Calgary Thread

[3s-a-charm]

Heading to Race City tomorrow (Wednesday) between 5-9pm for a lapping event. Come out and visit...

[Brianrg]

Originally Posted by Eurotrash8

You have PM.

Yo,
Was that a supersprint exhaust on your ride?
Looked like it and sounded like it...
I passed you in a black suv on Dearfoot.
b

[Eurotrash8]

Originally Posted by Brianrg

Yo,
Was that a supersprint exhaust on your ride?
Looked like it and sounded like it...
I passed you in a black suv on Dearfoot.
b

No I have an Encore titanium catback unit.
Yeah recognized ya and waved...wheres the STI?

[Jimmer]

Going to Race City tomorrow with the Exotic Auto Group. Should be another great day. Last time the new Ferrari 458 showed up! Anyone else coming??

[e85sbm]

Just wanted to drop by and say Hello. Considering a trade-up to an M3, but am uncertain as the car will be a daily driver.....last winter wasn't much fun in my 135.

[sparkyg]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

Just wanted to drop by and say Hello. Considering a trade-up to an M3, but am uncertain as the car will be a daily driver.....last winter wasn't much fun in my 135.

The M3 is a peice of cake to drive in the winter with dedicated winter tires

I was surprised it was so easy. No problems at all. I have driven a 335xi, TL, Accords. This is by far the best car to drive.

But...dont turn off your traction control or you will crash. It really is that simple.

I wonder if it has to do with the 50/50 balance. The car is so simple to get around in.

GL but you'll have no problems in the winter. Calgary esp., you guys have lightweight winters down there

[Jimmer]

I agree the M is easy to drive in the winter. Put on good winter tires, and drive appropriately. Only all-wheel drive would be better and that's only if it's driven properly...
Clearance in heavy snow in my only issue.

[e85sbm]

I have had no issues in the past few years driving a 2006 Z4 and a 2009 135i.

My only issue is finding the right winter tires. My 135 currently has Dunlop WinterSport 3D which I bought from Tire Rack. I am not that happy with them, since the ice traction is not great, but the snow and warm weather traction is pretty good.

Would you recommend getting Blizzak's or another type of winters for an M3?

Thanks,

[TailHappyM3]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

I have had no issues in the past few years driving a 2006 Z4 and a 2009 135i.

My only issue is finding the right winter tires. My 135 currently has Dunlop WinterSport 3D which I bought from Tire Rack. I am not that happy with them, since the ice traction is not great, but the snow and warm weather traction is pretty good.

Would you recommend getting Blizzak's or another type of winters for an M3?

Thanks,

That Dunlop tire is one of the best all around winter performance tires on the market and is still relatively good on ice. You will sacrafice dry perfromance and deep snow grip that tires offers by focusing on a better ice tire.

[e85sbm]

How many of you actually drive your M3 or non-xdrive BMW year round?

[Jimmer]

Originally Posted by Azorean

That Dunlop tire is one of the best all around winter performance tires on the market and is still relatively good on ice. You will sacrafice dry perfromance and deep snow grip that tires offers by focusing on a better ice tire.

Seriously? Wow, so many different opinions. I HATED the Dunlop. Horrible on snow and in the winter that's ALL I focus on.

Originally Posted by e85sbm

How many of you actually drive your M3 or non-xdrive BMW year round?

My modded M is my year round vehicle.

[TailHappyM3]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

How many of you actually drive your M3 or non-xdrive BMW year round?

I did with my E46 M3 on those Dunlop tires and had no problems at all. I also drove the 335d with all season performance tires and that was a bit more tricky given all that torque, 425 lbs.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

How many of you actually drive your M3 or non-xdrive BMW year round?

Yep.

[Eurotrash8]

Originally Posted by Jimmer

Seriously? Wow, so many different opinions. I HATED the Dunlop. Horrible on snow and in the winter that's ALL I focus on.

I had the 3D's on my Audi for 2 winters and performed remarkably well compared to Hakkas, X ice, and Blizzaks performance wise.

Living in Calgary (somewhat mild climate with Chinooks) that is IMO the best choice of tire. 80-90% of the winters here are somewhat mild with very little to no ice and snow on the roads. I drive pretty spirited in winter with 3D's & Quattro and I wouldnt dare to hit speeds around corners with other winter tires.

