BMW i8 in bad weather | FerrariChat

BMW i8 in bad weather

Discussion in 'Other German' started by Jo Sta7, Dec 13, 2015.

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  1. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    Oct 13, 2015
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    Scottsdale/Pittsburgh
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    Jon
    Does anyone own an i8 in the Northeast and have driven it in snow or heavy rain? Does it do ok? I'm thinking of picking one up to put at my parents in Pittsburgh for when I visit and I'm there during the Holidays which can mean snow.
     
  2. 3240

    3240 Karting

    Apr 13, 2014
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    John
    I haven't driven my i8 in snow but the owner of the local BMW dealership does. He says it's great in the snow. Make sure you have good tires. You want all four wheels being driven so don't let your battery go to zero.

    How do you like your i8? I've had mine for about 4 months and think it's a great car.
     
  3. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    I haven't purchased it yet, just looking. I have an S550 back in Pittsburgh for when I visit home. I bought it new two years ago. I knew it was a good vehicle, I really liked the interior and it had plenty of punch for the rough roads. Thing is, I want something with some more personality. i8 seems like an interesting choice.

    I'm between the i8 or an RS7. RS7 would be about $25k cheaper.
     
  4. white out

    white out Formula 3

    Mar 3, 2010
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    I'd go GTR or 991TT over i8 for year round duty in PA.
     
  5. 3240

    3240 Karting

    Apr 13, 2014
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    For year round go with the RS7.
     
  6. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
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    Jon
    991 TT in Pittsburgh snow?

    I'd get a Jeep or Range Rover. Or an Audi with Quattro. The last thing you need is 500 bhp in a low-to-the-ground car.

    (Said as a former Cleveland-er.)
     
  7. 375+

    375+ F1 World Champ
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    Dec 28, 2005
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    Pittsburgh roads are harsh and the winters can be brutal. The last thing you need is a car with low ground clearance and 20 or 21 inch wheels--you will destroy wheels and tires. I recommend a Porsche Macan.
     
  8. 3240

    3240 Karting

    Apr 13, 2014
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    With snow tires the 991TT is very capable.
     
  9. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 30, 2007
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    I drove a 911 (non turbo) a few winters in the midwest (STL, not Pittsburgh, which has much more mild winters). with decent snow tires it was fine. big issue was ground clearance in snow more than 3-4 inches deep. of course that's pretty rare on most roads, except during storms.

    also, the larger diameter the wheel, the more likely you are to bend/crack a rim on a pothole.

    one concern for any electric vehicle would be instant availability of full torque, which may not be desirable in snow/ice ;) but people drive Teslas as winter daily drivers so maybe traction/stability control solves that problem.
     
  10. 3240

    3240 Karting

    Apr 13, 2014
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    John
    Good point about electric vehicles. In addition, batteries are much less efficient in cold weather. Range is reduced, sometimes significantly.
     
  11. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    Oct 13, 2015
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    Thanks fellas. If I was back home and the roads got really bad I'd just use it as an excuse to do nothing I guess.
     

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