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      01-14-2009, 01:43 PM   #1
darkseid2k
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Winter Driving thus far..

For those of you M3 owners that are driving your car through the winter; how is your experience thus far? I picked my M3 up end of November and have driven it only when the roads are clear as it's my first RWD.. until yesterday when I drove through about 3-4cm (nothing major).. but everything was handled well. I was a lot more focused (i.e. death grip on the wheels).

Any issues/concerns that you guys are facing with the new M3s?
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      01-14-2009, 02:49 PM   #2
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I'm using Dunlop Wintersport 3D on 18s and it's doing ok. The traction control is pretty good when I try to floor it on snowy road. Not really slipping much unless it's slushy wet snow. Overall I think the car is doing pretty good in winter.
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      01-14-2009, 02:55 PM   #3
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I have Hankook W300s on the stock 18s and my car is doing great so far... its my only car (and thus daily driver) and I drive through an UNPLOWED laneway multiple times per day to park in my garage and I've yet to get stuck or have any major issues. The limited slip diff makes a huge difference (vs my E90 325i), the tires break traction a bit different than the winters on my 325i but once you get used to it I've found it to be a piece of cake in any snowy situations.

As of this morning my laneway was all icey ruts/lumps and I had no probs... the price you pay for living downtown I guess, I'd kill for a normal driveway/garage like the guys out in Oakville etc but it ain't happening around here.

In summary... if you have winters drive it everyday!!! Why get an M3 if its just gonna sit in a garage most of the winter?
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      01-14-2009, 04:05 PM   #4
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Bombing through winter in Alberta no prob. -20 C starts no prob.

Traction control is good and has kept me out of trouble. Blizzak LM-25 are great.

I have a garage to overnight it.

Gotta drive 0-4000 rpm only or the traction control lights up.
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      01-14-2009, 04:08 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vise View Post

In summary... if you have winters drive it everyday!!! Why get an M3 if its just gonna sit in a garage most of the winter?


I bought my E90 at the end of October and until I found a set of winter wheels and tires to buy and install on my car it pretty much stayed in the garage unless the roads were totally dry/clean of snow and ice. As we all know the PS2's are horrible in cold conditions and only get worse when you add snow and/or ice.

But now that I've got my Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25s on 18" wheels, I have driven in small amounts of snow and lots of ice and the car handles and sticks really well. I have no doubt it will do just as well in more considerable snow.

I am now starting to enjoy ownership again since I can drive it any time and not worry about the weather. I just need to make it through the last 200kms until break-in is done.
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      01-14-2009, 04:32 PM   #6
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I am driving on the OEM winter tire package which has the Michelin PA3's and so far so good - havent taken it out on real bad days like some others on the forum, but so far so good. Like Vise mentioned it will break loose every once in a while, but seems to correct quickly and you get used to it.

Since my default is with the power mode on - if I sense too much traction control kicking in I turn if off to tone down the throttle response.
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      01-14-2009, 07:17 PM   #7
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I have the same set up as Dardseid...18" Winter 3D's and I find that they eat through the snow. I have driven thru both 'storms' in T.O. and have not had any problems...yet
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      01-14-2009, 09:00 PM   #8
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Good to hear you guys are comfortable driving your Ms through the winter season. I got mine with a set of Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 S on the OEM 18s which have handled well so far in the snow/ice it's seen. I noticed it's really easy to get the back end out (not in a major way) with a dab of throttle.. but it's more fun than scary.

My friend in a 320i has been having serious issues with his even with new winter tires - he's done a few 180 degree turns at slow speeds which made me think twice to drive the car but it seems tech/safety wise, the new M is well advanced to not have the same problem.
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      01-14-2009, 09:26 PM   #9
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Sorry DS2K, I meant shagkie's set up...
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      01-14-2009, 09:42 PM   #10
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I have driven my M twice in Chicago after snow/ice and regret each attempt. Snow tires are a must. I could hardly move anywhere, obviously. Both drives were semi-emergencies as the fiance had her lexus truck out and I was left with no choice. If you do not have snow tires, don't even try as the PS2s are only meant for what they have been designed for, summer fun!
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      01-14-2009, 10:29 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sparkyg View Post
Bombing through winter in Alberta no prob. -20 C starts no prob.

