traction problem in rainy weather
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Joined: Feb 2006
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traction problem in rainy weather
Hello to all..
I have a 2003 w211 and it has factory tires ... the problem is that in rainy weather it floats and looses traction "hidroplanes" i even had a few scares because it has changed lanes hidroplaning on me... if you have or had the same problem how did you improbve or fixed the problem..
I really don,t understand it because this is suposed to be a really great and stabble car .
i allways like to compare my w211 to my is300 because mi IS 300 is so stable and even when it is poring cats and dogs i can drive it at 80mph and its so solid and stable
, but mi w211 even at 55 60 MPH if Its wet its like driving on ice... 
I have a 2003 w211 and it has factory tires ... the problem is that in rainy weather it floats and looses traction "hidroplanes" i even had a few scares because it has changed lanes hidroplaning on me... if you have or had the same problem how did you improbve or fixed the problem..
I really don,t understand it because this is suposed to be a really great and stabble car .
i allways like to compare my w211 to my is300 because mi IS 300 is so stable and even when it is poring cats and dogs i can drive it at 80mph and its so solid and stable
, but mi w211 even at 55 60 MPH if Its wet its like driving on ice...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
I haven't done a whole lot of high-speed rain driving in our '03 E500, but when I have, the car has seemed very stable to me. When you get the sensation of hydroplaning or losing traction, does the ESP light ever flash? If it doesn't, I have to wonder if what you're feeling is really a loss of traction, or something else. What else it could be, I don't know, but I honestly can't relate to what you are describing. You don't have the ESP turned off, do you?
In any case, if your tires are the OEM Continentals, I would ditch them for something else, even if they have some tread left on them. Most people go for Pirellis or Michelins as replacements - I went with Toyos, for complicated reasons - but whatever you get is likely to be better than the OEM Contis, if that's what you have. The Contis on my car weren't particularly bad in the rain, but I thought that they were deficient in ride, handling and noise.
In any case, if your tires are the OEM Continentals, I would ditch them for something else, even if they have some tread left on them. Most people go for Pirellis or Michelins as replacements - I went with Toyos, for complicated reasons - but whatever you get is likely to be better than the OEM Contis, if that's what you have. The Contis on my car weren't particularly bad in the rain, but I thought that they were deficient in ride, handling and noise.
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Bucks, PA
2003 E500 Sport, 2004 E500 Wagon
I know what you mean. First rain storm in my E500 sedan had me scared. Hydroplaning was the worst I have ever seen. When winter came I out a set of WinterSports on it and the car was incredible, I actually left them on for the summer because even they were better than the OEM Conti's in the dry, let alone wet weather performance and are lasting a lot longer.
I'll be switching to summer tires this spring, won't go near the Conti's.
All that said, my wifes 4matic is not as bad. The 4matic definetly helps stabalize the car in wet. Still horrible tires in snow but the car is manageable where as I would not have trusted the conti's on my RWD to get me to end of the driveway (granted we tend to get heavy snow that packs to a slick icy surface, powder is probably manageable).
I'll be switching to summer tires this spring, won't go near the Conti's.
All that said, my wifes 4matic is not as bad. The 4matic definetly helps stabalize the car in wet. Still horrible tires in snow but the car is manageable where as I would not have trusted the conti's on my RWD to get me to end of the driveway (granted we tend to get heavy snow that packs to a slick icy surface, powder is probably manageable).
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
hmmm... the stock Contis weren't all that good - but they were o.k.
If your car is *that* squirrely I'd check air pressure and alignment too.
Living in Seattle I put a few miles on them in lots of rain and never had a problem.
If your car is *that* squirrely I'd check air pressure and alignment too.
Living in Seattle I put a few miles on them in lots of rain and never had a problem.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Hydroplanning in addition to the tire tread design factor is a function of speed and tire pressure. The speed that is most likely to cause hydroplanning is 10X the square root of the tire pressure. You can adjust the speed and/or the tire pressure to minimize the hydro effects. This of course is an approxamate figure with other factors such as tread design, and water depth and even temp figuring into the equasion. However its a good rule of thumb.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
ClayJ hit the nail right on the head. I've driven my friends 2003 E with the stock Conti's in the rain, and had hydroplaning issues. The stock Conti's on my E500 with appearance were much better, and did not hydroplane.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I have Continentals on my 05 E320 4M. I have never experienced hydroplanning or loss of traction. I find them a very good tire. As I said in my previous post check the tire pressure and adjust your speeds to conditions. In fact I also have Continentals on my 06 ML500 and had them on my 02 ML500. My experience with them in all conditions has been very good.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
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From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
While I never had hydroplaning with my OEM Conti's, they were noisy and rough riding so I replaced them at 19,000 miles with Pirelli PZero M&S tires. Far better ride, low noise and good in the rain. In my opinion, MB should drop using Cont's as OEM tires.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
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From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Depth of water on the road and your speed are the primary factors that affect your car's traction during rain. If the water is over 1/2 inch and you are going over 60mph. Your car will float when you hit patch regardless of the type of tire that you have on!
