snow
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4
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From: Potomac, MD
2009 CLK 550, 2006 S350, 2008 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD
snow
I do apologize if this has been asked before, but here goes:
yesterday, my wife took her 2009 clk550 out for a drive in the snow, and she had almost no control on the vehicle. I know RWDs are fairly lousy in the snow, but will putting winter tires on this car help a lot or not make much difference? This is in Maryland, where it does not snow much, but the folks don't clean up the road as quickly as upstate NY, for example, and so the slush and snow sits around, making traction a bit tricky. Also, if we do get snow tires, do they have to be installed by MB dealer or can any TireRack recommended guy (who can deal with TPMS) do it? Lastly, will my S350 with all-season tires fare any better in the snow than the smaller clk? The 350 has been sitting in the garage most of the winter (using the family AWD van instead) and it is not as much fun to drive the van vs the S.
yesterday, my wife took her 2009 clk550 out for a drive in the snow, and she had almost no control on the vehicle. I know RWDs are fairly lousy in the snow, but will putting winter tires on this car help a lot or not make much difference? This is in Maryland, where it does not snow much, but the folks don't clean up the road as quickly as upstate NY, for example, and so the slush and snow sits around, making traction a bit tricky. Also, if we do get snow tires, do they have to be installed by MB dealer or can any TireRack recommended guy (who can deal with TPMS) do it? Lastly, will my S350 with all-season tires fare any better in the snow than the smaller clk? The 350 has been sitting in the garage most of the winter (using the family AWD van instead) and it is not as much fun to drive the van vs the S.
Last edited by bugzbunny; Feb 2, 2010 at 09:52 PM. Reason: grammar
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 488
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From: Michigan
W203-4M W163
I do apologize if this has been asked before, but here goes:
yesterday, my wife took her 2009 clk550 out for a drive in the snow, and she had almost no control on the vehicle. I know RWDs are fairly lousy in the snow, but will putting winter tires on this car help a lot or not make much difference? This is in Maryland, where it does not snow much, but the folks don't clean up the road as quickly as upstate NY, for example, and so the slush and snow sits around, making traction a bit tricky..
yesterday, my wife took her 2009 clk550 out for a drive in the snow, and she had almost no control on the vehicle. I know RWDs are fairly lousy in the snow, but will putting winter tires on this car help a lot or not make much difference? This is in Maryland, where it does not snow much, but the folks don't clean up the road as quickly as upstate NY, for example, and so the slush and snow sits around, making traction a bit tricky..
Hard to make a call on the AWD Van (stability control or not?) vs the RWD S (ESP), but when you've got all that weight up front and the drive train in back, I'd guess that the van would be better. Give them both a try in an icy parking lot and report back!
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Joined: May 2003
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From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
As FraK mentioned, snow tires are a world of difference. also keep in mind that with a 500 you must father the throttle allot. put very little power to the wheels and you'll be fine.
As i mentioned in many posts, my last 4 cars were RWD, all had winter tires, no extra weight ever added to the back, was fine. Personal i like Nokian WRs, been using them on 3 mercedes and a lexus. all year round. However for CLK will be getting a set of Summer wheels.
a 350 will be easier in the snow since it's not pushing out as much power. Winter tires on that will be even better. And i would rather drive an S even with a RWD than a minivan
but that's just me.
As i mentioned in many posts, my last 4 cars were RWD, all had winter tires, no extra weight ever added to the back, was fine. Personal i like Nokian WRs, been using them on 3 mercedes and a lexus. all year round. However for CLK will be getting a set of Summer wheels.
a 350 will be easier in the snow since it's not pushing out as much power. Winter tires on that will be even better. And i would rather drive an S even with a RWD than a minivan
but that's just me.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Potomac, MD
2009 CLK 550, 2006 S350, 2008 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD
As FraK mentioned, snow tires are a world of difference. also keep in mind that with a 500 you must father the throttle allot. put very little power to the wheels and you'll be fine.
As i mentioned in many posts, my last 4 cars were RWD, all had winter tires, no extra weight ever added to the back, was fine. Personal i like Nokian WRs, been using them on 3 mercedes and a lexus. all year round. However for CLK will be getting a set of Summer wheels.
a 350 will be easier in the snow since it's not pushing out as much power. Winter tires on that will be even better. And i would rather drive an S even with a RWD than a minivan but that's just me.
