[abb6027]

I actually look forward to rain in my 1M and yes we don’t get as much in Australia. I’ve had plenty of AWD cars and still have an r32 golf as our other car. Even in torrential rain the 1M is great and I personally enjoy the lack of traction as like others find AWD boring.

From what I have read and heard the M2 is better behaved than the 1M so it should be a great daily as well.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Transfer

You guys chiming in with some confidence from your almost always dry climates crack me up. I'd love to go on a spirited drive with any of you in the RWD car of your choice vs me in my M235xi on a nice soggy cold day with typical old slick US pavement.

Yes cars like the M2 can do just fine in the wet, especially due to the high level of control allowed, but they don't thrive. It's all about where you live, the climate you drive in, and the roads you drive on.

I don't think anyone is saying that a RWD can be pushed harder in the wet than a good AWD car, but I mean what are we talking about here? Is the questions what car can you get the best performance out of in the wet RWD or AWD? I didn't think that was the question.

The question seemed to be (copy and paste)
"Do you regret giving up AWD every time it rains? I'm sure it makes up for it when it's dry - but pulling out in traffic, standing water, hydroplaning, etc... how bad is it, really? I'm assuming that it's not terrible, since traction control is insanely good these days, but really need to hear the opinions of some of you who aren't trying to be tail-out all the time. "

The answer to "how bad is it really?" It's not bad at all. Yes it's true though that if you are looking for the best performing car in the rain, it's not RWD, but I don't feel that was the question being asked.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by akkando

I don't think anyone is saying that a RWD can be pushed harder in the wet than a good AWD car, but I mean what are we talking about here? Is the questions what car can you get the best performance out of in the wet RWD or AWD? I didn't think that was the question.

The question seemed to be (copy and paste)
"Do you regret giving up AWD every time it rains? I'm sure it makes up for it when it's dry - but pulling out in traffic, standing water, hydroplaning, etc... how bad is it, really? I'm assuming that it's not terrible, since traction control is insanely good these days, but really need to hear the opinions of some of you who aren't trying to be tail-out all the time. "

The answer to "how bad is it really?" It's not bad at all. Yes it's true though that if you are looking for the best performing car in the rain, it's not RWD, but I don't feel that was the question being asked.

I agree. The question is how competent is the M2 in the rain as a daily driver. As a rainy Seattle driver, I say from my experiences it is very competent.

[Rustyboy155]

Originally Posted by 3geekfamily

So, I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on the M2, but I think it's probably illogical.

To give you a bit of background, I'm currently in an STI, which is an all-around fun car, but an absolute blast in the rain. Prior cars include a Mk7 GTI, M235i, Lexus IS F, etc. I enjoy a car that feels good overall, but really like the confidence-inspiring traction of AWD, especially in the rain, but I'm definitely used to handling RWD cars with a good bit of power.

Of course - I don't doubt for a second that I'll be glad I'm driving the M2 when it's dry and reasonably warm outside. Of course, that's all that the reviews ever really touch upon, too. Hey, the car is fantastic on the track, and it doesn't fall apart when you take it on the B-roads. That's definitely great to know, but, unfortunately, I don't commute to work via VIR.

So, I know there are a few people out there who have and have had STIs, come from Audis, etc. Do you regret giving up AWD every time it rains? I'm sure it makes up for it when it's dry - but pulling out in traffic, standing water, hydroplaning, etc... how bad is it, really? I'm assuming that it's not terrible, since traction control is insanely good these days, but really need to hear the opinions of some of you who aren't trying to be tail-out all the time.


Thanks!

I've never owned a single AWD car and I drive in the rain all the time. Tires are what keep you on the road, not more wheels spinning. Any RWD car will oversteer if the back end loses traction. Just keep the boost on simmer when you're cornering.

[qnet]

The STI is the car that got me going on my new car buying trend over the past few years. I hadn't bought a brand new car in about 15 years. I was looking at STI's but all the reviews steered me toward the 14 Evo X. At one time I had an Evo X, and E36 M3.

