evilsaint

Still a great deal on those, plus they still come in the right sizes...

Anybody with experience using "all-season" high-perf rubber like this in light/medium snow? Couldn't be any worse than the half-dead Sumitomo gear that my orphan came with

ZR-rated, decent treadwear, AA traction + A heat (the best possible, right?), a price to make anybody drool, and a tread pattern that actually even looks pretty cool; am I missing anything?

Fifth Ring

A lot of Amurikuns (joke) think of "snow" tires rather than "winter" tires. Summer tires are simply the wrong compound and get hard and slick when cold. So, if you have summer tires, and you're in an area with freezing temps, then you really should have winter tires (or all seasons) whether or not it's snowing.

That being said, I still have my summer tires on the C32. Winter tires have to be mounted. Until then, I'm driving the TT if there's a risk of snow.

Al Bundy

Sorry, I don't have a part number. It was the front right lower control arm. They charged me $199 for the part, I thought that was a bit high.

Check out http://www.performanceproducts4benz....cid=19&sid=478 It's only $138 there.

Al Bundy

I used to drive the S2000 with the Kumho's in light snow all the time. It wasn't the same as driving a Hummer, but the traction was decent enough if you're careful about it. No ESP or traction control on the S2000, so if they worked there imagine how they'd do with the C32 electronics in play.

evilsaint

With the price, other reviews, and this confirmation about 'em (from another Chicago driver nonetheless!), I think I'm ready to pull the trigger now. Thanks much

Lagunatic

I have a set of Pirelli P-Zero Nero M/S (Mud and Snow) all-season tires on my C32 and the car handles great in snow. We just got 6" of snow yesterday here in Chicago and the car handled file - all things considering. Setting the tranny to "W" this time of year also helps.

Note, these are not snow tires - they're all-season and I have them on my C32 year round. Love 'em!!!

fivepointfivev8

Too bad they don't come in size for the C55, in fact I don't think you can even get all season tires for it (would you really want to?). The Alpins did fine btw.

ricc55

I also have an '06 C-55. Had trouble getting to a from work in the MD suburbs of DC that day also. Weather forecasters were wrong about when the snow would start, and they said it wouldn't stick to the roads, just the grassy areas, etc. Yeah, right. We ended up with 4-5 inches, and it all stuck to the road. I was very happy to make it back to my garage, traction control working to get me up that slight slope. I still have my summer tires on (Michelin PS-2s). I know I need snow tires, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Yes, the summer tires lose traction in the cold very easily!

What wheels do any of you C-55 owners use with 4 of the same size snow tires? Where do you get them, Tire Rack? Cost? Are they MB wheels? Was considering the Blizzak L-22s (tires).

rlee02135

good to know...I found a set cheap! 235/40/18 all around

c32used

All-season tires do just that fine in all-season but nothing beats a set of purpose built summer or winter tires....I just got home with ICE on the roads and my purpose built tires handled fine with minor tripping of traction control with super control of the throttle.....Try all season if you guys desire but don't ever think thet are better then summer or winter tires.

c32AMG-DTM

+1, Couldn't agree more... all-seasons are (by design) a compromise - won't be as good as summer tires in the spring/summer/fall months, won't be as good as winter/snow tires in the winter months.

Shake

This is my first winter with the C class and my god it is horrible. I knew it would be bad but it really horrible. I'm still on the Pirelli summer tires which and the rear ones are almost bald. I just pulled the car out of the driveway and it slid ALL the way down to the bottom. My driveway it pretty flat too except on a very very slight tilt. I was suprised how easily it slid. It was even harder getting it up the driveway. That took about 30 minutes of going up and sliding back down. I think I should put my winter tires on now But I think I'll just drive the explorer in this snowy weather.

c32used

[QUOTE=Shake;2542842]This is my first winter with the C class and my god it is horrible. I knew it would be bad but it really horrible. I'm still on the Pirelli summer tires which and the rear ones are almost bald. I just pulled the car out of the driveway and it slid ALL the way down to the bottom. My driveway it pretty flat too except on a very very slight tilt. I was suprised how easily it slid. It was even harder getting it up the driveway. That took about 30 minutes of going up and sliding back down. I think I should put my winter tires on now But I think I'll just drive the explorer in this snowy]

Listen to all that think any car thats rear drive SUMMER tires are NO good in SNOW or ICE the all season tires do a good job but WINTER tires are a MUST if you want great traction in the snow and so so traction on ice! It doesnt matter the car or truck summer performance tires will be no good PERIOD!!

Shake

Thanks for the info, I usually drive an Explorer in the winter so i'm not used to it. I did get some winter tires with the car (I think Michilen something ), I'll throw them on or I'll just drive the Explorer for the rest of the winter.

ricc55

Two week review of new Blizzak LM-25 snow tires from Tire Rack (225/45-17).

