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      01-30-2017, 03:46 PM   #1
bedensbrook
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Winter driving in the M2

I'm deciding whether to replace my leased 435xi with a 440xi (the logical, prudent choice) or an M2 (the emotional choice that, naturally, I'm trying to rationalize myself and my wife into). We will do European Delivery in early October, so I should have it back in NJ for Xmas. Whichever car we choose, it will be a daily driver, and it will be a 6 speed.

I already know that the F30 x-drive is amazing in the snow. I've got dedicated runflat winter tires (Pirelli Sottozeros) mounted on 17x7.5 BBS SR anthracite rims...yeah, I went for safety, not minimal wheel gaps. I would be buying new winter tires/rims for the M2 if I pull the trigger.

So, for those who drive their M2 in the ice, snow, and sleet, and have dodged potholes, clueless drivers and yeti this winter, how has it been? Can the M2 climb a hill covered in snow? Can it go down a hill and maintain control? What's the worst you've driven through, and how did it fare? If you were on winter wheels, what brand of tire and size rims?

Thanks!
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      01-30-2017, 04:17 PM   #2
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I heard M2 are really good RWD to drive in winter but with the kind of snow you guys get i would go with the 440xi
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      01-30-2017, 04:29 PM   #3
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my two cents....

Drove '94 325is four winters Connecticut/New Hampshire Blizzaks Mark 1
Drove '97 M3 five winters New Hampshire/Upstate NY - Malone - Blizzaks Mark 2 (better) real snow.
Never had any issue driving in the snow with either car.

Swapped to AWD, also with snows, got fooled by drifts covering ICE (20 mph maybe 25) slid into drift, all four wheels spinning as the car sat on pile of snow) no damage LOL.

I drove my M3 from Malone to Maine in a snow storm (both ways) never had an issue.

Spun around on highway when I was in College (again no damage LOL) with Front Wheel Drive car (all seasons was Honda Accord '81).

Drove home from Canada with Sienna AWD, all seasons, got stuck in snow 1/2 mile from house due to unplowed hill.

So I'd say I have had better luck with Rear Wheel Drive cars than AWD LOL...I put 48,000 miles on the 325is, 60,000 miles on the M3, etc.

If you have snow tires and can drive well, you'd be fine with either the AWD 4 series or the RWD M2........that being said, the 440ix is a very nice car....can't go wrong really.

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      01-30-2017, 04:49 PM   #4
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Get a good set of winter wheels and tires and you'll be just fine I'm DD mine during the Canadian winter so should be no trouble with NJ's wimpy winter ( ).
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      01-30-2017, 04:58 PM   #5
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I've been driving bimmer's in snow for over 15yrs. The only time I ever had an issue was when we had a blizzard years ago and my 335is which was dropped got stuck for a couple of minutes until I rocked it out, even that was NBD. So long as you have a good set of winter tires you'll be fine.

Do
  • Get 18" or 17" wheels, larger tire sidewall means more cushion for potholes and less chance of curb rash.
  • Get tires that are not as wide as stock, provides more pressure over less area to dig into the snow.
  • If you get stuck, disable all nanny's and rock her out old school style.
  • If there's too much snow and you're unsure, take alternate transportation. Not worth risking an accident if conditions are really bad.
Don't
  • Drop your car to where it's slammed or else it may bottom out on snow or even worse ice.
  • Put your car in any sport modes, the sudden power will break traction and you may loose control.
  • Just because it grips well during one snow fall doesn't mean it will grip just as well on the next. Not all snow is the same, some snow is very slippery while other snow is less. Feel it out.
  • The confidence you get from winter tires may make you think you're you got this. Don't do it, snow always wins.
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      01-30-2017, 05:44 PM   #6
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RWD vs. AWD

In 2011, I replaced my M5 with snows with a X6 50 with 19s and all-seasons. Wow, I was sold. AWD forever.

In 2014, I went with a 650xi with 20s and all-seasons. Not bad and still sold on AWD forever.

This month, I switched the 650xi out for the M2 - 18" BMW snow wheel/tire package.

WOW - I don't know if snow tires have improved that much, or it is the M2, or what. But the car sticks - possibly better than the 650!!! I can't believe how amazing it is. Now truth be told, we have NOT had significant snow fall. We have had some dustings, maybe an inch or so and lots of ice and lots of potholes - and the car is perfect.

