Few more questions, Tires and Rims...

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Beekbmwm3

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Hello!

A few ?? regarding the 04 E46 M3 Coupe...

I was driving yesterday when I noticed I have been sliding around a lot lately...when I make a sharp turn and accelerate I slide a little and my DSC light comes on. I have a little over 10k miles on my car and I am a very aggresive driver. (I have actually been to 150 mph in my M3, don't worry, it was on a highway and no other cars were around) I tend to drive fast and wonder if my tires are wearing faster then most. What is the average mileage you have to get new tires at on an M3? Also, what tires would you suggest?

Secondly, I had a little problem coming out of a ATM drive-thru about 6 months ago, and scratched the hell out of my left side rims. Yeah, yeah, I know, I had to contain the anger and pain myself. Should I get new rims? Or is there a way I could get the BMW competition rims later this year??

Thanks!! [driving2] [burnout]
 
MrElussive

MrElussive

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Doesn't it get cold there in MO? The M3 comes with performance tires, which aren't suitable for driving in cold weather (even on dry roads). The tires probably aren't giving you enough traction in the cold weather when you accelerate through the turns, and the LSD only makes the tail swing out more.
Reduce your aggression on the road until you hit 40 degree F and warmer temps, or get a set of snow tires.
This advice was assuming I'm right about the tire traction thing.

As for your rim, you can take it to a body/detail kind of shop and they can repair it to make it look good again. Your BMW might be able to repair the wheel, but I'm not so sure...if not, there should be lots of wheel repair shops around you.
 
Average Jae

Average Jae

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i just looked up st. louis' weather, and you may or may not need winters, seeing as the temps bounce aroud btw 30s to 50s.. but it may help, because of what Mr. E posted above, but also because of the tread wear. your ultra high perf tires may only last about 20k or less (depending on your driving style) or more.. not sure of the exact figure, but i remember some in the teens.. so the tread wear maybe the issue, along w/ the weather.

only reason why i say you may need winters is the fact that if you drive around a lot during the colder times, you'll be much safer in the softer winter tire. you'll need to be careful tho when the temps hit above 60s or so. and the other reason is to save the tread life on your ultra high perfs. something to think about. and if you are gonna get winters, do get separate rims with them. the chances of your nice rims getting hacked up in the winter go up way more than a mere ATM incident imo.
 
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otahand

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You either have Conti's or Michelin Ultra High Performance SUMMER tires. Below 40 degrees F, you are hosed. Oversteering and rear wheels loosing traction.

As for the rims, if you have 18", these were finished with a lead-based silver paint that is only available in Europe. Illegal to shoot that paint in the US. You only have the following options: 1) go on ebay an buy a used rim; 2) buy a new rim from BMW; 3) Have the wheel stripped and painted with a silver color that is "close". I got an estimate for $175 per wheel.
 
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Beekbmwm3

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MrElussive said:
Doesn't it get cold there in MO? The M3 comes with performance tires, which aren't suitable for driving in cold weather (even on dry roads). The tires probably aren't giving you enough traction in the cold weather when you accelerate through the turns, and the LSD only makes the tail swing out more.
Reduce your aggression on the road until you hit 40 degree F and warmer temps, or get a set of snow tires.
This advice was assuming I'm right about the tire traction thing.

As for your rim, you can take it to a body/detail kind of shop and they can repair it to make it look good again. Your BMW might be able to repair the wheel, but I'm not so sure...if not, there should be lots of wheel repair shops around you.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice. Now that I think about it it makes sense. Speaking of sliding, did you guys ever see the BMWfilms with the M5 and Madonna? Can you actually pull up the parking brake like that and slide? Even though I am sure it's really good for the car [:D]
 
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otahand

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I have not seen the movie with Madonna. However, there are two ways to make the backend slide on dry pavement: (1) downshit into a turn, but this could flip the car around if you are going too fast; or (2) turn the front wheel and pull up the parking brake hard. Now, do not let go of the parking brake, because you need to release it to regain control.
 
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albinomidget

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i live just North of u in des moines, ia. i have the same problems with my performance tires in cold conditions. im a drifting fanatic and love to get my M3 sideways like u. i have 18 x 8's on now and still notice that it gets loose very easy in cold weather. i think we better stick to summer driving or get snow tires to be on the safe side.

anyway, im a newbie to the M3 scene, but when u do need new tires, check out the Nexen N3000's. High performance tire with the best ratings i have found for the price. pickedem up off ebay for like $400 with shipping:

traction: AA
treadwear: 340
temp rating: A
Y rated: up to 186 mph ( i think? )

check out more at http://www.nexentire.co.kr/english/main/index.asp
 
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