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[alvinjamur]

Am wondering what the "safest" settings would be for the M3 with DCT.
Are there any recommendations on tires?

- aLV

[Bluedoor2002]

I just spent 4 hours yesterday driving in a snow storm which was falling on top of a solid icy glaze. I did really well in D1. The car starts in 2nd gear and the creep mode was great in the bumper-to-bumper traffic. The car also appears to magically know when I needed to engine break when going to down some steep back roads with about 6" of snow. I have Blizzak LM-25 (staggard set up) on 18" rims. The car did fantastic. Because of the icy glaze, there were Audi's and other AWD cars slip-sliding away while my M3 plowed on like a champ. I definately think that the M3's balance really helps with control in wintery conditions

[footie]

The only reason an awd car would have problems is if they had the wrong tyre choice which ultimately is the most important thing but when each are on the same rubber the awd car is in a different league.

[ideliver]

Originally Posted by footie

The only reason an awd car would have problems is if they had the wrong tyre choice which ultimately is the most important thing but when each are on the same rubber the awd car is in a different league.

does an all-wheel drive car stop or turn better in the snow or ice than a RWD car with a 50/50 weight distribution?

[urbo73]

Originally Posted by ideliver

does an all-wheel drive car stop or turn better in the snow or ice than a RWD car with a 50/50 weight distribution?

It won't stop better. It may turn better if one is has throttle input during a turn. This of course provided it has winter tires if the RWD does.

[urbo73]

Originally Posted by footie

The only reason an awd car would have problems is if they had the wrong tyre choice which ultimately is the most important thing but when each are on the same rubber the awd car is in a different league.

True, but most AWD cars I've seen have all seasons, so they lose a lot of their advantage. Also most people with AWD think less about having dedicated winter tires, thinking the AWD makes up for that. They also drive more recklessly/too fast for the winter conditions because they think they are more invincible, but when it's time to hit the brakes....Ouch!

[OddJobs]

Don't get me wrong, I love my M3 but my previous VW W8 Passat 4 Motion would kick my M3's ass in the hard packed snow regardless of tires when it comes to starting off.

Breaking and turning would go to the M with its snowtires

Odd Jobs

[urbo73]

Originally Posted by OddJobs

Don't get me wrong, I love my M3 but my previous VW W8 Passat 4 Motion would kick my M3's ass in the hard packed snow regardless of tires when it comes to starting off.

Breaking and turning would go to the M with its snowtires

Odd Jobs

Oh yeah. AWD is better for getting going for sure. Winter tires or all seasons won't matter for that. FWD as well from my experience. I agree with you. The question is what happens AFTER that? Also, don't forget, those cars have narrower tires with larger sidewalls then the M3.

[Bluedoor2002]

The advantage that the M3 has over other cars I've driven in the winter is that it is an incredibly balanced car. Its ability to do a controlled slide was very apparent in driving around this weekend. My G35 (RWD) never came even close to being able to safely drive in snowy conditions. Besides not being in the same league in balance, the G35 traction control was crude and unpleasant. The M3 traction control was fantastic!!

[jbeene]

I definately think that the M3's balance really helps with control in wintery conditions