Just this past Friday I ordered a 2003 M3 for December delivery. I was lucky enough to find a dealer with 2 M3's on consignment which had not been spoken for.

I just relocated to Colorado Springs, CO and am a little worried about driving the M3 in the winter. I plan to do much skiing near Vail & Summit County. The dealer assured me that the car will handle well in hard-packed snow conditions because of its traction control & dynamic stabiliziation.

Does anyone have any experience with the M3 while driving in snow/ice conditions especially in the mountains? Would snow tires be of any help? Should I cancel my order?

I see you will be getting an e46, I will be shortly. I currently drive an e36 '98 ///M3 Cabrio in yellow. I don't know if this will help but... I am told from many BMW contacts that the traction control of the e46 ///M3 is much much better and advanced than the previous e36 ///M3's traction control. Many people always tell me I must be crazy for even attempting to drive my ///M3 in snow, I didn't even use snow tires. Once I engage the traction control the car practically sticks to the road. I haven't had a problem with traction control whatsoever. Of course there is the occasional slip when you floor the accelerater, but I don't think you plan on doing that. I drive at 110 mph in the rain because all I do is engage the traction control. Contrary to belief the ///M3 does drive fairly well in heavy conditions. I would say you will be fine. My traction control works well and yours should work even better. Until I get my e46 ///M3, later.

Wow, 110 in the rain and traction control keeps you safe? Is that just like cruise control steers for you too?! Where do you live and what do you drive so I can avoid you?

110 in the rain can be a no brainer. I hit 135+ at the track here when it's raining, but traction control isn't doing you a damn bit of good at that speed (though yaw control will, but you don't have it). Take a driving class and save your life.

With Michelin Pilot Sports (not the A/S), I've driven in some slush and snow. Overall the cars are well rated in inclement weather. As with anything, driving on ice ****s when ABS is doing its best, but it's not enough. That's where winter tires make ALL the difference in the world (or enough ground clearance to jump the curb and head out into the field). Since I see maybe 4 snow days a year, I don't worry about it. I have a 4x4 I can pull out of the barn if it gets too bad. And the biggest benefit there is the tires, not the 4x4.

I don't have traction control (95 M3), but it takes a fair amount of stupidity to get the back end out. With yaw control, etc, your car should be better. Just don't think you're invincible.

If you live in a snow zone, get the Blizzaks and drive like you're on a slippery surface and you'll love it.

Good luck

I'm in Denver, and contemplating a tradeup from my 330ci to an M3. To drive it in snow, which I think is insane, you must absolutely have snow tires. Even my 330ci with sport package 17" tires won't budge in snow. I did drive a demo 330ci with snow tires, and it was very controllable.

Even better than snow tires: spend $2,000 on an old beater Jeep Cherokee and keep the M3 in the garage!

Mountainman,

The M3 is a car, not memorabilia. :) I drive mine all winter long, rock chips be da**ed. 90K and climbing. The paint does remarkably well, all the crap on the roads considered.

I did buy a few fog lamps due to rocks until I got the 3M protectors (clear covers you can't even notice) from the dealer for $18.00

When this one wears out (it will, won't it?), I get an excuse to buy an E46 M3!

Eric D
95 M3