Handles great in snow!

[Powerslide]

Anyone who lives in the Chicago area (or who was here the past few days) knows that we just had some of the worst driving conditions in years (save for the blizzard in Feb. 2011). Cannot ever recall seeing so many cars in the ditch... (luckily the accidents I saw appeared to do more harm to the drivers' egos as compared to bodily injury or true damage to the cars).

That being said - I was required to take my car out in some pretty bad conditions yesterday (about 20 miles each way - horrible conditions whether local roads, main roads or interstates - my drive was a combination of all three). The only contact patches between the tires (Michelin Pilot Alpin) and the road were occasional two-tire track marks in a given lane - changing lanes required the tires to be completely separated from the pavement by a smooth, well-compacted layer of snow. But wow - I definitely felt like I was more in control than other cars on the road, even those with all-wheel drive (presumably with all-season tires, rather than winter tires like my M). The linear power delivery of the engine, combined with the M differential and winter tires really did the trick (as well as being fully aware that even these qualities cannot substitute for a healthy dose of common sense and humility under these circumstances). These attributes of the car, combined with its inherent tendency to gradually, rather than ubruptly approach its limits, make such a high-performing car remarkably controllable and useful even in terrible winter conditions (save for very deep snow on unplowed roads - which I would not want to attempt unless in an SUV).

Bottom line - the past couple of days reminded me of how great the M drives even under such bad conditions as the past couple of days here. 5 1/2 years with this car - and even as of tonight can't wait to drive it tomorrow!

Anyone else take their M out in the snow these past few days (whether in Chitown or elsewhere)?

[dparm]

Sure did.

Not quite as reassuring as my previous two Audis were, but it is definitely manageable if you are easy on the throttle and drive carefully. The DCT makes taking off from a stop easy: I just let the low-speed-assistant get the car moving. Blizzak LM60s in 245/40R18 mounted to 18x8.5 Drag wheels.

[klammer]

Can't get out of the garage and if I could, wouldn't be able to get out of the alley then, but sure wanted to go out and play. Love my car in the snow.

[Powerslide]

Dparm - is that Alpine White or a different white?

[Ezio]

i drove today. located in a area that is getting hit hard also. my car with the Blizzak on ZCP rims do pretty dam good.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Powerslide

Dparm - is that Alpine White or a different white?

Alpine White III (300)

[Arben72]

My m3 got stuck in my driveway and is going to stay in the garage till it melts. Only issue I have I live in the middle of nowhere where they suck at plowing so clearance is an issue.

[KARLPAGLIACCI]

I'm sure all of you are professionals in driving in this type of weather. But, it's the other guy/gal you have to watch out for. Be safe out there.

[Candide13]

The variable lock differential plays a big role in making the M3 sure-footed on slippery stuff, found that out this winter too!
Performance and stability, can it get any better?

[swartzentruber]

Yeah, had mine out Thursday, and no real issues in the snow. Frankly, I love DCT in these conditions, because I can keep both hands on the wheel at all times, but still use the paddles to choose the exact gear I want to be in.

Not sure how many people went out yesterday, but those conditions (-13F, -40ish windchill) was actually far worse for traction, even with snow tires. I can't even imagine how hard an A/S tire must be when it's that cold -- probably about like a summer at 30F.

[grantmax]

Originally Posted by Powerslide

Dparm - is that Alpine White or a different white?

He made a pun.

[mdefalco25]

Took my car out today to head to work. Car handled fine. It was the two SUVs that just missed me as they slid through their turn when I decided to take it back home and drive the SUV to work. Funny how I wasn't having any issues.

[Suave]

You all are brave. I actually just got rid of my car to make room for F82 prior to winter since I don't mess with the snow and salt anyway. I let the SUV deal with that. Great to hear though how well it does

[K.M. Tim]

I drive her everyday and all conditions. No snow here in The Netherlands~yet. In yrs past, the Blizzacks due well in snow and aren't too bad in rain either.

[go4gr8]

Works great in Maine! I have the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3's and drove through everything (snow, ice, rain) this past week with no issues. The car is a tank! Start it in 2nd gear to reduce slip. Drove the car like a granny going slower than usual. That's how you don't end up in the ditch.

[808@702]

Daaaa Bearrs

[Techjunkie666]

It sucks to drive here in Texas too. Driving in 40 degree weather is painful!

[RS4now]

You guys are way braver than I am. Have u driven down Halsted?? It looks like the moon. Actually, I bet the moon has less potholes. I stored my M because I don't trust most of the other jack wagons on the road. I drove a C63 with winters, no problem. I can only imagine the M being tons better. If u see a guy staring or waving at you who is driving a POS Mitsubishi Outlander its me.

[grantmax]

Upon further review, this difference in driver experience is glaring.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=932026

[typicaltrabes]

I drove down from Montreal Canada to New York during the Hercules storm the other day. I was treking most of the day through 3 inches of fresh snow on top of poorly plowed roads. I was amazed at how much the M could handle. I used to own a 4 wheel drive car and was slightly dreading taking the M in the snow but it was truly impressive. Even on fully covered roads it was never unstable. I do wish I had headlight washers though. I had to stop 5 times over an 8 hour period to clean off the headlights.

[jcm3]

I drive my M everyday!! First the snow then the subzero temps!

[AKG M3]

to all who enjoy their M3s year round