tcmo

I have been trying to find a 2002 C230, automatic, without a sunroof. The dealer has found a car like this but with the C7 package. I live in Columbia Mo so snow and ice occur during the winter and I have read on the forum that the tires in this package are "worthless" in bad weather. Are the tires bad in rain also? Is this package worth the money or should I order a 2003 the way I want it-I will not modify the car at all.

Thanks.

young

i think the tires are ok in the rain. i got the c7 just for the wheels - to me, they are alone, worth the $750. i got snow tires/wheels for the winter.

all the other little aesthetic stuff were perks. of those, i like the pedals and steering wheel. have no preference for the door handles, door sills, and shifter.

NANA

Take the C7 package. I have seen many on this forum regretting for not taking a C7 package but not otherwise.

viper

The C7 tires are useless in the winter. If you are NOT going to get some cheap rims and snow tires as an added expense you will NOT be happy with C7. Think about this seriously. Getting towed out of the snow because your car won't function in the weather is not a happy situation. C7 bias is strong on this forum for a lot of reasons but I noticed a lot of C7 supporters live in the milder climates. You do not.

tifosiv122

Yes, if I lived where it snowed more then 10 times a year I would not have gotten the C7 or atleast thrown on some basic rims and some snow tires.

Erik

taylor192

I live in snow covered Canada, and it was a deciding factor when budgetting to buy this car, no matter C7 or not, a good set of snow tires is required when it snows 4-5 months/year.

Even without the C7, I'd probably replace the 16" rims with something else for the winter, just to keep them looking nice, or sacrifice them for the snow and buy a decent set of mags for the summer.

DCX Engineer

My C7 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires could be better in the rain. I slide around corners if I am not careful. The ESP does help and you can feel it working. I see the traction light on the dash a lot while taking off in the rain. I have 14,000 miles on my tires.

We have had mild winters lately, but I will be getting winter wheels.

I drove a 2002 E320 loaner and could push this car a lot harder on wet surfaces. The rear never slid out. Is the ESP system different? or just the difference in tires?

mctwin2kman

This guy has a set of 16's for sale for $800. Myself I think I am going with the non c7 and I am north of you.

http://www.csportcoupe.com/forums/sh...=&threadid=366

Rick

TC....go for it. The C7 tires are ok in wet conditions. When you replace them, you might want to go with a harder compound/heat rating for better tread life.
If your dealer can find you a 2002, JUMP ON IT!!! You get a stronger engine with a wider power band and more low end ooomph(you'll need this if you drive anywhere near any hills).