Paint wagon

New to the site so thanks for any help upfront. We have been with our current 2011 e wagon for about a year and half (we received with 15000 miles now roughly 30000) and I have some issues that would love your thoughts on.
First the car seems to be solid in the rain and dry pavement, but any snow or ice causes it to feel unstable. Somewhat like a fishtale sensation at speed. Quite unnerving compared to our prior 2001 wagon whIch was solid as a rock even with less than great tires. Both are 4matic
Any thoughts? The car has its original pzeros and admittedly are due for replacement, but my wife has been noticing it ever since we bought it. Any chance the traction sensors/computers are over sensitive in slippery conditions that may contribute to this sensation. I drove the car for a long distance recently in snow conditions and confirmed my wife's complaints. It was addressed at the dealer last winter, but nothing was found amiss. Possible it is just the tires? Thanks guys

thenew3

Pzero's are not great tires. They are horrible in snow and just so so in rain.

I would suggest you get a set of better tires. Depending on where you are (if you get a lot of snow), investing in a second set of wheels with dedicated snow tires will give you the ultimate traction.

Paint wagon

Thanks for the reply. I too suspect the tires, however we were spinning the same pzeros on the 2001 wagon with great success. Any suggestions for better replacements? Thanks again.

weinschela

Any new tires will be better than tires with 30,000 miles -- and you do not know how the first owner drove.
We have Michelins on a 09 E wago and also on a 14 E wagon with no issues.

Sean1234

I'm running Michelin Alpin's on my E-Class and love them. No road noise really and have been really good in the snow so far. Not cheap but worth the cash

DerekACS

Yes, I would concur. I had Michelin Pilot Alpins on my previous E350W 4M, now on my 2015 E250BT 4M. These tires handle well in the wet and in snow; good, quiet ride as well.

The Pirelli PZero Neros are fine for 3 seasons, not for winter.

Alex.currie44

I have the same car with 55000 km (34000 mi). I had the W211 version of the car as well. Both are 4 Matic.
In my experience if you run in snow or cold climates it is best to put on a winter tire. Makes sense. Softer winter compound even on dry roads = better winter traction. The so called AS tire is really a 3 season in my book.
I run the 17" as recommended in the winter on Michelin X Ice and I am pleased with them. I ran one set of Pirelli P Zero winters on my W211 2wd sedan (2003) and they sucked. Some folks swear by Nokian Hakkapeliitta winters.
I doubt very much the wheel speed sensors are an issue otherwise I would expect that you would be seeing some ABS sensitivity issues as well.

Sean1234

If you don't care about cost than the Michein Aplins are in my opinion the best you can get. I also run Bridgestone Blizzacks WS80's on my wifes Subaru Outback and find these are good as well. Not as quite or as good of handling but a all around good snow tire for the money

Alex.currie44

Agree.

mikemargolis

I live in New England, drive an E350 diesel, not 4matic.

I run four Bridgestone Blizzaks all winter long, and have no problems, even with rear wheel drive.

I am VERY sure the tires are your problem.

Alex.currie44

The Alpin in 17" 255 45 is about $55 a tire more on Tire Racks website than the X ICE Xi3.
Michelin rates it as a 10 in fuel economy and handling but traction, stopping and wear are 8s.
The X ICE is rated a 10 in all but handling at an 8.
The dilemma is do you need a V rated tire to run around in the winter that is $50 more?
The Alpin is also asymetric and directional so they stay on one side of the car. The X Ice is directional but at least you have the option of moving them right to left by dismounting them from any rim and remounting.
It's all about choices. The main thing is not to think an All Season with a few years of wear and good enough. You can never have enough tire under you.

telemakhos

Worn out P-zero's in the snow? No wonder you have no traction. I run Nokian Hakka R's (R2 is now out) and the car is fantastic in the snow and ice. Nokian invented winter tires and they have the best grip you can buy IMO. I had Arctic Alpin on my old car and the Nokian's are better.

Good luck!