Not a fan of xi BMW's.
I say Quattro
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=296020408&dealer_id=63864187&car_year=2003&doors=&systime=&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=1&drive=All+wheel+drive&rdm=1300759671044&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_ASC&max_mileage=&address=89410&color=&sort_type=priceASC&max_price=11111&awsp=false&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=93&standard=false
I really, really don't like Audis apart from A8s or possibly an Urquattro.
I don't know... when it comes to serious snow, I'd be less concerned about all 4 wheels turning and a little more about ground clearance. AWD BMW's tend to run on the low side.
Is it the snow depth or ice on the surface that is the problem
One problem with the E46Xi models is that they have no limited slip. The E30 IX came with a viscous center and rear limited slip diff. E46 has all open diffs and uses the ABS system to slow spinning wheels and maintain traction.
Pick up a 1st gen Honda CRV and lower it a bit for better handling. Could cheaply turbo it for poops and giggles...
aussiesmg wrote: Is it the snow depth or ice on the surface that is the problem
Kinda both - on the pass it's usually the slippery surface thanks to traffic and the last few hundreds yards it tends to be snow depth because the side road to the office isn't necessary plowed. But I don't think I've seen more that 4-5 inches on that road.
That said, several of my colleagues make it to the office in vehicles like E-series 4matic and non-outback Subarus so I don't need massive ground clearance. I do however need all the traction I can get to avoid pirouetting tourists...
2002maniac wrote: One problem with the E46Xi models is that they have no limited slip. The E30 IX came with a viscous center and rear limited slip diff. E46 has all open diffs and uses the ABS system to slow spinning wheels and maintain traction.
Sounds like another good reason as to why I should keep nursing the CJ along until I can find a good 325ix. Of course another option would be to nurse along the CJ and scour Pelican for a 964 C4 once my UK 911 sold. I doubt my wife would mind another 911.
BoxheadTim wrote: Sounds like another good reason as to why I should keep nursing the CJ along until I can find a good 325ix. Of course another option would be to nurse along the CJ and scour Pelican for a 964 C4 once my UK 911 sold. I doubt my wife would mind another 911.
That sounds like a winner to me.
Yes, the longer I keep thinking about it...
Indeed. it would be beyond cool to go tootling past snow ditched SUV's in a Porsche ... 
Might have to budget for a paint job, though:
I'm a huge Audi fan. Wife's A4 has 75k miles on it, nothing but gas and oil. We put 95k miles on her Passat (A4) with the same.
Get one that's maintained and it'll run nearly forever. With snow tires they're mountain goats. Much better AWD system compared to BMW's.
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