M3 ok for Chicago weather?

[truep287]

Been on the fence for a while about getting an M3, the main concern being the rear wheel drive and torque in snow. Would be coming from an Audi S4. I've heard that the snow tires make the M3 very capable in the snow but would like to get some further real world insight. Thanks everyone.

[MRV99]

Yes you will need to buy winter tires because any OEM M3/4 tires in winter are deadly. Near 40 degrees they are horrible let alone wet or snow.

I always search for a clean set of OEM wheels for my winters. They seem to be plentiful with the amount of people putting aftermarket wheels on M3. For me the comfort of an OEM in winter is preferred cause I know they are quality. Then put on the winter rubber and enjoy.



I have driven SL500, 545, 550, E90 and F80 in the snow with winters with no issues

[Rh6363]

Wondering the same thing for the northeast/snow belt states.

[georgere]

I m in in CT.
Get winter tires is all you need. I recommend a wheel set actually. Way more cost efficient and easy to swap. My experience 10+ years in RWD BMW as my DD.

p.s. If your driveway is super steep or the roads you take are crazy hills, you may have some issues in certain situations but trust me, pple have used RWD cars for ages and were able to get by. Life is short, get what you want, and not every decision must be smart, some are for fun sake...

[Habber]

There was a time long before all of us before AWD was around.

I did montreal winter last year and outside of deep inclines, car was perfect.

[johnjiang]

M3 is awesome in snow with winter tires!!!!
I live in Chicago, had a CLA45 4Matic in between my E92 and current F80
Got stuck all the time.
Snow tires make all the difference!
Last year, had F80 with 18' snows, dunlop wintersport, awesome!!!!
Had a customer lived in downtown area, Saturday night with 4 inches of snow, I was speeding while everyone else was driving slow...
Park the car in deep snow, got out without any problem, stopping, cornering was great. Occasional drift around in parking lot was fun too.
Putting the beast into sleep this winter just because beating on Mercedes in salt is more fun, lol

[jpdchicago]

No problem. Had E46 M3 for 11 years (daily - sold with 100,000 miles) and f80 (daily as well) for 1 year.
I used Bridgestone Blizzak tires, some of the best for snow, but I am sure there are plenty of other great winter tires.

[Tommyvee]

A good set of winter tires and you'll be fine. I have Michelin Alpins on 19" wheels. A set of 18"s will give you more sidewall, better for when you hit a pothole. I just like the look of the car with 19"s, so I'm taking some risk.

[kyleb350]

I've got a separate set of cheap 18's with Blizzaks, and love driving after a fresh snowfall. Obviously you don't want to drive in snow deep enough where your front end is serving as a snow plow, but a few inches should be fine.

[MPakE90]

Driven both E92 and F80 in snow with winter tires and had no issues. If anything, you have better stopping power than 90% of the cars out there in Chicago running all seasons lol

They recommend a non-staggered square setup for winters, but I've run both fine. With the square setup I gain a bit of width in the front but lose a bit of width in the back.

[uniqueMR]

Best thing is not to drive M cars in winter

[Habber]

Originally Posted by uniqueMR

Best thing is not to drive M cars in winter

If I'm paying monthly for this car, you can bet your ass I'm going to be using it every month I can.

You deserve an "unappreciated".

[Jaymax85]

I don't really drive mine in the winter as I have a beater... it's totally possible with snow tires though

[uniqueMR]

Originally Posted by Habber

If I'm paying monthly for this car, you can bet your ass I'm going to be using it every month I can.

You deserve an "unappreciated".

[wdskukm3]

This is why I own my cars. Not lease them. I only drive the M3 on nice days with no snow.

[shadowkat]

Just back from driving the M4 in the snow yesterday and today and it was absolutely great!

This is the second year with the car and since didn't snow much last yearI didn't get a chance then, but so far it's been amazing this year! Not as good as my 4x4, but since learning and driving rear-wheeled cars from the 1970s through 1990s, this is light years ahead.

Be safe!

[Zed519]

I just bought my f80 on Saturday haven’t picked it up yet cuz I’m waiting on tirerack to deliver my snow tires/wheels. It was slim pickens as I wanted 19s and the Michelin Alpins but they were sold out for the season. So instead i decided to go with the 18s and blizzaks. Anyone else running 18s? I know I won’t be happy with the look but i figure it’ll only be 2-3 months.

[325iExecutive]

I am running blizzaks on 18s square setup. I have driven the car in deepish snow and wet. The car drives perfect - just go easy on the throttle.

[al3xander]

Running square setup with 513m wheels wrapped in 245-40-18 Michelin pilot Alpin PA4. Been excellent all winter and snow

[HoldenMI]

My M3 has been surprisingly adept this snowy Michigan winter. Good snow tires are required.

[drkeng]

so far so good on 18" Rial wheels and Blizzaks
only a relatively small amount of snow so far, supposed to get more tonight

after a bath at Splash


before

[Jaymax85]

Originally Posted by drkeng

so far so good on 18" Rial wheels and Blizzaks
only a relatively small amount of snow so far, supposed to get more tonight

after a bath at Splash


before

I've seen ur car before I believe... I was working out at the glenview la fitness and u may have been near the Starbucks.. obv wasn't driving my m3 but my beater civic