Best BMW for Winter Daylies

Winter is quickly approaching, which means the rise of the winter daily is here! Just because your winter car has to endure nasty weather and salt doesn’t mean it has to be some junker you don’t care about, you can still have fun in a BMW. The question is, what has the right blend of capabilities and comfort without being so nice that you end up with another garage queen? Well, we’re exploring five of our favorite winter BMW dailies from our experience this week that offer that perfect balance.

As a point of order, we aren’t saying ‘these BMWs are only good as winter dailies’ or think anything on this list is a ‘lesser BMW’ that deserves to live its life in the salt. These are BMWs that are inexpensive enough to be accessible as a second car with most budgets, have all the comfort and convenience needed to make winter driving a pleasure, and come with the poise and enjoyment only found behind the wheel of the ultimate driving machine. In no particular order, here are some of the Turner Motorsport employees' picks for ‘best BMW winter daily drivers.’

E9X 325/328xi

The E9X generation of BMW 3-Series models offered something for everyone in any climate. From the most basic of base models with the 325i to the last naturally-aspirated M3, the E9X generation was so big it was split into two model designations with the following 3 and 4 series F3X generation. Whoever you are, there is an E9X for your needs. In this case, winter driving! That means AWD is a must. Fortunately, nearly all the E9X configurations were available as AWD models, designated Xi. Unfortunately, not all are ideal as affordable transportation to be used exclusively in the winter. Your best bet is either the 325Xi or 328Xi, which both feature naturally-aspirated N52 engines, all-wheel drive, and were available in multiple body styles.

For winter convenience, especially as a family car, you should rule out the E92 (coupe) version. Focus your attention on sedans, or, if you have a larger budget, spring for a touring. While finding one in manual transmission may be a bit difficult, the automatic transmissions found in E9Xs still offer plenty of fun behind the wheel, especially with some ‘extra horsepower’ in the form of snowy roads. Plus, there are plenty of upgrades available for these cars, which makes them excellent candidates for even more fun during your winter commutes.

E70 X5

If you have a bit more in the budget for a winter car and possibly want something usable year-round for everything from towing to family road trips, the E70 X5 has a lot to love. It’s modern enough that the cabin and styling are still contemporary but isn’t so new that they command a premium on the used market. Our parking lot seems to have become an E70 X5 farm as many Turner employees have chosen this platform for their every day and winter needs, particularly the diesel M57-powered variant.

With a hearty diesel under the hood, a cold-weather package inside, and all the modern creature comforts you could ever want, the E70 X5 is a highly appealing winter daily that can be used year-round both on or off roads. Yes, with the growing popularity of overlanding, the E70 X5 has found its true calling as an ‘adventure lifestyle’ vehicle. We’re even catching that bug and are currently developing lift kits, bumpers, and more to help you enjoy your BMW even when the road stops.

E53 X5

If the larger SUV is your speed but the cost of the E70 isn’t, the E53 X5 is a great option for the money, particularly with the 3.0 M54. While the V8 may be more appealing, in terms of reliability and maintenance costs, winter beaters are all about affordability and convenience. The last thing you want is to pick up a BMW that needs extensive engine work, like timing chains, which can add hundreds if not thousands to your initial cost. If the X5 is what you want, definitely jump on a 3.0 version despite the lower horsepower and torque. Remember, less horsepower is more usable than a higher horsepower engine that doesn’t run.

Of course, the same overland upgrades apply, which we’re currently developing. Skid plates, lift kits, and more are on the way shortly. If you have adventure dreams and a staycation budget, the E53 X3 is a solid choice that will serve you all year long.

E61 530xiT

If you want the convenience of an SUV with the stately poise and suburban appeal of a sedan, a 530xi touring is just right for you. With the M54 3.0 straight-six, all-wheel drive, and plenty of storage room and seating inside the cabin, this 5 series is ready to take you on all the family vacation road trips you can endure.

There’s not much to go wrong with the E61 in this trim, and what does commonly need attention isn’t expensive or time-consuming. Basic maintenance is all you need to keep it happy. The appeal of a winter wagon is high, too, especially with all the technology this former executive estate offered to the businessman market segment it was initially created for. The E61 has everything you need to be comfortable, all the rugged dependability of a Subaru wagon, and plenty of style to go around since the Touring variant has, in our opinion, more lovable tail lights when compared to the sedan.

E83 X3

Rounding out our list, the E83 X3 blends much of the good from the BMWs on this list into one car. It’s effectively a taller E46 and was available with both a 2.5 and 3.0 in the M54 and N52 engine options, which are all known for their dependability. You won’t find yourself left out of the fast lane with this crossover, which is an advantage it has over the X5 with the same engine option, but you won’t be tempted to exceed your abilities, either. The E83 X3 makes no lofty claims about itself and doesn’t take life too seriously.

With a solid AWD setup, plenty of cabin space, and minimal technology, the E83 X3 is a simplistic and enjoyable winter daily. It’s also extremely affordable as one of the oldest and least ‘desirable’ models on this list. Thanks to its smaller dimensions, the X3 feels like a sedan but has the ground clearance and interior cabin space of an SUV, which makes it incredibly practical in all senses.

So there you have it, the Turner Motorsport favorites for winter BMW daily drivers. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but right now, these are the BMWs you can get into for pennies on the dollar that won’t leave you stranded this winter. Of course, it’s always a good idea to make sure any new to you vehicle is in good mechanical condition with proper maintenance. With some Packaged by Turner Motorsport service kits, good winter tires, and a bit of TLC, any of the bargains on this list will serve you well through the winter months without making you settle for some lesser vehicle just because the weather turned cold.