C300 2008
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C300
C300 2008
I'm currently driving the C300 2008. now i realized the importance of having a 4matic (because during snowy weather, i simply cant drive on my C300).
is there any way i can add the 4matic now?
is there any way i can add the 4matic now?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Toronto
2009 C300 4Matic
^ down here? where are you from boss
and it is probably ridiculously expensive and i would assume nearly impossible to put on a all wheel drive system onto your car.
like patrick said a trade might be your only option. or possibly winter tires.
and it is probably ridiculously expensive and i would assume nearly impossible to put on a all wheel drive system onto your car.
like patrick said a trade might be your only option. or possibly winter tires.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
You just need a decent set of snow tyres -- that will be your best investment in the car. Even with a 4matic, it will only get you going.
(it's sad that we are having this conversation when it's over 25oC today)
(it's sad that we are having this conversation when it's over 25oC today)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Toronto
2009 C300 4Matic
i say get some winter tires and drive slower...
it's a much much much cheaper alternative.
4 matic means each wheel has power going to it... and they all spin at the same time... of course it helps gettin the car moving in snow and handles a bit better because there is usually contact between one of the tires and the ground
in a FWD system the front wheels are pulling the car... much more difficult to get the car going.
it's a much much much cheaper alternative.
4 matic means each wheel has power going to it... and they all spin at the same time... of course it helps gettin the car moving in snow and handles a bit better because there is usually contact between one of the tires and the ground
in a FWD system the front wheels are pulling the car... much more difficult to get the car going.
Last edited by TB5...; May 20, 2009 at 02:48 PM.
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From: Toronto, Hong Kong
E63S || C63 || E550 Coupe || Cayenne ||
yep, get really good snow tires and you're set. You should've thought about this problem before you purchased the car because getting a good set of 17 or 18" snow tires for your car can very much cover the cost of upgrading to the 4 Matic. I stuck with non 4 Matic was because so I can have fun in the winter 
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 794
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From: Toronto, Hong Kong
E63S || C63 || E550 Coupe || Cayenne ||
i say get some winter tires and drive slower...
it's a much much much cheaper alternative.
4 matic means each wheel has power going to it... and they all spin at the same time... of course it helps gettin the car moving in snow and handles a bit better because there is usually contact between one of the tires and the ground
in a FWD system the front wheels are pulling the car... much more difficult to get the car going.
it's a much much much cheaper alternative.
4 matic means each wheel has power going to it... and they all spin at the same time... of course it helps gettin the car moving in snow and handles a bit better because there is usually contact between one of the tires and the ground
in a FWD system the front wheels are pulling the car... much more difficult to get the car going.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,005
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From: Toronto
2009 C300 4Matic
i was comparing any 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel, i just used FWD as a example...
but yea ppl say
fwd > rwd
i disagree tho i think i can handle a rwd car much better because i have the control of the back tires... which also means control in a tight turn (giving it a bit of gas) especially in snow.
one thing for sure... rwd is ****ty when starting from a stopped position.
Last edited by TB5...; May 20, 2009 at 03:05 PM.
Super Member
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From: Toronto, Hong Kong
E63S || C63 || E550 Coupe || Cayenne ||
ooo yea, AWD > 2WD anyday. My old c230 was VERY VERY tail happy during the winter and I'd play around with it alot in parking lots, but my friend's camry seemed to be having a very hard time getting his tail out without pulling on the handbrakes.
Super Member
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From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
A lot of it depends on the tyres. I had an IS300 and without winter tyres, the car was completely useless in the winter. But with a decent set of winter tyres and a couple kilos of weight in the trunk, I got the traction that I needed.
The argument about FWD > RWD in the winter is because you can use the steering that help position the tyres to find some more traction. In cases FF layout, there is usually also more weight on the wheels that drive the car (i.e., 60/40 weight distribution).
I've owned FF, FR, and FA vehicles. The AWD definitely provides the most confidence pulling away in the winter. The FR was fun because I could break the tail loose like TB5 says -- and living in the city meant I rarely found unploughed streets or an alternative means of transport. FF is ok but given the amount of torque engines produce nowadays, wrestling with torque steer is no fun (the TL would be an example of that).
The argument about FWD > RWD in the winter is because you can use the steering that help position the tyres to find some more traction. In cases FF layout, there is usually also more weight on the wheels that drive the car (i.e., 60/40 weight distribution).
I've owned FF, FR, and FA vehicles. The AWD definitely provides the most confidence pulling away in the winter. The FR was fun because I could break the tail loose like TB5 says -- and living in the city meant I rarely found unploughed streets or an alternative means of transport. FF is ok but given the amount of torque engines produce nowadays, wrestling with torque steer is no fun (the TL would be an example of that).
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Davenport IA
C350
yep, get really good snow tires and you're set. You should've thought about this problem before you purchased the car because getting a good set of 17 or 18" snow tires for your car can very much cover the cost of upgrading to the 4 Matic. I stuck with non 4 Matic was because so I can have fun in the winter
or is it true
EDIT: I meant JUST tires, not new wheels. They swap em for you and it takes two hours, much better then having steel rims or buying new ones (the AMG's fit the car perfectly anyway =D)
Last edited by len56; May 20, 2009 at 11:06 PM.
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From: Toronto, Hong Kong
E63S || C63 || E550 Coupe || Cayenne ||
well you have the $1500 of automatic which you don't have to add in for the 4matic. Assuming his C300 is automatic
The price difference, of 4Matic and non 4Matic is $3700. And if his c300 is auto then thats $3700-$1500...I got a quote for our c300 with 17" winters for $1500 but they weren't top of the line snowtires or anything so I'd assume that if he has the 18" or if he wants a good set of snowtires then they'd probably be in the $2000+ range
The price difference, of 4Matic and non 4Matic is $3700. And if his c300 is auto then thats $3700-$1500...I got a quote for our c300 with 17" winters for $1500 but they weren't top of the line snowtires or anything so I'd assume that if he has the 18" or if he wants a good set of snowtires then they'd probably be in the $2000+ range
Last edited by patrickkc; May 20, 2009 at 03:40 PM.
Super Member
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From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
LEN56 -- It is certainly possible to spend $4000 on winter tyres and rims if someone wants to. But why would anyone get winter tyres on 18" rims? Always go with the smallest rim you can for winter to maximize sidewall flex.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Toronto, Hong Kong
E63S || C63 || E550 Coupe || Cayenne ||
yep, I'ma get 16" steel rims for the winter. Though ugly, I'm willing to give that up for my safety this coming winter
