Not to sound repetitive, but the key is a good set of snow tires (all fours, not just the rears). Then, put a couple of heavy bags of sand, salt, whatever in the trunk (one over each wheel) and you will feel invincible. In my old three series I was able to easily plow through snow over a foot deep without a second thought.

The reason you need snows on the front as well as on your drive wheels is for steering and braking. Without them, you'll have an uncontrollable toboggan.

Is the RWD even ok starting off on hills, going up hills, etc?

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Yup. You only need to take it "easy" if you've got a manual slushbox. An auto should be easy to control.

Grew up/learned to drive in Michigan in winter in a manual Mustang. No snow tires, and no problem. Of course, it's real easy to "light them up" if you want to!

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2010 528Xi
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Hmm this works.. I'm looking at an '04 545i Auto.. :-D

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All the new technology definitely helps. Wait a few months and test some cars in snow. The only problem is most RWD wont have dedicated snows though...

CJ:

People survived for decades without AWD. Having said that, we are accustomed to driving faster, turning sharper, and stopping quicker than they got to. RWD and four snow tires get around fine, but they won't go up as many hills as AWD and four snow tires.

In the snow, a 530 will be better than a 545. You want less torque, not more. I would always take the manual in the snow, myself.

If you are going to be living in Florida, AWD sounds like a poor choice. OTOH, driving around Florida with summer tires and putting snows on just to go home for the holidays doesn't sound like the best plan either.

Everything is a compromise. Get ready for trade-offs.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

You're going to school in FL. It's what, a 24hr drive for you each way, to and from school? I guarantee you, you're not going to bring your car home other than maybe winter and spring break, and summer. Even if you decide to do the 24hr drive other than summer, you're only going to have snow 1, maybe 2 of those trips. Just have a set of snow tires + wheels for those few days you're visiting.

I agree with Jeff that manual trans is best...under all conditions. Not having to deal with a tq simply equates to more control, lower fuel consumption and more fun . In snow, you won't have the tq multiplication nonsense of the TC, engine braking is also more effective because you don't have to deal with non-lockup of the TC.

That's part of my argument.. I'm going to be keeping the car in Florida, except for summer.. Maybe I'll drive home for Christmas break, etc.. (Southwest Airlines has a direct flight from Tampa-Manchester,NH for about $98 last time I checked) so flying home isn't too expensive.. I'm not going to be dealing with snow, so I don't see the point of AWD.. I mean it's better in the rain but I don't need it. I'm looking for a manual 530i.. They have one at Concord Motorsport that's nice, high mileage though..

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I have a 318 that I put Blizzaks on and it's absolutely wonderful in snow & ice. I live where we get over 300 inches of lake effect each year (that's 25 feet!) from Lake Superior but now I have my 06 X and am looking forward to our winter wonderland!

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Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming: "WOW! WHAT A RIDE!!"

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