They say the M2 feels faster after the 1,200 mile service - so maybe it is down on power right now (I'm only at like 500 or 600 miles), but seriously, I have trouble breaking the tires loose in this crap weather we have here in Chicago (talking dry/slightly wet/salt covered roads). Mind you, I'm not trying, it is just that from memory, my rears were always spinning in the M5 and my 550, even when just turning out in front of a car to make a right (and seriously, the M5 had zero torque, so the M2 should be worse!).

There - more than you asked for - other than, I have no regrets right now with my M2 in terms of the drive train and yet I was VERY worried.


BTW, I agree with Tag's comments about going with the 18s. While the 19s may look better, they are not the right tire for snow/ice/and more importantly pothole protection.
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      01-30-2017, 06:14 PM   #7
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I think it all depends on the hills you may have to climb. I have many hills every day which makes me hesitate to go back to a RWD M car but I really only see much snow if going into mountains. If you have the proper tires and limited hills or hills you can avoid, you should do fine in the M2. Not as fast as a 440xi in snow/wet but fine nonetheless.
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      01-30-2017, 06:44 PM   #8
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I love this car on cold frozen roads. I'm running Alpin 4s on 18". Perfect on the highway.
But.... low speed acceleration is challenging in "real" snow or ice. That being said, I'm grinning like an idiot with DSC on, driving country roads. ?
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      01-30-2017, 06:55 PM   #9
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Come on if the Canadians are driving it in winter I'm sure it has the seal of winter driving approval!

Go with the emotional choice, you only live once
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      01-30-2017, 07:12 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tag View Post
I've been driving bimmer's in snow for over 15yrs. The only time I ever had an issue was when we had a blizzard years ago and my 335is which was dropped got stuck for a couple of minutes until I rocked it out, even that was NBD. So long as you have a good set of winter tires you'll be fine.

Do
  • Get 18" or 17" wheels, larger tire sidewall means more cushion for potholes and less chance of curb rash.
  • Get tires that are not as wide as stock, provides more pressure over less area to dig into the snow.
  • If you get stuck, disable all nanny's and rock her out old school style.
  • If there's too much snow and you're unsure, take alternate transportation. Not worth risking an accident if conditions are really bad.
Don't
  • Drop your car to where it's slammed or else it may bottom out on snow or even worse ice.
  • Put your car in any sport modes, the sudden power will break traction and you may loose control.
  • Just because it grips well during one snow fall doesn't mean it will grip just as well on the next. Not all snow is the same, some snow is very slippery while other snow is less. Feel it out.
  • The confidence you get from winter tires may make you think you're you got this. Don't do it, snow always wins.
I drove my car a couple of weeks back in 3" of snow with the PSS tires. (Had to get her washed lol), one thing I can say is, you'll have better luck without the nannies on. I found that driving in sport+ yielded better movement due to being able to keep the tires spinning. The DSC would slow the wheels down and actually stall the car.
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      01-30-2017, 07:35 PM   #11
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18s with Michellin xi3. It's been great up here. The pickup will never be as good as AWD, but with a good set of winters and drive sensibly, you will be fine.
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      01-30-2017, 07:52 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twix View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tag View Post
I've been driving bimmer's in snow for over 15yrs. The only time I ever had an issue was when we had a blizzard years ago and my 335is which was dropped got stuck for a couple of minutes until I rocked it out, even that was NBD. So long as you have a good set of winter tires you'll be fine.

Do
  • Get 18" or 17" wheels, larger tire sidewall means more cushion for potholes and less chance of curb rash.
  • Get tires that are not as wide as stock, provides more pressure over less area to dig into the snow.
  • If you get stuck, disable all nanny's and rock her out old school style.
  • If there's too much snow and you're unsure, take alternate transportation. Not worth risking an accident if conditions are really bad.
Don't
  • Drop your car to where it's slammed or else it may bottom out on snow or even worse ice.
  • Put your car in any sport modes, the sudden power will break traction and you may loose control.
  • Just because it grips well during one snow fall doesn't mean it will grip just as well on the next. Not all snow is the same, some snow is very slippery while other snow is less. Feel it out.
  • The confidence you get from winter tires may make you think you're you got this. Don't do it, snow always wins.
I drove my car a couple of weeks back in 3" of snow with the PSS tires. (Had to get her washed lol), one thing I can say is, you'll have better luck without the nannies on. I found that driving in sport+ yielded better movement due to being able to keep the tires spinning. The DSC would slow the wheels down and actually stall the car.
I'm on the fence about this....