Are there better performing winter tires on Ice...of course there are but you will most definitely be sacrificing performance.

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by e85sbm

How many of you actually drive your M3 or non-xdrive BMW year round?

My M3 is driven all year as well. I put on a set of Pirelli winter tires and had no problems other than the deep snow (and ice) ruts that formed in the back lane which provided clearance issues.

Got stuck once when I backed into a downhill drift but that was stupidity more than inability of the car!

M3 is a great winter vehicle - for me it would be better if it had a hydraulic air-ride lift option for winter!

[e85sbm]

Thanks for the feedback, I know that BMW loves the 3D tires, but I think it is mainly for their dry weather performance and speed ratings.....I will have to take another M3 for a test drive and decide if this is the direction I want to go.

I just saw that the X1 will be available next May/June...hmmm, options, although VERY different vehicles.

[M3NOLA]

I'm planning on getting the Laser Interceptor laser jammer installed. Do any of you know a shop that knows how to install them properly (leveling, passing the firewall, etc.). Also, do any of you have any experience with laser jammers in Calgary? I've heard most of the police in Calgary use laser instead of radar so I'm starting to feel naked driving without some protection.

P.S. I'm getting 3M clear bra installed at Shadow Tinting today. I'm hoping it comes out okay when I pick it up.

[Jimmer]

Originally Posted by M3NOLA

I'm planning on getting the Laser Interceptor laser jammer installed. Do any of you know a shop that knows how to install them properly (leveling, passing the firewall, etc.). Also, do any of you have any experience with laser jammers in Calgary? I've heard most of the police in Calgary use laser instead of radar so I'm starting to feel naked driving without some protection.

P.S. I'm getting 3M clear bra installed at Shadow Tinting today. I'm hoping it comes out okay when I pick it up.

I'm not sure on this as don't use any of those things but I know people have gone to Autotemp.
How did Shadow do on the 3M? They did mine and my wife's window tint.

[M3NOLA]

I've been working so much I haven't really had a chance to give the 3M installation a close inspection. When I picked it up it was dusk outside but everything seemed to look good and I haven't driven my car since. I had a full hood wrap so there a no lines. The only place where I don't like the way it looks is just in front of the rear wheel where they put a small strip which cuts across the body panel and is very noticeable. I'll keep that strip on for the winter but will likely pull it off next summer. The cost was $1,300 which I think is in line for a full front wrap including bumper, mirrors, full hood, part of the rockers and some other small strips in key areas. Apparently the guy who installed it used to be CEO of XPEL which designs the computer cutout patterns for the 3M material. Overall I'm pretty happy with it and will feel much better driving on the interstate and up in the mountains this winter.

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by M3NOLA

I've been working so much I haven't really had a chance to give the 3M installation a close inspection. When I picked it up it was dusk outside but everything seemed to look good and I haven't driven my car since. I had a full hood wrap so there a no lines. The only place where I don't like the way it looks is just in front of the rear wheel where they put a small strip which cuts across the body panel and is very noticeable. I'll keep that strip on for the winter but will likely pull it off next summer. The cost was $1,300 which I think is in line for a full front wrap including bumper, mirrors, full hood, part of the rockers and some other small strips in key areas. Apparently the guy who installed it used to be CEO of XPEL which designs the computer cutout patterns for the 3M material. Overall I'm pretty happy with it and will feel much better driving on the interstate and up in the mountains this winter.

Boy... tough times - CEO to Installer!

[volinder]

Well Guys,

Its been fun. I sold the M3 today purchased my new vehicle, 2011 BMW 550i. Thanks for the great times, some awesome members on here. I'll probably make it out to a meet sometime.

Volinder

[TailHappyM3]

Originally Posted by volinder

Well Guys,

Its been fun. I sold the M3 today purchased my new vehicle, 2011 BMW 550i. Thanks for the great times, some awesome members on here. I'll probably make it out to a meet sometime.

Volinder

I hope you don't take a killing on that 550i when you lust after the new M5 that will be out soon.

Is the new owner of the M3 driving it back east or transporting it?

Good luck and enjoy your new ride.