Installed 1/2/08 on my '06 C-55. Of course, since then, no snow in MD. In fact, we've had some record breaking high temps. Figures, huh?
But, when it has been cold (under 45 degrees), the softer rubber of these tires is a real blessing compared to my summer tires. And traction in cold and wet weather is greatly improved. Handling is excellent considering these are snow tires. No real road noise. Very smooth. Wish I had done this before the '06-'07 winter season.

I also got 4 17" OZ Racing Superturismo wheels. Cleaned and waxed them before installation and they are staying very clean. Used Meguiar's #21 on them. Nice look, but sorry, no pics ready at this time.

I will try and post an update after getting a chance to drive in the snow/ice. Not sure when that will be....

Quick Silver

A 20 minute commute in NoVA? You are soooo lucky! My 16 mile commute normally takes 45 minutes to an hour

JToups386

This has been an educational thread for me regarding tire usage. It also lets me know I've taken for granted my good fortune of living in Texas. What is snow???

I drove my C55 in heavy rain for the first time Tuesday night, and I've gotta' say I've never felt so safe in the rain. I'm accustomed to having some rear wheel waggle and/or hydroplane issues, and the C55 was absolutely stable at 70mph with remarkable traction control abilities. Just another example of why I'm so happy w/ this new ride! I have the BFG T/A KDW's on the front, and Goodyear Eagle F1's on the rear (on the car when I bought it), and they seem to work well. However, I have noticed in "dyno mode" the rears go up in smoke. Kinda' makes me miss being able to use Nitto Drag Radials on the rear like I'm accustomed to, but I don't miss 'em that much...

ricc55

Ok, got my wish: snow in MD today!

So, I got to try my new Blizzak LM-25 snow tires. This was anywhere up to about 3" of snow which then turned to a rain/sleet mix, not freezing rain.

It is just amazing that I'm driving the same vehicle! These tires are amazing! It actually took some effort to force the traction control to come on, just to see when it would. Felt extremely confident driving in the conditions.

My commute from the DC suburbs to home is about 16 miles with a mix of highway and local roads.

Previously, my summer tires, as expected, were slipping very easily in wet conditions when the temps were in or under the 40's.

I highly recommend snows for wet and/or cold conditions, with or without snow.

rlee02135

how's the braking?

fivepointfivev8

I rode on the snow for the first (slushy mix) time today as well, and the Alpins were great. Traction, braking... overall ride (even after about 2k miles) run great, I couldn't imagine on summer tires.

Fifth Ring

Even though I have had the car 2.5 years, today was my first foray into snow. I have Pilot Alpins and was very happy. The stability control is amazing. Slip out a little sideways and the system clamps the correct brakes to bring you back in line.

I had one tough hill to climb. I started at 15-20MPH and tried to hold a steady speed. The t/c kept the tires from spinning, but that slowed my progress little by little. Luckily the tires had enough grip to keep me moving forward. THAT is where AWD makes a difference. There's no way 2WD can equal AWD (assuming tires are equal) when you need absolute traction; but with good tires, traction control and stability control, there are very few situations where AWD makes that much of a difference.

PC Valkyrie

There is only one situation I fear in the winter with my C55 with winter tires:

going up a unshoveled, slippery incline from a standing stop.

I almost got stuck last year, unable to get up the hill at all after stopping in the middle of the hill because cars in front of me also could not get up. Stepping on the gas just caused ESP to cut engine power to both drive wheels because neither wheel had enough traction. When I pushed the ESP off button to turn off the power cutting aspect of the traction control, both wheel just spun with no traction and I got nowhere. I actually had to turn around and go back down the hill. Waited a while for the remaining cars to clear.....then I tried again. Fortunately, I didnt' have to stop this time, and the traction control got me up the hill (albeit slowly).

Fifth Ring

That's exactly it. Just this AM, I stopped at the bottom of my driveway (short but steep) and could not get re-started. I had to back up and use momentum. But for the few times each year that you need it, I'm not sure AWD is worth it. That said, I will probably always have one AWD car or SUV in the family.

ricc55

Braking is also very good. Forgot to mention that before.

Also, I'm sure you all know that if you are trying to brake in slippery conditions driving an automatic transmission, it can really help to slide the shifter into neutral as you slow down, especially downhill. This would be even more important if you were driving a front wheel drive car.

MidnghtPressor

i drive 80 miles everyday up here. from stafford to herndon. computes to about hour in the mornings and an hour and a half in the afternoon. this day i left before the snow and stayed at work till 830 when they had all the roads plowed and salted.

this is the most guys ive seen from my area in one thread. we should all get together once i get my wheels on and do a photo op