your E90/E92's in the snow, do you put additional weight in the trunk for better traction? If so how much?

I've also got an E30 and have put about 80lbs into the trunk. It performed well in the snow, but I'm not sure if it's due to the additional weight or if the smaller 14" wheels are decent anyway.

Yes, the weight will change the weight distribution, but wondering if the old school thought of putting weight over the rear axle still stands true with the additional tech in current cars.

[taYab]

If it's RWD, so it will definitely improve the traction.
But I wouldnt put more than 100lb since it will change the front axle weight contribution.
If you put too much weight in the trunk and rear seats, it might prong to slide when you turn in the snow.

[Spoolin335]

Our cars are perfectly balanced with a 50/50 front/rear weight ratio as compared to some cars.

I personally didnt add any weight, but im sure a little will help. Remember the more you add in the back, the less you will have in the front for steering.

[TheDarkone]

our mommies and daddies did that back in the 80's. in the 2000's we use winter tires.

[BRAISKI]

The car is 50/50 so I don't think its really needed. Plus you have to remember you still need to stop...

[Bavfan]

Originally Posted by TheDarkone

our mommies and daddies did that back in the 80's. in the 2000's we use winter tires.

Sorry, I mean in addition to winter tires. FWD has the weight of the engine over the wheels that power the car, but conventional RWD is light relative to FWD. So does the 50/50 weight distribution of our E90's offset that argument?

[zuluZero]

Here's all you need to drive in the winter with RWD, depending on your needs...
1. Full tank of fuel
2. Winter tires, performance or stud-less ice&snow
3. Common sense, caution, patience and practice (in an empty lot).

The computer will take care of everything else.

Have fun!

[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

The car is 50/50 so I don't think its really needed. Plus you have to remember you still need to stop...

Counter argument: during extremely hard braking, weight is shifted to the front as the nose dives and the rear lifts, reducing the ability to get equal traction on all four wheels. Adding weight to the back can alleviate this. Again, this is only during extreme braking.

[cfabluenose]

It snowed 15 cm or so here today. Much of it was still on the hill up to my house. With winter tires and no extra weight in the trunk, my '09 328i had no problem. The traction/stability control light flashed off and on frequently but it did its job. I wouldn't want to disturb my car's dynamics or use more fuel by carting unnecessary weight in the trunk.

[murcielago07]

I dont have the winter tires yet, gonna get one this week
because i just bought this car, e92 328 coupe.

Anyways, from all the snow in Toronto, I have been sliding the whole day.
I am in my room now and I can still feel myself sliding sideways.. haha..

Hope the car wouldnt slide with the Winter Tires ON..

[montreal red]

dont add weight in the trunk of your car, you will be more prone to oversteering when turning a corner. also your braking distances will be longer since you will have to brake with more weight now.

[DimSum]

Originally Posted by zuluZero

Here's all you need to drive in the winter with RWD, depending on your needs...
1. Full tank of fuel
2. Winter tires, performance or stud-less ice&snow
3. Common sense, caution, patience and practice (in an empty lot).

The computer will take care of everything else.

Have fun!

+1

[CarbonTT]

perfect in the winter with no additional weight

[Outlaw 06]

Originally Posted by montreal red

dont add weight in the trunk of your car, you will be more prone to oversteering when turning a corner. also your braking distances will be longer since you will have to brake with more weight now.

^ I think you meant more prone to UNDERSTEERING.

OP, we've gotten over 4 feet (120 cm) of snow so far where I live this winter and I've been getting around just fine on hilly roads with RWD, a set of Dunlop Winter Sport 3D tires, a gentle right foot, and no additional weight in the trunk.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

Yes adding weight in the trunk improves traction. Please secure the weight so it doesn't fly around in the event of emergency braking.

200 lbs. in the trunk will not cause any handling concerns any more than placing an adult in the rear seat. The car won't oversteer more with the rear weight as the added weight increases rear traction. 200 lbs. in the trunk increases rear weight bias ~ 3% which is quite desirable for handling, acceleration and braking.

Great post Trackrat. Anyone ever put 2 sets of golfclubs in their trunk along with some luggage?....plus 1 or 2 people in back seat? Did your car oversteer or understeer off the road? Relax.

[swifty]

ok this response is based on experience...

