Moving to chicago...Snow...

[drvai]

Hi All,

I will be moving to Chicago in a few months. Will be there for about a year and I wonder if it's feasible to drive the M3 in the city during winter.

I have never lived in a snowy city... Salt damage is that bad???
Would I get away by using all weather tires? Dont want to get snow tired just for one season.

Any tips are welcome. Thanks!

[DemolitionJim]

it is possible to drive your M in the winter in Chicago. salt damage isnt bad if you take the time to prep your car for winter and wash it on a day where it isn't snowing and it isn't freezing out (we have had some warm winter days intermittently the past couple years).

as far as tires go, you might be ok with all seasons but i would definitely advise on seeing if you can find at least a used set of winter tires to save some cash.

when it snows in the chicago, they usually get more in the city due to lake effect.

hope that helps a little.

[IND-Distribution]

^ Good advice!

If you are not experienced driving in the snow then I would highly recommend against all season tires.

Get a used set of dedicated snow tires and sell them after the season is over.

[eclause13]

Ya you should be able to pick a winter set up for around $700. Either way if your living in the city don't drive down the alleys when it's snowing!!

[Arben72]

Is it possible for you to drive in chicago during winter with winter tires, yes. Do I recommend it, no. People in Illinois can't drive worth shit in winter, I got rear ended 3 times (low speed, I didn't even bother to call the police) in my winter beater. If that happened in my M, I would have cried.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by Arben72

Is it possible for you to drive in chicago during winter with winter tires, yes. Do I recommend it, no. People in Illinois can't drive worth shit in winter, I got rear ended 3 times (low speed, I didn't even bother to call the police) in my winter beater. If that happened in my M, I would have cried.

So for how many months you need a "beater".. or a 4X4?

(You need to drive in Miami to realize how good people in Illinois drive!)

[Pillzilla]

We can get snow starting in late November and lasting until early April. Highest chances and amounts of snow will be during late December through mid March. I would get a set of winter tires and sell them when you don't need them anymore. You should have no problem finding a buyer.

[tareemaa]

I've driven a rear wheel car in Chicago year around for the last 6 years, it's not hard, you gotta know that you shouldn't worry about moving forward, it's stopping that's concerning, idiot with SUVs drive like there nothing on the ground and go pounding into walls or other people or into ditches. While all seasons should work they are not ideal, if you are coming from Miami then go with winter man, it'll be worth it, you'll be able to sell them easily. And lastly, and this is crucial, keep one eye on the ground in front of you, the potholes here are horrendous. I lived in Miami for a year and your right, the drivers there are horrible but your roads there are butter compared to ours. Salt damage is not an issue if you get to a car wash often and right after a snow storm, be sure to wash the undercarriage. Good luck man! Welcome to the chi greatest city on the planet.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by Pillzilla

We can get snow starting in late November and lasting until early April. Highest chances and amounts of snow will be during late December through mid March. I would get a set of winter tires and sell them when you don't need them anymore. You should have no problem finding a buyer.

But I also need wheels, right? I have been reading in this forum and seems there are no winter tires available for the 19"wheels

[Parkanzky]

Buy a used set of wheels with snow tires already on them. They're commonly available, will make a huge difference and will end up saving you as much as they cost in reduced wear/tear on your summer setup.

[tareemaa]

go on discount tire, you can find some 19" snows

[happos2]

Originally Posted by drvai

But I also need wheels, right? I have been reading in this forum and seems there are no winter tires available for the 19"wheels

False. I have Blizzaks that I put on my OEM 19" 220M wheels. Car does well in the winter for what it is (obviously it isn't a Subaru). Get winter tires (winter wheels if you so choose) and you should be good to go.

As for Salt, just prep the car. But if you are from FL, you probably have as much if not worst salt problems due to those big water sources near you

[MRV99]

I have lived in Chicago my whole life. I have driven 540,545,550,m3 in the winter with snow tires with out a single issue. Personally, the M3 is much better in the snow due to the locking diff compared to the open diffs on the 5 series. Personally, I run snow/winters on every car. That way you get the best performance in cold and warm. As stated earlier, the go is not the problem, it is the evasive maneuver and stopping which is the biggest reason for getting dedicated snow setup. I even put snows on the X5 as well

[Griz]

Originally Posted by drvai

Hi All,

I will be moving to Chicago in a few months. Will be there for about a year and I wonder if it's feasible to drive the M3 in the city during winter.

I have never lived in a snowy city... Salt damage is that bad???
Would I get away by using all weather tires? Dont want to get snow tired just for one season.

Any tips are welcome. Thanks!

I've been here for 3 years, and a set of winter tires have worked out fine for me. They also got me through a winter in Minneapolis.

I think a big factor is your commute. If you're going to work and live in Chicago (e.g., work in the loop and live downtown or in a nearby neighborhood), then I highly recommend getting a CTA pass. The monthly fee allows you to ride the bus and L as frequently as you want, and it's a lot nicer than city transportation in other places. This town is also crawling with cabs. the point is, if you're really worried about the weather, you can get where you want without having to take your M3 out. I haven't lived in the suburbs, so I can't help with advice there.

I also don't think the drivers are all that bad. The cab drivers are aggressive, but they're not reckless. What you really have to watch out for is bicycle riders and pedestrians with death wishes.... that was the hardest adjustment to driving in Chicago.

Edit:

And if you do live/work downtown, make sure you have a garage. Chicagoans use their bumpers when they parallel park.

[mkPOTO]

talk to iamcpap, he has 2 sets of winters wheels and tires he is looking to sell