With snow on the ground I've found nannies off works best.

With ice on the ground nannies on works best.

For ice covered with snow, move somewhere warmer...joking aside, I've had success with both but nannies on has given me better traction, except when fresh loose snow is on the ground.
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      01-30-2017, 08:33 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3Si View Post
18s with Michellin xi3. It's been great up here. The pickup will never be as good as AWD, but with a good set of winters and drive sensibly, you will be fine.
No issues with same setup on my M2 here in Chicago. Last 3 BMWs were all xdrive with all seasons. I was worried but M2 is very sure footed with snow tires. I'd venture to say that M2 on snows is more sure footed than my old 335 xdrive on all seasons. If that's all that's stopping you, don't hesitate.
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      01-31-2017, 12:19 AM   #14
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Thank you all for your comments...some great advice on here that can only come from actual driving experience. I've made enough winter driving mistakes to know that the laws of physics are at work regardless of which wheels are powering the car. And it sounds like an M2 with winter tires, comfort mode and a light touch should be fine for the times I get caught in a winter storm. 👍
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      01-31-2017, 04:43 PM   #15
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I've had my M2 for less than a month now. I have a set of Pirelli Ice Zero FR 245/40/18 that I bought from tirerack. Before I picked up the car (PCD delivery btw) I was concerned about how it would handle in wet or snow conditions. We tracked an M2 in light rain at the performance center and I was surprised how well it held. The nanny systems are phenomenal when it comes to taking turns.


It's still early, but I feel extremely confident driving the car. I've been testing it in different conditions whenever I have a chance. I think the balance of the car, the tires , and 6mt make it a very nice dd.

Of course, the driver may play a slight role
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      01-31-2017, 08:12 PM   #16
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Another canadian chiming in - I have the Apex 18's with XI3's 245/40 all around and we have some serious winter days/storms here with -30 temps followed by tons of snow and icy roads. first things first traction sucks when it's very cold, you can't put any throttle down anywhere, you have to drive like an absolute grandma. Any gas whatsoever while turning brings on the over bearing dsc system. in mdm mode its not much better although it does allow a little more spin. To go slideways unfortunately you have to turn it all off. other than that issue the car is fine in the city and will go anywhere and do anything on a plowed road. if you're doing side streets with 2 foot drifts well then you will get stuck. I have come from a STI and an Audi S4 and those things are beasts that can't get stuck. An M2 will but is it a car to be avoided because of a winter climate... no not at all. most days it's a blast. in the rare blizzard just take the day off or like me drive the wife's X3.
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      02-01-2017, 06:21 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmzanatta View Post
Get a good set of winter wheels and tires and you'll be just fine I'm DD mine during the Canadian winter so should be no trouble with NJ's wimpy winter ( ).
Great shot
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      02-01-2017, 01:09 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by QM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3Si View Post
18s with Michellin xi3. It's been great up here. The pickup will never be as good as AWD, but with a good set of winters and drive sensibly, you will be fine.
No issues with same setup on my M2 here in Chicago. Last 3 BMWs were all xdrive with all seasons. I was worried but M2 is very sure footed with snow tires. I'd venture to say that M2 on snows is more sure footed than my old 335 xdrive on all seasons. If that's all that's stopping you, don't hesitate.
Chicago is MUCH easier to drive in than the northeast. First of all it's flat. Second, the road crews actually know what they're doing. Out here every single time it's like oh shit, that weird white stuff is falling again and the roads are coated in this strange clear slippery substance - what should we do?
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      02-01-2017, 04:21 PM   #19
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Drove in about 4 inches snow on Tuesday, no issues....up hill 2 miles. (highway was clear)

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      02-05-2017, 02:04 PM   #20
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You will need winter tires on your M2. Watch this video, summer tires and M2's don't mix

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      02-05-2017, 03:13 PM   #21
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Um, if you need to watch such a video to convince you then you are just plain crazy! Or from a warm climate and simply willfully ignorant about snow!
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      02-05-2017, 05:18 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver View Post
You will need winter tires on your M2. Watch this video, summer tires and M2's don't mix
Assuming you are Glen or you know Glen... a perfect example of why you need snow tires would have been to do the exact same things in both cars. Pull the MB into the street like you did the M2 and then pull it back in. Apples to Apples... well except for the difference in cars
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