I eventually traded the M3 for something more fuel efficient, since I had the Evo. I never had an issue in the rain with either of those cars. None in my M235i also. My most recent car, the Focus RS, was, of course; awesome in the rain.

[M2C_PLUS]

Originally Posted by 3geekfamily

So, I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on the M2, but I think it's probably illogical.

To give you a bit of background, I'm currently in an STI, which is an all-around fun car, but an absolute blast in the rain. Prior cars include a Mk7 GTI, M235i, Lexus IS F, etc. I enjoy a car that feels good overall, but really like the confidence-inspiring traction of AWD, especially in the rain, but I'm definitely used to handling RWD cars with a good bit of power.

Of course - I don't doubt for a second that I'll be glad I'm driving the M2 when it's dry and reasonably warm outside. Of course, that's all that the reviews ever really touch upon, too. Hey, the car is fantastic on the track, and it doesn't fall apart when you take it on the B-roads. That's definitely great to know, but, unfortunately, I don't commute to work via VIR.

So, I know there are a few people out there who have and have had STIs, come from Audis, etc. Do you regret giving up AWD every time it rains? I'm sure it makes up for it when it's dry - but pulling out in traffic, standing water, hydroplaning, etc... how bad is it, really? I'm assuming that it's not terrible, since traction control is insanely good these days, but really need to hear the opinions of some of you who aren't trying to be tail-out all the time.


Thanks!

Hello mate,

I have just got rid of my BMW X5 M Sport to buy my M2. I have been in X5’s for the past four years and loved the traction & security (great power & torque) it offered but, I too was concerned about RWD. Having owned most Evo’s and Escort Cosworths back in the day!


I picked up my M2 and it snowed 10mins later! I made a point of reminding myself it was RWD and to deliver power accordinly. She performed great even with the pilot sport summer tyres on. I have since driven her in the rain and pulled out of junctions easily without having to “worry” about wheel spin etc. You will soon learn quickly the pressure needed on the accelerator to pull away perfect in the M2.

I have since been out in her today for the first time in the dry and boy does she go REALLY well on b roads, turn her in and you will feel the rear end “bite and set”, grip hard and pull you round (if that all makes sense) for a man used to 4x4 the M2 is bery easy to drive fast if you remind yourself it is RWD. Of course Im still learning with her as this is my first RWD Sports car.

Do i regret leaving a 4x4?? Not one bit.

Me in the snow in the image below!

Hope this insight helps

[Bt12]

Originally Posted by Transfer

You guys chiming in with some confidence from your almost always dry climates crack me up. I'd love to go on a spirited drive with any of you in the RWD car of your choice vs me in my M235xi on a nice soggy cold day with typical old slick US pavement.

Yes cars like the M2 can do just fine in the wet, especially due to the high level of control allowed, but they don't thrive. It's all about where you live, the climate you drive in, and the roads you drive on.

I agree... M2 was built for purpose.

[blackholescion]

Originally Posted by Transfer

You guys chiming in with some confidence from your almost always dry climates crack me up. I'd love to go on a spirited drive with any of you in the RWD car of your choice vs me in my M235xi on a nice soggy cold day with typical old slick US pavement.

Yes cars like the M2 can do just fine in the wet, especially due to the high level of control allowed, but they don't thrive. It's all about where you live, the climate you drive in, and the roads you drive on.

Way to not contribute to the conversation. It rains more in Charlotte than it does in Seattle and the rain we get here is torrential versus your fine mist and mildly moist roads. OP is rightfully concerned, especially since those conditions happen out of nowhere and he's used to AWD.

This is a conversation about DAILY DRIVING not giving it the beans in the wet.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by blackholescion

Way to not contribute to the conversation. It rains more in Charlotte than it does in Seattle and the rain we get here is torrential versus your fine mist and mildly moist roads. OP is rightfully concerned, especially since those conditions happen out of nowhere and he's used to AWD.

