Intro to the Board/X5 Amazing in Snow

**X5** · #1 12-22-2008, 11:35 AM

Hey all,

I have a new 2009 X5 3.0i with the 18" stock wheels. Between the snowstorm in NJ on Friday and the ice on the road today, I am happy to say that even with the all seasons, the X5 is a beast. I am used to driving a 525i in the snow of Rochester, NY, so the X5 in NJ has been cake. On ice and slush, I still have to be careful turning and slowing down, but the AWD keeps me moving nicely.

I have taken the car to a local cemetery and to the local park to test and explore. Both places were covered in ice but I managed fine. In the park, I went down a icy hill that is the boat launch area and I did fine surprisingly thanks to Hill Descent Control. Also, running 93 octane instead of 87 (wife kept filling it with 87) made a huge difference in the power delivery. (The 15 F temperature probably helps as well!)

I will post pictures of the car upon returning home, but it is a 09 X3 3.0i Black Sapphire Metallic, Sand Beige Nevada Leather, Cold Weather Package (ZCW), Premium Package (ZPP), Rear Climate Package, and Technology Package and iPod/USB Connector (6FL).

I love the car and have finally gotten used to the SUV feel from driving sedans my whole life.

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cmyX6go · #2 12-22-2008, 12:03 PM

Bokja · #3 12-22-2008, 01:11 PM

Welcome, yea same here i had no problems thru the storm this weekend in CT. car handles the snow with no problem with the stock 18s

ncx · #4 12-22-2008, 01:16 PM

Welcome!

rh71 · #5 12-22-2008, 01:31 PM

welcome... you should drive real SUVs ... then you'll realize how much better the X5 is... the other guys teeter totter like you're really perched up high.

**X5** · #6 12-22-2008, 02:19 PM

Haha, yeah I assumed as much considering BMW works so hard to maintain a sporty feel. The only other SUVs I have driven are an X6 at the Susan B Komen Cancer Drive and an old Ford Explorer belonging to my uncle for around 10 minutes.

The X6 felt much more car-like, probably due to the sport suspension, and the Explorer was so bad, I did not go near an SUV for ~5 years! (laggy throttle, no connection to the road, very bouncy ride, and a lack of that grounded feeling) The X5 is a nice blend of a comfy ride and sporty presence...I love it and I love the space it brings with it. If I didn't need the extra space, I would have gone for a 535xi Touring, but I am very happy with my purchase!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh71

welcome... you should drive real SUVs ... then you'll realize how much better the X5 is... the other guys teeter totter like you're really perched up high.

**X5** · #7 12-22-2008, 04:39 PM

Thanks all for the warm welcome!

This winter should be great for all of us X5 and BMW owners!

Juanted · #8 12-22-2008, 05:42 PM

cemetery....?

**X5** · #9 12-22-2008, 05:50 PM

Yep, the cemetery. They don't plow the snow or salt the ice at the local Jewish cemetery so I get to observe the interesting stories on the headstones, keep the dead company/entertained with my car, and enjoy some mildly intensive driving

I found after that post a wide open unkempt field that I started romping through as I saw tire tracks. But then I decided I did not know if it was legal and turned around. X5 did real well on a icy/hilly/rocky area...but no more of that as I don't want my oil pan ripping off (I don't have underride protection) and I plan on keeping the X5 in decent shape. I would have got something else if I planned on being a serious off-roader, I just wanted to have a little fun/test the car's abilities today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

cemetery....?

rh71 · #10 12-22-2008, 07:08 PM

were you not afraid of the unfilled holes they dug up?

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