[Fuller]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

Sounds like you need to buy a 4WD/AWD vehicle with more ground clearance since you must live in a rural area.

In a more densely populated area, the depth of snow on the actual road is a lot less than projected snowfalls because it's constantly being compressed by other vehicles.

I have both an AWD SUV with all seasons and a RWD sedan with winter tires. See my experience below.

I'm in a fairly urban area, and often times you're correct that the snow is cleared or packed down, but there are times when it falls too fast for the plows to keep up with. Consider too that not all roads receive the same attention. One road might be ok, and another still buried.

Like I said, I got by with rwd and fwd for years, but awd does the job with less drama, and less worrying about getting stuck or going sideways in traffic.

A truck or full size suv is best due to having better clearance and more weight, but I'll resist going that route just for the snow.

All that said, we can all agree that the main threat in bad conditions is from other motorists that aren't equipped to deal with the snow, or drive carelessly because they have awd and feel invincible. Having awd, even if in the form of a full size suv, is no substitute for exercising caution and common sense.

[cfm56d7b]

Adding one more vote for the best winter tires money can buy - literally. Regardless of RWD or AWD, winter tires are the starting point in the decision making process.

[crono06]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Adding one more vote for the best winter tires money can buy - literally. Regardless of RWD or AWD, winter tires are the starting point in the decision making process.

Agreed. Not sure why everybody compares awd with all seasons to rwd with snows. You should be using winter tires regardless. In that case, awd will obviously be superior. I have awd on both vehicles and using winters on both as well.

[MUFCbmwbear]

I have a rear drive 340i in Chicago.
I have dedicated winter wheel/tire setup.
It performs flawlessly.
Go for RWD

[dsc888]

I live in the Southshore region of Boston and have a 340ix with Winter Tires and I have never gotten stuck. I came from a long line of FWD Hondas on All Seasons and I had been OK up until Snowmaggedon that occurred in March of 2015 when we got 9 feet of snow in 4 weeks! I live in a well plowed area so the roads get cleared quickly and is often pre-treated by the city before anything even falls. But, as Fuller alluded to, there has been times when the snow fall overwhelms the ability for plows to clear the roads and I live halfway up a moderately steep hill so snows and AWD make a tremendous difference.

I also travel for work and often reach clients on smaller side streets that are not well plowed. That is the main reason for me getting AWD. I used to carry a shovel in the back of my Acura TSX because I got stuck on even very mildly inclined driveways while on the road, granted I didn't have snow tires at the time.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by derekh25

I'm in the market for a used 6spd 340i or 340xi and wondering if anyone can comment on how the 340i handles in winter driving conditions (snow/ice). All things considered, I'd rather go with RWD vs AWD if possible. I live in Minneapolis and had a 330i zhp with Dunlop winter sport 3D's and it handled pretty well in the winter. Thank you

Derek

This thread has the typical back and forth, but based on the information you provided, there is no reason to believe you won't be more than happy with the RWD and proper winter tires. The 340i is not lower, lighter or have any winter drawbacks vs your ZHP. Plus the RWD is cheaper, simpler, lighter and more fun in the good weather. But do keep in mind you should switch away from the staggered wheel & tire set-up for winter and get a square winter set-up on 225 width tires. Enjoy!