Who here is in the Denver Area with an M3?

dirtyfreebooter · 11-18-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klambo

Hey guys!

I just found this thread. I'm in Fort Collins. So not too far from Denver.

Ditto here in Fort Collins, ordered Nov 7th from Co's. Awaiting delivery ;-)

Did you get yours from Co's? If so, any thoughts or opinions on them? I'm new to Colorado, 2 months, so I have no previous experience, but so far, so good.

JamesB41 · 02-01-2011, 01:07 PM

Hi Guys,

Current e46 owner, strongly considering an e92. I'm also considering moving to Denver in the next few months. How difficult is it to drive an M3 year round there? Is it even possible? I like it as a daily driver and I'd really prefer to not have to own another car just as a winter beater. I'm originally from Buffalo so I've dealt with snow (even in a RWD V8) but I wanted to get some real-world advice from people in the Denver area.

Thanks!
James

dirtyfreebooter · 02-01-2011, 01:50 PM

I've only had my M3 for 600 miles (3 weeks), but I've already been through 2 snow storms, including one on delivery day. I had a Subaru beforehand, and the M3 being my first BMW, first V8, and first RWD car (had many Jeep Wranglers in the past), I was a little worried, but it really hasn't been a problem. Yesterday has the first day I worked from home because of the weather, and really it turned out just to be cold and icy... IMHO weather forecasts (in my 4 months living in Colorado) tend to suck worse than usual, compared to Pennsylvania (Poconos), California (Newport Beach), Arizona (Tucson).

I use my M3 as a daily driver. The only issue with Colorado I find is damn ownership tax, that you have to pay every year on top of sales tax. Complete BS!

JamesB41 · 02-01-2011, 01:55 PM

Wow, I just read about that. That's absurd. 2% of the MSRP the first year? That is asinine. Just wow.

That aside, good to hear it's not so bad. Do you have snow tires or you running summers?

dcstep · 02-01-2011, 01:57 PM

James, I've got 2.5 winters on my E92 in Denver. It'll be like Buffalo, but not near so deep. Remember, we're not in the mountains here. Because of RWD and high hp, I run full snow tires on my M3. I use the Pirelli Soto Zero 240s, which I highly recommend.

If you want to run up into the mountains every weekend to ski, then you might consider a AWD SUV with full snows. Up there you're constantly starting on an upgrade, where 4WD is at its best. Also, you'll use the extra ground clearance in mountains.

You'll be very happy driving an M3 around Denver, so long as your have appropriate snow tires. Buy a set up 18" OEM take-offs for mounting and you'll have a great setup.

Look us up when you get here. I'm down in Greenwood Village.

Dave

dirtyfreebooter · 02-01-2011, 01:58 PM

Blizzaks LM-60s 235s on front, 255s on back on the zcp wheels. Summer tires would be an absolute disaster, especially since the high today is about 4F ....and its 1.9% the second year, in 5 years it will be around $4k in ownership tax.

JamesB41 · 02-01-2011, 02:03 PM

Man ownership tax just seems ridiculous, really trying to nickel & dime you I guess. I doubt I'd be in the mountains much at all, not much of a snow sports guy. I was in Denver a few months ago and it seemed pretty flat for the most part which I'm sure helps. I can imagine snow tires are a must. I drove a V8 Mustang GT with summer tires in the snow for a couple Buffalo winters and it made for some tense driving. Sounds like it'll be a little easier than that.

I'll definitely hit you guys up if/when I move! Thanks for the advice.

signes · 02-01-2011, 02:49 PM

One more chiming in. On winter #8 with an M3 as my daily/only car (five in an E46 M3 convertible and now my third with the E90). Never any issues honestly, just had good snows, drive sensibly and be prepared. Great balance, LSD and traction control all work very well together.

I've gone through just about every major brand of snow tire and my two recs would be the Wintersport M3s if you are going to stay around Denver, or Nokian Hakka Rs for a more aggressive winter tire that can handle the mountains. I run the latter and while it sacrifices a lot in dry grip, snow and ice traction is miles ahead of any other snow tire I've used. They can burn down quickly in the relatively mild winters we get here, but they've taken me into the mountains to ski on many occasions.

