How capable in snow?

[RickM5X3]

Just ordered these for a winter that may someday reach the Denver area (great weather for now!). These new Continentals should be a world of difference from my half-worn Pilot Alpins. Can't wait.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by WVMTNBIKER

So this is my first X5, a manual shift 2003 3.0i model. Just how good IS the X5 in snow conditions? I live in WV and snow is common in winter. I've owned lots of Subarus and Volvos but never an X5.

What should I expect from my X5 in snow? I mean, some days we get 1-3 inches, others a whole lot more. I don't expect miracles but is in fact a capable vehicle in foul weather. I just put all new Yoko Avid Envigor tires on her and I realize they are (sic) dedicated snows, but then I am used to driving in the white stuff.

Just curious as to what to expect.

I suspect you meant the Yokos are not dedicated snows...the snow tire vs "all season" debate has come up on the JukeBox the 9 years I've been reading X boards. And, there are proponents of both with the accompanying anecdotal arguments.

Back at the the manual trans ranch, I found 2nd gear starts to be sometimes helpful in snow/slippery situs, and sometimes 1st or 2nd, with the DSC off.

It really varies by surface situ, incline/descents, etc. I'm guessing you have some steep slopes in W VA, as we have here in the mtns of western NC; I found dedicated snows to be the key, but you may have less acute conditions and get away with non-snow tires. Remember your '03 is not X Drive, but is very capable. Go out and learn how to make it work, esp. in low speed, accel/decel situs.
GL, mD

[sprocket1200]

i agree the winter vs all season debate keeps coming up. many say they don't need them or do fine without them, but i have never heard of someone who has switched to them going back to 'no seasons' for winter...

[neockder]

Its not the car, its the driver!

Ha, I don't think it will snow till December But then again, it will probably be winter till June!

Originally Posted by RickM5X3

Just ordered these for a winter that may someday reach the Denver area (great weather for now!). These new Continentals should be a world of difference from my half-worn Pilot Alpins. Can't wait.

This was much better in the snow:

[Bill K]

Mine did great last year when we had that record breaking 20" of snow. I actually went on a couple roads that hadnt been plowed. They appeared to have benn gone over by other vehicles, but they were very bad. So bad that I thought if a came to a stop and lost momentum, I would get stuck. Never happened though.
The only weakness for this car in the snow is the clearance. You'll bottom out if the snow is too high. But this car has a respectable amount of clearance.
Also, I use Michelin All Terrain SUV tires. They're great.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

i agree the winter vs all season debate keeps coming up. many say they don't need them or do fine without them, but i have never heard of someone who has switched to them going back to 'no seasons' for winter...

...only if someone had put on a set of "winters", for driving around
FL or south GA.

Nothing beats dedicated snows in real winter areas.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by tdgard

I have to say I was pretty impressed with the X-Drive setup. I moved from Erie, PA (where you need a tunneling machine to get around) to Atlanta (where it rains all day-then turns into snow and freezes over night). Earlier this spring I had an appointment at the dealer the day after one of those wonderful events. Drove there with absolutely no problem & picked up a 535 as a loaner. Holy s*&! what a difference. Almost took it back. The car would just stop while trying to get out of my driveway. I had to hold the DSC button to disable the traction control completely so I could basicaly melt the ice with wheelspin. I had not thought the roads were so bad because the x5 had 0 issues. This is "massive" snow for Atlanta-granted everything under the white stuff is pure ice.

I guess you weren't here for the "blizzard" of 1993. I was 14 years old and it was my first winter here after moving from the lakefront area of northern Ohio. I remember everyone saying it never snowed, then we got this.



You are right though. Typically, we don't get anything but a light dusting that turns to ice. You guys are making me jealous with these photos. I wish I could drive around in the snow like that. Looks like fun.

[X Wife]

I have found that my X5 does very well in snow, but not so good on ice (I have all-seasons...will be switching to studs soon).

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

i agree the winter vs all season debate keeps coming up. many say they don't need them or do fine without them, but i have never heard of someone who has switched to them going back to 'no seasons' for winter...

I did....had Diamaris summer 19's and used to switch to 17's Dunlop Grandtrek winter. Had to 'cos the Diamaris, as designed, can not be driven in even the lightest dusting. Dunlops were awesome and I pushed the rig in horrendous winter conditions in upstate VT and ME - highly rec. these tires.

Anyway, when the Diamaris needed replacing, I switched to Hankook Ventus A/S 19'S. I don't do a lot of the deep ski stuff anymore so A/S are fine for my needs. I was also tired of the twice a year swap over. Very happy so far.

No arm wrestle here...YMMV....do whatcha ya gotta do for your driving needs/conditions...but some of us have switched from winters to A/S.

[HAMAR]

These super storms you have in the states are called a normal winter day here in Iceland

The X5 is very capable in the snow, but you better have snow/winter tires on because you have to be able to stop the car to.