W205 C63 AMG Winter/Snow driving
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 15
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2016 C450
W205 C63 AMG Winter/Snow driving
Hi Guys,
I thought I was going to wait on the C450 AMG sport as my daily driver, but, I must admit, the pricing on the C63 is better than I thought it would be. I live in western Canada, so 5 months of snow/winter. I want to get a feedback from members who have driven a rear wheel drive AMG during winter. I know the C450 is the sensible choice, but I can definitely afford the C63, and I'm smitten by the sound of that 4.0 V8. I know winter tires is a must (on either) I just wonder if the C63 would be too much of a handful during winter. Any feedback from members would be greatly appreciated.
I thought I was going to wait on the C450 AMG sport as my daily driver, but, I must admit, the pricing on the C63 is better than I thought it would be. I live in western Canada, so 5 months of snow/winter. I want to get a feedback from members who have driven a rear wheel drive AMG during winter. I know the C450 is the sensible choice, but I can definitely afford the C63, and I'm smitten by the sound of that 4.0 V8. I know winter tires is a must (on either) I just wonder if the C63 would be too much of a handful during winter. Any feedback from members would be greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 825
Likes: 15
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Mercedes-AMG C63S Edition 1
Hi Guys,
I thought I was going to wait on the C450 AMG sport as my daily driver, but, I must admit, the pricing on the C63 is better than I thought it would be. I live in western Canada, so 5 months of snow/winter. I want to get a feedback from members who have driven a rear wheel drive AMG during winter. I know the C450 is the sensible choice, but I can definitely afford the C63, and I'm smitten by the sound of that 4.0 V8. I know winter tires is a must (on either) I just wonder if the C63 would be too much of a handful during winter. Any feedback from members would be greatly appreciated.
I thought I was going to wait on the C450 AMG sport as my daily driver, but, I must admit, the pricing on the C63 is better than I thought it would be. I live in western Canada, so 5 months of snow/winter. I want to get a feedback from members who have driven a rear wheel drive AMG during winter. I know the C450 is the sensible choice, but I can definitely afford the C63, and I'm smitten by the sound of that 4.0 V8. I know winter tires is a must (on either) I just wonder if the C63 would be too much of a handful during winter. Any feedback from members would be greatly appreciated.
P.S from what I know Canadian pricing still hasn't been announced.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 15
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2016 C450
I live in Edmonton, and I've driven multiple RWD cars during the winters here, but never owned one. With proper winter tires (I recommend Blizzak WS80s for non studded, and hakkapeliitta's for studded) you should be fine. If you want you could also always put sandbags etc into the trunk to add weight to the rear.
P.S from what I know Canadian pricing still hasn't been announced.
P.S from what I know Canadian pricing still hasn't been announced.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 15
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2016 C450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,829
Likes: 95
'20 GLC300 SUV
The winter of '13 - '14 was one of the worst I've ever seen (significant snowfall, constant subzero temperatures, etc.). On a square winter setup, I was able to drive my W204 C63 everywhere.
Winter tires are really the key. An AWD car is easier to "launch" in the winter (you have 4 contact patches pushing you forward rather than 1 or 2, depending on whether the RWD car has an LSD) but once the car is moving (e.g., turning, braking, etc.), it all comes down to the quality/type of tires you are using. The tires are your only contact patches.
Of course, even with winter tires, you have to be judicious with the throttle in cars like the W204/W205 C63.
The only issue I've ever had with RWD cars in the winter is front/rear-end clearance (it can be difficult trying to navigate neighborhood streets that have not been plowed when you have a low-slung sedan instead of a truck/SUV).
In sum, so long as you have either: 1) a quality set of performance-oriented winter tires (preferably a square setup to help with deeper snow) or 2) a quality set of studless winter/snow/ice tires or 3) studded winter/snow/ice tires (these are legal in certain regions that have brutal winters) then you should be absolutely fine driving a W205 C63 throughout the winter.
Winter tires are really the key. An AWD car is easier to "launch" in the winter (you have 4 contact patches pushing you forward rather than 1 or 2, depending on whether the RWD car has an LSD) but once the car is moving (e.g., turning, braking, etc.), it all comes down to the quality/type of tires you are using. The tires are your only contact patches.
Of course, even with winter tires, you have to be judicious with the throttle in cars like the W204/W205 C63.
The only issue I've ever had with RWD cars in the winter is front/rear-end clearance (it can be difficult trying to navigate neighborhood streets that have not been plowed when you have a low-slung sedan instead of a truck/SUV).
