RPB

Hey Guys,

I would appreciate feedback on how the 203’s react to winter conditions. I reside in VA, the winters here are unpredictable to say the least. I recently sold my ‘99 E55 which had to be the worst MB body style in terms of rust prevention. I drove it on a few occasions after things were cleared up and she still bubbled up around the wheel arches. Nothing like some of the ones I have seen in the UK though.

I can honestly say I have only laid eyes on one 203 in the area with bad rust under the doors. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,

-Rob

KevinH2000

I live in the Old Dominion too. According to the records I've found on line and the window sticker, my car was sold at a dealership in Arlington and spent it's first 12 years in Northern Virginia. I've owned my car for two years. It's probably seen all the conditions you will encounter.

I haven't found any signs of significant corrosion on the car. After we have a snow or ice event and VDOT treats the roads, I rinse the car thoroughly to remove chemical residue. I don't know how the previous owners cared for the car.

This video states that Mercedes improved the corrosion protection for cars that were manufactured later in the production run:
.

When I was looking for my car, I saw ads for several pre-face lift cars that showed some rust, so the video may be accurate.

I have a set of Michelin All Season tires on the car and it handles pretty well in the snow for a rear-wheel drive vehicle. A 4MATIC with snow tires should be even better.

RPB

I appreciate the insight Kevin! Something tells me the 210 body style did not get the proper initial treatment at the factory. I could no longer stand the sight of bubbles and peeling paint, so I decided to sell. Shame because it was mechanically sound; in the UK they generally rot out before anything else. My 202 has seen it all over the past 10 yrs and knock on wood to date not a hint of anything. Like you I make it a point to rinse thoroughly. I believe here in Northern VA they throw down a combo of salt and sand. I assume a state like Illinois is prob as bad as it gets.

I definitely hear you on the Michelin tires!!

Cheers,

-Rob

KevinH2000

When the weather service predicts ice or snow the road crews spray a brine solution on the major roads in this area. Fortunately, it is only 4 or 5 times per year. I can usually clean it off my cars in about a week and minimize the amount of time it has to react with the materials on the car.

tjts1

04+ w203 bodies are galvanized. 01-03 are not.

RedGray

For VA for tires, I suggest Michelin Premier A/S.
Overall, imho, as of "today", they are the best all around tire - easily. Check out the many many reviews.
That's what I have now on my Luxo-barge (full size Olds).
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...=Premier+A%2FS


Fwiw, in the winter, I use real snow tires, because I live in New England, and I'm not a fool. :-)
My C230 has never been driven in the snow. And, I'm not about to start.


Good Luck.

machoneboard

I used mine in Norway last winter and wished I had 4WD. Estate(stationwagon) rear wheel drive lead to some scary moments. Rust seemed to appear this summer, too, probably helped along by the snow and ice.