How does a BMW 3-series coupe ('00 - '06) do in snow?

Question

I live in Chicago, and I'm looking at a BMW 325Ci coupe... If i put some quality snow tires on, how would it handle slick, icy roads and small amounts of snow and slush?

Answer 1

As long as you have snow tires, you'll do fine. I have an '05 M3, and drove through one of the blizzards we had on the east coast last year with no problem. I was concerned about it when I purchased the car as well, but as was mentioned, the 50/50 weight distribution and traction control do wonders in the snow. Obviously, have a light foot on the gas, and you'll be ok.

BTW, I purchased my winter wheel/tire package from the dealer - they were actually competitive with tire rack, and they store the set that's not on the car. I have Dunlop M3s in 17/225/45, and they worked great.

Answer 2

I drive a 330 CI, 01, manual in Jersey. The good news is that the car has an ABS system (anti-lock breaks), but because of the wide tires and rear wheel drive, it really sucks in the snow. I've also owned several BMWs in Germany where there's quite a bit of snow and driving even with winter tires can be a bit of a challenge. The rear is really light. You have to put chains on. I add about 70 pounds of weight (35 lbs) over each rear tire in the trunk in winter. The stick is great for driving in snow. You have better control over the car.
Slush is not a problem. Icy roads are a problem no matter what car you drive.

Answer 3

I would sugest putting snow tires on in the winter. The DSL works very well in all weather conditions. I drove mine to Iowa for Christmas during a snow storm and it saved me from sliding off the road into a ditch several times. The only problem is with deep snow, the car is low and can't get good traction.

Answer 4

It will do fine because its a BMW and it has Traction control! It is rear wheel drive but it has all that 50/50 weight distribution and what not. So yes it will do fine in the snow i would recommend getting snow tires incase you have alot of snow where you are.

Answer 5

Generally, the heavier the car, the better it does. It also helps if the car is rear wheel, to put a couple of 50 lb bags of sand in the trunk. I would keep kitty litter as well as a small shovel, or you can use the sand, that way if you get stuck, you can scoop some in front and behind the tires for traction. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I drove my 330 ci motorsport in deep snow and slush through austria recently, in snow 4 inches it was skating really- not much grip at all! DSC was flicking on and off constantly as it tried to help...., slush etc was fine. Heavy car rear wheel drive broad tyres- 255 standard at rear- what else to expect.....? Just be careful....

Answer 7

Just fine! I have an 01 330CI. I spent $1000 on new snow tires and rims. I think I got ASA rims, fwiw.

In any case, I didn't have a problem. Frankly, I didn't notice any difference between my new baby and my prior FWD SHO!

So no worries. After all, back in the day most cars were RWD, and life went on....

FYI I'm in Milwaukee, so we have similar weather.

Answer 8

Traction control is dumb. It only lets you drive your car faster than it can possibly brake in an emergency. On slick roads, it may help you stay out of the ditch, but if you have to stop quickly, even with ABS, you won't be able to stop very fast.

Answer 9

i'm in Boston

DSC (traction system).. sucks.. i think it hurts more then helps. in slippery, snowy conditions

Snow tire.. good in snow, slush.. handles pretty well..

Icy roads.. well, ice is ice...not even a AWD SUV will help on those conditions. just take it slow

good luck

Answer 10

it is a rear drive car. expect to slide around in the snow. consider the "x" version. it offers all wheel drive.