Thinking about a E46 XI for winter - what should I know before hand?

[slammin.e28]

figures everyone in VA overvalues BMW's.

its fucking stupid.

Derps at the yards want $1500 for an M30B34. I bought a whole 535i for $400 and put about $200 into putting a new head on it.

I hate rednecks.

Some derp saw me pull into Autozone with my e28 and tried selling me a 318 engine from a, "uhhh, I think it's an '84, I hit a tree when it broke loose around a corner." He acted like that fucking engine was gold. I was like nahh bro, flattened my hats bill, and walked out like a boss.

[InuFaye]

figures everyone in VA overvalues BMW's.

its fucking stupid.

[nando]

from a dude in seattle

to be fair, the same car at a dealer was like $13k, but dealers suck.

[InuFaye]

the E46 X-drive sucks. It's basically the same thing as an E30 iX with a burned out VC, except it uses the ABS/TC to try to imitate an LSD.

I second the Subaru comment - especially the older ones, they're really light and fly through the snow. but $10k? what the hell kinda beater are you looking for? we got a MINT '03 for $5500..

where?

[nando]

the E46 X-drive sucks. It's basically the same thing as an E30 iX with a burned out VC, except it uses the ABS/TC to try to imitate an LSD.

I second the Subaru comment - especially the older ones, they're really light and fly through the snow. but $10k? what the hell kinda beater are you looking for? we got a MINT '03 for $5500..

[InuFaye]

get a truck.

[mrmckie]

get a subie....

[slammin.e28]

I drive my mom's 325xi in the Winter when it snows. It's absolutely fantastic. No complaints.

[mr ilia]

I used to have e46 330i (auto, not X). In Toronto and we get decent amount of snow in the winter time. I found the best way to drive was by turning traction control off. With TC the fuel won't cut out and you can spin tires to get out of snow and driveways easy. Just ensure you have the thinnest winter tires possible...I had Good Years 205/50/17 on my car and never got stuck....on the highway you can have TC on for greater stability, but it is worthless to keep TC on in the city driving.

[Emre]

I live in Florida, so it doesn't see much snow, but the thing is killer in rain. I put some really good tires on it, and the thing is awesome.

You have to actually drive it in the snow to see what an epic fail X-Drive really is.

My dad replaced his 2.5XT with an X3 and it's truly shocking how much worse it is in the snow and ice. I honestly prefer to drive my 560SL (RWD, 5.6L V8, no traction control) when the weather is really bad. With LSD and good snow tires, it leaves the X3 in the dust. At least you can control the damned thing. The X3 just wants to plow straight ahead. And god help you if you start sliding...because the traction control cuts power and now you're just along for the ride.

I would not want a "winter beater" to be an e46 XI.. unless you don't want a car that actually works in the snow.

There. Fixed it for you ;)

[Kershaw]

I did have a 91 IX for a short while, but it was a total POS. Didn't run for shit and the AWD didn't work to boot. :( Didn't know what to look for when i bought it and got ripped off. Live and learn.

i love both my ixs. :)

my rx8 is pretty beast in the snow too. as long as it has the blizzaks. i was once in a very sudden snow storm (70 3 days before) on my toyo t1rs. goddamn that was the scariest thing i've ever done. but it just goes to show even rwd (with lsd!) is perfectly good as long as you have the right tires for the conditions.

[Nairb]

I own a 2001 325xi Touring.. it's a great car. I live in Florida, so it doesn't see much snow, but the thing is killer in rain. I put some really good tires on it, and the thing is awesome. Decent clearance, comfortable ride, decent amount of room. People say a lot of bad things about the car, but I bought it with 98,000 well serviced miles 2 years ago.. now it has like 128,000 and other than oil/filter changes the thing has been great. I replaced the water-pump as a preventative and the thing is solid.. plus I get good gas mileage (23-24 city, but I have a feather foot.. plus I coast a lot.)

Anyway, get a Subaru. I would not want a "winter beater" to be an e46 XI.. unless you're loaded, then go for it.

[sector6]

it's all downhill after the e30.

buy an ix.

I did have a 91 IX for a short while, but it was a total POS. Didn't run for shit and the AWD didn't work to boot. :( Didn't know what to look for when i bought it and got ripped off. Live and learn.

[sector6]

We have a line on a couple of IX's up for sale, if you decide to go that route drop me a line.

Thanks, I don't have cash in hand (and won't in the foreseeable future), so unfortunately will be needing to finance it.

[ZM Blue Devil]

We have a line on a couple of IX's up for sale, if you decide to go that route drop me a line.