Reason I bought a 4 Matic
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Reason I bought a 4 Matic
We got a bit of snow in the last few days . . . I drove 120 miles in constant snow and crap weather. I have never driven a car that performed better. After this little trip, I took advantage to test the car in the neighborhood. The two links are to the two videos of me screwing around in about 6-8 inches of snow that is on top of a nice ice layer. I did not use a video camera, since I did not want even bigger files.
I had the ESP button off, but I could still feel it kick in once I skidded enough. I will turn the ESP completely off (dyno mode) when I get to a bigger parking lot :-). I will also do some of my other great tricks, once I get used to this car. If you live in an area where it can get like this, you really need to know how your car reacts and what the ESP, ABS and the 4 ETS do when they activate. You don't want to learn when you are in a bad situation! Also, every car is different, so just because you know one, it does not mean you know the other. O, it is also a lot of fun
These are clean AVI files, they are about 5 MB, so don't open them/download them if you have a slow connection.
Also, I know I only have one of the carrier bars on the roof, I went to put them on last Wednesday and I was missing a screw to attach the back one :-(, so I am riding along with only one cross bar until I get the part this week.
http://steveag.home.comcast.net/Snowvideo2.AVI
http://steveag.home.comcast.net/Snowvideo3.AVI
Tell me what you think??
Steve A.
I had the ESP button off, but I could still feel it kick in once I skidded enough. I will turn the ESP completely off (dyno mode) when I get to a bigger parking lot :-). I will also do some of my other great tricks, once I get used to this car. If you live in an area where it can get like this, you really need to know how your car reacts and what the ESP, ABS and the 4 ETS do when they activate. You don't want to learn when you are in a bad situation! Also, every car is different, so just because you know one, it does not mean you know the other. O, it is also a lot of fun
These are clean AVI files, they are about 5 MB, so don't open them/download them if you have a slow connection.
Also, I know I only have one of the carrier bars on the roof, I went to put them on last Wednesday and I was missing a screw to attach the back one :-(, so I am riding along with only one cross bar until I get the part this week.
http://steveag.home.comcast.net/Snowvideo2.AVI
http://steveag.home.comcast.net/Snowvideo3.AVI
Tell me what you think??
Steve A.
#2
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: North Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 15,903
Received 4,446 Likes
on
3,154 Posts
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by SAguirre
Tell me what you think??
#4
Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'05 E500 4-Matic Wagon
Originally Posted by SAguirre
We got a bit of snow in the last few days . . . I drove 120 miles in constant snow and crap weather. I have never driven a car that performed better. After this little trip, I took advantage to test the car in the neighborhood. The two links are to the two videos of me screwing around in about 6-8 inches of snow that is on top of a nice ice layer. I did not use a video camera, since I did not want even bigger files.
?
Steve A.
?
Steve A.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by HotWheels500
Very nice! Thanks. We'll be getting snow soon and I've been wondering how the 4Matic will perform. Do you have snow tires?
Yes, I have Bridgestone Blizzaks WS 50s, they are really sticky! I was very surprised how hard I had to push the car to do the skidding it did.
Also, I have the snows on another set of rims. They were from the tire rack, they are the Mille Miglia. I also found a metal stamped MB logo to epoxy to the center car of the rims so that they look like original MBs. They really look much better now.
I will be posting pictures and the source for this procedure.
You are most welcome,
Steve
Trending Topics
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by BklynBenz
how come theres only 1 cross bar on your roof?
UPDATE! The dealer delivered the screw yesterday. Now I have both bars and the ski rack on!!
STeve
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by onpaws
Lol for a second there, I thought SAguirre had installed a new "UFO" mod...
silly VLC
silly VLC
What did you do to the frame??
Steve
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Two firsts,
First time I've seen a video of a white 211, and the first time I have seen a 4Matic.
Lucky you have black tyres otherwise it would be difficult to find in a car park
In the last 30 years we have NEVER had snow that settled for over 12 hours. My children are going to be envious when they see all that snow.
Thanks for the video,
John
First time I've seen a video of a white 211, and the first time I have seen a 4Matic.
Lucky you have black tyres otherwise it would be difficult to find in a car park
In the last 30 years we have NEVER had snow that settled for over 12 hours. My children are going to be envious when they see all that snow.
Thanks for the video,
John
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by glojo
Two firsts,
First time I've seen a video of a white 211, and the first time I have seen a 4Matic.
Lucky you have black tyres otherwise it would be difficult to find in a car park
In the last 30 years we have NEVER had snow that settled for over 12 hours. My children are going to be envious when they see all that snow.
