e39 540 in snow - not so fun?

[DINAN 3]

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25's in the stock size 235/40/18 (F) & 265/35/18 (R) w/out problems.
Sure, one has to be gentle applying the torque and turn off traction in extreme conditions (to avoid getting stuck while turning at an intersection w/ oncoming traffic).
Can't wait to put my 20's on again in the spring.

[Dado 540]

i don't believe thats the stock size for the 540i. 18''s on top of 265, I think the sticker says 235 on 17''s fronts and 255 on rear

[MLue1]

Originally Posted by Dado 540

i don't believe thats the stock size for the 540i. 18''s on top of 265, I think the sticker says 235 on 17''s fronts and 255 on rear

You are correct but everyone love big wheels. For snow BMW recommends a -1 setup (narrower tire with more side wall) thats why I went with the 225-55-16. Plus with the pot holes showing up, it's better for the wheels.

[Trouble65]

My wife drives the 99 540i/6 in the snow with no problems at all. I have 225 /17 on front and back. If your alignment is out it will make the car a lot harder to drive.

[O.S.]

thanks for all your responses guys.
I guess it's the tires then

[DINAN 3]

Originally Posted by Dado 540

i don't believe thats the stock size for the 540i. 18''s on top of 265, I think the sticker says 235 on 17''s fronts and 255 on rear

Better believe it.....stock on a 2003 540 M-Tech (Executive) Sport Package...which comes with staggered 18" M-Pars.
All I decided is to use my M-Pars as my winter setup, shot w/ winter tires in the same stock configuration.
In the summer I ride on Style 101M's w/ 245/30/20(F) & 285/25/20 (R).
No modifications and no rubbing, as the summer setup is less than 2% off my stock winter sizing.
The ride is pleasantly stiffer w/ little to no harshness what-so-ever.
Just have to watch those potholes.

[europrince]

Originally Posted by O.S.

first of - I love (at least I used to at least before 540) driving in the snow. I have driven all kinds of cars RWD, AWD, FWD in many snowy winters. In my experience - my least favorite car for snow is my beloved 540. I tried different snow tires. Now I got Pirellis SnowSports 210 - and the car is just barely drivable. In the 4 years I had it - I loved it on dry pavement and hate it with my guts in the snow.

When I drive my wife's Mazda 3 in snow I feel like I drive a tank. No matter how deep or if there is ice under the snow - it just goes and stops etc. My 540 on the other hand - doesn't stop so well and when stopped - it takes precision pedaling to get it to move again.
I can not figure out why. I know that the heavy engine and wide (235) tires in the front make it into a snow plow but still. It should not be a constant struggle like that.

I wander what I can do - change shocks, tires, do wheel alignment - what can make it into a snow drivable car?

what are your experiences guys?

Snowsports are high performance winter tires. Get a true snow tire instead, like a Hakka or Gislaved. Driving Snowsports in the snow is like driving max performance summer tires in a rain downpour. They are made for high speed dry grip, not wet traction. Go to a taller 225 tire instead of your 235.

[e39m_dream]

You need a LSD, which is I'm looking for, too.