paulybagadonuts

Greetings C class owners!

I am an M class owner looking to possibly purchase a used C for my son's first car.

I was originally thinking about getting a new Toyota Yaris or something under $15k with FWD but figured; why buy a small Toyota when I might be able to find a reliable 2000 - 2003 C class with less than 50K miles on it if I'm lucky?

Anyhow I would like to find a 4 matic, but am seeing a few RWD models in that price range and just wondered if you guys could give me some advice on how they run in the snow.

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

andy_meng1024

My car handles great with 4 season tires. Never got stock in the snow like my friends who drive 335i and M3

rlee02135

it's fine in snow with snow tires.

benz_addict

Just set your car onto C mode or W for older models and use good tires with a gentle foot then you won't have any problems. I had a yaris as a rental it's really crappy on the snow and doesn't have an arm rest and will give you back problems dont buy that car.

I got p215 michelin Hydroedege as my snow/rain/comfort tires. The Hydroedege are really good in light snow

nickgailloux

Since I bought the car, I've been running on the stock summer tires with almost zero tread left. I've been stuck in the snow many, many times.

A lot of times the car kind of high centers itself a little bit because its low enough that with 3-4 inches of snow, you're done....

Even with only 1 inch, or 1/2 inch of wet snow on the ground, its been bad. The car starts to fishtail on the slightest of an incline.

Judging by other member's descriptions of their snow-driving experiences, I attribute all my problems to my bald tires. Luckily, I have brand new all-seasons on the way from Tire Rack, should be here within the next few days... I'm hoping that will make all the difference.

kevblah

ive never had trouble with my car in the snow with these michelin alpin snow tires.

without snow tires....i used to have trouble, so make sure u put aside some money for a good set of snow tires

paulybagadonuts

I know the 4 matics are great in the snow but am wondering how the rear wheel drives are.

I haven't owned a RWD auto in many years but remember them to be pretty poor. Maybe I'll just shop for a 4 matic only.

Just hate to buy another with gas so high.

I've had a few 4WD vehicles CRV, Santa Fe, Toyota Pick up, but the M class is the best I've ever owned and excellent in the snow and rain.

Sounds like I'm starting to answer my own question.

Still open for suggestions though.

kevblah

well like i said, i have a RWD model and its fine in the snow with snow tires.
and u cant lower with 4matics!!!!! or stagger wheels!!!! horrible imo

Shake

I assume it is driveable with a set of snow tires for winter.

Mine was horrible with the bald summer tires I have on now. If you get a rwd C, then you must have a set of winter tires for the new york winter.

Mu9enx

get a hummer, and you will rampage anything that mothernature throws at ya!

acr2001

Ah the misinformation on these forums never ceases to amaze me.

1. Someone recently lowered a 4matic, you do have to buy the parts from Germany.

2. We have a RWD E-class - without WINTER tires it's absolutely abysmal in the snow. I doubt a RWD C is going to be any different. 4 Matic is awesome in the snow with all season tires.

BlackLiquorish8

my 4matic handles better than any SUV/Car/Truck i have ever drivin it is equipped with 4 Pirelli Winter Tires.

andy_meng1024

My car is 4Matic and it's lowered with staggered wheels.

kevblah

damn it...things change lol

Topshelf

There's a reason they make snow tires, and it's a real shame more people don't take safety into consideration. I had to drive my coupe through a few inches with all seasons and it made it, but it wasn't fun. A few weeks ago I got a chance to drive through some pretty good snow with my winter tires and it was amazing. I was passing SUV's and had no issues at all. Just remember, 4 wheel drive might help a vehicle accelerate, but it's not going to help it stop or turn. If you're really concerned about your son, get some snow tires for the winter. With all seasons you get that all too popular situation where you turn your wheels, but the car just sorta goes straight. With snows you turn the wheel, and the car goes just where it's pointed. Go RWD and put a few hundred into a winter combo.

SteveL1

Mine sucks! I have Pirelli Nero M&S tires and got stuck three times last week. I would suggest real snow tires. I will have them next year if I still own the car.

C24owner

You can lower a 4matic, and run staggered wheels. I wouldnt run a staggered setup, just in case.

I've owned a c230 coupe and without snow tires its going to be sliding all over the place.

The 4matic on the other hand can handle anything mother nature throws at her. Plus, you can have a hell of a lot of fun in the snow and not have to worry about getting stuck.

suprasv

A RWD C-class on good all-season tires will be ok in snow...but snow tires will be very much worth it if you live in an area that will get heavy snow. I have snow tires on my C320 and I enjoy the fact that I can traverse on heavy snow with no problem. Its a huge safety plus for me.

**I also have driven 20 miles in a full blown blizzard with the wheel set-up you see in my sig. (18's with 265/35 Yokohama AVS Sports in the rear! On top of that I was on Tein Basics at the lowest position front and rear!) It was a miracle that I made it home. I had to blow every stop sign and stop light to avoid getting stuck. This was probably the greatest driving feat I have ever accomplished. When I first backed out of my parking spot to leave my work I got stuck and couldn't move forward. I had to get a co-worker to push the car...that was the only help that was needed for the trip. During uphills the car would ever so slightly start to decelerate up until the point where the car almost totally stopped. When I finally reached the top of the hill I was nearly at a stop then the car began to accelerate again when at the downhill. It was pretty crazy.

The reason why I was on my summer wheels was because I was going to adjust my height based on that setup. Unfortunately I did not listen the radio or watch tv to see any forecasts. I was pretty pissed considering the day before was nearly 50 degrees! This was Monday nights snow storm in Chicago.

Just needed to get this story out.

KiwiRobbie

I don't know what kind of snow people are driving on, a c class non 4matic even on spiked winter tyres (continential winter vikings in my case) is not a good car to drive in the snow, even on moderate hills on an unplowed road the c will struggle to go up, our golf which has the same winter tyres will go a lot further and through deaper snow and up steeper hills than the c can. RWD and snow is not good, get you son the Yaris you won't be called for a tow anywhere near as often.

RJHerrmann

I installed Yokohama Ice Guards on our C320 wagon and it is absolutely fantastic in the snow. I was nervous as well coming from mainly owning Audi's prior.

Tires, tires, tires.. makes all the difference in the world.

Enjoy.

andy_meng1024

Hey Nick. Do you get a lot of snow on your front bumper? My fog lights are often covered by the snow after the car has been lowered. But it doesn't affect the drive ability on the snow tho.

paulybagadonuts

Love those Lights!!

paulybagadonuts

talk about MPGs!! Yow

Mu9enx

safety is a priority right?

C24owner

hahah. Yea, all the time. Plowing snow FTW. I love looking in my rear view and seeing the smooth flat surface my bumpers leave on the snow.