For the past 2 years, I always added weight to my car when winter hit. Basically bought a nonslip mat for the trunk from dealer ($50) and put sand bags in. Weight ranged from 80Lbs to 140Lbs depending on the amount of snow and I stacked it against the backseat/over rear axle. It never moved.

Pros:
- Yes I had better traction from stand still.

Cons:
- my braking was horrible with all that weight over the rear axle. (I can't understand why cuz isn't it same as having 1 other person sitting in the car)
- fuel economy was much worse
- car felt slower
- reverse rake look (already it looks bad with the way bmw sets the front higher than the back)
- i have to assume this much weight sitting directly on top of the rear axle for extended period will have some affect on the longevity of the shocks

Conclusion:
This year I switched over to Dunlop Winter Sport 3D tires. I was previously using hankooks. No weight in the back and car drives much better than before. So basically it comes down to which winter tires you choose. If you want additional weight just top the fuel off but I can assure you, you defn don't need extra weight in the back with a good set of rubber. Not all winter tires are the same.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by swifty

ok this response is based on experience...

For the past 2 years, I always added weight to my car when winter hit. Basically bought a nonslip mat for the trunk from dealer ($50) and put sand bags in. Weight ranged from 80Lbs to 140Lbs depending on the amount of snow and I stacked it against the backseat/over rear axle. It never moved.

Pros:
- Yes I had better traction from stand still.

Cons:
- my braking was horrible with all that weight over the rear axle. (I can't understand why cuz isn't it same as having 1 other person sitting in the car)
- fuel economy was much worse
- car felt slower
- reverse rake look (already it looks bad with the way bmw sets the front higher than the back)
- i have to assume this much weight sitting directly on top of the rear axle for extended period will have some affect on the longevity of the shocks

Conclusion:
This year I switched over to Dunlop Winter Sport 3D tires. I was previously using hankooks. No weight in the back and car drives much better than before. So basically it comes down to which winter tires you choose. If you want additional weight just top the fuel off but I can assure you, you defn don't need extra weight in the back with a good set of rubber. Not all winter tires are the same.

So whenever you have a trunk full of stuff or people in the back you are getting WAY worse fuel economy, your braking is awful and youre going to wear out your shocks?? 80-140 lbs really slows the car down so much that you can feel it? Thats hilarious.

[zkhi]

This is my first winter with my e90. I have the Hankook iPaks 409 and no extra weight in the back. So far I have no complaints, the car handles really well.

[swifty]

Originally Posted by Leaker

So whenever you have a trunk full of stuff or people in the back you are getting WAY worse fuel economy, your braking is awful and youre going to wear out your shocks?? 80-140 lbs really slows the car down so much that you can feel it? Thats hilarious.

Hey,
Just basing it on experience. Theoretically fuel economy should be negligible with 150Lbs for short period of time. But take it over the course of 3 months of winter driving and you will notice a big difference in fuel economy as opposed to going without extra weight for 3 mths. I don't understand the braking part either. Someone said braking should improve as there is less front dive. I'm just saying that on packed snow my car took much longer than normal to come to a stop with weight over the back than w/o it on packed snow/ice. I'm sure it's the same as when I have a passenger but I was more conscious of it when I had bags and when I didn't.

as far as shocks, pls read my comment...
"I have to ASSUME... " I'm not an expert when it comes to suspension. Just an assumption.

[cfabluenose]

Originally Posted by Leaker

So whenever you have a trunk full of stuff or people in the back you are getting WAY worse fuel economy, your braking is awful and youre going to wear out your shocks?? 80-140 lbs really slows the car down so much that you can feel it? Thats hilarious.

I don't know about you but I don't keep my car filled like a moving truck all winter. You're wasting fuel and making your car heavier and more awkward for no good reason. Buy some good winter tires and take it easier on the accelerator.

[perfectg]

i have a couple 20lb bags of sand and never got stuck

[hubble bubble]

I take my 335i skiing in the Rocky Mountains every weekend. Through twisty, snow covered mountain passes at 5,000, 6,000 even 7,000 ft elevation. I have never put extra weight in trunk (except the ski gear).

Just put some good snow tires on (I love my Hakkapeliitta's) an ease off the accelerator, especially in low gears.