Snow storm...can the M3 handle it?

Seven7 · 02-21-2011, 12:40 AM

Hey guys, quick shoutout to those in the forum who helped me with getting the right winter tires last year. Anyway, I finally installed a set of Michelin PA3s (235/40/18) in the front and (245/40/18) in the back. Theses tires work like a charm. I cut through some 7-8 inches of fresh snow and had no problem with turning or stopping. I highly recommend this brand and model (V-rated PA3s not the H-rated PA3s) because I have no problem with anything on the road. Thanks once again to the people in the forum for guiding me and helping me with my inquiries. Here are some pictures.

1sikbmr · 02-21-2011, 12:42 AM

sweet... love seeing the car in snow

ChrisK · 02-21-2011, 07:51 AM

Nice! I think late fall I will get a winter setup.

_Jono_ · 02-21-2011, 08:16 AM

looks like fun!

bobbyd1961 · 02-21-2011, 08:21 AM

it can handle it with a good snow tire. at least it makes the car usable in the winter. with the summer tires the car in any snow is useless

ChrisK · 02-21-2011, 09:03 AM

I took the car around the block (still has summers on) with an 1 or so of snow on the ground for fun.

As I knew, the car was a mess. Scary - unsafe.

immiketoo · 02-21-2011, 12:35 PM

The weather in you NAV doesn't match the real world. BMW needs to step it up!

Gamoto · 02-21-2011, 12:54 PM

I would imagine driving the automatic makes it easier to handle in the snow.
My M hybernates in my garage all winter. Car not meant for the snow.

llis · 02-21-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamoto

I would imagine driving the automatic makes it easier to handle in the snow.
My M hybernates in my garage all winter. Car not meant for the snow.

Actually I think manual makes it easier to control. I manually shift my DCT so I can keep the revs low, with no sudden, unexpected downshifts. Torque is the enemy, but the M3's traction control is stellar.

Malapropism · 02-21-2011, 12:58 PM

looks like oxford and wonderland intersection in london

mkoesel · 02-21-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamoto

Car not meant for the snow.

Can not meant for the garage, can meant for driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by llis

Actually I think manual makes it easier to control.

+1 Not that I ever use D mode, but I especially can't imagine driving in poor conditions without full control of the gear ratios.

ADV.1 Matt · 02-21-2011, 03:25 PM

I think the M3 in the snow would be a "lively" experience!

immiketoo · 02-21-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADV.1 Matt

I think the M3 in the snow would be a "lively" experience!

Without snows, its a "holy hell, I think I just shat meself!" experience

dentity · 02-21-2011, 05:20 PM

With winter tires I feel it's no problem. Actually have better control and grip than most people because most drivers dont switch over to winter tires but with all seasons.

dentity · 02-21-2011, 05:23 PM

for those who can't drive in the snow... get snow tires and take a winter driving course. I feel embarrassed for you. The traction control on the 2011 is phenominal. There is no mod for learning or improving your driving skills.

http://www.naaclub.org/?p=471

Chowster · 02-21-2011, 07:28 PM

8" is quite a bit... You'd be plowing quite a lot of snow with your front end. That snow better be light and fluffy!

llis · 02-21-2011, 07:34 PM

Yeah, if the snow is typically deeper than 5-6", you might want to consider this air-dam mod.

Seven7 · 02-21-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhostRideTheWhip

There was a vid of an M3 going through like 2 feet of snow with huge snowdrifts. I tried finding it to no avail. If anyone can find that thread, please post a link to the thread.

FOUND IT!

I went with PA3s because they were ranked 1st in the winter tires category according to tirerack. I was actually pulling the trigger on the 3D dunlop but I read some reviews saying that the traction isnt too good at times. When I was driving with the PA3s I feel like I was driving an AWD, I had total control of my car and I seriously recommend these sets to those thinking of buying winter tires in the future. Basically, nothing can go wrong with PA3s.

Chowster · 02-21-2011, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k7-seven

I went with PA3s because they were ranked 1st in the winter tires category according to tirerack. I was actually pulling the trigger on the 3D dunlop but I read some reviews saying that the traction isnt too good at times. When I was driving with the PA3s I feel like I was driving an AWD, I had total control of my car and I seriously recommend these sets to those thinking of buying winter tires in the future. Basically, nothing can go wrong with PA3s.

There are others here that feel otherwise about PA3s, including some of our fellow Canadians in snowy climates:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=474753

Glad you like the PA3s, but I bet Blizzaks would be exponentially better in all true wintery conditions. Drive safe out there!

BMWBoss · 02-21-2011, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamoto

I would imagine driving the automatic makes it easier to handle in the snow.
My M hybernates in my garage all winter. Car not meant for the snow.

Manual actually handles better in the snow

Subw00er · 02-22-2011, 12:10 AM

Wow my experience with the pa3's is totally different. I cant wait to get them off my car. I will be doing wintersports again next year.