Thanks for the video,
John
First time I've seen a video of a white 211, and the first time I have seen a 4Matic.
Lucky you have black tyres otherwise it would be difficult to find in a car park
In the last 30 years we have NEVER had snow that settled for over 12 hours. My children are going to be envious when they see all that snow.
Thanks for the video,
John
I have a thing for white cars! White cars a a bit more popular in the US and in Asia, so I hear. This is my third MB that is white (Even the one I had when I lived in Germany was white!). I also had a white VW Super Beetle. Your joke about finding the car has a bit of truth to it. I used the "PANIC" button to find where the car is after a big snowfall. But that does not happen too often. What you saw in the video fell within 20 hours and still onthe ground in the form of ice.
I love the snow, but that might be because after 14 years in Florida I was cured of hot weather! I am surprised, however, that you have not seen 4-matics. In 1991, we almost got the 300E as a 4-matic. As it turned out, it was a good thing that we did not since that model tended to be a lemon. This 4-matic is much much much improved! As you can also see, it is very good on slippery surfaces. Now if CDIs were available in 4-matic I would immediately order another white one! :-)
I have a trailer hitch on my Audi and I used to get towed on the snow behind it! O, the good old days when I was really stupid J.
Steven Aguirre
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by SAguirre
Thanks John,
I am surprised, however, that you have not seen 4-matics. In 1991, we almost got the 300E as a 4-matic.
I am surprised, however, that you have not seen 4-matics. In 1991, we almost got the 300E as a 4-matic.
I have done a fair bit of searching and have not found a single country that has the 4Matic in RHD form. I have been told there is a slight 'bulge' on the transmission tunnel in your front seat passenger footwell? If this is the case that might be the reason why the vehicle is not made in RHD format as that bulge would be on the drivers side and it 'might' present problems.
Suprisingly enough there are a number of manufacturers that suppy four wheel drive vehicles to the UK market. Audi, Volvo, the Asian performance vehicles and of course our 4 x 4 Range Rover type SUV 'things' They are mostly a status type symbol and very rarely used for the purpose they are designed for.
Bye for now,
John
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by glojo
Hi Steve,
I have done a fair bit of searching and have not found a single country that has the 4Matic in RHD form. I have been told there is a slight 'bulge' on the transmission tunnel in your front seat passenger footwell? If this is the case that might be the reason why the vehicle is not made in RHD format as that bulge would be on the drivers side and it 'might' present problems.
Suprisingly enough there are a number of manufacturers that suppy four wheel drive vehicles to the UK market. Audi, Volvo, the Asian performance vehicles and of course our 4 x 4 Range Rover type SUV 'things' They are mostly a status type symbol and very rarely used for the purpose they are designed for.
Bye for now,
John
I have done a fair bit of searching and have not found a single country that has the 4Matic in RHD form. I have been told there is a slight 'bulge' on the transmission tunnel in your front seat passenger footwell? If this is the case that might be the reason why the vehicle is not made in RHD format as that bulge would be on the drivers side and it 'might' present problems.
Suprisingly enough there are a number of manufacturers that suppy four wheel drive vehicles to the UK market. Audi, Volvo, the Asian performance vehicles and of course our 4 x 4 Range Rover type SUV 'things' They are mostly a status type symbol and very rarely used for the purpose they are designed for.
Bye for now,
John
When I ordered the winter mats, the person behind the counter did not know about this (they were new on the job). There is a different part number for the mats since they are a bit narrower in spots.
SUVs are the thing over here, but that is all you see in the ditches when it snows. A MB 4 matic is a totally different animal in the snow compared to a RWD Mercedes. I have had Audi Quattros for years and an all-wheel-drive car is hard to beat! Even in dry pavement they can accelerate and turn very nicely. Well worth the money to me! Most MBs here in Colorado are 4Matic.
Steve
#15
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: 20 years in Boston, MA
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
2 Posts
ZipCar NYC / Boston
Originally Posted by SAguirre
O yeaaaa, I got the UFO mod. That was extra
What did you do to the frame??
Steve
What did you do to the frame??
Steve
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by glojo
Hi Steve,
I have done a fair bit of searching and have not found a single country that has the 4Matic in RHD form. I have been told there is a slight 'bulge' on the transmission tunnel in your front seat passenger footwell? If this is the case that might be the reason why the vehicle is not made in RHD format as that bulge would be on the drivers side and it 'might' present problems.
Suprisingly enough there are a number of manufacturers that suppy four wheel drive vehicles to the UK market. Audi, Volvo, the Asian performance vehicles and of course our 4 x 4 Range Rover type SUV 'things' They are mostly a status type symbol and very rarely used for the purpose they are designed for.