This is a conversation about DAILY DRIVING not giving it the beans in the wet.

Yeah ok fine I've gone off track of the point of this thread but wet driving is daily driving here and I don't like to be pussy footing around 50% of my days on the street. You may have a lot of rainfall but that's different than hours of wet road per year which is seriously like 50%. So I stick with my comment that yes I do prefer AWD where I live due to conditions but I'll shut up now.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Yeah ok fine I've gone off track of the point of this thread but wet driving is daily driving here and I don't like to be pussy footing around 50% of my days on the street. You may have a lot of rainfall but that's different than hours of wet road per year which is seriously like 50%. So I stick with my comment that yes I do prefer AWD where I live due to conditions but I'll shut up now.

I lived in Seattle for 20 years, people didn't drive like pussies back before everyone had AWD cars. I wonder how they did it?

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Transfer

You guys chiming in with some confidence from your almost always dry climates crack me up. I'd love to go on a spirited drive with any of you in the RWD car of your choice vs me in my M235xi on a nice soggy cold day with typical old slick US pavement.

Yes cars like the M2 can do just fine in the wet, especially due to the high level of control allowed, but they don't thrive. It's all about where you live, the climate you drive in, and the roads you drive on.

Thanks for the lack of faith.. I spent over 3 decades living in the Midwest... nearly two of them driving ...and I am currently in Texas.

I piloted an E30 M3 year round in the Midwest.,.. literally starting it up on one frigid morning with the temp sensor MAXED at -22 (not because of failure). I've gotten stuck on a 1/2" of snow with dedicated summer tires (Dunlop SP8000) and learned why all seasons are a compromise (but sometimes a good one) and I have also purchased and driven on full winter tires. I've recently even returned to the Midwest during a snow/ice storm and driven my X1 on 19" wheels and tires.. I made sure to swap my Pirelll P Zeros for Michelin AS3+ which were EXCELLENT in 4-6 inches of snow in Indiana and also in the freezing rain/black ice that I drove through in Missouri on my way back to Texas with weather so bad that the interstate was shut down. I took to the side roads and kept on keeping on.

I have also driven my 2011 1M, an E46 325, and an E46 M3 convertible as well as large RWD SUVs like my previous 1998 and 2005 Ford Expedition in both snow and ice in Dallas. I've also take both of those trucks (and a Dodge Dakota Hemi rental) back to the Midwest and I've never EVER slid off the road or put a wheel wrong in inclement weather in my SUV. In my youth.. I did slide my pops Mazda 626 into a curb on fresh snow once.

I think I've got my driving in inclement weather card...

And yes.,.. if you want to measure penises.. I am confident I could shame you on a winter autocross course in my All season shod X1 versus your M235xi.

Originally Posted by akkando

I lived in Seattle for 20 years, people didn't drive like pussies back before everyone had AWD cars. I wonder how they did it?

no doubt.. How in the world did we survive inclement weather in a RWD car without traction control?

[champignon]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

And yes.,.. if you want to measure penises..

Please, we'll take your word for it.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by champignon

Please, we'll take your word for it.

I was speaking metaphorically.. but I would probably accept said challenge..

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteM2

Hello mate,

I have just got rid of my BMW X5 M Sport to buy my M2. I have been in X5’s for the past four years and loved the traction & security (great power & torque) it offered but, I too was concerned about RWD. Having owned most Evo’s and Escort Cosworths back in the day!


I picked up my M2 and it snowed 10mins later! I made a point of reminding myself it was RWD and to deliver power accordinly. She performed great even with the pilot sport summer tyres on. I have since driven her in the rain and pulled out of junctions easily without having to “worry” about wheel spin etc. You will soon learn quickly the pressure needed on the accelerator to pull away perfect in the M2.

