Having second thoughts.. Please help!

[ssminnow]

As I have stated in previous posts, I have had 3 different Audi A4's for the past 9 years. I recently signed a contract for a 328xi that I will be picking up at the end of this month.

I live in the Boston area and today there was a big snow storm. Driving home in my A4 was business as usual. The thing is like a tank and i have such confidence in knowing it will get me through almost anything.

While driving home and going up a steep hill, there was a 7 series with its reverse lights on. It couldnt get up the hill so it had to turn around. I couldnt see with the snow if it was an xi model or not, but if it was I am really nervous. This hill was steep but should have been no problem IMO for any all wheel drive vehicle.

I have read through the multiple posts here about xdrive and how it is good but not as good as quattro. I am not looking to fly through the snow. I just want to be able to get from point A to pont B in the snow with my 328xi knowing i will be safe and not get stuck. Having the confidence in this car in the snow is huge.

What do others think? Am I over reacting or should I be worried? Will the xdrive system be 90% of what the quattro system is? Will it get me up those hills in the snow and out of my driveway the morning after a big snow?

PLEASE HELP!

[sc 540i]

There are no AWD 7's and I bet my life he didn't have snow tires on. You'll be fine with X-drive and good tires.

[ssminnow]

Phew! That's a relief. Thanks for the info!

[Bitz]

Snow tires, you will be amazed what they will get you through.

[equ]

See my response to the other thread in this forum... My feelings so far (coming from an a4 2.8q and a s4 avant 4.2q) are that the new-to-me xi will be an excellent winter vehicle. Have only driven on light ice and deep rain, so far it's as tank-like but with better communication, steering, balance, ride, mpg. I don't miss my s4, as the e90 is so much more comfortable/smooth and that says a lot. The only possible downside are the rft tires. Every once in a while, they catch an almost invisible bump and amplify it into a crashy feel...

I will post an update once I get it through the deep stuff.

[330ximd]

Don't worry, I was in the same storm yesterday on the way back from longwood, and let's just say that in my area of Cambridge, they don't plow very well. I haven't had time to put my snows on, but my '04 330xi went through the snow like a champ, obviously, if you drive carefully, your audi quattro or bmw xi will be fine in the blizzard, my car does not even have xdrive, just the 63-37 split awd, it was still very safe and excellent handling yesterday.

[mullman]

Snow tires, you will be amazed what they will get you through.

+1

With the BMW electronic aids and snow tires, IMHO, you will be fine.

The Z rated sport tires are really like plastic at anything under 45 deg F.

[tturedraider]

Just an observation from my reading here at bimmerfest and e46fanatics - I've read comments from quite a few folks who say BMWs with x-drive are superior to Audi's with quattro.

[ssminnow]

thanks all for the replies. I feel much better about my decision now.

[Desiboy]

I'm glad you feel better. Just FYI -- I went to school in Rochester, NY. Talk about some snow..... Anyways, the XI took all the lake effect precipitation would throw at it.

Only driven a quattro in dry weather, not snowy, so I can't compare, but trust me, you made a great decision :)

[ssminnow]

Thanks Desiboy, that is reassuring.