In sum, so long as you have either: 1) a quality set of performance-oriented winter tires (preferably a square setup to help with deeper snow) or 2) a quality set of studless winter/snow/ice tires or 3) studded winter/snow/ice tires (these are legal in certain regions that have brutal winters) then you should be absolutely fine driving a W205 C63 throughout the winter.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 825
Likes: 15
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Mercedes-AMG C63S Edition 1
We are still waiting on Canadian prices, but, based on the US prices, we have a fair idea of what to expect, when Canadian prices are announced. I've driven a RWD BMW 335i year round in saskatchewan for the last few years. Winter tires make it "ok" most times, but its just 300hp and 300tq, a far cry from the C63, hence my apprehension
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 15
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2016 C450
The winter of '13 - '14 was one of the worst I've ever seen (significant snowfall, constant subzero temperatures, etc.). On a square winter setup, I was able to drive my W204 C63 everywhere.
Winter tires are really the key. An AWD car is easier to "launch" in the winter (you have 4 contact patches pushing you forward rather than 1 or 2, depending on whether the RWD car has an LSD) but once the car is moving (e.g., turning, braking, etc.), it all comes down to the quality/type of tires you are using. The tires are your only contact patches.
Of course, even with winter tires, you have to be judicious with the throttle in cars like the W204/W205 C63.
The only issue I've ever had with RWD cars in the winter is front/rear-end clearance (it can be difficult trying to navigate neighborhood streets that have not been plowed when you have a low-slung sedan instead of a truck/SUV).
In sum, so long as you have either: 1) a quality set of performance-oriented winter tires (preferably a square setup to help with deeper snow) or 2) a quality set of studless winter/snow/ice tires or 3) studded winter/snow/ice tires (these are legal in certain regions that have brutal winters) then you should be absolutely fine driving a W205 C63 throughout the winter.
Winter tires are really the key. An AWD car is easier to "launch" in the winter (you have 4 contact patches pushing you forward rather than 1 or 2, depending on whether the RWD car has an LSD) but once the car is moving (e.g., turning, braking, etc.), it all comes down to the quality/type of tires you are using. The tires are your only contact patches.
Of course, even with winter tires, you have to be judicious with the throttle in cars like the W204/W205 C63.
The only issue I've ever had with RWD cars in the winter is front/rear-end clearance (it can be difficult trying to navigate neighborhood streets that have not been plowed when you have a low-slung sedan instead of a truck/SUV).
In sum, so long as you have either: 1) a quality set of performance-oriented winter tires (preferably a square setup to help with deeper snow) or 2) a quality set of studless winter/snow/ice tires or 3) studded winter/snow/ice tires (these are legal in certain regions that have brutal winters) then you should be absolutely fine driving a W205 C63 throughout the winter.
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C63 W205 Edition 1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
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'20 GLC300 SUV
My pleasure! Glad you found it useful. Appreciate the kind words.
I forgot to mention, I've winter-driven all kinds of cars (xDrive/4MATIC, FWD, RWD) and have used many different setups (AWD + all-seasons, AWD + winter tires, RWD + all-seasons, RWD + winter tires).
I continue to be amazed by how well high-hp, RWD sedans can perform in the winter with the right setup (tires + sizing). AWD + winter tires = the most confidence inspiring setup but only because you have a bit of an edge in "launching from a stop" situations.
All-season tires are a great compromise for those that see only cooler temperatures/rain in the winter. AS tires can also handle light snow accumulation.
In my experience though, you obtain the best performance out of your car in each season by having two dedicated sets of tires - one set for summer and one for winter. Performance-oriented winter tires like the Blizzak LM32s offer better performance/steering feel in cold/dry conditions. The Dunlop Winter Maxx tires I utilized this winter were a bit more sluggish/prone to spin under heavy throttle in cold/dry conditions but they dispatched of deep snow/ice/slush with ease.
I forgot to mention, I've winter-driven all kinds of cars (xDrive/4MATIC, FWD, RWD) and have used many different setups (AWD + all-seasons, AWD + winter tires, RWD + all-seasons, RWD + winter tires).
I continue to be amazed by how well high-hp, RWD sedans can perform in the winter with the right setup (tires + sizing). AWD + winter tires = the most confidence inspiring setup but only because you have a bit of an edge in "launching from a stop" situations.
All-season tires are a great compromise for those that see only cooler temperatures/rain in the winter. AS tires can also handle light snow accumulation.
In my experience though, you obtain the best performance out of your car in each season by having two dedicated sets of tires - one set for summer and one for winter. Performance-oriented winter tires like the Blizzak LM32s offer better performance/steering feel in cold/dry conditions. The Dunlop Winter Maxx tires I utilized this winter were a bit more sluggish/prone to spin under heavy throttle in cold/dry conditions but they dispatched of deep snow/ice/slush with ease.
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 207
Likes: 2
996TT
You can search the W204 C63 forum for many threads on the subject.
