How does the 203 cope w/ winter conditions
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
How does the 203 cope w/ winter conditions
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.![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
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
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.
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
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
#2
Super Member
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.
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.
Last edited by KevinH2000; 07-15-2019 at 09:11 PM.
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
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:
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAN9WfPtG1I
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.
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:
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAN9WfPtG1I
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.
I definitely hear you on the Michelin tires!!
Cheers,
-Rob
Last edited by RPB; 07-15-2019 at 09:29 PM.
#4
Super Member
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.
#6
Super Member
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.
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.
The following users liked this post:
KevinH2000 (08-07-2019)
#7
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.