As i mentioned in many posts, my last 4 cars were RWD, all had winter tires, no extra weight ever added to the back, was fine. Personal i like Nokian WRs, been using them on 3 mercedes and a lexus. all year round. However for CLK will be getting a set of Summer wheels.
a 350 will be easier in the snow since it's not pushing out as much power. Winter tires on that will be even better. And i would rather drive an S even with a RWD than a minivan
but that's just me.. I guess the positive spin is that I am protecting my 350 from the harsh stuff they put on the road in winters; and it is only 4 more weeks at most.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 488
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From: Michigan
W203-4M W163
Thanks, FraK and Malahhaor, for the great advice. I am going to order 4 tires from TireRack and have them delivered to my MB dealer for swapout for the CLK. The great thing about the van is it has AWD, VSC and winter tires (plus a video display for the kids at the back). Is not a Merc in any sense, but when the kids are in the back row, it is almost like they are in a different country.... I guess the positive spin is that I am protecting my 350 from the harsh stuff they put on the road in winters; and it is only 4 more weeks at most.
. I guess the positive spin is that I am protecting my 350 from the harsh stuff they put on the road in winters; and it is only 4 more weeks at most.You'll be happy with that option I think. Unless she's driving around in Sudbury, your wife should be fine with some good winter tires.
I'm with you and Malahhaorr on this one...Protect the S350 and trash the van if you can stand driving it. Of course, I can't stand driving anything other than my MBs!!!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,314
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From: Witness Protection Program
06 CLK350 -SOLD! 2010 Cadillac SRX Premium Turbo
Blizzak LM-60 + CLK = snow tank
Put a set on my OEM wheels for the winter months here in KC. They have performed way beyond what I was expecting. This has been the snowest winter in years here, and more to come tomorrow. No worries.
Bad thing is... I fly out to DC in the afternoon. Forecast looks well.... snowy. M
Put a set on my OEM wheels for the winter months here in KC. They have performed way beyond what I was expecting. This has been the snowest winter in years here, and more to come tomorrow. No worries.
Bad thing is... I fly out to DC in the afternoon. Forecast looks well.... snowy. M
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: DMV
W209 500
Blizzak LM-60 + CLK = snow tank
Put a set on my OEM wheels for the winter months here in KC. They have performed way beyond what I was expecting. This has been the snowest winter in years here, and more to come tomorrow. No worries.
Bad thing is... I fly out to DC in the afternoon. Forecast looks well.... snowy. M
Put a set on my OEM wheels for the winter months here in KC. They have performed way beyond what I was expecting. This has been the snowest winter in years here, and more to come tomorrow. No worries.
Bad thing is... I fly out to DC in the afternoon. Forecast looks well.... snowy. M
Better get out of here while you can before the weekend hits. 20 inches of snow.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,031
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
No question about it. My CLK handles like a 4x4 now. I can still take turns sideways if I want to but it drives VERY well in Chicago snow and ice.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...now-tires.html
I installed a new set of Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 winter tires.
Got my tires from Tire Rack website at a great price plus they had $70 mail in rebate and no tax. I think you can still get the rebate. Installation with balancing was $65 at National Tire & Battery. Discount Tires wanted $108 for the install. These are also on the stock 16" rims. I still want to do alignment but it does not feel like it needs one. Firestone Service has lifetime alignment deal that is a good way to go especially if you switch winter/summer wheels. I will just store them in the garage for the summer while I have the 19" Monarch EURO 63's on.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...now-tires.html
I installed a new set of Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 winter tires.
Got my tires from Tire Rack website at a great price plus they had $70 mail in rebate and no tax. I think you can still get the rebate. Installation with balancing was $65 at National Tire & Battery. Discount Tires wanted $108 for the install. These are also on the stock 16" rims. I still want to do alignment but it does not feel like it needs one. Firestone Service has lifetime alignment deal that is a good way to go especially if you switch winter/summer wheels. I will just store them in the garage for the summer while I have the 19" Monarch EURO 63's on.
