Pete S

I'm looking to buy one of these and came across one that has all the options I like except for 4Matic. I was wondering how these RWDs go when fitted with winter only tires. I live in the Philadelphia area so we do get snow but nothing apocalyptic usually bigger snowfall is in the 4-8" at a time. Any help appreciated.

josworth

I'm sure it would be fine. Most of them are 4Matic though... The RWD is a rare one indeed. What year is it?

efzauner

RWD in USA? are you sure?
Regardless.. so what's the issue with the winter tires... Drive them in winter and put summer/4 season on in spring time.
I have winters on right now, and all is good. This is not a sports car. It weights 5000lbs and is huge...

efzauner

It would be quite cool actually. RWD only in winter!... remembering the old days driving my dads Mercury Marquis.
Actually I have a C240 RWD. Winter is fine.. you will get used to it. Put a raw egg between your foot and the gas pedal!

Pete S

Yes absolutely sure it's RWD. I would have zero issues driving in snow problem is the wife will be driving it 95% of the time. I'm leaning more and more towards buying it as since she is also a teacher, big snowfalls means she stays home also. Efzauner, is your R 4Matic or RWD and whereabouts are you. And yes winter tires in winter and then I would just put the all seasons that are on the car now come sting time. Thanks for the input.

efzauner

There should be plenty of 4 Matics around actually. I am were my profile says!
You guys don't have snow down there!

josworth

Like Efzauner has mentioned and I have as well... my guess is 90% of them are 4Matic. I believe the only year it was sold in the US as a rear wheel drive was 2008.

The only other year where I have a little doubt is 2009. I know, based on Mercedes sales literature, that 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2012 all had 4Matic as standard. If the vehicle you are looking at is one of these years there is something very fishy.

Now, rear wheel drive and short wheel base versions were available in more years in other global markets...

You will be fine with rear wheel drive, but considering how good the 4matic system is why not look for one with it?

Pete S

efzauner I was on a mobile device which doesn't show location and yes compared to you guys our snowfall is probably considered a dusting for you guys.

josworth I actually thought all were 4Matic until I came across this one. I've made the mistake of falling in love with the car as it is pretty close to mint and has basically the setup I would get if I were to buy one of these new. Silver with gray interior, Memory package, heated seats, Pano roof, parktronic with back up camera, rear video entertainment with center console between middle row, folding mirrors, and Nav.

Been looking for a month now and haven't seen anything close to that setup with 4Matic, granted I could always get some of those options added on such as rear entertainment for example. At the moment I think I am going to wait and see what comes up. My guess is it might not sell very well considering its RWD and in this area with even 3" of snow people freak out. I am staying away from black/dark blue and red which limits my pool greatly but those colors simply don't work for me. It's going to be a daily driver and I know how hard a black/dark colored car is to keep clean since I have my SL in black, that sits in the garage and still gets dirty just sitting there!

josworth

Lemme guess... it was a 2008, right?

If you were a collector, it may be worth it since it is very, very rare... Not R63 rare but close...

I would wait for the right 4matic... We get some blasts here in NE Ohio and her 06 is an absolute tank in the bad stuff... with just all season tires on it...

Being from Jersey... I know you guys on the east coast have had some serious storms the past couple of years... you never know...

efzauner

The R has good rear weight bias so things should not be too dicy.. It still has traction and stability control anyway. Go for it
But don't plan on adding options afterwards. It is very costly and time consuming to do so and any electronics requires a visit to MB for StarSystem configuration...
Today most kids watch movies on laptops any way or tablets.
Make sure you get good winter tires... Michelin, Conti etc.

AsianR350

Pete s,

I live in Philly too. I have winter tires on my 98 4Matic and it is amazing in snow and ice.

Here are the photos of winter tires that are waiting to be installed the next month or so. Even you have RWD, the winter tires are highly recommended.

marc hanna

Those look like better tread than my Pirelli's.

AsianR350

I bought these tires from TireRack bases on good reviews from users.

josworth

Ah..yes... Blizzaks are FANTASTIC...

Not a fan of Bridgestone tires in general, but have had first hand experience with their Blizzak line and they are great.

That said, we have done great on our R350 for years now with Yokohama AVID Ascends. For an all season they have handled our N/E Ohio winters real well.

So good that I just put a set on my Honda...