roomor

Recently bought a 1998 E430 Sport. The car has the 5-spoke 17" Sport rims on for Summer, but deal included brand new 16" MB 5-spokes with M&S rated Michelin Pilot Alpin tires for the snow. We will be driving it through the Winter here in Minnesota. Wondering if anyone has experience with this car (not a 4matic) in the snow? Can you share what to expect with traction and just the rwd? Previous vehicle was fwd with traction control and Blizzaks, and sure-footed in the snow. I'm a bit worried about the MB.

Thanks

sosh

Some people do drive them in the snow. With the tire wheel set up you describe it may work for you but a much better deal is one with 4 Matic. The W210 I had was excellent in the snow, however I do remember years ago driving RWD cars (MB and BMW) in the snow and always wishing I had left them at home.

EdzBenz

You will love the Michelin Artic Alpin tires. They are amazing. Lateral and forward movement in the snow is no problem. I have yet to drive my W210 in the snow, but my W201 handled awesome with those tires.

lexrex

4Matic only helps you get moving. It won't help steering and the added weight of the AWD system increases braking distances.

If you're looking for empirical evidence, see this reprint of a Car & Driver article from a few years ago that compares the E320 RWD & AWD with & without snow tires.

roomor

Thanks for the feedback. Interesting article -- makes sense, but one part I might disagree with is the final sentence ("And finally, unless snow or ice covers your roads many times in a winter, the snow benefits of winter tires may not outweigh their drawbacks on dry pavement.") One deductible and the hassle of repairs and rentals can easily be offset by a $500-600 investment in tires + a 2nd set of rims, amortized over several Winters.

Sounds like the RWD should be tolerable if the tires are as good as I hear and read. If not, I'll try a new set of Blizzaks (I have had them on three FWD cars now and will swear by their exceptional performance -- just hope that the clown coming up behind you can stop as fast -- good chance they can't). You can stop with the Blizzaks and will be doing some evasive moves to avoid those around you.

We were looking at 4-Matics, but ran across this beauty and it was too good to pass up with a great price and meticulous condition at 59K miles.

Thanks.

king_j

i drive a 97 E320 and live in Minneapolis MN

dont accelerate fast, take corners slowely, dont turn fast, brake early.

keep sand bags in the trunk ( about 30 lbs )
looks like you have good tires so thats a plus.

Air Marshall Eldritch

I do just fine with the 17" wheels with all-season tires. As mentioned above, just keep it slow.

stemags

I have been using Pirelli Snowsport 240's on my rear wheel 210,,and without dedicated snows,,you will be taking a real chance.I had some hair raising skids and slides,w the stock Conti's(long gone on ebay),and with the extra SE wheels in 17" with the 240's,I can go all yr,just got to change em.All season performance tires didnt work in NYC winters,I doubt they would work in Minn.

roomor

The 16" Alpin's are a softer compound Winter tire. Yes, not a Blizzak and not a Pirrelli snow, but we'll give them a try. These tires have zero miles and were bought specifically for the Winter months -- the 17's will come off as soon as the first snow flies.