New BMW's make short work of winter?

IF there's anything worthy of a good, Winnipeg facewash in January, it's writing about a car's roadholding ability in the sunny climes of southern Spain.

Winter has us in its cold, steely grasp. Which is why this installment, and future ones until about late March, (hopefully) will address the winter capabilities of the latest press car. This week's candidate is the latest rendition of BMW's money car -- a 2006 330i.

Could there be a more perfect car for the money? I think Automotive Showcase editor Kelly Taylor said it best. Well, he didn't exactly say it. It was how he hung onto the key as I tried to take it from him. Then he muttered something about "from my cold, dead fingers." Luckily, he was in the throes of a head cold and Nyquil cocktails, so no manslaughter was required.

Hmmm...cold hands, common cold, cold outside. Definitely a theme going on here. Time for some cold, hard facts on pilotting this Bimmer through rocker panel-deep snow and slippery off-ramps. BMW is one of the few manufacturers that see the value of a snow tire changeover on their press fleet. Unfortunately, the changeover is done with stock 18-inch alloys, which means "performance" snow tires. Let me just tighten the screws on my soap box, put fresh batteries in my megaphone, and say this: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERFORMANCE SNOW TIRE!!!!

Full review here

rack - 1/2/2006 10:32:59 PM

+1 Boost

Forget all the hype.

ALL AWD cars do well in the snow. I dont care if it's a subaru wagon, or an old amc eagle, quattro, 3**X, or is250awd. If all 4 wheels rotate, and you have good tires, its going to grab.

The most important factor isnt how the awd technology reacts it really is not going to make a major difference ( it looks good on commercials and brochures) what is most important is that all 4 wheels are driven by the engine.

Besides, who wants to drive their new $40K car in the snow? I no not trust other drivers enough to risk it. I leave mine at home and drive the truck.