masterbluetec

Hello Everyone,

I live in northern NJ and I just purchased a set of PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON PLUS XL (I drive a E350 Bluetec, Rear Wheel Drive). An opinions on whether I need dedicated snow tires? We live in an area where the roads are plowed very well and my commute is all highway.

An opinions would be appreciated.

ibedanny

I have the same car was worthless in the snow last year... I drive a lifted jeep in the snow

masterbluetec

I'll most likely purchase dedicated snows with steel rims, just wanted to see if you can make it through a winter on paved roads / streets.

CarolinaBluetec

I had a 2008 E320BT and it was a bear to drive in the snow.The high torque of the BT made it difficult to launch. I would get a set of the best all season radials that you can find. Check Tire Rack for reviews. Fortunately I have an all wheel drive Volvo V70 to drive when it snows.

jahquan3

I'm live in same relative area as you and I just purchased Yokohama ADVAN Sport All Season a couple of months ago. I read their great in the rain and so so in the snow but I went with them based on them being a well balanced tire for all seasons etc.
I also have RWD only but on my 550. I know other people in similar situations to us who do not have dedicated snow tires. However, I was advised to take it easy on accelerating in snowy conditions. This winter S/B interesting to say the least. Good luck

DerekACS

Having owned both a 2008 E320BT and a 2013 E350BT, and having driven both of them in winter conditions over high mountain passes, you would have no problems with your E350BT PROVIDING you install proper snow tires. I still have my set of Michelin Pilot Alpin snows, soon to be installed on my 2015 E250BT4M.

One other suggestion for winter, add 1 bag (approx.50 lbs.) of sand to your trunk. That extra weight adds to the RWD traction.

Given my experience with RWD, I would not suggest that you drive your E350BT with all seasons in winter conditions. But, if you decide to go with your P7s, then I would add even more weight to the trunk of your car. Keep in mind that compared to all seasons, snow tires will drastically shorten braking distances when driving through snow.

listerone

With all that torque it's a darn good idea to be gentle with the accelerator in winter.I'm a rather conservative driver and have had little trouble with any of my three diesels in winter with the standard "all season" tires (IIRC my Bluetec featured Bridgestones).

listerone

If I lived in British Columbia,Colorado or even Buffalo there's no way I'd drive anything but an AWD with winter tires all around.But you'll notice that the OP is in NJ (and I'm in CT)...neither of which feature the mountains or the snowfall seen in BC (or Colorado).

Just sayin.....

DerekACS

Fair comment ! But during some winters, the NE coastal States can get hammered with snow.

mikemargolis

I have the exact same car as you, and live in CT.

I have a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on tire rack wheels with TPMS and switch to them in early November (It's time).

The car, with the proper rubber, is fine in the snow. I would suggest you go with a second set of wheels and snow tires, the all season tires won't be nearly as good for going or stopping than good snows.

Also, remember to shop for run flat snows, otherwise you'll have to put a wheel/tire in the trunk like I do. I can't wait for these Blizzaks to die so I can replace them with RFT.

by the way, steel wheels? Tell me where, because I couldn't find any and I hate the wheels I have. Tire rack lowers quality to get the price where they need it, and my wheels are junk.

listerone

True enough...ugly blizzards certainly aren't *unheard of* around here.Last winter was a doozie for us...we got something like twice the usual amount of snowfall.

I'm curious about something,however...I've heard it said that cities like San Francisco,Seattle and even Vancouver,all being right on the coast.get little (or no) snow.But I've heard that you don't have to travel too far east of San Francisco and Seattle to see some of the ugliest winter weather imaginable...particularly thanks to mountains in the area.Is the same,by any chance,true of Vancouver?

DerekACS

Yes, during the past few winters, Vancouver has received very little snow. However, mountain passes in higher altitude areas to the east and north can get huge dumps of snow; winter tires and/or chains are often required for the Coquihalla and Fraser Canyon highways.

benzbum

No opinion on snow tires but I would be interested in any feedback you might have on those Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires. I drive the same car (2011 E350 BlueTEC). I just ordered a set of those same Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires from Tire Rack. They're on backorder awaiting shipment in early December. I'll be replacing a set of Michelin Pilot Sport P2 ZP run-flats that didn't last 18K miles. Do you have a spare or will you be rolling the dice, like I have elected to do?