Bye for now,
John
I have done a fair bit of searching and have not found a single country that has the 4Matic in RHD form. I have been told there is a slight 'bulge' on the transmission tunnel in your front seat passenger footwell? If this is the case that might be the reason why the vehicle is not made in RHD format as that bulge would be on the drivers side and it 'might' present problems.
Suprisingly enough there are a number of manufacturers that suppy four wheel drive vehicles to the UK market. Audi, Volvo, the Asian performance vehicles and of course our 4 x 4 Range Rover type SUV 'things' They are mostly a status type symbol and very rarely used for the purpose they are designed for.
Bye for now,
John
Steve
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hi Steve,
Thank you very much for taking the time to post the pictures. I agree with your pm and am also of the opinion that the bulge would indeed impose upon the 'foot' area.
It looks like the left foot would rest quite close to, or directly under where the footbrake would be located?
Thanks again,
John
A cold, clear morning in Torquay
Thank you very much for taking the time to post the pictures. I agree with your pm and am also of the opinion that the bulge would indeed impose upon the 'foot' area.
It looks like the left foot would rest quite close to, or directly under where the footbrake would be located?
Thanks again,
John
A cold, clear morning in Torquay
#19
Super Member
Steve, how do you like the 4matic system vs. Audi's quattro?
I've heard the best AWD systems currently are Acura's SH-AWD, MB's 4matic, and Nissan/Infiniti's ATTESA (sp?). A surprise to me, considering I always thought Volvo's Haldex and Audi's quattro/VW's 4motion were supposed to be the best.
I've heard the best AWD systems currently are Acura's SH-AWD, MB's 4matic, and Nissan/Infiniti's ATTESA (sp?). A surprise to me, considering I always thought Volvo's Haldex and Audi's quattro/VW's 4motion were supposed to be the best.
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
7 Posts
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by Incendiary
Steve, how do you like the 4matic system vs. Audi's quattro?
I've heard the best AWD systems currently are Acura's SH-AWD, MB's 4matic, and Nissan/Infiniti's ATTESA (sp?). A surprise to me, considering I always thought Volvo's Haldex and Audi's quattro/VW's 4motion were supposed to be the best.
I've heard the best AWD systems currently are Acura's SH-AWD, MB's 4matic, and Nissan/Infiniti's ATTESA (sp?). A surprise to me, considering I always thought Volvo's Haldex and Audi's quattro/VW's 4motion were supposed to be the best.
So to answer your question; I personally find the 4 Matic to be the smoothest, least noticeable and best performer. The newer Audi's and the VW 4 Motion tends to spin out quite a bit before the traction control system kicks in and sends the power to another wheel (much like a Subaru) but much better than the MDX.
The Acura MDX just spins the crap out of the rear wheels!! Without snow tires the car can not make it up an icy hill that I need to get up to get to my house (this is with the Michelin OEM tires on it). With the good winter stud-less tires it does much better, but the rear wheels get way to much power and the car likes to fishtail just like my old 300E. The only difference is that the MDX still moves forward since the front wheels are also pulling. Pressing the 4 VTM button (which locks the differentials on the Acura) makes it just as good as my 1986 Audi. But the Acura has great ground clearance.
The 4 Matic, makes it up the same icy hills even with my Conti tires! Now that is a feat! Also, there is almost no wheel spin before the system engages the traction control. It is seamless and a great performer. Compared to the early 90s 4 Matics this one is light-years ahead.
The only other cars that are comparable to the MB are the X series BMWs. Yes, I have driven a few of those just for fun (friends have them). The BMWs system is much improved over their older version on the 3 series which were a true disaster. Audi was always much better.
So not counting the Volvo (due to lack of personal experience) I, so far, find the 4 Matic (which is the same system as the ML and the G, but without Low Range) to be the best I have driven. I must also mention that I have driven a lot of SUVs and a lot of AWD cars. I do have a lot of personal experience to draw on. The BMW system comes in even, or right bellow, with the Mercedes (I have to say "right below" the Mercedes because I do prefer the Mercedes, but BMWs are very good cars too!).
I hope this explains my point of view. O, last week I drove a 1998 Ford Exploder for about 100 miles!! I can not believe how that SUV drives (I don't mean this in a good way). I was suddenly reminded why I love German cars. Even my 1986 Audi is ten times the driving machine that Ford is, and except for the ground clearance I'll take the Exploder on any day in snow! (This is not meant to offend all of you Ford loving people out there)
Steve A