Alright, well I am sure a lot of you have winter beaters, or you don't get snow, but unfortunately I have to make it through the winter with my e21.

Aside from some nice winter tires, what other precautions can I take to make sure I can get around in the snow?

I am concerned about starting my car when it's cold as I am already having trouble sometimes with a rough idle on cool mornings. In the next week or so I am going to give it a tune up, change the plugs, oil, etc.

Is there anything else I can do?

Looks like you got the right idea. Don't forget the other basics such as anti-freeze wiper fluid and maybe some new wipers while you are at it. Oh and check the antifreeze level, you might need to top it off.

I dont drive in the snow except for snow boarding. But I hear alot of people but sand bags in the rear over the axle for added traction.

Make sure to check your coolant mixture. to make sure the water/antifreeze ratio is correct. I use one of these:

http://www.handsontools.com/image_manager/attributes/image/image_3/39698_42239.jpg

I had no problems last year with some all seasons and that sub box in the trunk

I used to use sandbags in my trunk and it helps out a bit. Sucks ass if they break though. I think snow tires make the biggest difference out of anything. Slapped some on my E30 and it was a major difference.

In a word...get yourself some Blizzaks!! :redspot Worth every penny!!

In a word...get yourself some Blizzaks!! :redspot Worth every penny!!

true that, or like me get some Hakkapelita studed snows. You can drive like rally cars from the 70s and 80s before AWD.....rooster tails anyone?????

true that, or like me get some Hakkapelita studed snows. You can drive like rally cars from the 70s and 80s before AWD.....rooster tails anyone?????

I want to get studded snows, but I don't think I really need it. I believe they are legal here in MA between certain months, but I never see anyone with them. I will definately get some blizzaks though.

Not sure if I am going to put anything heavy in my trunk. I will see. I don't want to make my car too slow.

The sandbags in the back for a little weight is a great idea, I did that when I lived in colorado. As well, make sure to get those tires XD. I loved the snow, didn't like driving in it. Hope your carm survives the winter :)

The sandbags in the back for a little weight is a great idea, I did that when I lived in colorado. As well, make sure to get those tires XD. I loved the snow, didn't like driving in it. Hope your carm survives the winter :)

Don't jynx me, lol! It will survive.

I'm pretty good at winter driving. Although this is my first time with RWD, so I need to mess around in a parking lot to get the feel. I am more afraid of someone crashing into me, then me crashing.

I'm already having trouble starting in the cold. It took forever to start my car last night. I gotta get this thing tuned up this week.

Just remember if you use blizzaks on dry pavement they will wear very fast. up here some people swap on the studs for most driving and use the blizzaks after a snow or on the ice....I have studs on mine, my 320 is actually the rusty beater I've been driving now that it has snowed....I'd rather have someone slide into the old rusty E-21 than my e-36.....

mine has the hard cold start problem with the chugging to life and the erratic idle problem I need to fix...I think it may be the warm up pressure regulator problem discussed in other threads...

My 323 I prepared for winter by running some stabil in it, removed the battery, checked the anti freeze, parked it in the yard and tossed on two car covers and tied them down....

Just remember if you use blizzaks on dry pavement they will wear very fast. up here some people swap on the studs for most driving and use the blizzaks after a snow or on the ice....I have studs on mine, my 320 is actually the rusty beater I've been driving now that it has snowed....I'd rather have someone slide into the old rusty E-21 than my e-36.....

mine has the hard cold start problem with the chugging to life and the erratic idle problem I need to fix...I think it may be the warm up pressure regulator problem discussed in other threads...

My 323 I prepared for winter by running some stabil in it, removed the battery, checked the anti freeze, parked it in the yard and tossed on two car covers and tied them down....

Yeah, my e21 is rusty too, and although I don't want anything to happen to it, it's not a big deal if someone slides into it. Ofcoarse that's the last thing I want to happen, but atleast I am not driving a fully restored one. Next winter that might be the case though, but by then I will have a winter beater.

I actually have the cold start problem too, but it usually fine once it warms up. However since last night I have had trouble starting it at all. I got it going by popping the clutch the last few times. Then once I drive it, it starts alright. Not sure whats wrong yet, but I'm gonna look at it more tomorrow. I don't even know if it's related to the cold start problem.