E-500 In snow??
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 819
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2004 E500
Aside from "Winter" mode, it handles well in snow (based on recent - this weekend's - experience). The traction control didn't prevent all fishtailing, but the ABS brakes were quite decent in the white stuff.
All in all, I felt more in control with this car than any other I've owned (albeit 2-wheel drive).
And yes, I played with the "riser" switch to help keep the snow from collecting in the wheel wells
All in all, I felt more in control with this car than any other I've owned (albeit 2-wheel drive).
And yes, I played with the "riser" switch to help keep the snow from collecting in the wheel wells
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24
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From: New Windsor, New York
E-500
In northern NJ, we were "blessed" with almost 20 inches of the white stuff. Most of the roads were not cleared well because of the heavy snowfall during the day.
My experience in the snow was that the Winter mode was helpful - no spinning on almost all starts, but the snow was very dry and powdery, not icy. Handling was good with a little more caution than usual.
Leaving my driveway, though, which is an uphill grade, was the most exciting, with only a little fishtailing.
My experience in the snow was that the Winter mode was helpful - no spinning on almost all starts, but the snow was very dry and powdery, not icy. Handling was good with a little more caution than usual.
Leaving my driveway, though, which is an uphill grade, was the most exciting, with only a little fishtailing.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
I have been driving my E320 on very slick roads. Yes, Winter mode is useful.
And this norning I did a little experiment: I turned ESP on and off alternately. Wow, what a difference!
With ESP off I fishtail, slide, etc all over the place. Turn ESP on and immediately it is much, much more stable. In fact you get lazy of course: without ESP I really nearly lost it a few times
One drawback: as brakes are going on all wheels all the time, you use much more gas. But I guess for safety that is acceptable!
Mike
And this norning I did a little experiment: I turned ESP on and off alternately. Wow, what a difference!
With ESP off I fishtail, slide, etc all over the place. Turn ESP on and immediately it is much, much more stable. In fact you get lazy of course: without ESP I really nearly lost it a few times
One drawback: as brakes are going on all wheels all the time, you use much more gas. But I guess for safety that is acceptable!
Mike
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 103
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From: Dedham MA
2015 C300
Today was the perfect test - back roads here in Boston were snow and slush covered - had no problems getting to work, even though the office was closed - put the E320 in winter mode and it was fine - traction control came on quite a lot on the hills - overall I was very impressed!
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 285
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From: Ohio
2003 E320
Originally posted by mwillems
With ESP off I fishtail, slide, etc all over the place. Turn ESP on and immediately it is much, much more stable
With ESP off I fishtail, slide, etc all over the place. Turn ESP on and immediately it is much, much more stable
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Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Dedham MA
2015 C300
The ESP light was on for about 25% of the drive yesterday morning...especially when going up hills. Also comes on if I pull out too fast on sandy roads after a storm. Other than that it doesn't really kick in...but glad it did yesterday!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 285
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From: Ohio
2003 E320
Do you know what de-icing agent they put on the roads in your area? In Ohio they use rock salt, it works well, although it is corrosive on metal. There are no hills in my area, ESP blinked for me only when braking.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Originally posted by Gethen
Does ESP indicator blink a lot when you drive? I had it blink on a couple of occasions, but other than that I am a safe driver
Does ESP indicator blink a lot when you drive? I had it blink on a couple of occasions, but other than that I am a safe driver
Mike
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
I have the factory tires on my E500 and was very happy with the way the car handled in the snow this past weekend. The electronics did a fantastic job of keeping the car from fishtailing and the winter mode did a great job of eliminating spinning wheels when starting out. After some of the things I've heard about E's (w/o 4matic) in the snow I was pleasantly surprised and very happy with its performance. I am more pleased with the car every day!
