Winter Driving M5 vs. G35C

[telegramsam]

We got our first good hit of snow. It is fairly warm but loads of ice and slippery. I have winter driven the coupe since I got it. It is not the greatest on bad roads but it gets around. I hated the VDC, found it too in-your-face. It felt harsh as it controlled the car in slippery conditions.

The M5 is so much better on these type of roads it is unbelievable. The traction control on this car is amazing. Other than the car feeling a power drop, you cannot feel it doing its job. BMW have this technology down pat. With traction control on, the car stays planted, like a 4x4. I know it is heavy and should handle better, that aside, it is the traction control system that astounds me. Zero problem driving this 500 hp car on crappy roads. That is one concern laid to rest.

[Garnet Canuck]

That's great to hear about the M5. Not too often you associate a 500HP car as a decent winter vehicle. I heard that you guys are getting about 20cm, is that correct?

[telegramsam]

Originally Posted by canuck

That's great to hear about the M5. Not too often you associate a 500HP car as a decent winter vehicle. I heard that you guys are getting about 20cm, is that correct?

Sounds right. Fatalities already. Same thing every year. People forget how to drive, it takes a while for people to recall. A little early for my liking but I am ready for it. Blizzacks on all the cars except the FX. It is ok on all seasons.

[Garnet Canuck]

Originally Posted by telegramsam

Sounds right. Fatalities already. Same thing every year. People forget how to drive, it takes a while for people to recall. A little early for my liking but I am ready for it. Blizzacks on all the cars except the FX. It is ok on all seasons.

Its no different here either when the first snow storm hits. People never adjust their speed according to the road conditions. Such a senseless way to be hurt/killed.

It sucks getting snow that early, but you guys could be +10 by Tuesday. I remember when I lived in Lake Louise how quickly temperatures can change. The temperatures here in the Maritimes haven't been nearly cold enough for any snow yet.....and I hope the snow holds off as long as possible.

[RBull]

Hmmm interesting update on the TC, TGS. That is amazing a car that powerful works well in snow conditions. Must be great TC technology.

G/L with the weather. I'm sure you'll have a melt soon. We'll likely get an early dump in the next 3-4 weeks that will melt quickly. Don't usually get the snows on until close to November end.

[telegramsam]

Just went out again to test the limits of this car. Found an icy side street. Cranked the wheel hard and hit the gas and it made a controlled turn. You cannot feel the brakes or the system taking control. I tried several times to put the car out of control and it stayed planted. You know that you have lost power, but it is not gutless. If you were to imagine what a perfect traction control/vehicle dynamic control would be like, this is it. What astounds me is that BMW do not sell this feature more. I had no idea this car was so winter capable. I am not understating it when I say this car handles better than my wifes FX with "snow" engaged. In 33 years of driving, I have never driven a better winter road car. I wonder if the 3 series is as advanced. If it was, that alone would justify a BMW as a multi season vehicle. I suspect the M series is probably an upscale system though. I did replace the summer 19's with narrower 18" blizzacks which would help but the tires are not the story here.

Any 3 owners out there that can comment?

[Deang35c6]

DId you have snow tires on the G35? I wonder if this is a apples to apples comparision? All-seasons are not a substitute for snow tires. They do everything "ok", but nothing great.

[telegramsam]

Originally Posted by Deang35c6

DId you have snow tires on the G35? I wonder if this is a apples to apples comparision? All-seasons are not a substitute for snow tires. They do everything "ok", but nothing great.

Exact same rubber and wheel size on my coupe as on the M5 for winter. 245/45 R18 Blizzak's on both cars. Like I said though, the tires are not the story. When the VDC (DSC on BMW) is active, you cannot feel or hear it. You only know it is working because of the yellow indicator on the cluster. You would have to experience it to believe it.