The Nazgul has one fatal flaw: it's useless in the snow, even a dusting. When the white stuff falls, the Nazgul gets stranded at the bottom of the hill until the plows come. I'm not going to buy snow tires: it just doesn't snow enough here to justify them. However, I need something that will get me to work and out in the snow.

So, what would be an ideal second car? Main need is for something that will move uphill in snow. It also has to be fun to drive. Looking for something under $700 per month lease, inclusive of tax.

Option 1: BMW 335xi sedan. 4 wheel drive. Fun to drive.
Option 2: BMW X3. 4 wheel drive. SUV hauling ability. Not as fun to drive.
Option 3: Infiniti G35x: 4 wheel drive, nice price, fun to drive?

Rejects
Audi A4 (slow)
BMW X5 (love the interior. too expensive)
Audi S4 (too expensive)

Any suggestions?

335xi
Best looking in all three and meets your goal.

335xi with Dinan ECU tuning. I had the opportunity to drive my nephews 335i coupe and I was absolutely floored by that car. Very fun and fuel efficient.

Curious - I hope you're buying this as a car for wife/significant other as well........
because if you aren't willing to purchase snow tires, don't buy another vehicle simply for yourself - wouldn't that be much more expensive?
Definately get the 335 sedan - keep us posted!

Apparently you have a nice car so I say get a G35 AWD with all the options its very nice....and will still be below the figure you prefer to lease under...

i say g35x as well, my fiend has one and that thing is super reliable and not a slouch...

whoops my bad haha. Dinan. :x

you wont spend $1000 for snow tires b/c it doesnt snow enough, but you want to spend $700/mo on a new lease to drive on snow instead...??

I have to agree with you ProV1. Flaw in the logic. I can see buying a track car, a people hauler, tow vehicle even a winter car (provided you have a winter)

Here is one of gcpa's early posts


05-27-2007, 10:06 AM #1
gcpa
Newbie


Join Date: May 2007
Vehicle I drive: E63
Posts: 11 Will 17" x 8 rims fit on E63?

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Dear all, Newbie here. Planning on switching from my C32 to E63 and was wondering. I have snow tires 225/45HR17 mounted on 17X8 rims and was wondering if they will fit on the E63 or are the brakes too big for such a small rim? I'm not looking for asthetics, but trying to see if I can save some time and hassle by just reusing the old ones (they are only 2 years old and look like the AMG wheels of my old C32). Please let me know where I can find out if these wheels will fit or if I have to part with them. (I'm in the Northeast in case anyone's interested...). Thanks and CAN'T WAIT TO GET INTO THE E63!!!

Any recent C class with AWD are great everyday vehicles.
Up to 28 MPG highway and 19 Mpg city.

two lease payments= snow tires. Car works great in up to 4 inches of snow, ok above that. on a 36 month lease, that is an extra 24k because you don't want to change tires, plus insurance. I'd rather drive the E63 all year round. And save the 24k for a rainy day. Or retirement. Or a twin turbo kit for the e63 when Vadim gets around to doing one. Or a phat lightly used platinum/diamond rolex that some I-banker needs to hock because he only made 2 mill last year, not 12, and can't afford his NYC condo payment. Or a 529 acct. Or a bad*ss trip to Europe or China.

Or do the 335x and chip it. Just make sure its bumper sticker says "my other car is an E63. "

And by the way, I'm not saying you don't make tons and tons of money and can't afford an extra 700 a month... and if your net worth is over 25mil, I'd just buy a s550 4matic cash and carry and be done with it.

LOL... I think the truth is OP just needs to justify himself getting another car. Just like what I've been doing to my wife.... If I tell you the reason I gave to my wife, there would be a lot of in the thread.

Anyway, I'd go w/ something more reliable than german cars and get SUV in case you need a space to haul stuff.... There are tons choices out there.... but I'd go w/ either Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Acura. MDX has $499/mo w/ $3K down right now. Reliable and good resale too

A 335xi is probably the most exciting car on your list and can be tuned for a bit more fun.

That aside, if you put some Blizzack snows on the E63, it will go very well in the snow and still be reasonably fun to drive in the dry during the winter. You can then spend the $700mo on mods, vacations, and wine. Unless you just want another car in which case, see above!

It appears he doesn't want to use the 6.3 in the winter which is understandable...I say buy a car/truck thats a one time charge...you don't need a new car with additional insurance payments..

If you are not getting Chicago style winters then I reccommend a car/truck for the days it does snow.

the OP says he needs a ride that will go uphill w/ snow on the ground. i don't think an E63 w/ snow tires will be going up any uphill from a complete stop. i have trouble w/ my car w/ snow tires up my driveway from a complete stop when there's snow.

How do you figure a 335XI is affordable and an S4 is not?

I say 2003 RS6

I put snow tires on my E55 for about 5 days. never saw the snow. I took them off fast because it ruined the car for me...

I know it's not on the list but how about a used ML350

After spending time a lot of time recently as passenger in an LX470 I'm thinking of getting myself the all new LX570 to stable mate my sedan. Comfy ride and fantastic off road plus seating for 8 will be handy. And at 6000lbs it's quite the beast itself.

Therefore, my advice is to check out for a used LX470 as the arrival of the new one will have brought them down. They're impressive vehicles.

have you considered toureg or toureg II ... i had a v8 for a few years and it was a blast to drive in snow and around town... just make sure you have a warranty....there are lease deals on them and private party sale prices on used 2005's are very reasonable.... i tend to believe that two sedans are enough in a stable

hands down.

X5 TT3L Diesel!

you can add mods very easily, lots of torque and looks nice all year.

I'm considering this to be my next family hauler next to my E55.

i think the X5 looks great but not enough room for the dog, 4 kids , plus snowboards for treks to Tahoe...

since it doesn't snow enough there to buy snow tires, and buying a whole new car for those occasions when it does makes even less sense...

every time it snows, rent a car from enterprise. they'll pick you up.

Thanks for all the posts and suggestions. I regret I did not make it clear that our X3 lease is coming up and are deciding on what car to replace it for my s.o. This is not meant to be an exercise in overindulgence...

The purpose of this car will be for my s.o. to drive around and run her errands. It should also be good in inclement weather in case the E63 can't get anywhere and I need it as backup.

I agree the debate is between 335xi and G35x. She likes the looks of both as well and we will test drive them soon. Lease on the G35x seems cheaper.

And yes, that was me trying to be cheap with snow tires in my previous post. I try not to be wasteful...

Again, thanks for all the feedback. I'm surprised no one mentioned the R8. 4 wheel drive. Fun to drive. Oh. The price. Nevermind...

The new 570's are MONEY! I have had a few LX470's (have one now) and love them. Silk, silk, silk...

They look good - real good - in white!

T