Don't worry about being able to manage with an E92, you'll be fine. Drop us a note when you move. Growing community of M3 owners here.

///MC · 02-02-2011, 11:32 AM

Just moved to the Fort Collins area. M3 is way better in the winter then I thought it was going to be. Can't wait for summer though.

dirtyfreebooter · 02-02-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///MC

Just moved to the Fort Collins area. M3 is way better in the winter then I thought it was going to be. Can't wait for summer though.

Hope to see you around.. I don't see many BMWs on my daily driving though I encountered an X6M when I was in my girlfriend's SUV in a heaviest snow had earlier a few months back

lovethem4 · 02-02-2011, 02:54 PM

It's impossible without snow tires. I need to get some asap. Car has been stuck at work for 3 days, had to get picked up in my SUV. Long story, but I had to take m3 that morning and knew it'd probably stay here for a few days. What 19" tires would work for the m3?

dirtyfreebooter · 02-02-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovethem3

It's impossible without snow tires. I need to get some asap. Car has been stuck at work for 3 days, had to get picked up in my SUV. Long story, but I had to take m3 that morning and knew it'd probably stay here for a few days. What 19" tires would work for the m3?

I am running Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60s on 19-inch ZCP wheels. 235/35R19 in front and 255/35R19 in back. I initially went with a skinner tire for the snow, but I really don't drive in the snow, just the cold. My next set of winter will be 245/265 or 255/275, I'd rather have more rubber since I only would drive in the snow in an extreme emergency.

I can't really say much about the handling on the LM-60s, since I had them put on the day I picked up my car, so I have no comparison, and since I am still under 1200 miles, I haven't really pushed the car yet, but the sound is decent, M3 is still quieter than my WRX was by a long shot.

Next time, I'd probably try a different brand, just to try, and definitely go wider. Probably the Pirelli Soto Zero 240, mainly because the only tires I found that fit 19-inch ZCP wheels on tirerack were the LM-60s and Pirelli 240s. Maybe something new will come out next winter

///MC · 02-03-2011, 10:44 AM

I found it easier to just get a winter set of rims and tires. It was about $200 then tire rack wanted for the 19" snow tires alone, and I don't have to worry about anything happening to my 19"s.

dirtyfreebooter · 02-03-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///MC

I found it easier to just get a winter set of rims and tires. It was about $200 then tire rack wanted for the 19" snow tires alone, and I don't have to worry about anything happening to my 19"s.

I guess, but those tirerack rims are god awful looking, plus for me, I don't snow drive, just cold weather, so I wanted to keep the 19s... and getting a set of OEMs rims for winter (even the 18s) is not practical $$ monies wise. I have tire and wheel insurance, so I should be covered in any event.

If I was in an area with lots more snow, then I would go for second set of wheels, and 18s, since there are many more tire options to choose from for 18s compared to 19s.

Mile High M3 · 02-04-2011, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signes

One more chiming in. On winter #8 with an M3 as my daily/only car (five in an E46 M3 convertible and now my third with the E90). Never any issues honestly, just had good snows, drive sensibly and be prepared. Great balance, LSD and traction control all work very well together.

I've gone through just about every major brand of snow tire and my two recs would be the Wintersport M3s if you are going to stay around Denver, or Nokian Hakka Rs for a more aggressive winter tire that can handle the mountains. I run the latter and while it sacrifices a lot in dry grip, snow and ice traction is miles ahead of any other snow tire I've used. They can burn down quickly in the relatively mild winters we get here, but they've taken me into the mountains to ski on many occasions.

Don't worry about being able to manage with an E92, you'll be fine. Drop us a note when you move. Growing community of M3 owners here.

I have the Wintersport M3 tires as well and they have treated me well. This is winter #3 for me. The past 2 winters, all I have had is my M3 to drive and have been fine. There were a few scary times, but they would probably have been scary in almost any vehicle.

One issue with our cars is the clearance; definitely try to avoid driving when the snow is deep and they haven't plowed yet. I got stuck in my complex as it hadn't been plowed. Luckily I was able to get out.

