Newbie here

AlexVM · 01-17-2009, 12:59 AM

Hey guys,

I'm looking to get in a bimmer, and the Z4 is pretty high on the list as I've also had a convertible itch for a while. Naturally then I have a few questions.

How driveable is the car on snow? I live in the western Chicago 'burbs and go to school in Wisconsin. Tire chains are not legal here. Currently, I have a newer VW GTI with all seasons wrapped around 18in wheels and it's been decent, I am more concerned about overall traction than with height clearance I think.

Also, what are there differences between model years 2005, 2006, and 2007? Besides the availability of the 3.0si vs 3.0i. In other words, disregarding engine choices, were there any options that made one model year more desirable than the other?

Now as far as the engines, I assume the 3.0si is strongly preferred over either 3.0i, but is the older, more powerful 3.0i overall better than the 06+ 3.0i?
From what I have read, both 06+ 3.0 engines are very much alike and the 3.0i is simply detuned at the intake and exhaust. So, presumably, it should be able to achieve the +255hp numbers of the 3.0si?

Thanks in advance guys, hope I made myself clear!

buddrinker · 01-17-2009, 12:33 PM

As for driving the car in the snow its not so good. You would need winter tires and a very light touch. I personaly do not drive mine in the winter. After a couple loop du loops I decided it was safer in the garage. The 3.0i is the same motor as the 3.0si. The difference is the injector size and I beleive(I could be wrong) also the exaust. There is only a 30hp difference. Over all the car will keep a smile on your face when you drive it.
Budd

AlexVM · 01-23-2009, 12:38 AM

Thanks for your input. Is it completely unrealistic to own it as a daily driver in the US midwest then?

If so, this would steer me more toward a 3 series, which is my second choice.

Spartiati · 01-23-2009, 10:37 AM

I have a winter set-up that I run from November to March. I haven't had any issues driving in snow and it is my daily driver. If you try to drive in the snow with summer tires though you can expect to kill yourself.

oj · 01-23-2009, 10:57 AM

I and everyone else that rides in the car is amazed at how well the car handles the snow in Chicago. I was given a set of Yoks performance snow tires and they are worth their weight in gold. Traction hasn't been an issue unless I am trying to drive like an idiot.

I don't know much about the 3 liter engines but my neighbor drives his 3.0si everyone once in a while during the winter so it must manage the white stuff just as well as my coupe. I almost feel sorry for those who never drive theirs in the snow... These are pretty capabale little cars when equipped right & driven sanely.

pbdm4k · 01-23-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oj

I almost feel sorry for those who never drive theirs in the snow... These are pretty capabale little cars when equipped right & driven sanely.

I am very well aware of how capable my Z is and I absolutely REFUSE to drive it in the winter.

I rather prolong the life of my car then to subject its soft top and car body to horrid weather conditions and severe salt abuse.

No need to feel sorry for me, thanks.

BimmerZ408 · 01-23-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbdm4k

I am very well aware of how capable my Z is and I absolutely REFUSE to drive it in the winter.

I rather prolong the life of my car then to subject its soft top and car body to horrid weather conditions and severe salt abuse.

No need to feel sorry for me, thanks.

ZStig · 01-25-2009, 09:34 PM

I dunno people, I have 17" blizzaks and if its a little icy outside, my traction light blinks in third gear

reRESERVEDFX · 01-25-2009, 09:52 PM

Maybe you should start training your right foot

01-17-2009, 12:59 AM	#1
AlexVM New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: all the time. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chicago Suburbs iTrader: (0)	Newbie here Hey guys, I'm looking to get in a bimmer, and the Z4 is pretty high on the list as I've also had a convertible itch for a while. Naturally then I have a few questions. How driveable is the car on snow? I live in the western Chicago 'burbs and go to school in Wisconsin. Tire chains are not legal here. Currently, I have a newer VW GTI with all seasons wrapped around 18in wheels and it's been decent, I am more concerned about overall traction than with height clearance I think. Also, what are there differences between model years 2005, 2006, and 2007? Besides the availability of the 3.0si vs 3.0i. In other words, disregarding engine choices, were there any options that made one model year more desirable than the other? Now as far as the engines, I assume the 3.0si is strongly preferred over either 3.0i, but is the older, more powerful 3.0i overall better than the 06+ 3.0i? From what I have read, both 06+ 3.0 engines are very much alike and the 3.0i is simply detuned at the intake and exhaust. So, presumably, it should be able to achieve the +255hp numbers of the 3.0si? Thanks in advance guys, hope I made myself clear!
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01-17-2009, 12:33 PM	#2
buddrinker Enlisted Member 4 Rep 42 Posts Drives: Bmw Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	As for driving the car in the snow its not so good. You would need winter tires and a very light touch. I personaly do not drive mine in the winter. After a couple loop du loops I decided it was safer in the garage. The 3.0i is the same motor as the 3.0si. The difference is the injector size and I beleive(I could be wrong) also the exaust. There is only a 30hp difference. Over all the car will keep a smile on your face when you drive it. Budd
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01-23-2009, 12:38 AM	#3
AlexVM New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: all the time. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chicago Suburbs iTrader: (0)	Thanks for your input. Is it completely unrealistic to own it as a daily driver in the US midwest then? If so, this would steer me more toward a 3 series, which is my second choice.
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01-23-2009, 10:37 AM	#4
Spartiati Private 3 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Scotch Plains, NJ iTrader: (0)	I have a winter set-up that I run from November to March. I haven't had any issues driving in snow and it is my daily driver. If you try to drive in the snow with summer tires though you can expect to kill yourself.
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01-23-2009, 10:57 AM	#5
oj New Member 0 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I and everyone else that rides in the car is amazed at how well the car handles the snow in Chicago. I was given a set of Yoks performance snow tires and they are worth their weight in gold. Traction hasn't been an issue unless I am trying to drive like an idiot. I don't know much about the 3 liter engines but my neighbor drives his 3.0si everyone once in a while during the winter so it must manage the white stuff just as well as my coupe. I almost feel sorry for those who never drive theirs in the snow... These are pretty capabale little cars when equipped right & driven sanely.
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01-25-2009, 09:34 PM	#8
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	I dunno people, I have 17" blizzaks and if its a little icy outside, my traction light blinks in third gear __________________
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01-25-2009, 09:52 PM	#9
reRESERVEDFX (oO (\|\|\|\|) (\|\|\|\|) Oo) 10 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 06 BMW Z4 3.0i 03 BMW M5 DINAN Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Downers Grove, IL iTrader: (0)	Maybe you should start training your right foot __________________ 2006 Porsche 911 C4S Black/Black 6MT/Sport Chrono/Extended Leather/GT2 bucket seats/Turbo wheels Soon to come 07 BMW Z4M Coupe Black/Red
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