[Xiaoxi]

I'm only about 500 miles in and had to drive in the NE snowstorm today. Just wondering if this puts any long term strain on the car, as it's well within the break-in period...

also, already drove across 2 big potholes but doesn't seem to have done any noticeable damage...

[Kiwi]

I don't see any problem at all, if you were racing then you may be putting the car under a little stress but you have 500 miles on the cloak so no problems.

[nike001]

What specific occurrence happened that you need to question about driving in snow having some sort of draw-back for the car's future?

[2+3=5]

Hmm I dont follow break in period with any of my BMWs and have experienced no performance or strain issues driving in Canadian weather... Most of these cars are made and tested in Germany where various road surfaces and freezing temps are normal driving conditions

[Killramos]

The only way i see snow or slippery conditions affecting long term use of the car is if you are regularly losing traction and firing up the revs and/or frying your brakes with the ediff. Drive in eco and you will do great in the snow.

Now the salt that they put on the roads to mitigate these conditions on the other hand. Well just wash your car once a week and it wont be a problem.

[Xiaoxi]

Originally Posted by nike001

What specific occurrence happened that you need to question about driving in snow having some sort of draw-back for the car's future?

The extreme cold plus rough pavements from unplowed snow = harsh on bushings, engine parts (takes longer for oil to warm up), etc?


Also... I hit the big one.... Pothole put a crack in the sidewall of my front left RFT. I'll be getting it replaced on Monday. I got the tire warranty which I guess was a good idea.

Now THIS has me more concerned than anything. It was a pretty big hit. Any potential for serious damage on the axel/suspension/steering rack/engine?

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Xiaoxi

The extreme cold plus rough pavements from unplowed snow = harsh on bushings, engine parts

Youtube some cars going through the Nurburgring Karussell/Carousel and listen to the tire patter over the pavement, some companies used to or still use rough pavement to settle the suspension before sale.
Synthetic oil will leave a protective film on surfaces that it eliminates or virtually eliminates cam wear or bearing wear. The only thing I think is effected are hydraulic adjusted parts that need pressure to work and I don't think that's a wear issue.
The only thing to factor in is removing salt with a good underbody, wheel-well and body wash.

[mfourn20]

Move along. Nothing to see here.

Nearly EVERYDAY this winter. The worst part is the snow tires through so much snow the wheel wells FILL with packed snow that turns to ice.

[Xiaoxi]

That certainly puts me more at ease! Thanks.

However, I am still concerned with the pothole situation. Will be going to the dealer for a replacement tomorrow.

[mfourn20]

Rhode Island's roads are awful, its why I went with 17" wheels /snow tires. I just wanted that extra little amount of cushion when the roads are at their worst. I can't wait for the 18s to go back on though, the car is a lot sharper with the summer tires.

[2+3=5]

Originally Posted by mfourn20

Rhode Island's roads are awful, its why I went with 17" wheels /snow tires. I just wanted that extra little amount of cushion when the roads are at there worst. I can't wait for the 18s to go back on though, the car is a lot sharper with the summer tires.

Did you experience the charge battery warning errors during the extreme cold weather too?

[williewonkerz]

Originally Posted by 2+3=5

Did you experience the charge battery warning errors during the extreme cold weather too?

Yup, this is normal, BMW doesn't use a block heater and relies on the battery being at full charge and the use of good synthetic. If the car can turn over (thanks to that battery and synthetic) and fire (good battery) it will start and run.

The Charge battery is because you're using all the cold goodies like seat and wheel heaters drawing enough power. Car just wants to make sure it has adequate power to turn over.

Its been BMW's model for years and never failed me yet.

[mfourn20]

My 228 M Sport performed flawlessly in the cold/snow with now errors, warnings and so on. It also proved to be very good at doing donuts and drifting whenever it seemed safe to do so.

My only issue was a few mornings my windows froze so I couldn't open/shut the door. A little Luke warm water took care of that issue though.

[2+3=5]

Originally Posted by mfourn20

My 228 M Sport performed flawlessly in the cold/snow with now errors, warnings and so on. It also proved to be very good at doing donuts and drifting whenever it seemed safe to do so.

My only issue was a few mornings my windows froze so I couldn't open/shut the door. A little Luke warm water took care of that issue though.

I use to have the window freezing issue in my 330ci but not with my M235i... fingers crossed!

[Cyberdemon]

Yes, bad weather puts long term wear on a car. That's why when you see classic cars you usually see people selling the ones from California or Florida that still have their original paint, not ones from Toronto or Buffalo that have rusted through.

With that said, it's a car - it's meant to be driven. Things that wear out can be replaced. There are plenty of BMW's in the Northeast blizzard belt that have survived 20 years with no problems. They may not have the shiniest paint on the block, but you won't hurt your car.

If you are worried about it, that's why they invented the phrase "winter beater".

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Xiaoxi

That certainly puts me more at ease! Thanks.

However, I am still concerned with the pothole situation. Will be going to the dealer for a replacement tomorrow.

My Blizzaks had a larger sidewall than the Michelin summers, and that did wonders for the pothole situation.

I just moved to Dallas but all my BMWs have been driven in Midwest winters - you will be fine my man.

[Dr Fatpuss]

due to pot holes i decided to avoid the hwy for a month or so. its so bad everywhere that you cant even dodge the holes cause there is just to many of them. i take back roads and just sit in traffic to save the cars tires and rims alignment all that. Hope they fix all these roads soon cant even use hwy 35 in texas its literally a bunch of holes for miles.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by 2+3=5

I use to have the window freezing issue in my 330ci but not with my M235i... fingers crossed!

High pressure car washes jam water into the doors......frozen windows.