E30 Winter Driving - BMW Forum

jaymz · 10-22-2004, 01:18 AM

I live in michigan so winters suck,,,badly. im going to have my bimmer up and running soon (84 325e)

so how good are these things in snow?,,i wish i didnt have to drive it but with buying it and then having to fix it i have no money left for a winter beater.

other than wheights in the back and not floorin it,,what else can i do in/for my bimmer to make it more "snow worthy",,,,or does the god like handeling do well for those slippery months to?

theratdude64 · 10-22-2004, 03:22 AM

former owner of mine said it did pretty decently, i havent had problems... but im comparing it to a high horse power RWD manual car thats fairly light, so just about anything is better

Trob · 10-22-2004, 08:36 AM

I have an Ix...All Wheel Drive baby! I can't wait for winter!

Aether · 10-22-2004, 10:10 AM

A limited-slip does wonders, if you have one.
If you're already putting parts on it, you might think about finding a 3.73 LSD at a junkyard.

Quincy56 · 10-22-2004, 01:45 PM

Get some real snow tires, and the E30s are fine. Get some mounted on some steel wheels and you can switch them yourself in the spring. That way you can also get some better summer tires without worring about getting all season tires for both summer and winter.

jaymz · 10-22-2004, 02:08 PM

i havnt checked the junk yard yet(will be doing soon tho),,,how do i find out if i have lsd??,,is it in the vin or serial # on the differential?,,i know the easy way to find out would be a "lose traction test",,but since the cars not moving at the moment(slipped timing belt) that would be kinda hard.

theratdude64 · 10-22-2004, 02:19 PM

I Doubt i do, but how do I find out if I have limited slip?

Hypnogaja · 10-22-2004, 02:30 PM

Limited slip isn't much help

I have it on my IROC-Z and I still have to be really careful on takeoff and taking turns cause my rear would spin out.

Electronic traction control is the way to go (dunno if it was availible for e30 line though)

Aether · 10-22-2004, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrM3@Sep 30 2004, 11:19 AM
you may want to check to see if you already have a LSD. if you have a 5speed, your final drive ratio will be 2.93:1, and to see if you have a LSD, check the tag on the differential and look for S293. if you dont see an 'S' then you have an open diff. the stock LSD's on these cars only perform 20% lock; therefore, you will still have one wheel spinning at times under certain conditions.

the LSD's off the 325i/is are 3.73:1 which would result in a very short 1st gear and high highway rpms, which would also affect your gas mileage. most would probably end up regretting the swap.

[snapback]202090[/snapback]

Don't mistake an LSD for traction control - it just evens the torque balance a little in some situations. It's still very possible to spin the car, and you still have to pay very close attention. For solely winter purposes, I think the 3.73 would be easier, since your first gear would be ridiculously short. A 325i's first gear is like it is to compensate for its high torque curve. But if you'd rather just put in what would have come with the car (although a 3.73 or 4.10 would still be a direct swap), then get a 2.93.

witeshark · 10-22-2004, 07:56 PM

Does Michigan allow studded tires? That would help

jaymz · 10-23-2004, 12:17 AM

nope studded or chained tires not allowed,,they say it rips on the pavement to much,

M-technik-3 · 10-23-2004, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hypnogaja@Oct 22 2004, 01:30 PM
Limited slip isn't much help

I have it on my IROC-Z and I still have to be really careful on takeoff and taking turns cause my rear would spin out.

Electronic traction control is the way to go (dunno if it was availible for e30 line though)

[snapback]216265[/snapback]

Limited slip is helpful. One wheel as opposed to two wheels driving the car foward. The one with power going to the single wheel tends to spin not two because it divided by two.

Your Z spun due to contact patch and weight on rear tires. wide tires have a contact patch that looks like this _ and winter tires have one that looks like this l so the winter tire or narrow allseason has more narrow and longer based as opposed to a wider patch.

They are completely differant. Why would you want electronic traction control? Most just retard the engine giving you less hp or add electronic braking into the mix. Just be aware of your surroundings and drive with smarts.