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[kimmer]

I was just wondering if anyone else had issues with their run flat tires on ice. I live in Virginia. We rarely get snow, but when we do, the town freaks out and everyone ends up in the ditch because (a) the town has little support in the form of salt or snow plows, and (b) people here have no experience with winter driving. For this reason, I opted for the 325 xi, so that I had all-wheel drive. Still, my years of Boston driving experience help little when I have to drive on solid ice. (I now greatly appreciate all of the effort expended by New Englanders to keep the roads drivable. Alas, that is no help to me now.)

Here are my specific winter gripes about my 2006 325xi. Yesterday, as I approached a downhill stop sign at 10 mph, I quickly realized that there was no way my car was going to stop. I pressed the brakes, heard the scary noise of my anti-lock brakes engaging, watched as all of the safey lights turned on telling me that my traction control mechanisms were engaging, then had to blow right through the stop sign because I was completely unable to deccelerate. Fortunately no one was there. (My husband, who drives my old car - a Honda Accord, had no problems at that intersection.)

Last night after work, I parked in my driveway as usual, leaving my car in 1st gear, and pulling the emergency brake. I live at the end of a cul-de-sac and my driveway has an incline. This morning when I woke up, I was shocked to find that my car had actually slid out of my driveway and was now sitting in the middle of the cul-de-sac!! Again, I was lucky that it (and the neighbors) were unharmed.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? Any advice, or am I stuck bumming rides from my husband until the ice melts?

[KL2DC]

Well the Bridgestone EL42 Turanzas aren't anything to write home about. The consensus among us is that too many compromises were made to accomodate the RFT capability. Yes they do slip and slide more readily than I expect them to be, but they do get slightly better once suitably warmed up.

[audiphile]

the only thing that is making your husband's Honda better on ice are the tires. Not sure winter rubber makes financial sense in VA, but in NYC it might and I opted for a separate set of wheels and tires to prevent situations that you describe.

[CirrusSR22]

Keep in mind all-wheel drive has ZERO effect on stopping. Also, all-season tires are completely lame in winter conditions. Jack of all trades, master of none.

If you are having problems stopping in the snow/ice. Your one and only solution is to buy buy better tires. I know winter tires are hard to justify in VA, but personally I wouldn't touch an all-season tire in the winter.

[KL2DC]

kimmer: some of us here in the DC metro area are running winter setups. I understand how you might feel disappointed having paid extra ofr an x-drive and all but when it comes to braking/turning in ice, a good set of winter tires would prove beneficial.

[ahnh77]

xi..or all wheel drive..only helps you get moving...it doesn't do anything with stopping....you'll need snow tires or chains for that.....

[ehhhwik]

they arent that bad in light snow conditions, but in icy conditions (black ice) they aren't that effective, when i was driving in the snow a month ago in Vancouver, (we had about half a foot at one point), i just put a big sack of sand or rice in the trunk and it was very effective to get my car moving in snowy conditions

[Russellnyc]

You might be a good candidate for an all-around winter performance tire like the Dunlop WinterSport M3 DSST. I have the non-RFT version mounted on my Audi and they're great, all the snow traction an AWD car could really need. Spending the money for another set of wheels stinks, but I think your life (and your car) are probably worth the $1,500-$2,000 it would cost.