Traction control is good and has kept me out of trouble. Blizzak LM-25 are great.

I have a garage to overnight it.

Gotta drive 0-4000 rpm only or the traction control lights up.
Why does your traction control light up at revs over 4000??? Are you shifting hard? In snow, I actually rev it higher than normal for engine braking. Just need to be smooth. I'm also in MDM though. DSC ON will make it jerky intervening with the brakes and all.
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      01-15-2009, 07:45 AM   #12
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Hankook W300's on 18's here and no problems whatsoever. The only way I could see getting stuck is due to ground clearence issues. Other then that, the car is VERY predicable in the snow. The back end will come around with MDM or DSC off, but its very controlable, unlike say a 911 which will just snap around on you. If you have never driven a RWD car in the snow before, then go to a parking lot and get the feel of correcting slides. Unlike FWD cars, you can use the throttle and counter steering to correct a slide very easily. I actually prefer RWD to FWD in the snow. Obviously you have a disadvantage going up hills etc., but I hate the feeling of pushing into a turn with a FWD car and not really having any control.
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      01-15-2009, 09:04 AM   #13
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Quote:
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I actually prefer RWD to FWD in the snow.
Who doesn't? Powersildes ftw!
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      01-15-2009, 09:20 AM   #14
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Anybody having problem driving today? It's FREEEZIN! What it's like -30 out there? Brrrrrr....
Dropped off my car for service this morning at T&C and they gave me a 323i with all season tires as a loaner. The steering on the thing is so heavy it's like it doesn't have power steering (maybe it's too cold) but I'm a bit surprise that the brakes on the thing is pretty good in snow
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      01-15-2009, 11:58 AM   #15
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you absolutely need sandbags placed over rear axle. i put 3- 50 lb bags and it made an amazing difference. I also drive in M mode with the power turned to normal and comfort ride. works great. in really cold wather the battery has run down and getting discharge error. this results in some programs turning off - like vent control! leaves on only defrost vent. anyone else getting this problem. BMW says the programs are shut down to conserve the battery. i charged the battery and no problem again.
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      01-15-2009, 12:13 PM   #16
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Mine is great as it is parked the garage with battery maintainer hooked up at my old house



My 09 F150 is great!
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      01-15-2009, 12:43 PM   #17
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Mine is great as it is parked the garage with battery maintainer hooked up at my old house
Where is the fun in that though?

Had a great blast up the DVP this morning, can't imagine not driving the M3 until the spring!
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      01-15-2009, 01:12 PM   #18
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Quote:
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Where is the fun in that though?

Had a great blast up the DVP this morning, can't imagine not driving the M3 until the spring!
That is why I sled in the Winter.160 bhp in under 435lbs is way more fun than a M in the snow!
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      01-15-2009, 01:50 PM   #19
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Hah, true enough! I have a need for speed but only if there is a level of comfort attached. I'll stick to my heated leather seats and premium audio in the M3.
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      01-15-2009, 02:20 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gearhead999s View Post
Mine is great as it is parked the garage with battery maintainer hooked up at my old house



My 09 F150 is great!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gearhead999s View Post
That is why I sled in the Winter.160 bhp in under 435lbs is way more fun than a M in the snow!
Then go find an F150 and Sled forum and dont come back until spring!

Looks like you got this winter thing all sorted out!
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      01-15-2009, 02:23 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vise View Post
Hah, true enough! I have a need for speed but only if there is a level of comfort attached. I'll stick to my heated leather seats and premium audio in the M3.
And the other advantage is that in April the M will be like a new car to me
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      01-15-2009, 02:41 PM   #22
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And the other advantage is that in April the M will be like a new car to me
Yeah I suppose... but I'll still take driving the M3 now over your sled, especially in this weather!
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