Does a BMW 325Ci Convertible handle well in the snow even though it is rear wheel drive?

Answer 1

I owned a 328is which was very difficult to drive in the snow and was especially dangerous in the rare ice storm. Traction control offered by BMW and MB will sense slippage and automatically reduce acceleration (AUTOMATICS) but this offers only a modicum of safety. Almost every other BMW owner I have known has compalined about their light rear ends (one did a 360 on Route 1 in Mass going to work one morning, then the next day traded it in for a Jaguar). Unless you purchase a four-wheel drive BMWr (X series), you should load up your trunk with about 60 pounds of sand, salt stones etc. if you are aware of a snowstorm coming. Hope this helps. A smaller rear wheel drive BMW is certainly not an inherent threat to your safety in hazardous conditions. I presently own a 2000-328i and it's true that it doesn't handle like a Buick Roadmaster in the snow, but no rear wheel car of that size does. Also, your perception of how it handles also depends on your driving skills and what vehicles account for most of your experience; if you're used to driving on snow and ice in an old Chevy with loose tie rod ends, then a BMW 328i will seem to handle wonderfully. Not all cars are meant for all people and as with any vehicle, use common sense when driving in hazardous conditions. Inexperienced and/or over-confident drivers are influenced by car and tire ads that make it seem as if you can drive 80mph safely in any weather because of some magical superior handling and stopping power. Simply put, no car handles well on ice or snow.