[CptSL0W]

I live in Chicago and recently ordered an M2C. I'm curious if anyone daily drives their M2C in the snow with salted roads or even drives the car when it's below freezing with summer tires, even if it's dry out. I think I'm going to keep the summers on my car and drive the car if it's dry out in the winter, but not go very far. Would love to hear other peoples thoughts on how you use your M2 in the winter.

[nixeighty6]

Michelin Pilot Sport (4s) are amazing summer Tires but they do not hold up molecularlie under 45 degrees. If you drive them especially in freezing temperatures they will start to crack where the stress points are on the corners or sidewalls and road. I had a pair do it. So, can you.. yes. Should you? No.
Also.. MP A/S3+ are fantastic tires that can be driven all year. (For Most drivers, these all seasons are plenty "sporty")

[mrussell]

I live in StL and drive year round with the pilot super sports. I will not go out in fresh snow, but will go in slushy salty snow if I have to. I also try to avoid driving when below 20 degrees, but I have had it out a couple times in single digit weather and did not get cracking. You just have to drive it very carefully. I find there are a handful of days I have to take the wifes car. With Chicago you are going to have a few more of those days. I had considered going with the all season pilot sports, but just decided to avoid driving on those really bad days.

[photorph]

I'm in Michigan not far from you, plan to daily drive even with the crazy snow we get. But when winter hits will switch to snow tires. I suggest you do the same, get a set of low cost wheels/winter tires mounted and just swap them when it gets below 45 degrees.

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by CptSL0W

I live in Chicago and recently ordered an M2C. I'm curious if anyone daily drives their M2C in the snow with salted roads or even drives the car when it's below freezing with summer tires, even if it's dry out. I think I'm going to keep the summers on my car and drive the car if it's dry out in the winter, but not go very far. Would love to hear other peoples thoughts on how you use your M2 in the winter.

Chicago Driver Here.

Get a set of snow tires for winter. Yes, you could drive the car on a cold day if you wanted, but the summer compound turns rock hard and you lose traction fast.

Also - I got stuck (with my old M3) at work one day when a freak snow storm came though, I couldn't get my car home on summers.

That was the last time. It's either winters or I don't drive it during the winter.

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

I live in Denver. Get a set of winters. It's much nicer not to have to worry/stress about temperature, unexpected weather, or possible damage to your summers. Free your mind!

[M2C-NLUSA]

Dedicated winter/summer set here. I am not an A/S simp. Must be my Euro background where people actually put the right tires on for the right season.

[dmcM2C]

I had "performance" all seasons on my 135i I just traded in, the first big snow of the season I couldn't make it home because of a few inclines where I would lose traction. After that I put 75lbs of weight in the trunk and had no problems with the rest of the snow that winter. That said I'll either be buying a winter beater or buying snow tires for the M2C I just got tuesday. Some weight in the trunk(as far back as you can put it) and tires and you'll have no issues

[ChiTownM]

Live in Chicago and driving these cars on summer tires in the winter is craziness. Winter beater or set of winter wheels is the only safe way to go. RWD BMWs with winter tires are a lot of fun in the winter and have very good traction ... and breaking which is actually more important.

[BigKutta]

I know many people with performance cars, that keep driving throughout the DC winters with their summers (maybe not in snow thought), so in low temps in the dry you may be able to get away with it. But I assure you, if you were ever to find yourself in snow/slush, you'll be in trouble with the PSS and RWD. Get a dedicated set as others have suggested, its the best money I spent on the M2. Gives you peace of mind, and gives you a new look every 6 months or so. There are many members selling genuine M wheels in the M3 and M3/4 member classifieds, for good prices.

[mrussell]

I agree that winter tires are best, but CptSLOW wanted to know if he could stay close to home and drive in dry and cold. That is what I do since I am retired and like I said I don’t drive below 20 degrees. I also wait until the streets are plowed and salted before I venture out. Then when nice days come along I have the summer tires on it to go out and have fun.

