How does M3 handle in snow with winter 18 set up??

dave70 · 04-05-2011, 01:48 PM

I know this has been asked before. I have ordered my E90 but there is a concern in my family that the car will not perform well even with winter tires on 18s. We do have an suv but I usually drop my son off at school each day and my wife drives the suv... someone in my family thinks I am being a reckless dad with a mid life crisis by getting an M3 as opposed to a 5er with x drive.

I need some ammo from others who drive in the Northeast or Mid west or Canada for that matter...

thanks!!

Prince_of_Persia · 04-05-2011, 01:52 PM

Really nice, just make sure you get a good set of winter tire

mkoesel · 04-05-2011, 02:10 PM

There's no way you'll get all of the valuable past info on this topic reiterated in this new thread. I would just use google or your favorite search engine:

http://www.google.com/search?q=site%...om+handle+snow

mkoesel · 04-05-2011, 02:15 PM

LOL, just recognized you from the "My wife thinks M3s are for kids" thread.

Apparently, "someone" really does not want you to get the M3. It seems like there is a lot of negativity in your life. May the M3 bring you a bastion of joy in your time of great sorrow.

m3cragg · 04-05-2011, 02:18 PM

Ive got the m3 winter wheel/tire package from bmw and it does suprisingly well

Wah · 04-05-2011, 02:31 PM

Someone's wife knows nothing about winter tires. I hope you are able to educate her. Good luck with that.

My kids love my M3. My wife hates it.

BillBarilko · 04-05-2011, 02:40 PM

I have owned M3's/M5's for the past 10 years and they have all been my daily driver year round. I echo other comments in that winter tires are key. My current e92 is 100% solid in the snow with winter tires and DSC left on. I drive my son to school in it every morning and he loves it, particularly when I turn the DSC off and do a couple controlled tail slides.

The only issues I have had have been when I was lazy and didn't get the snows on before the first storm. My recommendation would be to get a separate set of wheels with the tires and do the seasonal change at home. Then get a third set of wheels/tires for the track!

slicer · 04-05-2011, 02:53 PM

I would rather be in an M3 with snow tires than the typical suv with mediocre tires on snow or ice. I have never felt unsafe in my M3 during winter driving. Four wheel drive does not allow you to stop any faster; it only allows you to start faster... That being said, I have had challenges with the M3 in deep snow. The car does not have enough traction to keep moving up hill once the car is plowing snow of approximately 6" or more. This has never been an issue going down the road but it has when trying to climb a hill from a stop.

flipm3 · 04-05-2011, 03:04 PM

my E90 M3 has gone through 2 winters. i have been using Blizzak LM-25s and have nothing but great things to say. as everyone has said, as long as you have a good set of winter tires, you'll be set. this past winter was terrible here in Chicago and i had no problems driving through crazy blizzards. it felt just as safe as my E46 M3 on winters. it felt safer than my sister's Civic on all seasons. it felt just as safe as our ML350 on all seasons.

as long as you drive responsibly with appropriate tires, you'll be set. i do recommend leaving a small shovel in the trunk though just in case

**ben@tirerack** · 04-05-2011, 03:07 PM

Having worked with a wide range of customers in a wide range of climates, the M3 can be outfitted to handle all but the most extreme of winters. The only limitation, as noted above, is ground clearance.

RWD + Snows + proper car control > AWD + All-seasons + ignorance

dave70 · 04-05-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wah

Someone's wife knows nothing about winter tires. I hope you are able to educate her. Good luck with that.

My kids love my M3. My wife hates it.

Same deal here

JohnnyRoaster · 04-05-2011, 03:23 PM

I agree with all of the above. I would rather drive my M3 with Dunlop snows than our Highlander Hybrid SUV with all season tires. The only limitation is ground clearence. Most times that is an issue, school is cancelled anyway.

I would recommend getting a set of snow tires mounted on 18 inch aftermarket wheels. I put mine on the day after Thanksgiving and take them off around Easter. Some BMWCCA chapters have winter driving courses which can be a lot of fun. Or you can just find a big empty parking lot on the first snow.

And you are not being an irresponsible father.

ykim66 · 04-05-2011, 03:41 PM

I have my Blizzaks on my OEM 19s and live in Chicago. Had no issues this past winter, drives great.

cipher5 · 04-05-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben@tirerack

Having worked with a wide range of customers in a wide range of climates, the M3 can be outfitted to handle all but the most extreme of winters. The only limitation, as noted above, is ground clearance.

