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      09-15-2011, 07:19 AM   #1
costa316
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Winter Driving in Toronto. Do you or don't you??

Being a newbie to the m coupe scene, I am not sure what you guys do in the winter time? Do you drive your m coupe or do you store it? If you drive it, what type of winter tire setup do you run? I am currently on the fence on whether I should get a winter beater or just get a nice winter setup and drive the M...thoughts??
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      09-15-2011, 07:26 AM   #2
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I've done both. The M does fine in the winter with a good set of tires, but after driving it briefly for the first winter I had it, I just couldn't take all the chips and road rash that were starting to build up.

My vote is to go for the beater and store the M for the winter, then when the weather gets nice again sell the beater. That's what I did last winter and that's what I plan on doing this year.
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      09-15-2011, 07:43 AM   #3
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My roadster gets stored, as my plan is to keep it for a long time (I put less than 5000km on it per year since it's a weekend vehicle for me). If you're looking to just get a few years out of it and then move on, go ahead and get some snows and drive it.
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      09-15-2011, 10:10 AM   #4
costa316
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The longest I have kept a car is roughly 3 years, so I don't think this will be any different. Is it all over the road even with winters on? Also, what tire setup would you guys recommend? Are 17's even possible, or would it have to be 18's?
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      09-15-2011, 10:18 AM   #5
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With a good set of tires it's fine traction-wise, the only trouble it has is with ground clearance. If there is a LOT of snow on the road it will begin to "float" around a bit.
Some 17"s work and some won't clear the front brakes. With a set of 18"s you should be safe. I had 17"s on mine when i drove it but they just barely cleared the calipers.
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      09-15-2011, 01:46 PM   #6
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I'm on the fence, if I should just get a beater for the winter or buy winter rubber. The added insurance, vehicle cost, tires for that beater for the winter and if I buy a cheap beater will it last without putting money into it.

I drove my 330ci in the Winter last two years and I had no problems. Was able to drive past SUV's on the worst of days. Had Blizzak WS-60's on it and it was great. Can't see the M being that much different. More power and slightly lower will make it not as good but nothing too horrible or unmanageable.
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      09-15-2011, 03:42 PM   #7
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The Z4M will do just fine with a nice set of snow tires. The only issue is can't you deal with the fact that your car will take a beating from the chemical use to treat the roads. Plus putting up with all of the idiot drivers whom do not know how to drive when it snows.
I have a beater for the winter because i can't stand seeing my car getting "sand blast" with the Sand and Salt
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      09-16-2011, 07:19 AM   #8
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Thanks for the responses gents! I think I will end up buying some Winter tires for it and drive it throughout the year. Cheers
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      09-16-2011, 10:01 AM   #9
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My recommendation if you insist on driving it:

Hankook Ice Bear W300's

235/40/18 V Rated

Fit comfortably on 8" & 9" wheels - Non Staggered setup allows for seasonal tire rotation - maintains OE dimensions/rotations per KM.

Can use on your OE's or get a set of cheap alloys for winter - another set of wheels will save you money over 3 winters and wear and tear on the beads and sidewalls of all tires due to installation.

Car won't look silly on skinny tires like some with 215's
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      09-16-2011, 12:13 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by costa316 View Post
Thanks for the responses gents! I think I will end up buying some Winter tires for it and drive it throughout the year. Cheers
If you need tires I have a nearly new set for sale. They were bought new and only used for transporting the car back from NC - approx. 2000km, as I imported the car in mid-February.

Bridgestone LM60 in OEM sizes -
225/45R18 front
255/40R18 rear

Let me know if you're interested.

My car doesn't see winter, so I no longer have any use for them.
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      10-05-2011, 08:39 AM   #11
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heated seats, window defroster, heated mirrors and washer nozzles aren't there to look nice. I buy a car to drive it, rain or snow.

Good winter tires, smart driving, and once in a while an empty parking lot for some fun.
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      10-17-2011, 10:37 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZZZZ View Post
heated seats, window defroster, heated mirrors and washer nozzles aren't there to look nice. I buy a car to drive it, rain or snow.

Good winter tires, smart driving, and once in a while an empty parking lot for some fun.
Presumably with the top down
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