I have since been out in her today for the first time in the dry and boy does she go REALLY well on b roads, turn her in and you will feel the rear end “bite and set”, grip hard and pull you round (if that all makes sense) for a man used to 4x4 the M2 is bery easy to drive fast if you remind yourself it is RWD. Of course Im still learning with her as this is my first RWD Sports car.

Do i regret leaving a 4x4?? Not one bit.

Me in the snow in the image below!

Hope this insight helps

AWESOME photo.! Did anyone notice the Shell sign? " GO TAKE ON THE DAY " (in your M2!)

your comments about " bite and set " are much like some of the comments in the video I posted earlier.. " Fixed to the road" ; " Like on rails " Etc.

The mechanical grip of the chassis of the 1M and the M2 (really this includes the lesser models as well) is phenomenal regardless of the weather.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by akkando

I lived in Seattle for 20 years, people didn't drive like pussies back before everyone had AWD cars. I wonder how they did it?

What do you mean? There has never been a time people didn't drive like pussies in Seattle.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Transfer

What do you mean? There has never been a time people didn't drive like pussies in Seattle.

You should see the panic all these SUV driver's faces when it rains down here in California.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Transfer

What do you mean? There has never been a time people didn't drive like pussies in Seattle.

well played...

Originally Posted by akkando

You should see the panic all these SUV driver's faces when it rains down here in California.

True story. Happens in Dallas as well. When there is ice or snow.. many people just stay home. One year I literally drove my E30 M3 on RACE tires to a New Years Eve gathering when it was icy outside.. We got like an inch. Locals thought I was crazy.. I was like come on.. my E30 M3 is on skinny 15" tires.. plus.. the roads are EMPTY because all you locals are skeered!

My biggest fear about going out in bad weather in TX is not for my own driving... I just don't want a local that can't drive on snow or ice slamming into me.

[M3 Adjuster]

Getting back on topic with some real driving photos for the OP- sorry not an M2 but you get the idea. RWD rocks.

[3geekfamily]

Thanks again, everyone.

Trust me - I had a 2002 Lightning back in the day that put down a touch over 500ft-lbs at the wheels. I got caught in the snow at work, and had to drive my 46-mile commute back home in a heavy snowstorm, on summer tires. Not a bit of trouble until I was pulling into my driveway.

I’m certainly not afraid of driving RWD in the rain, not in the slightest. Right now, though, I enjoy the hell out of driving in the rain, even moreso than in the dry. The point of the thread was kind of looking for folks with similar experience with AWD, to see if they missed giving that up. Thankfully, it seems that those with experience (especially GreatWhiteM2, cheers, mate!) have given me exactly what I was looking for.

M2 has been ordered. I managed to grab a spot for a week 12 build, so I shouldn’t have to wait too long!

[M2C_PLUS]

Originally Posted by 3geekfamily

Thanks again, everyone.

Trust me - I had a 2002 Lightning back in the day that put down a touch over 500ft-lbs at the wheels. I got caught in the snow at work, and had to drive my 46-mile commute back home in a heavy snowstorm, on summer tires. Not a bit of trouble until I was pulling into my driveway.

I’m certainly not afraid of driving RWD in the rain, not in the slightest. Right now, though, I enjoy the hell out of driving in the rain, even moreso than in the dry. The point of the thread was kind of looking for folks with similar experience with AWD, to see if they missed giving that up. Thankfully, it seems that those with experience (especially GreatWhiteM2, cheers, mate!) have given me exactly what I was looking for.

M2 has been ordered. I managed to grab a spot for a week 12 build, so I shouldn’t have to wait too long!

No problem at all! Enjoy.

Question is, what colour did you go for?

[Robin_NL]

Rwd +lsd + rain is this: me in my ex 1M...

AWD is overrated!

Cheers
Robin

[3geekfamily]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteM2

No problem at all! Enjoy.

Question is, what colour did you go for?

Alpine White for me. I LOVE the contrast of AW with carbon fiber bits. It will match the X3 M40i I have coming in for my wife, too.