Snow

[BrokenVert]

^proper tires make this car a reasonably capable snow machine. I got stuck going up the crown of a road on the stok rfts in half an inch of snow. With snow tires on I can navigate roads better than most people in SUVs

[Raine]

Driving in snow = it's not a race, easy does it...

[AngelinIsRich08]

That's unfortunate because the Midwest is having one hell of a winter. I'm from St. Louis, MO and our snow situation is a bit better than chicago's but Chicago's supposed to get 20" this week and STL up to 18" I have a 128i and I've got on some really thin BMW chrome wheels. I wouldn't recommend it in the snow or any downpours. Get a nice X-Drive or AWD car if possible but my advice would be to use public transport. Drive safe and slow and don't worry about the douches that'll yell at you! (Chicago's not the friendliest place to commute or live in...)

[JB135MDCT]

Make a U-turn at Disney Land.

[cvandenhaute]

With the right tires it should not be a problem since they do a nice job with plowing the roads. The only rule I usually apply is to avoid the interstate while it snows during commute time. Not because of the car, just because of the other drivers who do not even increase their distances. I've seen some pretty stupid behaviors these last 3 years and now I rather use the secondary roads when it snows. Idiots with 4x4 seem to believe that they are invulnerable in the snow... until they rear-end your precious toy because of their slick worn out Chinese tires that are not adapted to these conditions...

[cagekicker]

catch the bus!

[TP 135i]

Originally Posted by IDBMW

DSC always on for me unless I need traction to get going.

That’s why I put winter tires on my vehicles I drive in the winter. Over the years I have been able to avoid a couple nasty accidents where I had to make quick moves on the snow/ice to avoid another out of control vehicle.
My Tacoma not only has 4x4 and DSC but I put sipped and studded tires on it.

Hope you wife’s recovery goes well.

Goods input...thanks.
And thanks about my wife. She is recovering nicely.

[boostm3]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Snow tires will get you where you need to go. We've had record snowfall here and I've been the first one at the office every day. Just remember...

Completely agree. The main problem I have with my 135i in the snow is that it gets dirty!!!

winter tires and she does very respectively.. and as we ct residents know, this year has been a real test.. The OP is from chicago, and therefore is about to be hit with a massive blizzard.. My advice to him is to stay off the roads for awhile, no matter What hes driving!

[cvandenhaute]

I just made it on time from my office when the blizzard started kicking. I was positively surprised by the handling of the 1er with the Dunlop, made me feel confident and comfortable, only limited by the insane traffic

[Milligan]

I still have the rfts. I've been driving in snow all my life but I will not take this car out in the snow. It is hilariously awful on stock tires. Unless you have snow tires or at least some kind of all seasons do not take it out. You may be towed home haha.

[cvandenhaute]

Originally Posted by bunny_bmw135i

Thank you all for your reply...much appreciated. I will be driving to Chicago mid feb not sure when it stops snowing there. I might just park my car in the garage till it stops snowing cuz I dont have the time nor money to get the snow tires and wouldn't wanna risk damaging the beautiful machine.

Unlike most, I did not mount my tires on separate rims, I just swapped the tires on the OEM. I costs me about $100 each time for swapping them but I prefer that over crap wheels (or paying full price for a new set of OEM wheels for a car that I might only keep 3 years). Total cost for a set of Dunlop SP3D (staggered due to Sport Package for the 128i) : about $600.

Trust me, your deductible will tell you thank you since this investment (not even since in the meantime you do not use your summer tires) will allow you to keep your mobility all year round here...

I personally feel more secure with the RWD 128i on winter tires than with my AWD '08 VWR32 on all season tires...

[TPLSM3]

I would recommend a set of snow wheels & tires for sure if you plan on driving your 135i here. Better option if possible would be to just store the car for winter & pick up a "winter beater". The potholes during winter kill the wheels & suspension. You'll see some potholes as big as our 'lil 1ers here in Chicago. Here's mine away in hibernation....


Here's a quick pic of the snow we got overnight!


Welcome to Chicago!!!

[dmboone25]

I am in northern Indiana--and have Blizzak snow tires for the 135. The last few days have been a test for the effectiveness of driving a RWD car in the snow...but I have honestly been fine. You need snows though...don't try to get by with summers...

Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but if you are going through the heavy/deep stuff, you should hit the DTC button. Makes a world of difference...but you have to go slow and pay attention or you can lose the back end more easily...

[moveswiftly]

Snow tires are a must. I generally drive with DSC/DTC off most of the time because they interfere with my driving. In the snow I always have it completely off as it tries to correct things for me and I HATE anything that interferes in my driving.

But easy on the gas.... Smooth brake and throttle inputs. If you start sliding you can do two things slowly get off the gas and steer your way out; note suddenly getting of the gas will make you do a nice 360 -__-
Or you could slowly keep on the gas and keep the drift going
I prefer the latter .