Winter driving

[m3f_Longboardsteez]

I know a lot of people here store their e36 Ms during the winter but I was wondering how people faired against driving their m3s in the snow along with winter's other cruel conditions such as temperature, ice, salt, etc. I'm familiar with driving my old v6 mustang, which was pretty much useless during moderate snow. I live in Maryland so our snow varies from time to time and lately it's been on the lighter side. If I can survive with a mustang with no traction control system and all season tires, is there a chance for my new beloved m3?



http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/h...3/IMG_2769.jpg

[m3f_nogoodname]

Install good winter tires and you'll be fine. In my case, I bought a Subaru for the same price as m3 winter tires/wheels setup.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

For about 7 years, my supercharged now turbocharged 99M3 was my winter car in NH. Does fine on snows. I dont worry about wearing it out. Cars should be driven. Its not an antique or classic. And i dont want to drive a beater. I also put snows on my 08M3 and drive it all winter. The 99 has undergone projects the last couple of winters and is due for more mods now or it would be on snows now.

[m3f_Longboardsteez]

For about 7 years, my supercharged now turbocharged 99M3 was my winter car in NH. Does fine on snows. I dont worry about wearing it out. Cars should be driven. Its not an antique or classic. And i dont want to drive a beater. I also put snows on my 08M3 and drive it all winter. The 99 has undergone projects the last couple of winters and is due for more mods now or it would be on snows now.

I remember talking to some guy that came to my job who told me that his clutch fan blew up over some snow salt....

[m3f_scoobiedoo2029]

ive gone out on 200 treadwear tires and im not dead, dont worry about snow be terrified about ice. just be sure to provide alot more space between you an others. and wash off that salt when you get home. the quick reactive nature of these cars kinda works angst you in bad weather.



also we aware of weight transfer,, basic rally driving skills make snow driving alot easer. keep the weight where you want it and go slower. if you need to panic stop in the snow dont be afraid to throw the car sideways to let it dig in. just learn how to do this first in a nice open safe area. but in gravel/deeper snow this will stop you fast. its saved my ass twice now, i was able to stop on a big hill when sliding, and able to stop well short of an accident. abs was just making noise and not slowing the car down really.

[m3f_Nick325xiT 5spd]

Drivability on winter tires is totally fine. But the rust is not. Put it away.

[m3f_Matt15]

Snow tires are all you need. My biggest concern is that salt brine crap sprayed all over the road.

[m3f_westopher]

Untitled by Chris West, on Flickr

Car does just fine in the snow. As for the salt? I've winter driven a 20 year old e30, a 15 year old corrado and now a 17 year old e36 and never had a spot of rust on the body. I've had under car corrosion on bolts and shit, but nothing that has ever been an issue. I'm not interested in driving a car I don't like when I can drive a car I love. If I need to fix something because of it, I will.

[m3f_zhp43867]

I remember talking to some guy that came to my job who told me that his clutch fan blew up over some snow salt....

Sounds like he decided against that *useless* belly pan. Furthermore, that is the definition of anecdotal evidence.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

Clutch fans blow up even without road salt. I would not blame the road salt on that failure.

[m3f_Nick325xiT 5spd]

Untitled by Chris West, on Flickr

Car does just fine in the snow. As for the salt? I've winter driven a 20 year old e30, a 15 year old corrado and now a 17 year old e36 and never had a spot of rust on the body. I've had under car corrosion on bolts and shit, but nothing that has ever been an issue. I'm not interested in driving a car I don't like when I can drive a car I love. If I need to fix something because of it, I will.

Eh. E36es are more resistant to salt than E30s, but they aren't nearly as resistant as E46es. The E46 M3 is a great winter car.

[m3f_Longboardsteez]

Untitled by Chris West, on Flickr

Car does just fine in the snow. As for the salt? I've winter driven a 20 year old e30, a 15 year old corrado and now a 17 year old e36 and never had a spot of rust on the body. I've had under car corrosion on bolts and shit, but nothing that has ever been an issue. I'm not interested in driving a car I don't like when I can drive a car I love. If I need to fix something because of it, I will.

It's decided then, I shall definitely winter drive it.

[m3f_Longboardsteez]

Sounds like he decided against that *useless* belly pan. Furthermore, that is the definition of anecdotal evidence.

After further thinking, it makes sense. I just got thrown off, seeing as how he had more experience with the car.

[m3f_Richardsperry]

I'll drive it on nice clear days.



If I didn't like it so much, I'd drive it with snow tires.



Weird, I got all season wheels and tires for the C7... I wonder if I'll drive that in the snow?



Nahhhh, that's what the Tacoma is for...

[m3f_camdinans3]

Nope, not worth it with all the idiots I see on 3/93/90 around Boston- this morning being no exception with the first real snow/sleet of the year.


Although my dad daily drives his E46 M3 year round- on good quality snow tires- does fine.