How are folks with RWD in the North East doing this winter?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
How are folks with RWD in the North East doing this winter?
Coming into this winter, my first time with a RWD daily commuter, I didn't want to chance the all-season tires. I bought a set of Michelin X-ICE2, Consumer Reports #1 rated snow tire. I have to say that I've been less than impressed. Handling and braking are good, but getting going from a start has been difficult. With the transmission in Comfort mode and ESP On, forward progress is rather leisurely. Putting the transmission in Sport is better. Going up hills is challenging. Turning off ESP helps, but can get tricky
So I'm wondering how other folks are doing with all the snow. Is this winter particularly bad? Are the Micheline X-ICE 2 not that good? Previously winters I was driving a VW Golf with Nokian R tires.
So I'm wondering how other folks are doing with all the snow. Is this winter particularly bad? Are the Micheline X-ICE 2 not that good? Previously winters I was driving a VW Golf with Nokian R tires.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Clermont, FL
2007 E550 4-Matic, 2004 SL600
I know your looking for RWD by I gotta say, my 4-Matic was like a tank in 8-10" of snow the other day. Nothing slowed it down, up steep driveways, deep untouched snow, don't think it ever even broke traction. First winter with it, running Conti Extreme Contact DWS tires, it's almost better than my AWD Yukon Denali in the snow.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
335i
All seasons on my S430, I don't take it out until a decent amount of the snow is plowed. Last week's snow made the streets terrible, but I went to take the car over the bus that day. On my way, I must've went through at least 3 unplowed streets, I didn't know exactly what to do, except give the car a little momentum going in, W mode and nurse her through. Not bad tbh
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
05 e500 & 11 sti
I have blizzaks on my e5 and i have yet to really have any problems. Of course taking off from a stop is going to be the most difficult, but remember you are not trying to race in the snow, you are just commuting. Compared to my evo, I think having all season on my evo is just as good as blizzaks on the e5.
Some food for thought, why do you think most people keep their rwd cars at home in the snow
Some food for thought, why do you think most people keep their rwd cars at home in the snow
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
Check out my Youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpn52...&feature=feedu
I will admit, that last week, here in PA, I had to put the chains on to get home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpn52...&feature=feedu
I will admit, that last week, here in PA, I had to put the chains on to get home
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 41
Tesla Model S P100D
I know your looking for RWD by I gotta say, my 4-Matic was like a tank in 8-10" of snow the other day. Nothing slowed it down, up steep driveways, deep untouched snow, don't think it ever even broke traction. First winter with it, running Conti Extreme Contact DWS tires, it's almost better than my AWD Yukon Denali in the snow.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
The biggest problem seems to be *deep* snow. By deep I mean anything over 2". The front wheels seem to get caught and don't want to move. Its very odd and makes for very slow progress. With the ESP Off and the Sport On I can work around it but the tail sure whips around quick.
As for the folks with AWD, I've owned 2 AWD cars and loved them. But the expense of maintaining them over 100k and the hit in fuel economy drove me away. Changing priorities I guess. I fell in love with RWD and the feel of uncorrupted steering. Doesn't hurt that I've been averaging 32 mpg
As for the folks with AWD, I've owned 2 AWD cars and loved them. But the expense of maintaining them over 100k and the hit in fuel economy drove me away. Changing priorities I guess. I fell in love with RWD and the feel of uncorrupted steering. Doesn't hurt that I've been averaging 32 mpg
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
last year's winter dumped 25inches and two other times about a foot. I couldn't get out of my neighborhood due to clearance/street not being plowed. But once i made it to the secondary roads that had 10-12 inches of slush/snow, the 4matic was fine. I didnt slip/slide like other vans/suvs full/midsize that i saw on the roads.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Clermont, FL
2007 E550 4-Matic, 2004 SL600
As for the folks with AWD, I've owned 2 AWD cars and loved them. But the expense of maintaining them over 100k and the hit in fuel economy drove me away. Changing priorities I guess. I fell in love with RWD and the feel of uncorrupted steering. Doesn't hurt that I've been averaging 32 mpg
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
From: Columbia, MO
E320 & X166
I have a 2003 E320 RWD. It is absolutely amazing in snow. As long as the snow isn't more than an inch higher than the car's clearance than I'm good. I also have an X5 and I will be completely honest, I feel more secure in the Merc. The electronics are amazing in this thing!!!! I have Continental Procontact tires. Changed them this fall from MXV4 (those were terrible!!!). The dealership here uses me as an example of why 4matic is not a must here in MO. We just had 4 snow storms this season and I was out in all of them except this last 18+ inch one. I took by boss out to lunch two days ago and went though non plowed streets; we parked and started walking to the restaurant. He commented on how steady and planted the car felt while we both slipped and could hardly walk. As we turned the corner, we saw multiple cars loosing control on the same street corner we just eased though. Even an AWD explorer got stuck midcorner (did make it out after a couple tries).
Sometimes gives me a little too much confidence. Like when I'm passing everyone doing 70 while they are doing 40 to 50.
Sometimes gives me a little too much confidence. Like when I'm passing everyone doing 70 while they are doing 40 to 50.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
2007 E550 4Matic with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires, no problems in the NVA/DC area. I want to buy an 07/08 CLK63 AMG cabriolet but I just can't give-up my AWD for RWD. I had a bad "ice experience" several years ago with my E55 losing traction and sliding hence my decision to own at least one AWD for daily driving.
