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[KennyKong]

Alright Gang,

So, i'm going to be picking up a 335i Coupe in NYC tomorrow (weather permitting - more on this in a minute). I'm planning on leaving the DC Metro area around 4-5am to beat traffic and hopefully make it up there by 9-10am-ish.

Here's my problem, the weather forecasts look like there won't be any precipitation down the I-95 Corridor BUT i am concerned with those stock summer run flats being able to drive in the COLD. I've scheduled my trip up there so most of my driving is going to be done during sunlight hours. I'm just concerned with making it back safely so i can put some proper winter tires on the car.

I was born and raised in Chicago so I know how to drive in the snow but driver experience wont' compensate for proper tires.


Conditions and Temperatures -
NYC - 35 and sunny
Philly - 37 and partly cloudy
Baltimore 36 and Partly Cloudy
DC - 38 and Sunny

SO, my questions -
1) Do you think the summer run flats can make it back to the DC metro area driving during the day with temperatures in the mid 30's? I will be driving around 55-60 (there's gonna be a lot of pissed off ppl with proper tires on the road).

2) For you members up between DC and NY, how are the road conditions? Is there snow accumulation on the highway's at all? Roads in DC Metro are fine, but i'm not sure about upper MD, PA, DE, NJ and NY..


Thanks for the help gang.
Cheers.

[Coolieman1220]

you'll be fine, as long as its not wet or snowy. Go for it.

[lucas.kent]

Yeah you'll be fine. There are plenty if dummies around here that run summers all year long and are non the wiser. I just wouldn't do it in snow...and it looks like you're ok on that front.

[KennyKong]

Thanks Guys -

It's gonna be a 5 hour drive each way. It's hard to gauge what the road conditions are when you're 400 miles away. We all know the weather man is full of sh** too.

[jmsent]

Just understand that those tires are r-e-a-l-l-y bad in any snow. So if you hit a patch of even light stuff, be very careful. Otherwise, you'll be fine.

[AngryScientist]

north jersey here, right across the river from NYC, you'll be fine, especially in the day with the blacktop warmed up. obviously dont push the car too hard in corners, etc. - otherwise, you'll be A-OK

[flip4335]

Straight line, you'll be fine. Just don't make any quick turns...

Sunshine and this heat wave should get you through.

Post some pics when you get back!

[fdriller9]

Generally you're not suppose to the drive on summers when the temperature is under 40 degrees. Your tires will get hard and traction will be bad. Also they are prone to cracking.

Just make sure you take it easy on the throttle and take turns slowly.

[BKV122]

I drive on my stock summers tires during the winter bc of the pot holes and having tire and wheel insurance, i do fine at highway speeds, just no hard driving on windy roads

[Tom K.]

I drove my Z4 with first generation Bridgestone RE050 RFTs from Atlantic City to Silver Spring a few years back in a steady rain with temps unexpectedly hovering around 32o. Luckily the roads didn't freeze and I had no problems, but you can bet that every throttle, braking or steering input was as gentle as possible.

I don't recommend it, but with very careful driving, you should be OK.

(Incidentally, if you haven't purchased winter tires yet, I recommend Radial Tire in Silver Spring, especially if you are a BMWCCA member)

Enjoy your new coupe!

Tom

[KennyKong]

Thanks for the response everyone. I'm glad i got some recon up there on the weather. I gotta wake up at 4am to make it up there by 9am. I'd like to get back on the road and drive through the sunlight but it worries me that NYC traffic is going to be a headache and a half. I'll take some crummy iphone pics with the salt all over it and give you all a shout as soon as i get back. I'm geeked. Thanks again!

[utfenix335i]

Good luck with the drive and delivery.

[lucas.kent]

Good luck post pics!