Winter Driving
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 86
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From: Ontario, Canada
C230 Coupe 2002
Winter Driving
I own a C230 coupe and have put it away for the 4 winter months and now think I will drive it in the snow. I have the Evolution pkg and know that there are summer tires on it and will have to put Winter ones on. My question is, does anyone drive in the snow and what have you done to increase traction. My thoughts are to put winter tires and two bags of sand in the trunk because I know that the rear end is a bit lighter then the front by about 5%. Your thoughts and sugestions would be greatly appreciated. 
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 86
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From: Ontario, Canada
C230 Coupe 2002
Thanks Mark0 for the advice, guess I could try it and can always put sand in if needed. I was just worried about inclines. My sisiter has a 3 series and forgot to put sand in the trunck and had trouble but no winter tires just all seasons.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 294
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From: Colorado
05-C230SC
I live in Colorado and there is snow on the ground outside my office window as we speak. I drive my 230 SC 'in snow' with the stock Michelin Sports tires on it. The tires have 90% plus tread on em, since they are new (as is the car). I drive careful and the ESP takes over every once and a while. If these tires had less tread on them I would probably get winter tires (studs, etc) to use in the snow season. But then again I would consider myself a decent 'snow' driver; cause I used to rock my lowered, overpowered VW with excessively worn sport tires in several inches of snow.
ESP really takes the load from the driver... granted you should still drive cautious and not underestimate poor weather conditions.
ESP really takes the load from the driver... granted you should still drive cautious and not underestimate poor weather conditions.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
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From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Four things are required, they are the tires. My experience with the Blizzak LM-25 on this vehicle has been outstanding.
Never a problem.
The thing about the traction control, it causes extra wear on the rear brakes, so the pad replacement interval decreases.
Never a problem.
The thing about the traction control, it causes extra wear on the rear brakes, so the pad replacement interval decreases.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
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From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Originally Posted by wingless
The thing about the traction control, it causes extra wear on the rear brakes, so the pad replacement interval decreases.
Originally Posted by Deutscher_Wagen
Worth it for safety though
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by wingless
The thing about the traction control, it causes extra wear on the rear brakes, so the pad replacement interval decreases.
Also, the pile on what already has been said, YOU NEED WINTER TIRES. All seasons will do, but winter tires will do much better. Forget the sand, a full tank of gas is all you need. Never been stuck with the proper tires.
As for the gentleman driving with the pilots in the snow....youre asking for it...even if you can live with the miserable grip on takeoff, youre gonna miss a turn or can't stop in time, and ESP can't make the tires bite any harder. Go Ebay or MBKlass and get some cheapo 16"s and winter tires. If nothing else, you won't foul your C7 rims in the salt and sand.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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2002 c230 sport coupe six spd. C7
Get four snow tires on dedicated rims. I have the 17" Michlin Alpin's on a 2002 C230 six speed and have driven in snow and ice for the past three winters. Handles as good, if not better than a FWD vehicle. Very seldom does the ESP kick in.
Michlin Pilot Sport's don't function in cold temps because of the compound that the summer tires are made from. When it's around 20F they stay hard thus, no traction on snow/ice.
Michlin Pilot Sport's don't function in cold temps because of the compound that the summer tires are made from. When it's around 20F they stay hard thus, no traction on snow/ice.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by mayday
Get four snow tires on dedicated rims. I have the 17" Michlin Alpin's on a 2002 C230 six speed and have driven in snow and ice for the past three winters. Handles as good, if not better than a FWD vehicle. Very seldom does the ESP kick in.
Michlin Pilot Sport's don't function in cold temps because of the compound that the summer tires are made from. When it's around 20F they stay hard thus, no traction on snow/ice.
Michlin Pilot Sport's don't function in cold temps because of the compound that the summer tires are made from. When it's around 20F they stay hard thus, no traction on snow/ice.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 466
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From: Hawaii
2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, 2004.5 C230 Sport Sedan, 2005 E320 CDI, 2008 C300 4-Matic Luxury
i meant to get some winter tires, but never did, boy what a mistake that was, the stock Michelins are **** in the snow, on inclines...you may as well just consider yourself stuck and if you plan on parking anywhere, make sure you'll be able to dig around your car if there is ice under ya, or else you're stuck there too, definitely gettin some snow tires next winter...
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 867
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From: New Jersey
2008 C300 Sport
Originally Posted by inFiniTE LooP
i meant to get some winter tires, but never did, boy what a mistake that was, the stock Michelins are **** in the snow, on inclines...you may as well just consider yourself stuck and if you plan on parking anywhere, make sure you'll be able to dig around your car if there is ice under ya, or else you're stuck there too, definitely gettin some snow tires next winter...