RWD + Snows + proper car control > AWD + All-seasons + ignorance

AMEN Ben!

pbonsalb · 04-05-2011, 05:26 PM

If your wife is going to give you a hard time, think about whether the M3 is worth the hard time. There are some other cars that are lots of fun and that may be better all around choices, particularly in snow.

I have an E90M3 with 255/235 snows on stock 18s and it is OK in the snow but not exceptional. 225/45/18 on narrower aftermarket wheels would be better.

A 550i x-drive or 535i x-drive or 335i x-drive might be worth looking at. The new turbo V8 in the 5 series was nearly as quick as the M3 in one recent test at 4.5 to 60 and 111 in the quarter (but slower than that in another recent test) and it would do that relatively effortlessly compared to the high strung V8 in the M3 that has to be wrung out hard. The BMW AWD system, however, is not really performance oriented in the sense of a Mitsu EVO or Subaru STI, so the AWD version makes the RWD car less sporty rather than more.

An Audi S4 is a really nice car, though without the edge of the M3. Its AWD system adds to, rather than subtracts from the handling.

Brosef · 04-05-2011, 05:26 PM

no problems here in chicago. it's a tank in anything short of deep snow where clearance is an issue. I've gone through alleys with 6"+ of snow no problem.

flipm3 · 04-05-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

If your wife is going to give you a hard time, think about whether the M3 is worth the hard time. There are some other cars that are lots of fun and that may be better all around choices, particularly in snow.

I have an E90M3 with 255/235 snows on stock 18s and it is OK in the snow but not exceptional. 225/45/18 on narrower aftermarket wheels would be better.

A 550i x-drive or 535i x-drive or 335i x-drive might be worth looking at. The new turbo V8 in the 5 series was nearly as quick as the M3 in one recent test at 4.5 to 60 and 111 in the quarter (but slower than that in another recent test) and it would do that relatively effortlessly compared to the high strung V8 in the M3 that has to be wrung out hard. The BMW AWD system, however, is not really performance oriented in the sense of a Mitsu EVO or Subaru STI, so the AWD version makes the RWD car less sporty rather than more.

An Audi S4 is a really nice car, though without the edge of the M3. Its AWD system adds to, rather than subtracts from the handling.

im running a 235/45/18 on my E90 M3 and it is phenomenal. i definitely recommend going with a narrower tire.

dave70 · 04-05-2011, 06:08 PM

I was going to buy the 550ix M sport but passed since I was looking for something sportier as I am coming out of an S5504. I know its straight line fast, prob legit 4.6 0-60 with xdrive

Wah · 04-05-2011, 06:36 PM

Just get the snow tires on next winter and let her drive the M3 when it snows. She will realize how much more predictably the car handles with snow tires on. That should be the end of the "reckless dad" bullshit.... i don't know about the "midlife crisis" talk though.

GewoW · 04-06-2011, 12:29 AM

depends on the quality of your tires
depends how heavy your foot is
depends if your city cleans the roads
depends on how many hills your city has
depends on if the DSC is on or off

It's fine. But don't be delusional - it will never reach the x-drive capability. Tell your wife you love her and try to do everything for her and be a good husband. You have an SUV for heavy days, but you will buy an M3 because you want to be selfish for once in your life, and if she loves you, she will be happy for you.

Good luck.

Chowster · 04-06-2011, 01:46 AM

I run Dunlop 3Ds on 19s up here in Canada (albeit the mild West Coast!). 235/255 as with some other people above. No problems at all, other than ground clearance. Drive sensibly, and with some driving skill!

Oh yeah, don't forget a good set of winter mats.

k5ng · 04-06-2011, 06:55 AM

Just picked up my E93 w/19s last month.

Not the quite the same situation "the wife" that you have. But also wondered what was the right set up for winter up here. Seeing Ben's threads and most others, will go with 18s. Found a set of staggered OEM 18 219Ms wheels and now just looking for the right tires to go with it.

Good luck in your search and enjoy your new "baby"!

