1987 325ic - winter driving Qs - BMW Forum

booker · 08-19-2008, 10:13 AM

Just bought a lovely restored, 1987 325ic for my wife and we were wondering about people's winter driving experiences, as the roads can get nasty here in New England.
Do you get winter tires? If so, are there recommendations?

We're concerned because we had a rear wheel drive sports coupe that was awful in the winter. A few sandbags in the trunk helped, but only a bit.

THANKS

yammahamma · 08-19-2008, 11:30 AM

bald tires + Utah winters ftw!

I love finding empty parking lots and laying on the gas....I seriously just sit there and spin in circles for hours at a time.

I've never tried winter tires cause slippin 'n slidin is too much fun...

witeshark · 08-19-2008, 01:08 PM

If your RWD car has a limited slip differential, that will help a lot.

gotKRAUT · 08-19-2008, 01:24 PM

i know here in the states the best winter tire you can get just about are blizzaks i agree...LSD is a huge help...make sure its got the limited slip rear diff

Nick_318is · 08-20-2008, 06:01 PM

Same as the above posts, Good snow tires will help A LOT and a LSD will help, some sandbags in the back might help out too!

booker · 08-24-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick_318is

Same as the above posts, Good snow tires will help A LOT and a LSD will help, some sandbags in the back might help out too!

Thanks much for the replies.

How do I know if I my 1987 325ic has LSD? If it doesn't, can it be added? About how much?

And I'll definitely get snow tires, and throw a few sandbags in the trunk, as we have with our old mustang.

Any help on the LSD would be much appreciated.

lwvseabee · 08-24-2008, 09:23 PM

just jack the rear end up. and see if both wheels turn. or power breaking it works too. lol its more entertaining

Nihilator · 09-03-2008, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booker

How do I know if I my 1987 325ic has LSD? If it doesn't, can it be added? About how much?

Differentials have a small metal tag attached to them with the ratio stamped on it. If the letter "S" appears before the numbers, you have a limited slip differential.

If you don't have one, they appear for sale all the time on eBay and various E30 enthusiast forums. Mine cost me $250 shipped to my door, plus another two hours of labor to install.

--Chris

booker · 09-03-2008, 05:37 PM

Chris,

Thanks much for the info. Sorry to sound like a dunce, but where would I find this "small metal tag"?

Follow-up. It sounds like it's worth getting the lsd if I don't have it? It's mostly my wife's car, and I want her to be safe.

If the car wouldnt be driven in the winter (we haven't decided yet), is it worth getting the lsd?

THANKSS to all for your help.

HB

Nihilator · 10-02-2008, 12:04 PM

If it's not going to be winter-driven, then the LSD is only of limited value. Really, if it's that nicely restored, are you sure you want to drive it on salty, slushy roads in the first place? My 'vert is in good shape but is by no means a well-restored specimen, so I have no qualms about driving it in winter.

Plus, if you're going to winter-drive it, consider finding a hardtop.

By the way, the small metal tag is, IIRC, visible if you scoot under the car from behind. Years of wear may have damaged the tag, so you may have to get close up to see if there's an "S" on it, but it should be relatively easy to find.

--Chris

booker · 10-02-2008, 07:52 PM

Chris, thanks again.

Well, my winter issues have been solved. My mechanic convinced me to find a winter beater to keep the 325ic as nice as it is, as well as for safety reasons. At first I balked, but once I saw the price of good snow tires, I thought a small investment would be worthwhile.
I've liked driving the 325 so much, that I went ahead and bought a 1989
325ix for the bad weather. The iX hasn't reached me yet, but I'm looking forward to it!