C230K in Snow, how would it handle?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 546
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From: Charlotte, NC
2003 BMW 540iT, 2019 BMW X3m40i, 2001 BMW 325i, 1999 C230K Sport
C230K in Snow, how would it handle?
I'm going to go skiing with a few friends after my finals, renting a lodge and all that. But instead of heading back to Riverhell and getting my car to go back home, i wanna just leave straight from Mammoth to the Bay Area.
That means i have to drive my C up there and i'm not quite sure if it's up to the task of going up snowy mountain roads, driving around in a few inches of it and all that junk. Obviously if the roads are completely cleared of snow, i'd be fine, but the last time i went, there seemed to be a good layer of it on the roads + there was a blizzard, so it was kind of nerve racking.
Should i get snow tires, or just hook up chains when i get to certain points? Or should i jsut froget all that and rent a 4wd/awd suv up there?
thanks for the advice in advance
That means i have to drive my C up there and i'm not quite sure if it's up to the task of going up snowy mountain roads, driving around in a few inches of it and all that junk. Obviously if the roads are completely cleared of snow, i'd be fine, but the last time i went, there seemed to be a good layer of it on the roads + there was a blizzard, so it was kind of nerve racking.
Should i get snow tires, or just hook up chains when i get to certain points? Or should i jsut froget all that and rent a 4wd/awd suv up there?
thanks for the advice in advance
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Toronto, Canada
1999 C230 Kompressor Sport
all you need is a good set of winter tire's and set the tranny to "winter" mode and you should be more than well off....I live in Toronto Canada and Canadian winters can be bad sometimes but i never had a problem. I have Kumo winter's, if you do decide on the winter's, don't be cheap, spend the money on good tires and you will have no problems...
Last edited by bcmiguel; Dec 2, 2005 at 07:10 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maryland, USA
2007 CLK350 Sport, 2006 E320 CDI, 1978 Cessna 152
I never had trouble with the car in snow, but I only have owned it for one winter. I also live in the south so big snows dont really happen. When I went to Colorado to ski, I thought the winter tires and studs amazing.
I would suggest though that putting weight in the trunk and rear seat (dont over load of course!). It helps give traction to the rear. The 190D I use to own would work pretty well using that approach. I hope that helps.
I am looking to buy some chains for the ocassional hills where I live when we get ice. If anyone can suggest a place that sells chains please let me know.
I would suggest though that putting weight in the trunk and rear seat (dont over load of course!). It helps give traction to the rear. The 190D I use to own would work pretty well using that approach. I hope that helps.
I am looking to buy some chains for the ocassional hills where I live when we get ice. If anyone can suggest a place that sells chains please let me know.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Boston, MA
I got my 1999 C230K in June. We had a little bit of snow around Thanksgiving. Basically the car got stuck on our flat driveway which was covered by an extravagant 1.5 inches of snow. The car just slid sideways closer and closer to the side of the house.....while the ASR light tried to let me know as if I didn't already. 
I put my new snows on that same night, much better...
I put my new snows on that same night, much better...
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From: New Jersey/Brooklyn
'99 C230 K
with snow tires its not that bad just dont go up any steep hills or youll lose traction and slide right back down.
However, 2 winters ago i drove my C from central jersey to north jersey on x-mas day in sludge and 4 inches of snow, made it their safely and must say living in the northeast has tought me how to drive well in adverse conditions, u really just need to know your vehicle and its capabilities. Almost like an extension of your body.
However, 2 winters ago i drove my C from central jersey to north jersey on x-mas day in sludge and 4 inches of snow, made it their safely and must say living in the northeast has tought me how to drive well in adverse conditions, u really just need to know your vehicle and its capabilities. Almost like an extension of your body.
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From: Cincinnati OH
C280
I hate to rip on C's, but my car sucked completely in the snow last year. Even with all season tires with a M+S rating, I could barely move in snow that was mere inches deep. Dedicated snow tires are a must with C class cars, it makes a night vs. day change in handling and traction. I recommend Michelin Pilot Alpin. They are dedicated snow tires with an H speed rating.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
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From: Charlotte, NC
2003 BMW 540iT, 2019 BMW X3m40i, 2001 BMW 325i, 1999 C230K Sport
snow tires are too expensive especially if i'm only going up to the mountains for a trip.
I have all season tires as well, but I'm going to be same and buy som ehigh quality snow cables to fit onto the tires when the goin' gets tough. I think that'll be just as good as getting real snow tires.
I have all season tires as well, but I'm going to be same and buy som ehigh quality snow cables to fit onto the tires when the goin' gets tough. I think that'll be just as good as getting real snow tires.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
I wouldn't put your car in danger if you are really that worried. If I were you I just spend the money on a SUV rental and get insurance. Its maybe $100 tops for a weekend. Good luck.
I agree with the others about spending money on winter tires when you are probably not going to use it that often. Don't get it unless you are certain you will be using it a lot. Otherwise you are just going to waste the money.
I agree with the others about spending money on winter tires when you are probably not going to use it that often. Don't get it unless you are certain you will be using it a lot. Otherwise you are just going to waste the money.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 65
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From: Boston, MA
Renting an SUV is a great idea. Even though it would be fun to have your own car, its not worth it. I had my snowtires today with the huge snowfall. I nearly got stuck going up hills. The ASR light just kept flashing with the car floored as the car went up the hill at about 5 mph. I felt like the engine was really strained.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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My 2 cents on All-Season tires for the C230K
Hi all, I used to live in CA and with poor tires, my C was a handfull in just rain. I now live in CO and have been through one winter with no problems due to the Goodyear Triple Tread Assurance tires I got for it. I do have to be careful but, I never got stuck, and only had one inadvertant 'lane change' that was totally my fault. I am not yet willing to do the swap between winter/summer tires so I had to compromise. The tires work great in all conditions, and I am a serious lead foot with my baby. I think my tranny hates me but, that is why I got the car, to have fun with it. I am bummed that they don't come in 17 or 18 inch sizes since I want to upgrade from the stock rims. I may end up keeping those tires on the stock rims for 'winter' tires and then get some nice performance tires for summer if I can save enough to get 17-18s for it.
FYI, the tires are snowflake certified so they are definitely a step above all the other A/S crap and M+S bs. Those ratings mean decent wet traction, forget about snow.
Ok, so maybe that was more than 2 cents, hope it helps.
FYI, the tires are snowflake certified so they are definitely a step above all the other A/S crap and M+S bs. Those ratings mean decent wet traction, forget about snow.
Ok, so maybe that was more than 2 cents, hope it helps.
