ericmcfly

i have an 06 C 230 Sport which is absolutely terrifying in snow. i definitely love the car, and would consider the new model when my lease is up but the car sucks in the snow and i live in the northeast.

Chi-Benz

C300 sport now will have the option of 4-matic which will solve the problem! My C230 was horrible in the snow, just horrible and very scary...

badger

I've owned both Subarus and Audis in the past and having driven a 4-Matic in snowy conditions, I wasn't in the least impressed. Mercedes may have gotten all 4 wheels to power, but the system just doesn't match that of Audi and Subaru.

Chi-Benz

Interesting info and I wouldn't doubt that for a second. However, the 4-matic is a newer system with the new C-Class as is for the new S-Class. We'll have to wait and see...

Capt Nemo o2

If you're using the stock tires that came on the C Sport, then yes, it really sucks in the snow. Those tires arent supposed to be used when the temps drop below 40. Put on a good set of all seasons or winter and leave ESP on and the car is fine, just dont drive like a douche!

As far as the 4matic goes, the old system was good, the newer ones are much better. I havent driven the newest one if its different then whats on a 2005 E500 4matic. But that one is amazing with ESP and TC... If you're carefull, you should never have a problem with it. Just remember, 4WD/AWD doesnt make your car handle any better in the snow, only when you are using the gas. When coasting/braking there is no difference between FWD/RWD/AWD. So again, if you're determined to drive like a douche in the snow, no drivetrain configuration will save you.

Stormin

My W203 is a CHAMP in the snow... (Check the sig...)

But I grew up in North Dakota. I even took my drivers test with 4 inches of fresh snow. So I am used to the difference in driving conditions.

QQQ

My W202 C280 RWD was horrible in snow. It fishtails when you start from a stop. The current ride with ESP is much better though living in Canada a set of snow tires helps a lot.

What is the difference between the old and new 4Matics?

QQQ

Where did you learn the C300 Sport is available with 4Matics? I thought 4Matics only comes with the Luxo version.

XenonBenz

Capt. Nemo's got it right.

The reason all W203 Sport Models suck in the snow is because of the tires. All Sport model W203's come with SUMMER ONLY PERFORMANCE TIRES. If you drive in the snow with these tires, you'll be sliding, not driving. MB really did W203 owner's injustice by having the OEM tires as summer only performance tires. BMW puts Continental M + S rated tires on all of their 3 series, which I can say from experience makes the car handle great in the winter.

If you need to drive in the snow with your rear wheel drive sports car, then buy tires that are meant to be used in snow. Look for a tire that has the M + S rating, which means mud and snow rated. These tires will give you sufficient traction in the snow. I have Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Assymetrical's, and they are great in the snow. We had a crazy ice storm in the Midwest this past winter, and I was even passing a lot of the 4x4 SUV's on the road.

The ESP really does a great job in the snow, given you have the right tires. I have owned many front wheel drive cars with all season tires, which you would think would drive better in the snow than a rear wheel drive sports car. I have found this to be quite the opposite. My 02 BMW 3 series sedan with sport package and my current C230 Sport drive much better in the snow with the ESP than my front wheel drive Civic, Integra and Accord did.

ayilar

True for AWD but not RWD -- Sport Package on 328i and 335i mandates with Summer tires.

silberrosa

Many if the posts are correct. It all comes down to the tires. Summer tires on any car in snowy conditions is problematic to say the least. Dedicated winter tires is a world of difference. In the NE, these are a worthwhile consideration. I keep my winters on usually from October to April. This gets me through the first snow and then through pothole repair season. I go one inch smaller with the snows when possible. Gives me a bit more assurance vs. the winter potholes. Also nearly doubles the life of my summer treads. Yes, the 204 C300 sport is available in 4matic. The new system is lighter, more compact and more effecient than the predecessor. It is also mated to the 7g tronic. Only the S has this new system and the C will be the next installation.

MercedesFTW

My friend's dad uses a S600 throughout the whole year (actually, that's a lie, he takes his Murci on the nice summer days!).

Chicago winters have given him no problem, because he uses the right tires.

sanf

i live in boston, snow can be a bityh over here at times. since the day i had my license, i've always had a rwd car and will be like that for a long time. correct winter tire is +1. but it still doesnt beat FWD or AWD in the snow. so, try a set of winter tires and if that's still no go. that just mean rwd is not made for you.