Should I DD my e92 M3 in the winter?

[freeski27]

i would say a e30 ix or a Audi B5 A4. you can prolly find either for about the cost of your snows, and the snow tires will be worth $0 next spring... the car would prolly only depreciate a tiny bit.

Then again, we are talking about doing this E92 ==> E30

But that is what I would do. Most sensible and economical.

[BeirBrennerE30]

Why do you have to buy a BMW for the winter? Just buy a cheap $1000 car and rock that for the winter.

Why is this so difficult. Craigslist is your friend.8)

just figured that an e30 would be easier since i have tons of replacement parts to fix anything that goes wrong.

[87e30]

You could always spend a little more and get a beater truck or 4runner or something like that. Maybe spend 3500 for a good reliable one, they shouldn't give you problems and could be useful in the future plus perfect in the snow.

[UNHCLL]

Chris,

You should not require any more thought after looking through this thread.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194977&highlight=M3+Snow

Yes.

It's a mass produced car, with a plethora of comparables. It will not take a value hit for being driven in the winter... these aren't 250GT Ferrari's.

;)

Real snow tires, and don't slam it into anything. Enjoy.

[AdironRider]

You live in MA, winter is not that bad. I bet most of the state averages under 40" total yearly in snowfall. Outside of maybe a week total all winter, you will be fine.

You already said youre not keeping the car long term. Why go through a huge to not drive a car your going to get rid of in a few years at the latest? Especially if its going to be a 1000 dollar beater letting you down every time you drive it, knowing youve got a ballah M3 just sitting there.

[M-technik-3]

We get more than 40" a year, more like 80 and at times it's around for a bit. Last year we were pummeled by storms, hoping this year is not as bad.

[AdironRider]

I lived there almost my whole life. Boston averages right around 40, and I think its inflated. Bier is down in Bridgewater by the Cape, which I bet averages even less.

My entire driving career back east I dont remember ever having to deal with that much terrible winter driving. Maybe Im jaded as I live in an area that gets 4-500 inches a year, but seriously, its not that bad.

There are plenty of mexicans out here that bomb teton pass in 12 year old slammed grand prixs with bald summer tires in much worse weather. Throw some snows on it and call it a day. He bought the car to drive it, not let it sit in the driveway and drive around a 1000 dollar beater.

[Mike325]

Can you fit smaller wheels on the car? If so, I would do that.

Honestly, if you are not planning on keeping it long term, go for it. I would just get it washed at a car wash maybe twice a month or so with a good undercarriage wash to get all the shit off the bottom too. Most cars go through the winter and as long as you keep it relatively clean, there are no problems.

You would have to drive carefully though, but the car has good stability control and anti slip stuff to help you out.

[M-technik-3]

http://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/ccd/avgsnf98.html

Boston is on the shore and a city so it gets less. I have lived in Mass along time as well. And rememeber the Blizzard of 78 quite vividly.

Yes you are jaded by Jackson Hole's wonderfull powder.

[AdironRider]

One snowstorm 30 years ago should not sway his decision, IMO. Its like planning your entire life around a 100 year event.

That being said, the data you show has Boston at a 42 and change a year average. Blue Hill at 60, and Worcester at 67. So lets make it an average of 55 or so. Thats not that much either way, albeit more than I was claiming.

Anyways, 6" forecasted here in the Tetons through tomorrow afternoon, gotta go tune the board. Its all good this time of year.

[dnova89]

If that were my car I would drive it whether I was worried about long-term value or not. It's a brand new car it's not like it's gonna break down anytime soon. I don't know how you can hold your anxiety knowing you have a pimpinass m3 in you're garage and not drive it lol. I don't see the logic in buying a car for 1 season, and you already have 3 cars it seems so adding a 4th just seems like a big hassle compared to driving one you already have. If you must buy another vehicle, buy a truck, it would at least be very useful. After winter, you can still use your truck for various things unlike if you bought a winter beater. You say you're doing big projects like v8 swaps and whatnot, I'm sure you could use a truck to transport things to your home. Hope that helps. If you did buy snow tires, why wouldn't you be able to keep them until next year? It seems to me that keeping 4 tires around the garage is much easier than keeping a whole other car. Though an STI or evo is always fun if you want something new, and since money is not that big of an issue for you, at least it would be a worthy snow car and not just a "beater" car you would throw away or sell after the season is over. If you're SUPER-GANGSTA MONEY AIN'T A THANG ballin' you could always consider an X6 with x-drive. :) hahahah

[Wh33lhop]

I'd go for a B5 S4, but that's just me. I love those cars. $10k Audi is nothing compared to an E82 and E92.

[MIKe30]

drive it. It's going to depreciate like hell regardless, so like others have said you may as well enjoy it.