[donsbabybeamer]

Going from a X1 that handled very well during this bad winter we just went through to a 4 series Xdrive. Anyone have actual experience with the 4 series Xdrive this winter with feed back. I'm concerned with how low the 4 is.

Also any feed back on the drive/comfort difference of the regular 4 all wheel drive VS the M sport all wheel drive?

Thanks

[Blubaron79]

I just got my 4, but my e92 with x-drive and proper tires was amazing in the winter. I assume my 435 with AWD will be just as good. Proper tires are the key!

[Ali Shiralian]

Good winter tire is the key, and you still have to be careful over big bumps of ice as your car is much lower now.

[PabloK]

Originally Posted by Ali Shiralian

Good winter tire is the key, and you still have to be careful over big bumps of ice as your car is much lower now.

+1

Get some blizzaks and enjoy.

[BimmerBoomer]

At 145mm the 4 series xDrive has a fair bit of ground clearance. Throw on some snow tires and unless you have more than 5" of snow you should be good to go. I've driven M3s during most winters for the past 20 years. I think my E92 had 115mm of ground clearance. I finally paid the price last winter when a chunk of ice split the DCT transmission pan (a known weak point). The only thing I don't know is whether the 435i has any such vulnerabilities.

[drkeng]

I've driven an E93 (RWD) w/ sport package through the last 7 winters with 17" Blizzaks with no significant problems except during large snows when even some FWD cars have issues.
around here, roads are generally clear within 24 hours of any small or moderate snowstorm.
I plan on driving my 435 vert in the winter, too; will just have to watch with the slightly lower clearance.
obviously, getting winter tires and likely wheels, too, but it sounds like with the M Sport brakes, it will be 18" wheels (would have been better to go down to 17")

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by drkeng

I've driven an E93 (RWD) w/ sport package through the last 7 winters with 17" Blizzaks with no significant problems except during large snows when even some FWD cars have issues.
around here, roads are generally clear within 24 hours of any small or moderate snowstorm.
I plan on driving my 435 vert in the winter, too; will just have to watch with the slightly lower clearance.
obviously, getting winter tires and likely wheels, too, but it sounds like with the M Sport brakes, it will be 18" wheels (would have been better to go down to 17")

Shouldn't the E93 and F33 both have ground clearance of 120mm with the sport suspension? As to the 18" tire size, I found 225/40 18s fine on the M3; 225/45 18s should be excellent on the 435i.

[drkeng]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

Shouldn't the E93 and F33 both have ground clearance of 120mm with the sport suspension? As to the 18" tire size, I found 225/40 18s fine on the M3; 225/45 18s should be excellent on the 435i.

I'm just wondering if the 435 front spoiler is lower than the 335; if not, great.

my wife has 19" wheels and swaps summer/winter tires on those, so, yes, 18" should be ok.
I think all 4 tires are the same width on the 435, right?
on the 335 the rears are wider (summer); I used the same width for the winters.

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by drkeng

I think all 4 tires are the same width on the 435, right?
on the 335 the rears are wider (summer); I used the same width for the winters.

225 front, 255 rear. But I think the 225 square setup is best for winter.