Zba · 02-04-2011, 03:45 PM

Hi everyone. I have placed an order for a M3 coupe with Gebhardt, hopefully to be delivered by the end of March. White on red, 6MT, Competition package and some other options, I cant wait!

dnvrdrvr · 02-04-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zba

Hi everyone. I have placed an order for a M3 coupe with Gebhardt, hopefully to be delivered by the end of March. White on red, 6MT, Competition package and some other options, I cant wait!

Congrats & welcome! I've heard most have a hard time sleeping while they're waiting... good luck!

Zba · 02-04-2011, 04:07 PM

Thank you. The current weather help ease the pain of waiting (yearning?). If it were dry and 50 degrees, that would be a different story though. 8400RPMs...mmmmmm...

dnvrdrvr · 02-04-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zba

Thank you. The current weather help ease the pain of waiting (yearning?). If it were dry and 50 degrees, that would be a different story though. 8400RPMs...mmmmmm...

Hate to burst your bubble, but this car is a blast in this weather with the right snow tires! I got the biggest kick this morning when I turned onto a wide, curvy, empty road this morning. I was just reading last night about the intricacies of oversteer & understeer... and got to practice this morning! It was LOTS of fun.

Oh and don't forget! You have 1200 miles to log on it before you get to enjoy 8400 rpms. Maybe plan a weekend road-trip south to get it over with if you don't think you'll be able to abstain.

Zba · 02-04-2011, 05:11 PM

Lol, true, but that is what my S4 is for. That way, if I end up in a ditch I can just drop it in first and rip my way out instead of calling for a wrecker.

DenverClipper · 02-09-2011, 06:45 PM

Hey everybody. Traded my 2010 E90 335ix yesterday for a 2011 white beauty E90 M3. Just waiting for some of the snow to melt to pick it up. Friday maybe. Can't wait.

dnvrdrvr · 02-10-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverClipper

Hey everybody. Traded my 2010 E90 335ix yesterday for a 2011 white beauty E90 M3. Just waiting for some of the snow to melt to pick it up. Friday maybe. Can't wait.

Congrats! Welcome!

