540 in snow?

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spinedoc

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Hi guys, just found this forum today. I am considering purchasing a 540 as a snow mobile. I have a Mercedes SL500 that I usually drive, but of course it is useless in the snow. My cousin has a 1998 528 that he swears by, and he never gets stuck in the New England winters.

I would like something with more power, like the 540. How are these realistically in the snow? How is the traction control? Could I rely on one of these in the winter? I absolutely hate SUV's, so need a snow sedan, and BMW is my first choice here.

Also I was considering a 740, but really like the look and sportiness of the 540 better. Any pros/cons to either vehicle? Anyone have a 540 versus 740 speech for me?

Thanks much guys, was looking for a 1996 and up for less than 18k.
 
DRWWE

DRWWE

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I would think a car with all wheel drive, like the Audi's, MB 4-matic, or the 330xi would be better choices. My 530 didn't handle snow too well last winter (just a few inches) so I left it in the garage and got out my GMC 2500 4wd. I hate driving the truck--it's just for hauling and towing but the BMW just didn't feel comfortable in the snow. The 4wd was so superior in the snow and muck. Plus, I just don't worry as much about damaging the truck as much and my bimmer.

Good luck.

[driving2]
 
Ghost

Ghost

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You shouldn’t have any major problems in the snow if you have decent snow tires. I believe the difference between the two wheel configurations (RWD/AWD) is directly related to how focused and skillful one wants to drive in snow and wet environments. AWD offers the most aggressive driving in these environments but sometimes it can give a false sense of security. I’ve seen many AWD vehicles smashed on the side of the road because of the driver taking the vehicle past its limits. If you get a manual be sure it has LSD (limited slip differential), most of the E39 540i6’s here have an open differential. Even with traction control my E34 535 LSD was much better in the snow. I have a difficult time understanding why BMW would put an open diff in a car with so much power and torque. [confused]
 
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Malachi

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It really is primarily about the tires. I have seen a video of a 540i that showed just how well these cars can do in the snow with snow tires. It was having no problems as it was "playing" in the snow. If I come across it again, I will post a link.

My car did horrible in the snow with Dunlop SP 2000. It was undriveable. I then put Dunlop Blizzaks on it and there was no problem at all.

A 2wd drive car with snow tires will be a AWD car with slicks all day long. I think where the AWD has the greatest advantage (tires being the same) is on the initial take off.
 
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spinedoc

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Thanks for the responses guys. As far as getting a 4matic from Mercedes, well that company has gone downhill quite a bit in recent years, don't think I would purchase a Mercedes again. I have also heard that Audi's are ALWAYS in the shop, everytime I read a review or ask a dealer about them I get that same answer.

The only other automaker I would consider besides BMW is Lexus, and I dont think they have a V8 with AWD.
 
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tsquared

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Spindoc,

A year ago I traded a 2002 BMW 330xi automatic for a 2004 BMW 330i 6speed. The RWD car with Blizzaks out handled the AWD car with all seasons tires hands down. Keep in mind that AWD only helps you accelerate and although it’s nice to be able to get going in the snow & ice, I’m much more interested in being able to stop when I need to. And stopping on ice/snow is about vehical mass and tire selection.

Last winter I felt more comfortable driving the BMW then my ½ ton Chevy 4x4 pickup when the roads got bad. I was impressed enough that I’m putting snow tires on the truck this winter.

Bottom line – with traction control, a RWD car fitted with snow tires will out handle an AWD car fitted with all season tires.

Regards
 
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