M5 in the snow

[David 12]

This will be my first winter and i used a different approach for my tires. I have an all wheel drive suv if it snows but I just purchased a winter tire and wheel package from tirerack. I went with 20" wheels and Dunlop winter sport 3D tires. They offer decent performance in cold weather and good snow handling capability. They are not Blizzaks but if it gets too bad I will take my suv. The cost was approximately $2,300.

Yes, I would keep all settings in the most efficient/comfort mode as 335irlz suggests.

Good luck on your winter!

Dave

[E90potentialbuyer]

Originally Posted by 335iRlz

I wouldn't do it in NYC, just knowing your guys winters... Unless you know you can take days, weeks, etc. off from having to go anywhere and can plan accordingly.

In the picture above with snow if you added an inch or two of accumulation I think I'd have been done or wrecked. Even going down and up hills with 2+ of PACKED plowed accumulation was challenging and I wouldn't attempt.

If its just really cold sub 32... It should be fine just don't tailgate or gun it too much as traction and stopping was different.

Bottom line: If like here in DC where its 50-50 what kind of winter you have I'd risk it knowing a week or two worth of days inside is a safe assumption you'll make it out ok, but up there where its like 80-20 you'll see big snows/ice/etc. then I'd have gotten the $4200 tire package from bmw for the 19'' wheels.



I drove efficient, comfort, comfort, tranny 1.

Thanks, but I am not clear. Are you saying that with the "$4200 tire package from bmw for the 19'' wheels" I can drive the car in snow and snow storm, just like any other regular non-M cars? For comparison, I have a E90 xDrive (not no snow tires) that I drove this winter. Was fine except on icy roads.

Can you please clarify - with the tire package you mention, driving in deeper snow (>3 inches) is ok? or not?

Thanks,

[AGS]

Originally Posted by E90potentialbuyer

So, with the bad snow and snow storms that we get here in NYC, even with winter tires, the M5 should not be driven?

That is a bit of a downer. I am planning on having it as my only car (can't keep more than 1 car even if I wanted to given the space restrictions in my condo building).

NYC drivers - thoughts? How was your car last winter? Did you drive it in bad weather or didn't drive it when it was bad snow? Thanks,

Originally Posted by Wdh777

I live just north of NYC which is why I asked the original question. Hopefully with winter tires it will at least get me to the train station in snow and around on weekends once the streets are plowed. I assume do you guys drive it in D1 mode vs shifting for yourself in these condiitions?

I live in northern NJ, and the M5 is my daily driver. With winter tires I have no problem at all driving my car year round, except for those few really heavy snow days. But generally the M5 handles the snow pretty well. I run Bridgestone Blizzacks with the front tire size on all 4 corners.

[M5Rlz]

Originally Posted by E90potentialbuyer

Thanks, but I am not clear. Are you saying that with the "$4200 tire package from bmw for the 19'' wheels" I can drive the car in snow and snow storm, just like any other regular non-M cars? For comparison, I have a E90 xDrive (not no snow tires) that I drove this winter. Was fine except on icy roads.

Can you please clarify - with the tire package you mention, driving in deeper snow (>3 inches) is ok? or not?

Thanks,

They make a winter setup with what I believe were the 19'' OEM wheels and its 4200... I'd get that based on where you live.

[WCH]

Yes. With winter tires, you can drive the car year round. On real snow and especially ice, just take it easy. The issues are mostly about stopping (give yourself room) and going up hills if there is a lot of snow/slush on the ground.

Below 40F, summer tires get hard and it is easier to slide. Winter tires will handle cold weather better too.

19" wheels/tires are preferable if your car does not have carbon ceramic brakes (cheaper and thinner). If you have CCB, you have to go with 20" wheels.

[Hockey Guy]

The M5 is a terrific winter DD with good snow tires. I run the BMW 20-inch package (409s) with Dunlops. In that winter to end all winters last year, it was great. I drove my car on all but the worst snowy days.

If you live in an area where you can get ANY amount of ice or snow in winter and you do not have another vehicle, you MUST get winters for this car. I don't care how good a driver you are, you seriously risk crashing the car...and for what? If you can afford this car, you can afford to put proper boots on it in winter for any eventuality. Same answer for all my M cars over the years.

[shahano]

The M5 will do better with WINTER tires than a AWD cars will do with all seasons... Trust me i've tried it.

[Wdh777]

I just called my AD and they said BMW should be announcing their winter snow tire packages in the next 1-2 weeks. Last December I tried to get these from an AD for my M3 I had at the time and they were sold out within the AD system by then.

[WCH]

Originally Posted by Wdh777

I just called my AD and they said BMW should be announcing their winter snow tire packages in the next 1-2 weeks. Last December I tried to get these from an AD for my M3 I had at the time and they were sold out within the AD system by then.

A very annoying practice for sure. These packages exist for other markets where winter tires are required. By waiting until mid-October, this creates an issue for people who need them, particularly since it sometimes snows early in the NE and is certainly getting colder (though this year has been OK). I would see if you can reserve a set to ensure you get one since other options are difficult - see the other threads to see that only a few wheel sets will work because of the brake calipers.

[johntomferg]

Have you consider investing in 4 tires attached to a truck....?
A '98 GMC 2500 Longbed 4x4 w/ 7.4L does nicely when the sports cars need to stay safe at home.

[E90potentialbuyer]

Originally Posted by johntomferg

Have you consider investing in 4 tires attached to a truck....?
A '98 GMC 2500 Longbed 4x4 w/ 7.4L does nicely when the sports cars need to stay safe at home.

Love it! Pickups are so much fun!

[Zahar]

Originally Posted by Wdh777

How is the m5 in snow? I would like to use it this winter in the New York area with snow tires. I probably wouldn't use it in major storms but the day after with roads plowed but snow still on them would it be fine? I also have the competition package which probably doesn't help matters. Thanks

thats how )

[IshM5]

Originally Posted by AGS

I live in northern NJ, and the M5 is my daily driver. With winter tires I have no problem at all driving my car year round, except for those few really heavy snow days. But generally the M5 handles the snow pretty well. I run Bridgestone Blizzacks with the front tire size on all 4 corners.

So you run 255/35/20s on 343s all around?