04-05-2011, 01:48 PM	#1
dave70 Private First Class 13 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 2012 cayenne turbo; 2013 MB GL Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Westchester Cty, NY iTrader: (0)	How does M3 handle in snow with winter 18 set up?? I know this has been asked before. I have ordered my E90 but there is a concern in my family that the car will not perform well even with winter tires on 18s. We do have an suv but I usually drop my son off at school each day and my wife drives the suv... someone in my family thinks I am being a reckless dad with a mid life crisis by getting an M3 as opposed to a 5er with x drive. I need some ammo from others who drive in the Northeast or Mid west or Canada for that matter... thanks!!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-05-2011, 01:52 PM	#2
Prince_of_Persia Colonel 248 Rep 2,513 Posts Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	Really nice, just make sure you get a good set of winter tire __________________ AW\|FR 6MT E92 ///M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 02:10 PM	#3
mkoesel Moderator 7509 Rep 19,370 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	There's no way you'll get all of the valuable past info on this topic reiterated in this new thread. I would just use google or your favorite search engine: http://www.google.com/search?q=site%...om+handle+snow
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 02:15 PM	#4
mkoesel Moderator 7509 Rep 19,370 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	LOL, just recognized you from the "My wife thinks M3s are for kids" thread. Apparently, "someone" really does not want you to get the M3. It seems like there is a lot of negativity in your life. May the M3 bring you a bastion of joy in your time of great sorrow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 02:18 PM	#5
m3cragg Private First Class 17 Rep 150 Posts Drives: F87 X3M Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Ive got the m3 winter wheel/tire package from bmw and it does suprisingly well
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 02:31 PM	#6
Wah IG@i.am.wah 2779 Rep 3,815 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 1974 BMW 2002 [0.00] 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00]	Someone's wife knows nothing about winter tires. I hope you are able to educate her. Good luck with that. My kids love my M3. My wife hates it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 02:40 PM	#7
BillBarilko New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I have owned M3's/M5's for the past 10 years and they have all been my daily driver year round. I echo other comments in that winter tires are key. My current e92 is 100% solid in the snow with winter tires and DSC left on. I drive my son to school in it every morning and he loves it, particularly when I turn the DSC off and do a couple controlled tail slides. The only issues I have had have been when I was lazy and didn't get the snows on before the first storm. My recommendation would be to get a separate set of wheels with the tires and do the seasonal change at home. Then get a third set of wheels/tires for the track! __________________ 20" BBS CH-Rs / Ground Control Coilover Conversion Kit
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 02:53 PM	#8
slicer Major General 2736 Rep 6,734 Posts Drives: 'E46 M3 Race Car, '23 X7 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wisconsin - Instagram - @slicer_m iTrader: (39)	I would rather be in an M3 with snow tires than the typical suv with mediocre tires on snow or ice. I have never felt unsafe in my M3 during winter driving. Four wheel drive does not allow you to stop any faster; it only allows you to start faster... That being said, I have had challenges with the M3 in deep snow. The car does not have enough traction to keep moving up hill once the car is plowing snow of approximately 6" or more. This has never been an issue going down the road but it has when trying to climb a hill from a stop. __________________ '23 X7 '04 M3 - Fall Line Motorsports Built Race Car - S65 swap, Dry Sump, Bosch Stand-Alone ECU, Drenth Sequential Trans, MCS 3-Way, Flossmann Wide Body, Brembo Motorsports Brakes, Drexler LSD, BBS E88 Etc. INSTAGRAM - @Slicer_M
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 03:04 PM	#9
flipm3 E46 + E90 + F80 192 Rep 2,894 Posts Drives: E46 + E90 + F80 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Illinois iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00] 2002 BMW M3 [0.00]	my E90 M3 has gone through 2 winters. i have been using Blizzak LM-25s and have nothing but great things to say. as everyone has said, as long as you have a good set of winter tires, you'll be set. this past winter was terrible here in Chicago and i had no problems driving through crazy blizzards. it felt just as safe as my E46 M3 on winters. it felt safer than my sister's Civic on all seasons. it felt just as safe as our ML350 on all seasons. as long as you drive responsibly with appropriate tires, you'll be set. i do recommend leaving a small shovel in the trunk though just in case __________________ F80 M3 DCT\|Alpine White . Black Leather \| My Build Thread E90 M3 DCT\|Melbourne Red . Speed Cloth \| My Build Thread E46 M3 6MT\|Jet Black . Black Nappa Leather \| My Build Thread
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 03:07 PM	#10
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Having worked with a wide range of customers in a wide range of climates, the M3 can be outfitted to handle all but the most extreme of winters. The only limitation, as noted above, is ground clearance. RWD + Snows + proper car control > AWD + All-seasons + ignorance __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 03:23 PM	#12
