Winter driving with C-class....
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Winter driving with C-class....
Hi!
I am interested in getting the C230 Coupe. I guess it's too early to ask those current owners how it handles in snow and all; but how about those sedan owners did last year?
I was interested in the BMW 325i, then I read several reviews that it doesn't do well on ice and snow even with DSC (similar to MB's ESP?).
I live in Toronto, Canada, and winter here isn't all that bad; but we do get some nasty snow storm once in a while.
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!
I am interested in getting the C230 Coupe. I guess it's too early to ask those current owners how it handles in snow and all; but how about those sedan owners did last year?
I was interested in the BMW 325i, then I read several reviews that it doesn't do well on ice and snow even with DSC (similar to MB's ESP?).
I live in Toronto, Canada, and winter here isn't all that bad; but we do get some nasty snow storm once in a while.
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 144
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From: Midwest
2002 C240
Here's a quote from Western Driver for the sedan..fyi
"I just have to note here, however, that in the snow, the C240 is just about hopeless. During a little flurry we had last month in Vancouver, I found myself stranded—could not go more than a block or two without drama. Maybe it was the tires—Michelin Pilots—but whatever, when the white stuff hit the ground, the C240 struggled."
The full ariticle may be found:
http://www.westerndriver.com/informa...edes-c240.html
I test drove the c320 sedan during a comparision test sponsored by BMW in September and the MB esp traction control was excellent on the simulated ice patch...you basically floor it and esp takes care of the rest! Definetely on par with the Bimmer 330xi. The Lexus Acura TL performed the worse, maybe due to the front wheel drive. Audi A4 was so so, even with all wheel drive.
"I just have to note here, however, that in the snow, the C240 is just about hopeless. During a little flurry we had last month in Vancouver, I found myself stranded—could not go more than a block or two without drama. Maybe it was the tires—Michelin Pilots—but whatever, when the white stuff hit the ground, the C240 struggled."
The full ariticle may be found:
http://www.westerndriver.com/informa...edes-c240.html
I test drove the c320 sedan during a comparision test sponsored by BMW in September and the MB esp traction control was excellent on the simulated ice patch...you basically floor it and esp takes care of the rest! Definetely on par with the Bimmer 330xi. The Lexus Acura TL performed the worse, maybe due to the front wheel drive. Audi A4 was so so, even with all wheel drive.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 579
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From: bucks county
black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS
heres 3 solutions for the winter c class woes: (in order of increasing severity)
1. get winter tires
2. get a beater car, and garage your MB
3. move to some place warm
personally i have been seriously been considering option 1 and 3
greg
1. get winter tires
2. get a beater car, and garage your MB
3. move to some place warm
personally i have been seriously been considering option 1 and 3
greg
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,744
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Originally posted by Mapman
Anyone that would drive around in the snow with Pilots on their car deserves trouble. Those are anti-winter tires - any car would have problems.
Anyone that would drive around in the snow with Pilots on their car deserves trouble. Those are anti-winter tires - any car would have problems.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 40
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From: Massachusetts
Mercedes-Benz 2006 ML350 , '04 VW R32
Winter driving
Don't forget that traction control systems may help you get going with "summer" performance tires, but will not aid braking at all. And that's where you can get into trouble big time. While the ABS will help with control, it's still a matter of traction on the road surface that brings you to a stop.
You're much better off with snow tires on a rear wheel car equiped with traction and dynamic stabilty control, then an all wheel drive vehicle shod with all season tires.
Something else to think about when you see a 4,000 pound SUV in your rear view mirror - it's even more difficult to stop one of those due to their mass. But don't count on the driver knowing that!!
You're much better off with snow tires on a rear wheel car equiped with traction and dynamic stabilty control, then an all wheel drive vehicle shod with all season tires.
Something else to think about when you see a 4,000 pound SUV in your rear view mirror - it's even more difficult to stop one of those due to their mass. But don't count on the driver knowing that!!
