Living in chicago with a M3

[drvai]

Hi to everyone.
Because of work, I might have to move from Florida to Chicago for at least a year. With all the snow and cold, I was wondering if the M3 can be used as a daily driver without ruining the car. I'm sure you need winter tires, but for the people that have been living there... will all that snow, ice, salt, etc.. ruin the car?

I was thinking in switching to a SUV, but I hate the idea of getting rid of the M3.

[tomob63]

get a good set of winters and a spare set of rims and you will be fine

[llis]

Originally Posted by tomob63

get a good set of winters and a spare set of rims and you will be fine

I agree. Take a look at the threads here under Tires & Wheels. There are several options in terms of wheel setups (18s or 19s, square or staggered), kinds of tires (studdless snows, performance snows), and brands (Blizzak, Dunlop, etc).

I got 18s staggered with Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds and they've been great so far, especially on icy snowpack. And they're quite quiet and fairly sticky for snows when on dry pavement.

Washing is another matter. Deicing chemicals and road grime end up coating your car quickly. Seriously consider a clear bra for your hood, fenders and mirrors. And plan on investing either in regular expert hand washing/detailing (including undercarriage) or materiel to do it yourself, because that grime won't come off with a touchless spraying and you don't want the run-of-the-mill car wash doing a sloppy job and potentially scratching your finish.

[VSmotorsports]

Originally Posted by drvai

Hi to everyone.
Because of work, I might have to move from Florida to Chicago for at least a year. With all the snow and cold, I was wondering if the M3 can be used as a daily driver without ruining the car. I'm sure you need winter tires, but for the people that have been living there... will all that snow, ice, salt, etc.. ruin the car?

I was thinking in switching to a SUV, but I hate the idea of getting rid of the M3.

M3 can be used in the winter easily. It would take more than one winter to see effects. BMW does a good job of weather protecting the car, they tend to hold off the effects of salt longer than some other cars we see. Winter here will speed things up such as chips in the front bumper but as long as you clean your car and undercarriage you should be fine.

[drvai]

Is there any way to clean the undercarriage in a regular basis?

[tomob63]

I go to a touchless down the street from me, just for the undercarriage wash. I take it home and wash it by hand in the garage. Also have a Karcher power washer that I use on wheels after letting Sonax soak for 4 or so minutes. I just bought Optimum No Rinse wash for the first time and still not convinced it does not scratch the surface. It came out great, but I can't see using it with Winter grime and dried salt.

[Loseit]

i drive year round in my M3 , im about to hit 30k ...two winters no problem. Get a good set of winter tires.
i did better then my wifes passat (FWD) with all seasons.

[hankcah]

I have Nokians WR G2s on mine. I definitely recommend. Never had a problem. I'd say do a clear bra on the front and get the winters. The ONLY thing I recommend beyond that is get covered parking OR a garage. And maybe look for a place near the L. And take it to work, if possible.



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