Bottom line, LSD and good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Here's a quick pic I took last night. We got another 10-15cm of snow yesterday and temperature dropped to around -8c by the time I came back home from a diner with friends. So backing up in my driveway the rear tires had to deal with packed/hardened/frozen snow. You can see the two lines of snow that were shot forward when the tires (studded Hakka 8 and Wavetrac LSD) dug into the iced slightly inclined driveway. Now with average tires and no LSD, I wouldn't have been able to reverse into my driveway.
The good news is that the W205 C63 has LSD as standard equipement. Just get studded tires or at least very good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Bottom line, LSD and good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Here's a quick pic I took last night. We got another 10-15cm of snow yesterday and temperature dropped to around -8c by the time I came back home from a diner with friends. So backing up in my driveway the rear tires had to deal with packed/hardened/frozen snow. You can see the two lines of snow that were shot forward when the tires (studded Hakka 8 and Wavetrac LSD) dug into the iced slightly inclined driveway. Now with average tires and no LSD, I wouldn't have been able to reverse into my driveway.
The good news is that the W205 C63 has LSD as standard equipement. Just get studded tires or at least very good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 15
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2016 C450
You can search the W204 C63 forum for many threads on the subject.
Bottom line, LSD and good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Here's a quick pic I took last night. We got another 10-15cm of snow yesterday and temperature dropped to around -8c by the time I came back home from a diner with friends. So backing up in my driveway the rear tires had to deal with packed/hardened/frozen snow. You can see the two lines of snow that were shot forward when the tires (studded Hakka 8 and Wavetrac LSD) dug into the iced slightly inclined driveway. Now with average tires and no LSD, I wouldn't have been able to reverse into my driveway.
The good news is that the W205 C63 has LSD as standard equipement. Just get studded tires or at least very good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Bottom line, LSD and good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Here's a quick pic I took last night. We got another 10-15cm of snow yesterday and temperature dropped to around -8c by the time I came back home from a diner with friends. So backing up in my driveway the rear tires had to deal with packed/hardened/frozen snow. You can see the two lines of snow that were shot forward when the tires (studded Hakka 8 and Wavetrac LSD) dug into the iced slightly inclined driveway. Now with average tires and no LSD, I wouldn't have been able to reverse into my driveway.
The good news is that the W205 C63 has LSD as standard equipement. Just get studded tires or at least very good winter tires and you'll be fine.
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 207
Likes: 2
996TT
Yes but highway is not the worst as other noises come through like wind and engine noise. It's around town that it feels noisier, but it's a small price to pay for the added peace of mind and honestly, it really is not that loud.
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Mercedes Benz GLK350 2012
I was a service advisor with MB in Colorado for 6.5 years. Winter tire technology has come a long way, and there are now a few choices for tires that will give you superior winter traction and still be very quiet around town, on the highway, and even some that will actually give you great performance.
If you're going to be in deep snow frequently the Blizzak's and Hakapollitas (sp?) are awesome. Studs are overkill almost everywhere. If it will be only some days of snow, or not deep snow then take a look at Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental. When driving a high performance vehicle, it can suck when you're driving on great roads in the middle of January and you're getting understeer and wheelspin on your winter tires. Not to mention wearing them out way too soon.
Many of my AMG clients chose this option in Colorado because we had so much sun--the snow was gone within a couple of days.
If you're going to be in deep snow frequently the Blizzak's and Hakapollitas (sp?) are awesome. Studs are overkill almost everywhere. If it will be only some days of snow, or not deep snow then take a look at Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental. When driving a high performance vehicle, it can suck when you're driving on great roads in the middle of January and you're getting understeer and wheelspin on your winter tires. Not to mention wearing them out way too soon.
Many of my AMG clients chose this option in Colorado because we had so much sun--the snow was gone within a couple of days.
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,635
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
I will be putting snow's on mine. The Northeast is horrible with snow. I do know, however, the E Rear Diff will help control the rear end. This will help with the wheel spin. Think about it...
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Boston
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (Former 4x AMG owner)
Drove my 2014 E63s with OEM sized Pirelli Sotto Zero 2 tires with no issues even during two blizzards. Granted that was 4Matic, but the traction was excellent on the cold and wet roads with the dedicated winter performance tires.
On a RWD car, I'd highly recommend making sure you put serious Snow/Ice tires (Blizzaks on square setup) on versus high performance staggered Winter tires (Sotto Zero 2). You'll need every advantage.
On a RWD car, I'd highly recommend making sure you put serious Snow/Ice tires (Blizzaks on square setup) on versus high performance staggered Winter tires (Sotto Zero 2). You'll need every advantage.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,829
Likes: 95
'20 GLC300 SUV
I had Blizzak LM32s last year (225-section square setup) and went with Dunlop Winter Maxx tires this year (same setup). The Dunlops were categorized as more dedicated, studless snow/ice tires.
The Blizzaks felt better in cold, dry conditions (a bit sharper steering). The Dunlops were surprisingly effective in snowy/icy conditions.
