Snow Impressions
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Joined: Mar 2003
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2003 MB C230K Sports Sedan
Snow Impressions
I just sold my E46 M3 and i ordered a C230k Sports Sedan... I know and im sure you all do too that the M3 is probably the worst performing snow car in the world... How is the C230k ? I know its real wheel drive (4 Matic Not an Option on C230k) so how does it handle? I couldnt get the M3 to move even a foot. The made a snow tire setup which supposedly helped but i never purchased. Does the stock setup do the job or will i have to go out and get a snow setup?
Thanks in advance
-Alex
Thanks in advance
-Alex
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 350
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From: Stamford, CT
2003 C230
Alex, it's all about the tires
I've owned 2 BMWS ( MCoupe and 740i ) and neither went an inch in the snow with summer tires on. From what I've seen the same goes for MBZ. All seasons help with the light stuff but for any significant accumulation you need dedicated snows. I had Michelin Arctic Alpins on my 740i and it even went up my 40 degree driveway. DON'T blame the cars, blame the tires.....
CZ
CZ
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 342
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
Go with the snow tires.
There are numerous threads regarding the Sport wheels/tires in snow on this board. Search and you will find.
General view is that they are fine on ice, and in very light snow, but that the tires "float" on any more than an inch or two.
I'll be getting snow wheels/tires this fall for just that reason
I would hate to wad up such a nice car trying to push on when I knew better.
There are numerous threads regarding the Sport wheels/tires in snow on this board. Search and you will find.
General view is that they are fine on ice, and in very light snow, but that the tires "float" on any more than an inch or two.
I'll be getting snow wheels/tires this fall for just that reason
I would hate to wad up such a nice car trying to push on when I knew better.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 20
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From: Amherst, NH
C320 Coupe
I picked up my C320 coupe in Feb and we have had about 3’ of snow since. All I can say is with the 16” stock wheels and tires it does really well in the snow and wet. I even get the traction control working in reverse backing out my driveway. I have a 4WD PU and have never felt the need to drive it over the MB in the bad weather. That said I will probably get some 16” snow tires if I get some 18” summer wheels and tires.
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 77
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From: Long Island, NY
Brill. Silver-C230K, Auto, C4,C5,C7
Just completed my first winter (including today's 6" snowstorm in NY) with the C230K. I consder myself a pretty experienced snow driver. This car is terrible compared the the various other cars which I have owned. I agree with the comments that attribute this to the type of tires on the car. It's ok on light snow but, anything more--- stay home. I'm definitely going to look into snow tires!
:p
:p
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Joined: Nov 2001
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2002 c230 sport coupe six spd. C7
Get dedicated snow tires. Performance tires do not go in snow. It's not the tread design, it's the rubber compound that gets hard as a brick below about 30 F.
2002 C230K six speed C5 C7 Bose (Michlin Alpins 17" on dedicated Borbet rims.)
2002 C230K six speed C5 C7 Bose (Michlin Alpins 17" on dedicated Borbet rims.)
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 402
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From: Croton, NY
1991 mr2 turbo, 2002 coupe
Full out snows make a HUGE difference. Summer tires are not designed to deal with ANY snow or anything beyond wet road conditions. So far I've read good things about the Conti Extreme contact- ultra high perf all season that I'll probably go with all year round. I'm sure that the new Nokian WRs are better in snow but they're also nearly double the price. If you don't want to get two sets of wheels/tires I'd say the contis seem like a good middle- people have been impressed with dry/wet and their snow capabilities.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2003
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2003 MB C230K Sports Sedan
Really wish i knew
Originally posted by zimmer26
I didn't really answer your question-
Do you know what tires- size, make, model will be on your new ride?
I didn't really answer your question-
Do you know what tires- size, make, model will be on your new ride?
Soon as i know what i will do is no doubt get Brabus monoblock VI's with Potenza S03 Pole Positions for the summer and replace the stock 17" tires with maybe Dunlop wintersport M2's... Tirerack gave them the highest rating for a Sport winter tire.
-Alex
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by Mark08859
I have the 17" C7 wheels with summer tires. For winter, I use 16" wheels with the Dunlop Winter Sport M2s. Along with the traction control, no real problem this winter.
I have the 17" C7 wheels with summer tires. For winter, I use 16" wheels with the Dunlop Winter Sport M2s. Along with the traction control, no real problem this winter.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 402
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From: Croton, NY
1991 mr2 turbo, 2002 coupe
Re: Really wish i knew
Originally posted by alevy
Dont know what Model or Size tires they are putting on.. but unless im mistaken i know they are 17"s on the c230k sedan..
Soon as i know what i will do is no doubt get Brabus monoblock VI's with Potenza S03 Pole Positions for the summer and replace the stock 17" tires with maybe Dunlop wintersport M2's... Tirerack gave them the highest rating for a Sport winter tire.
-Alex
Dont know what Model or Size tires they are putting on.. but unless im mistaken i know they are 17"s on the c230k sedan..
Soon as i know what i will do is no doubt get Brabus monoblock VI's with Potenza S03 Pole Positions for the summer and replace the stock 17" tires with maybe Dunlop wintersport M2's... Tirerack gave them the highest rating for a Sport winter tire.
-Alex
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Brill. Silver-C230K, Auto, C4,C5,C7
Forgot to mention that while stuck in the snow at my office this winter, I spent at least 45 minutes of spinning my wheels (both with and w/o the ESP). This resulted in a bad sensor, so now I intermittantly get an error message telling me to visit the shop for my ESP and brake assist. The dealer told me how to clear it -- turn the car off, back on, turn the steering wheel all the way left and all the way right. Will have the sensor replaced at service A.
Last edited by Odont; Apr 9, 2003 at 08:15 PM.
