[JSpira]

Given the continuing snow and ice in the U.S., this is very relevant:

Driving a car with high-performance summer tires is great – until the temperatures start to dip.

Summer tires are standard equipment on many high-performance cars such as those from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and other manufacturers, and the tires are designed to provide optimum dry-conditions performance and good handling in wet conditions.

There is, however, a catch. At 7° C (45° F), their compound loses adhesion and, as a result, they cannot be used safely under wintry driving conditions.

Article continues here with many BMW 3er photos




Here are some of the tips:

• Use the correct tires (see main article).
• Check tire inflation regularly.
• Know where you are going (and via what route) and check forecasts on the Web before leaving.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery surfaces (ice, rain, leaves, sand).
• Allow for conditions. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Slowing down on ice and slush takes longer.

[ibeclueless]

nice tips

[John 070]

Today, I decided to check both cars for tire pressure. I thought they lost 1 lb. per month normally, but they were both exactly where I left them...I do 35/32 (rear/front) with the 335. A nice digital pressure gauge is the way to go imho--mine proved that my old dial gauge was off quite a bit--over by 3 psi.

[slowSwede]

Long time ago I almost crashed due to cruise control in an AT 330.
Hamburger, talking on the phone while passing a big truck, then the car decides to downshift due to a small hill since it wasn't aware of the slippery conditions. Sallad, tomatoes and hamburger all over the steering wheel and me a bit annoyed with myself....
Not the smartest thing in the world I know, on long trips you (read I) do stuff that might not be recommended for all situations.

So, cruise control, slippery conditions and AT combined with a hungry guy who has to make phone calls = no no.

[SteveMD]

Mine stays in the garage all warm and snug.

[Ender514]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Mine stays in the garage all warm and snug.

+1......

[branabolic]

best winter driving tips for new england are to buy a $2000 dollar truck like i did and leave the BMW out of this. but in all seriousness, with proper tires and an easy right foot, it's not that hard to get around with RWD. Just doesn't wanna get up steep hills, and my new driveway is steep as heck, so for me the truck was necessary.

[Twilight1]

My 335d with 205 Blizzaks WS 60s is the best winter car I've ever drive. From nearly instant heat from the auxiliary, the seats that are warm in seconds,REST heat and the very predictable handling on all surfaces. Great car.

[kgb1637]

I'm positive the majority of people should stay indoors when it snows, simply put some people just cannot drive in the white stuff.

[Craig@SupremePower]

leave it parked thats what i do...

[am_ver]

Nice tips - I couldn't be happier with my Audi in the snow. Drives like it is on dry pavement!

[canook]

xDrive + pirelli sottozeros make going through the snow a breeze.

[k3m0-330i]

i say shut off dtc and ur all set lol

[ellipsis212]

Originally Posted by Craig@SupremePower

leave it parked thats what i do...

that's funny, i'm usually running out to drive in the stuff

[dimabimmer]

... do it russian style, like this:

[2QAYL]

Good tips! Driving on Snow and ice is something I take for granted. I'm so used to it, even 2" -3" of fresh snow on the highway doesn't even scare me now.. lol

[slowSwede]

If you do have a 4wd, as someone above, just remember we all brake the same way. 4wd is good fun in winter, since you can make powerslides and gain momentum at the same time.
Rest of the year, it sucks extra fuel.

[1 s not enuf]

Below 40 degrees your tires lose their elasticity.For safety and sure-footedness do like I do.....4 Winter tires - I run on Gislaved Nordfrost 5's. Everyone ought to have a winter ride. Mine is an 01 e46 330 ci rwd 5mt. "Berta" loves the snow. Although I got staggered fitment. I use 2254517's all around. The rear wheels accept that size. My 07 335 rwd 6mt stays warm and dry garaged with the cucky Bridge REO 50 RFT's . Cant wait til they wear out. Just bought Michelin PS2 ZP's .I run 225 and 245 17 PS2 regulars the other 6 months. Getting tired quick of runflat nay - sayers. Shut up and DRIVE !!

[TT3 iN NyC]

Originally Posted by Craig@SupremePower

leave it parked thats what i do...

+1! haha

[TT3 iN NyC]

Originally Posted by canook

xDrive + pirelli sottozeros make going through the snow a breeze.

As someone previously stated, xDrive + Blizzaks = TANK!!!

[xG35c]

I've driven through northeast winters on summer performance tires for years with no problems!
Do I drive on unplowed roads? NO
Do I attempt icy hills? NO
Do I push performance limits in subfreezing weather? NO
Common sense and care can go a long way when driving (and in life in general, for that fact)!
I DO acknowledge I've reduced my safety margin in certain conditions somewhat, however I've never seen any tire test quantifying this. Summer tires are just dismissed as irrelevent in winter conditions...perhaps those testers are on the tire company's payroll and pushing dedicated winter tires - wait a minute, they are!

[MsportNorway]

I have driven many cars, and love the winter. Done some rallying and by purphase allways driven a rwd or awd car.. Now I drive the E91 320d. And I thought to my self that this car really deserves some good winter tyres. So I went for Pirelli ZottoZero (Winter210 I think)
It's the worst tyres(and most expensive) wintertyres I ever had. it's such crap.. Even my girls car. a 1994 MB C class. Automatic no ESP or nothing and 9 year old Yokohamas on it.. It's ten times better..
But the weird is, that sometimes they seem ok.. I dunno if its the temperature or what.. I wash them regularly and everything.. I keep a sandbag in the rear and spray for the tyres.. But still it's difficult sometimes.. Not suited in Norway anyway.. Thumbs down..