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      01-20-2012, 08:18 PM   #1
Powerslide
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M3 in heavy snow

So I\'ve had my M3 since 2008 - but this is the first winter where I have driven it in the snow - have the 270M wheels and pilot alpin PA3 tires - we\'ve had at least 6\" of snow here in chi-town today - car handled pretty good considering the amount of snow weve had.

I definitely learned that disabling DSC gives way more control in such heavy snow!!

Anyone else in Midwest drive your m3\'s in heavy Midwest snow today? Observations...???
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      01-20-2012, 08:19 PM   #2
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      01-20-2012, 08:39 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Powerslide View Post
So I\'ve had my M3 since 2008 - but this is the first winter where I have driven it in the snow - have the 270M wheels and pilot alpin PA3 tires - we\'ve had at least 6\" of snow here in chi-town today - car handled pretty good considering the amount of snow weve had.

I definitely learned that disabling DSC gives way more control in such heavy snow!!

Anyone else in Midwest drive your m3\'s in heavy Midwest snow today? Observations...???
I drove mine in maybe 3-4" of snow in southern Ontario yesterday. First real winter-snow drive with the same tires as you but on 18" squared rims. Great tires in dry winter and minimal snow conditions.

My previous BMW's included 535xi, 328xiT and an X3. In comparative terms the M3 was fine - but not quite as confidence inspiring as those xDrive vehicles. But if I knew then what I know now - I would have gotten the non xDrive versions of the 535 with a good set of winter boots.

Main difference was having to be slightly more smooth and light on the throttle. But I was pretty impressed given the power and RWD.

I am glad however I have a MT. Made it easy to control slowing down using the clutch and engine braking - not so much the actual brakes, until the end.

For fun I tried it in an empty parking lot to see the limits, and the control nannies did quite a good job. Easy to catch the rear end sliding out with a blip on the throttle.

DSC off made it easier to get going for sure.

I suggest anyone who has not driven their M3 in the snow - take it to an empty parking lot and test the limits.

Actually my biggest fear driving in the snow were all the other knobs driving their minivans with all seasons running into the back of me!

Last edited by TTSam; 01-20-2012 at 08:45 PM..
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      01-20-2012, 08:39 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JulieDriving
Hahaha!!! I wish I could have taken pics out there today and driven at the same time!! Seriously - we had those big 8" tall piles of snow between each lane on the interstates here - everytime I changed lanes I had to downshift and totally power through (countersteering and powersliding at the same time)!!

Taking some pics outside now...
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      01-20-2012, 09:12 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TTSam View Post

Actually my biggest fear driving in the snow were all the other knobs driving their minivans with all seasons running into the back of me!
My 335i was recently hit by one of those bozos, although the damage appears minor (mainly rear bumper with no structural impact).

I managed to react fast enough to avoid more extensive damage. So I have used that as an excuse to my husband on why I'll be buying a separate track car once our mortgage is paid off. "With better driving skills, I will be increasing the chances of protecting my (future) M from one of these retards!" How can you argue with that?
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      01-20-2012, 09:14 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Powerslide View Post

Taking some pics outside now...
Very good. I'll be waiting.
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      01-20-2012, 09:43 PM   #7
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Experiencing technical difficulties in teansferring pics from my iPhone to forum - which is ok as I'm watching my Chicago Blackhawks beat up on the Florida Panthers... Yeah baby!!!
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      01-20-2012, 09:59 PM   #8
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Sent from my iPhone
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      01-20-2012, 10:04 PM   #9
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^^^^That-Pic-Is-Useless-Without-M3^^^^
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      01-20-2012, 10:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Sleeper View Post
^^^^That-Pic-Is-Useless-Without-M3^^^^
Yeah, you need the star of the show present.

Maybe take a pic tomorrow when you take the M3 out.
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      01-20-2012, 10:25 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JulieDriving
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Sleeper View Post
^^^^That-Pic-Is-Useless-Without-M3^^^^
Yeah, you need the star of the show present.

Maybe take a pic tomorrow when you take the M3 out.
Will do! Been a long day - time to call it a night!
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      01-20-2012, 10:26 PM   #12
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car is covered with snow damn!!!
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      01-21-2012, 01:52 AM   #13
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I live in Vancouver (Canada), snowed here the last couple days. I have a culdesac in front of my house, took my youngest brother out on OEM PS2's for some donuts. My neighbor asked if she could have a seat.......... awesome.
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      01-21-2012, 07:07 AM   #14
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I would say that qualify's as heavy snow. Why is it easier to drive in the snow with the DSC off ?
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      01-21-2012, 08:34 AM   #15
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yeah, I think you'll find it's great with snows (and a lot of fun) until about 4-5" when it has to plow a little. That's when it can get a bit iffy. Definately like taking the DSC off, or at least in m-drive stability settings.

I grew up driving rear wheel drive cars in the snow, without DSC. Sometimes I feel like I'm forgetting how to handle a car and drive properly when the DSC is on. Spoils it for me.

DSC off is easier since you have fulll control. I would definately have it on a speeds about 45 or 50mph as a safety net, but driving around in suburbs or urban areas is better to have full control and use of power to control the rear end and have reasonable acceleration, which is killed by DSC
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      01-21-2012, 09:54 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Powerslide View Post
Anyone else in Midwest drive your m3\'s in heavy Midwest snow today? Observations...???
This is my 3rd Iowa winter with my M3, love this car in the snow, usually drive with traction on but on hills I'm quick with the DSC-off button to find traction. Running 235/40/18 Dunlop Wintersports. Thought I'd share some pics:

Here is what it looks like today after we got 6" of snow in 12 hours yesterday


Here are some pics from a random snow day last year, yes that is -20F actual temp. I'm sure some guys from MN can blow that out of the water with -35F temps.




Putting on my Eibach springs my wife got me for Christmas today... maybe not the best timing
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      01-21-2012, 01:01 PM   #17
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-20F = warm

Got down to -40F on the Prairies this past week.

Awesome pics, and safe motoring everyone!

A
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      01-21-2012, 01:06 PM   #18
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M3 in heavy snow

No and why???...
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      01-21-2012, 01:09 PM   #19
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Just getting ready to go out with about 4 inches down where it isn't plowed. M3 is great in snow, and a +1 to turning off DSC.

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      01-21-2012, 01:48 PM   #20
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In Chicago also and ditched my car at VS in Schaumburg yesterday. Wasn't concerned about traction, more concerned with the other idiots on the road and the 2.5 hour commute time from O'hare to downtown. So 3+ hours from Schaumburg. Got a lift to Cumberland and hitched a ride on the Blue Line. M3 safe and sound at VS. Only downside was I didn't get to see the alcantara bits and ZHP knob they installed...
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      01-21-2012, 05:13 PM   #21
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We got the better part of a foot of snow this week in the Seattle suburbs. I took the M out on stock 19" PS2s with Thule K34 Summit chains. NO PROBLEMS with this setup at all - very surprised since my first effort without the chains resulted in me and neighbor pushing the car back up the driveway with the Mrs. driving (sideways I might add as the stock tires make the car into the ice skate you would expect.) The mess is finally melting now so I'm about to take the chains off and head out for some controlled fun
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      01-21-2012, 08:34 PM   #22
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OMG, all these snow pix and posts make me SO happy live in sunny AZ!
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