mercdriver

Hi gang,

I am just about to pull the trigger on an immaculate C36 with about 70K on it. Looks brand new inside and out.

But before I do, there is one thing I really need to know:
How are these cars in snow???

I know that they are neither FWD, nor AWD, but with the right tires on, are they OK in the snow, or will I be slipping and sliding all over the road? This would be a daily driver for me in the winter as my summer vehicle is a motorcycle. My kids and I usually go skiing/snowboarding 2-3 times per week all winter long. So, as much as I love this car, it might not be right for me if it sucks in the snow. I would also need to use it for any road trips with my 2 kids. I believe that the car I am looking at does have traction control.

So please, give me the benefit of your collective experience.

Thanks, in advance!

ProjectC55

Then buy an ML430 then. You will get stuck in the snow depending on the tires you have and the amt of snow just like any other RWD car.

85Cosworth

It does alright as long as the snow is no too deep. Recomend using the winter mode on tranny when slick out. Be sure to clear bra the front end, mirrrors, rocker panels, and behind the rear wheels. I did on mine b/c here in Colorado they love to use alot of sand in the winter.

Vardar

I agree

Jons95c36amg

I have the General UHPs which are ZR rated. Its good in the snow. Not like a front or awd.

mercdriver

Thanks everyone.

This car is hard to resist. It's going to my merc mechanic tomorrow for a full inspection. If it passes, it will be mine on Wednesday.

DarthCY

I have some Hankook Icebear 300s on knockoff amg rims and they worked pretty good. Never got stuck, but had to use winter mode, traction control and drive slowly. If there is more than 6" of snow I'd reconsider driving, but I plowed through about 5" passably.

I have a C43 which isn't exatly the same thing, but close.

mercdriver

Thanks for your responses. I did end up buying this car. I mounted some Toyo Proxes 4's on it. So far I am loving them at speed and in the rain. I guess time will tell if they are acceptable in the snow or not. They are definitely MUCH, MUCH quieter than the Michelin Sport Pilot's that were originally on the car.

It appears that this car's transmission does not have does not have a "winter mode".

steve s

no, it doesn't have winter mode, at least none that i am aware of in 96 car.

double that. if ur area uses salt, u need to either try to find mud flaps that fit or clear bra the above mentioned parts. my father took one trip to tahoe during winter and the areas right behind the wheels have been sand blasted

OzC36

It should have a sliding switch next to the Auto shift lever marked "S" and "W" or "E". The W or E mode starts the takeoff in 2nd gear with earlier upshifts for slippery conditions if I remember correctly?

85Cosworth

The "W" and "S" modes on the tranny may not have been on the 95 and 96 due to the 4-speed tranny. It may have been a feature of the new 5-speed.

france c36

I have a c36 1996 and have the snow swicth near the shifter mine is an european version; it's not very good in snow even whit good tires, i think you better buy a 4x4 salut!!