Hi guys. I own a 330xi in the steptronic which is a nice car but it is boring the living crap out of me. I just came into a significant inheritance and was thinking of stepping up to a brand new 6 speed M3. My main concern is the fact that I live in New York, it snows in winter, and this would be my only car. The ride quality is slightly rough as well for a daily driver. Can I get snow tires for this car or would I have to buy a beater? I want to test drive the car but I will probably buy it on the spot. I am an excellent manual driver and I feel that I could beat most cars on the street, especially the WRX STI. What do you think?
Should I buy an M3?
- Thread starter AWD330XI
- Start date
The M3 can handle snow just as well as the other RWD Bimmers when properly equipped with snow tires. Yes, you can buy snow tires for the M3... I believe it's 225/50R17 (I'd double check). I don't think you have anything to worry about, especially if you are an excellent manual driver. 
I don't think there's any way an M3 can beat an WRX STi in snow, though.
I don't think there's any way an M3 can beat an WRX STi in snow, though.
![[?|]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_banghead.gif "Bang Head [?|]"){kind=icon}
What is people's problems? So he inherited money, he can do what he wants with it!! I doubt it was just handed to him anyways.
I would seriously look at buying an Audi S4 -- it's All wheel drive (probably one of the best cars in the snow) and it's almost as fast as an M3 (it's a few seconds slower around a track according to Top Gear, the UK car show.)
Also, I'm not sure if the newer BMW's are better in the snow than my E30 325is, but with traction control and everything, and more advanced ABS, it's probably not TOO bad.
My car has trouble getting moving in the snow, but once the car is moving, it drives straight and never really slips around (unless I make it slip![[hihi]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_hihi.gif "Hi Hi [hihi]")
)
I would seriously look at buying an Audi S4 -- it's All wheel drive (probably one of the best cars in the snow) and it's almost as fast as an M3 (it's a few seconds slower around a track according to Top Gear, the UK car show.)
Also, I'm not sure if the newer BMW's are better in the snow than my E30 325is, but with traction control and everything, and more advanced ABS, it's probably not TOO bad.
My car has trouble getting moving in the snow, but once the car is moving, it drives straight and never really slips around (unless I make it slip
)
I would love an M3. I think I know what you are saying, my car is not boring but it seems so when I think I could have had an M3. ![[rolleyes]](/images/smilies/rolleyes.png "Roll Eyes (Sarcastic) [rolleyes]")
But actually I cant get one now, I tried and I have car seat problems and although I don't transport a lot in my car I still need the seats there. I am thinking in a couple of years I will get one for sure, then I can get the cool bigger kids seats and they fit.![[burnout]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_burnout.gif "Burnout [burnout]")
But actually I cant get one now, I tried and I have car seat problems and although I don't transport a lot in my car I still need the seats there. I am thinking in a couple of years I will get one for sure, then I can get the cool bigger kids seats and they fit.
why is your car boring you? cuz it sticks so well? or cuz you can't shift on your own? i dun like the way you put it, but either way here's what i think:
m3 can be tamed in snow w/ the winter tires. even if you dont' drive in snow, if your local weather is below 40s in the winter, you'll need nows. ultra summers will turn into a nice slippery puck at best in cold temps.
at the same time i'd get a winter beater (if you can, for those days when snows all over the place.) not because the car can't handle it, but to baby it, and also due to lower ground clearance, you just might scratch up, or even break parts of the body kit and such.
i'm sorry for your losses, and what better way to spend a new found money than on a sweet ride. mutual funds are sooo boring![[;)]](/images/smilies/wink.png "Wink [;)]")
m3 can be tamed in snow w/ the winter tires. even if you dont' drive in snow, if your local weather is below 40s in the winter, you'll need nows. ultra summers will turn into a nice slippery puck at best in cold temps.
at the same time i'd get a winter beater (if you can, for those days when snows all over the place.) not because the car can't handle it, but to baby it, and also due to lower ground clearance, you just might scratch up, or even break parts of the body kit and such.
i'm sorry for your losses, and what better way to spend a new found money than on a sweet ride. mutual funds are sooo boring
mmmmm..all good stuff. One comment re the STi's. As a former STi owner, don't be too confident. Thing is they are totally different cars. STi is an out and out sprinter. In the wet, or snow, not much on the planet will stay with it. Sure the M3 is a track weapon, and all things being equal will mince the Sti, but, would take someone who really know's how to drive a RWD to do it. The Sti, is simply so easy to drive very very fast in. Hellish safe as well. In fact I would say any idiot could drive an Sti quicker than the same idiot in an M3. When you are talking power like the M3, takes some skill to REALLY make it sing through the twisties.
Other thing with the STI, is wack a free flow exhaust and up the boost to say 17-19lb and well look out!!
Still, give me an M3 .....i bloody want one!! (just go easy on the sti...seriously folks RESPECT THE REX). One might really surprise you.
PS, give the Audi a wide berth....I owned one of those also..what a heap of c%&p!! that was.
Other thing with the STI, is wack a free flow exhaust and up the boost to say 17-19lb and well look out!!
Still, give me an M3 .....i bloody want one!! (just go easy on the sti...seriously folks RESPECT THE REX). One might really surprise you.
PS, give the Audi a wide berth....I owned one of those also..what a heap of c%&p!! that was.
![[:(]](/images/smilies/frown.png "Frown [:(]")