[nearwater4me]

I recommend getting a dedicated set of wheels for the winter tires and switch them out seasonally.
I live in GA and still have a set of winters.

[CptSL0W]

I think I know the answer is to always have either all season tires or proper winter/snow tires when you're driving in colder climates in the winter. I live in a high rise in the city and I don't really have space to store an extra set of tires or winter wheels and tires. I was hoping I could get away with driving the M2 when it's say 15 degrees out, but is dry. I think as mentioned above, the compound on summer tires is not made for temperatures below freezing. I guess I will do my best to avoid driving the car when it's below freezing, or else find a tire shop that is willing to store my summer tires during the winter.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by CptSL0W

I think I know the answer is to always have either all season tires or proper winter/snow tires when you're driving in colder climates in the winter. I live in a high rise in the city and I don't really have space to store an extra set of tires or winter wheels and tires. I was hoping I could get away with driving the M2 when it's say 15 degrees out, but is dry. I think as mentioned above, the compound on summer tires is not made for temperatures below freezing. I guess I will do my best to avoid driving the car when it's below freezing, or else find a tire shop that is willing to store my summer tires during the winter.

Given your situation, go get a set of Continental DWS 06 Plus (all season), and swap them with the PSS as soon as your car arrives. Then sell your new PSS (and recoup about $700), which will pay for your DWS. Many folks over on the F80/82 boards swear by them. Sometimes its just not practical to have two sets of wheels and tires, and so you have to compromise. If I was in you shoes and needed to drive in cold weather, I'd get the all seasons.

[Killramos]

Please, for your sake and the sake of those around you. Do not try to drive an M2 on PSS’s 365 days a year where you get snow and sub zero temperatures.

As for all seasons... jacks of all trades and masters of none. Spend all that money for a bleeding edge BMW and then cheap out on the last few thousand dollars and the only 4 square inches actually connecting your vehicle to the road.

Dedicated summers and winters are the only real option. As for impracticality, most tire shops will store and swap them every fall and spring for you for a nominal fee, my uncle has a shop and charges something like $60 bucks a swap for the service.

My $0.02.

[CptSL0W]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Given your situation, go get a set of Continental DWS 06 Plus (all season), and swap them with the PSS as soon as your car arrives. Then sell your new PSS (and recoup about $700), which will pay for your DWS. Many folks over on the F80/82 boards swear by them. Sometimes its just not practical to have two sets of wheels and tires, and so you have to compromise. If I was in you shoes and needed to drive in cold weather, I'd get the all seasons.

I currently have the DWS on my WRX and they serve their purpose well. I think I may sell my PSS and go with some all season tires.

[nearwater4me]

Given your situation, I can understand the difficulty of having 2 sets of wheels/tires.
But do try to find a shop where you can store the tires.
IMO, DWS is quite a compromise compared to the PSS in terms of handling (grip & steering sharpness).

[VisualEcho]

I'm in Missouri and have dedicated Summer and Winter tires (no all-seasons for me ever).

You can get away with driving the M2 in Winter, with dedicated Winter tires, but don't expect it to perform good, just acceptable.

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

Originally Posted by nearwater4me

Given your situation, I can understand the difficulty of having 2 sets of wheels/tires.
But do try to find a shop where you can store the tires.
IMO, DWS is quite a compromise compared to the PSS in terms of handling (grip & steering sharpness).

This...was going to suggest tire storage. My Indy offers this and I think both local dealerships do as well. It wasn't that expensive from what I recall

[TBURKE555]

I agree 2 sets of tires summer and winter. I've been driving rwd BMW's here in New England since the 90's with snow tires. Just mover up to a M2 Comp from the OG M2. Just upgraded to 19" snow tires

[white2abbit]

Toronto driver. Get some good winters and DO IT!

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by white2abbit

Toronto driver. Get some good winters and DO IT!

Nice! In that kind of snow, which winter tires do you use? and size?