02-01-2011, 01:07 PM	#68
JamesB41 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e46 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Hi Guys, Current e46 owner, strongly considering an e92. I'm also considering moving to Denver in the next few months. How difficult is it to drive an M3 year round there? Is it even possible? I like it as a daily driver and I'd really prefer to not have to own another car just as a winter beater. I'm originally from Buffalo so I've dealt with snow (even in a RWD V8) but I wanted to get some real-world advice from people in the Denver area. Thanks! James
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02-01-2011, 01:50 PM	#69
dirtyfreebooter Captain 339 Rep 655 Posts Drives: Vespa Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boulder, CO iTrader: (2)	I've only had my M3 for 600 miles (3 weeks), but I've already been through 2 snow storms, including one on delivery day. I had a Subaru beforehand, and the M3 being my first BMW, first V8, and first RWD car (had many Jeep Wranglers in the past), I was a little worried, but it really hasn't been a problem. Yesterday has the first day I worked from home because of the weather, and really it turned out just to be cold and icy... IMHO weather forecasts (in my 4 months living in Colorado) tend to suck worse than usual, compared to Pennsylvania (Poconos), California (Newport Beach), Arizona (Tucson). I use my M3 as a daily driver. The only issue with Colorado I find is damn ownership tax, that you have to pay every year on top of sales tax. Complete BS!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2011, 01:55 PM	#70
JamesB41 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e46 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Wow, I just read about that. That's absurd. 2% of the MSRP the first year? That is asinine. Just wow. That aside, good to hear it's not so bad. Do you have snow tires or you running summers?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2011, 01:57 PM	#71
dcstep Major General 1290 Rep 7,389 Posts Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 M3 [8.40]	James, I've got 2.5 winters on my E92 in Denver. It'll be like Buffalo, but not near so deep. Remember, we're not in the mountains here. Because of RWD and high hp, I run full snow tires on my M3. I use the Pirelli Soto Zero 240s, which I highly recommend. If you want to run up into the mountains every weekend to ski, then you might consider a AWD SUV with full snows. Up there you're constantly starting on an upgrade, where 4WD is at its best. Also, you'll use the extra ground clearance in mountains. You'll be very happy driving an M3 around Denver, so long as your have appropriate snow tires. Buy a set up 18" OEM take-offs for mounting and you'll have a great setup. Look us up when you get here. I'm down in Greenwood Village. Dave __________________ Flickr Photos Ucm, Inc.
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02-01-2011, 01:58 PM	#72
dirtyfreebooter Captain 339 Rep 655 Posts Drives: Vespa Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boulder, CO iTrader: (2)	Blizzaks LM-60s 235s on front, 255s on back on the zcp wheels. Summer tires would be an absolute disaster, especially since the high today is about 4F ....and its 1.9% the second year, in 5 years it will be around $4k in ownership tax.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2011, 02:03 PM	#73
JamesB41 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e46 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Man ownership tax just seems ridiculous, really trying to nickel & dime you I guess. I doubt I'd be in the mountains much at all, not much of a snow sports guy. I was in Denver a few months ago and it seemed pretty flat for the most part which I'm sure helps. I can imagine snow tires are a must. I drove a V8 Mustang GT with summer tires in the snow for a couple Buffalo winters and it made for some tense driving. Sounds like it'll be a little easier than that. I'll definitely hit you guys up if/when I move! Thanks for the advice.
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02-01-2011, 02:49 PM	#74
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	One more chiming in. On winter #8 with an M3 as my daily/only car (five in an E46 M3 convertible and now my third with the E90). Never any issues honestly, just had good snows, drive sensibly and be prepared. Great balance, LSD and traction control all work very well together. I've gone through just about every major brand of snow tire and my two recs would be the Wintersport M3s if you are going to stay around Denver, or Nokian Hakka Rs for a more aggressive winter tire that can handle the mountains. I run the latter and while it sacrifices a lot in dry grip, snow and ice traction is miles ahead of any other snow tire I've used. They can burn down quickly in the relatively mild winters we get here, but they've taken me into the mountains to ski on many occasions. Don't worry about being able to manage with an E92, you'll be fine. Drop us a note when you move. Growing community of M3 owners here. __________________ GT3 RS \| Desperately seeking the next great M car...
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02-02-2011, 11:32 AM	#75
///MC Private 7 Rep 58 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Collins, CO iTrader: (0)	Just moved to the Fort Collins area. M3 is way better in the winter then I thought it was going to be. Can't wait for summer though.
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02-02-2011, 02:54 PM	#77
lovethem4 Rocket Man 20 Rep 129 Posts Drives: ///M4 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	It's impossible without snow tires. I need to get some asap. Car has been stuck at work for 3 days, had to get picked up in my SUV. Long story, but I had to take m3 that morning and knew it'd probably stay here for a few days. What 19" tires would work for the m3?
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02-03-2011, 10:44 AM	#79
///MC Private 7 Rep 58 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Collins, CO iTrader: (0)	I found it easier to just get a winter set of rims and tires. It was about $200 then tire rack wanted for the 19" snow tires alone, and I don't have to worry about anything happening to my 19"s.
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02-04-2011, 03:45 PM	#82
Zba Lieutenant 16 Rep 557 Posts Drives: 2011.685 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011.5 M3 [9.74]	Hi everyone. I have placed an order for a M3 coupe with Gebhardt, hopefully to be delivered by the end of March. White on red, 6MT, Competition package and some other options, I cant wait!
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02-04-2011, 04:07 PM	#84
Zba Lieutenant 16 Rep 557 Posts Drives: 2011.685 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011.5 M3 [9.74]	Thank you. The current weather help ease the pain of waiting (yearning?). If it were dry and 50 degrees, that would be a different story though. 8400RPMs...mmmmmm...
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02-04-2011, 05:11 PM	#86
Zba Lieutenant 16 Rep 557 Posts Drives: 2011.685 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011.5 M3 [9.74]	Lol, true, but that is what my S4 is for. That way, if I end up in a ditch I can just drop it in first and rip my way out instead of calling for a wrecker.
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02-09-2011, 06:45 PM	#87
DenverClipper New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado iTrader: (0)	Hey everybody. Traded my 2010 E90 335ix yesterday for a 2011 white beauty E90 M3. Just waiting for some of the snow to melt to pick it up. Friday maybe. Can't wait.
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