JohnnyRoaster Captain 42 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 09 Jerez Black M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Outside Beantown iTrader: (0)	I agree with all of the above. I would rather drive my M3 with Dunlop snows than our Highlander Hybrid SUV with all season tires. The only limitation is ground clearence. Most times that is an issue, school is cancelled anyway. I would recommend getting a set of snow tires mounted on 18 inch aftermarket wheels. I put mine on the day after Thanksgiving and take them off around Easter. Some BMWCCA chapters have winter driving courses which can be a lot of fun. Or you can just find a big empty parking lot on the first snow. And you are not being an irresponsible father. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 03:41 PM	#13
ykim66 Private 6 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 997 turbo Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	I have my Blizzaks on my OEM 19s and live in Chicago. Had no issues this past winter, drives great.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 05:26 PM	#15
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5216 Rep 10,601 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	If your wife is going to give you a hard time, think about whether the M3 is worth the hard time. There are some other cars that are lots of fun and that may be better all around choices, particularly in snow. I have an E90M3 with 255/235 snows on stock 18s and it is OK in the snow but not exceptional. 225/45/18 on narrower aftermarket wheels would be better. A 550i x-drive or 535i x-drive or 335i x-drive might be worth looking at. The new turbo V8 in the 5 series was nearly as quick as the M3 in one recent test at 4.5 to 60 and 111 in the quarter (but slower than that in another recent test) and it would do that relatively effortlessly compared to the high strung V8 in the M3 that has to be wrung out hard. The BMW AWD system, however, is not really performance oriented in the sense of a Mitsu EVO or Subaru STI, so the AWD version makes the RWD car less sporty rather than more. An Audi S4 is a really nice car, though without the edge of the M3. Its AWD system adds to, rather than subtracts from the handling.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 05:26 PM	#16
Brosef Brigadier General 875 Rep 3,450 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (4)	no problems here in chicago. it's a tank in anything short of deep snow where clearance is an issue. I've gone through alleys with 6"+ of snow no problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 06:08 PM	#18
dave70 Private First Class 13 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 2012 cayenne turbo; 2013 MB GL Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Westchester Cty, NY iTrader: (0)	I was going to buy the 550ix M sport but passed since I was looking for something sportier as I am coming out of an S5504. I know its straight line fast, prob legit 4.6 0-60 with xdrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2011, 06:36 PM	#19
Wah IG@i.am.wah 2779 Rep 3,815 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 1974 BMW 2002 [0.00] 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00]	Just get the snow tires on next winter and let her drive the M3 when it snows. She will realize how much more predictably the car handles with snow tires on. That should be the end of the "reckless dad" bullshit.... i don't know about the "midlife crisis" talk though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-06-2011, 12:29 AM	#20
GewoW #thatsanicemovebro 202 Rep 3,920 Posts Drives: E92 M3 LSB/Black 6MT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.34]	depends on the quality of your tires depends how heavy your foot is depends if your city cleans the roads depends on how many hills your city has depends on if the DSC is on or off It's fine. But don't be delusional - it will never reach the x-drive capability. Tell your wife you love her and try to do everything for her and be a good husband. You have an SUV for heavy days, but you will buy an M3 because you want to be selfish for once in your life, and if she loves you, she will be happy for you. Good luck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-06-2011, 01:46 AM	#21
Chowster E60_to_E90 36 Rep 1,201 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Surrey, BC, Canada iTrader: (2)	I run Dunlop 3Ds on 19s up here in Canada (albeit the mild West Coast!). 235/255 as with some other people above. No problems at all, other than ground clearance. Drive sensibly, and with some driving skill! Oh yeah, don't forget a good set of winter mats. __________________ 2011.5 E90 Dinan M3, SS II, M-DCT, EDC, M Drive. 20" MORR VS8.2 wheels Performance Mods: Dinan St.1 suspension, exhaust, intake; TTPs; BPM St.II, DCT, servo tunes Cosmetic Mods: OEM CF splitters, mirrors, center console, spoiler; Arkym CF diffuser; LUX; tint
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-06-2011, 06:55 AM	#22
k5ng Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2016 F83 M4 Mineral Grey/DCT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0)	Just picked up my E93 w/19s last month. Not the quite the same situation "the wife" that you have. But also wondered what was the right set up for winter up here. Seeing Ben's threads and most others, will go with 18s. Found a set of staggered OEM 18 219Ms wheels and now just looking for the right tires to go with it. Good luck in your search and enjoy your new "baby"!
	Appreciate 0 Quote