First test of X3 in snow this weekend

I will be curious how our new X3 works in the snow.

We have a 2006 sport..so 255/18 tires. Michelin Pilots.

We will be in the mountains of NC/TN and they are expecting 6" of snow.

I will report back...........

You are gonna love it!

You'll be amazed.Take pics! I'm planning going to Gatlinburg in Feb. hope they have lots of white suff by then...

Best vehicle ever in bad weather.

You will look at others and question why they even try.

Well, always remember the laws of physics apply, and you're on all-season tyres. But up to that point, it is very fun and has great control.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Well, always remember the laws of physics apply, and you're on all-season tyres. But up to that point, it is very fun and has great control.

Interesting you brought the tires up. I am running winters this year, Blizzak LM-22, and I feel the ABS kick in more than it did on my all season tires last year, a couple of very small skids too, though nothing that was on high speed or out of control but I was expecting better from a winter tire that had so many positive reviews too. Granted the conditions were not just snowy but icy, but then that's supposed to be forte of winter tires.

I live in Ohio and am envious you get to drive in snow before me! May have to travel to Texas to have that opportunity. ENJOY!

Jim, of course as has been suggested above, do be very careful and cautious as you go about learning how that X3 responds to the different conditions. Particularly remain cautious if there are icy conditions, as the X3 is not a stranger to sliding on ice. If you encounter lots of fresh snow that's not too slick from having been packed, I think you will have some real fun. But icy packed snow and just plain ice never is much fun, no matter what four wheels you have under you. Be safe!

Not to highjack your thread...but anyone have any winter results with the Pirelli Scorpion STR's.....thanks.

This is last january with the Scorpions and it was the first time driving the X3 on ice. I was happy with the way they responded, of course you have to know the car's limits, and driving slow is the key. xDrive, DSC and ABS work together and are your best friends under this conditions. I turned DSC off to see what happened and the x3 was sliding uncontrolled all over the place. DSC job here is just to give the tires enough traction to move the car in the direction you want to go.

Ice is no fun to drive on, and wet snow ain't so great either. The X3 shines on powder.......a controlled slide is so easy with DSC off and winter tyres that a child could do it.

Unfortunately, my X3 still has summer tyres on this weekend, so we'll have to take the 325i.

smithsonga

Hate to be the wet blanket but are your Michelin Pilots "summer tires" or "all-season"? If they are the former be very careful. They are not designed to be driven in snow and from what I've heard, are like hockey pucks even with awd

I just tried my hill descent control on a snow covered slope this evening and was very impressed with it... the X3 is among the best in the snow for sure.

Originally Posted by lerker

I just tried my hill descent control on a snow covered slope this evening and was very impressed with it... the X3 is among the best in the snow for sure.

I once used that hill descent when dropping down into the Black Canyon Ntnl. Park to fish the Gunnison http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm. Worked great!!

Arrow -

We have the Scorpion STR's and have had great experience with them in two winters - the wife feels very safe in the X3 during winter...

I was cruising around in about 4" of snow for the first time in my new to me 2006 X3 and was mucho impressed! I had a few acres of untouched snow to just cruise around on and it just went up and down the snow covered grassy hills with the greatest of ease. I also own a 1977 FJ55 Land Cruiser that is a legendary machine for it's off road ability and as far as moving through the snow covered flat lands the X3 was just as capable if not more (and much more comfortable).

I have Michelin Pilot Sports...whch appear to be summer tires! haha. Well, living in ATL, we dont see snow.

Anyway, Gatlinburg got about 2 inches of snow, but the roads were just wet. A few patches of ice, but nothing much.

It still felt very stable given it was 32F and wet..so good chance of black ice etc.

the snow was beautiful on all the trees, but the roads were wet. sigh.

Originally Posted by smithsonga

I have Michelin Pilot Sports...whch appear to be summer tires! haha. Well, living in ATL, we dont see snow.

Anyway, Gatlinburg got about 2 inches of snow, but the roads were just wet. A few patches of ice, but nothing much.

It still felt very stable given it was 32F and wet..so good chance of black ice etc.

the snow was beautiful on all the trees, but the roads were wet. sigh.

Consider that a blessing. Summer tires are useless in snow

Actually, yes, Ericbell1, I have the same tires on my BMW x3 06 and we had snow in texas on friday. They were fantastic! no slips, nothing. Smooth and firm on the road.

Originally Posted by smithsonga

I will be curious how our new X3 works in the snow.

We have a 2006 sport..so 255/18 tires. Michelin Pilots.

We will be in the mountains of NC/TN and they are expecting 6" of snow.

I will report back...........

I look forward to your report. And be extra careful and take the time to do some off the road testing first.

I am a firm believer in true winter tires for ultimate mobility. My driveway is a 30 to 40 deg slope and with my Saab and snow tires I had difficulty getting up the driveway if it snowed more than 6". When I got my 325xiT I put on Hakka 1s and was able to get through 14" with no fuss. My current X3 now has General Altimax Artics and I am waiting for a good storm to see how they do.

Check these out, it might answer some of your questions more easily and cheaper but perhaps not in as fun of a way-
http://www.google.com/search?q=bmw+x...-US:unofficial