Seven7 · 02-22-2011, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chowster

There are others here that feel otherwise about PA3s, including some of our fellow Canadians in snowy climates:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=474753

Glad you like the PA3s, but I bet Blizzaks would be exponentially better in all true wintery conditions. Drive safe out there!

I think this guy is just an exception (maybe how he is driving is holding him back in the snow?). If you read the comments in the thread, others find the PA3s terrific.

02-21-2011, 12:40 AM	#1
Seven7 First Lieutenant 54 Rep 348 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver BC iTrader: (1)	Snow storm...can the M3 handle it? Hey guys, quick shoutout to those in the forum who helped me with getting the right winter tires last year. Anyway, I finally installed a set of Michelin PA3s (235/40/18) in the front and (245/40/18) in the back. Theses tires work like a charm. I cut through some 7-8 inches of fresh snow and had no problem with turning or stopping. I highly recommend this brand and model (V-rated PA3s not the H-rated PA3s) because I have no problem with anything on the road. Thanks once again to the people in the forum for guiding me and helping me with my inquiries. Here are some pictures. Attached Images Last edited by Seven7; 02-23-2011 at 12:09 AM..
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02-21-2011, 12:42 AM	#2
1sikbmr Brigadier General 145 Rep 3,329 Posts Drives: F80 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (16)	sweet... love seeing the car in snow __________________ F80 ///M3 6MT Avus Blue ZCP
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02-21-2011, 07:51 AM	#3
ChrisK Major General 4449 Rep 7,594 Posts Drives: '19 M2C Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [7.00] 2015 Porsche Macan S [0.00]	Nice! I think late fall I will get a winter setup. __________________ www.ReTuneTheDeTune.com 2019 M2 Competition (Sunset Orange)
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02-21-2011, 08:16 AM	#4
_Jono_ Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 217 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 DCT, 2012 GTR, Speed3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	looks like fun!
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02-21-2011, 08:21 AM	#5
bobbyd1961 Banned 43 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 sedan LeMans Blue Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: new jersey iTrader: (0)	it can handle it with a good snow tire. at least it makes the car usable in the winter. with the summer tires the car in any snow is useless
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02-21-2011, 09:03 AM	#6
ChrisK Major General 4449 Rep 7,594 Posts Drives: '19 M2C Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [7.00] 2015 Porsche Macan S [0.00]	I took the car around the block (still has summers on) with an 1 or so of snow on the ground for fun. As I knew, the car was a mess. Scary - unsafe. __________________ www.ReTuneTheDeTune.com 2019 M2 Competition (Sunset Orange)
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02-21-2011, 12:54 PM	#8
Gamoto Second Lieutenant 124 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2016 M6 Convertible 2018 750ix Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	I would imagine driving the automatic makes it easier to handle in the snow. My M hybernates in my garage all winter. Car not meant for the snow.
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02-21-2011, 12:58 PM	#10
Malapropism Book Worm 52 Rep 548 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (3)	looks like oxford and wonderland intersection in london
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02-21-2011, 03:25 PM	#12
ADV.1 Matt Lieutenant Colonel 130 Rep 1,512 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	I think the M3 in the snow would be a "lively" experience!
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02-21-2011, 05:20 PM	#14
dentity New Member 0 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: RI iTrader: (0)	With winter tires I feel it's no problem. Actually have better control and grip than most people because most drivers dont switch over to winter tires but with all seasons.
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02-21-2011, 05:23 PM	#15
dentity New Member 0 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: RI iTrader: (0)	for those who can't drive in the snow... get snow tires and take a winter driving course. I feel embarrassed for you. The traction control on the 2011 is phenominal. There is no mod for learning or improving your driving skills. http://www.naaclub.org/?p=471
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02-21-2011, 07:28 PM	#16
Chowster E60_to_E90 36 Rep 1,201 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Surrey, BC, Canada iTrader: (2)	8" is quite a bit... You'd be plowing quite a lot of snow with your front end. That snow better be light and fluffy! __________________ 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
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02-21-2011, 07:34 PM	#17
llis octane chick 79 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: ex-M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 ZCP [10.00] 2003 BMW M5 [0.00]	Yeah, if the snow is typically deeper than 5-6", you might want to consider this air-dam mod. Attached Images
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02-22-2011, 12:10 AM	#21
Subw00er Bates '08 Interlagos Launch 126 Rep 1,230 Posts Drives: 440i xGC, ZL1, JCW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	Wow my experience with the pa3's is totally different. I cant wait to get them off my car. I will be doing wintersports again next year. __________________ Custom Exhaust Project: Bates Valvetronic exhaust: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253661 -- Exhaust Mod pics in here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40236795@N03/ DON'T BUY Race Ready Performance electronic cutout valves. Here's why: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...40#post9589740
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