joshlevine23

I have a 14 W212 RWD Sedan.

I currently live in Florida so there wasn't really a need for 4matic (although I would have liked it for the rain but it wasn't a must for me). I'm moving to New York in a few weeks and I know they've had relatively mild winters for the last few years.

I REALLY don't want to get rid of my car and was hoping some of you would have some insight and reviews on how the W212 RWD does in the snow.

Thanks!

mikemargolis

I have a 2011 E-350 Bluetec diesel and live in New England.

About in October, I put four snow tires on (Bridgestone Blizzaks) and have never had a problem without 4Matic. Honestly, I've lived in snowy winter weather my whole life and have never had four or all wheel drive on a car.

Use good winter rubber, go slow, don't be stupid, and you'll be fine.

Remember, four wheel drive is not four wheel stop. You have that already.

Great rubber will help tremendously. Winter tires have not only a more aggressive tread, but a softer rubber compound to stay pliable in the very cold temperatures.

And don't cheap out and only put them on the two rear wheels. Read tire racks stopping reports on regular vs two snows vs four snows.

This will be the best $1000 you ever spend.

For convenience's sake, I have a full set of wheels/tpms/snowtires.

Firestopper0383

Mike, that's very good driving and tire advice.
My situation is a little different. I was living in New Jersey, had a 2010 RWD and no problem at all in the snow. I went to trade that RWD MB in and took a hit of about $3500. because it wasn't a 4-Matic. I purchased a 2014 4-Matic and now live in North Carolina where maybe 2 - 3 inches of snow falls. Who'd a thunk it? Big question, will I now take a hit for the 4 - Matic in an area with little to no snow?? LOL

raja777m

^ +1, get a cheap pair of 17s or 18s wheels and buy the dedicated snow tires, if you're living in your own home, with garage etc.,

VegasE

Agree on the dedicated snow tires. Although I live in Vegas I have a cabin near the Grand Canyon. I have good all-season tires like the ContiExtreme DWS and the Michelin AS3. Performance in a few inches of snow is OK but I've had to dig out of the cabin driveway after a overnight 6" snowfall as the rear wheels tend to spin.

jahquan3

I live in North New Jersey and we get tons of snow. I have a 2010 E550 RWD and I only run with All Season tires.

It's definitely doable as long as you're patience on take off and avoid getting into deep snow without a good amount of momentum. In two winters I've yet to need to be pushed out except for when I'm parked overnight and I'm digging myself out that next morning. That takes a little bit of work. I park on the street so you might not have that issue if you're in a driveway or parked in a garage. Once you're moving it's the same as any vehicle, taking your time is key.

Funny story is there was a major ice storm a few years back and there were hundreds of accidents all over that day/night. All kinds of nice cars with AWD had issues and accidents. I was driving a 2006 Corolla that was my mother in laws second car. I made it over 25 miles with FWD as I passed atleast 25 cars smashed into dividers etc.

So it's about luck sometimes as well.

jahquan3

Just to add, IMO the braking system on the E Class has always been sub par over the past 5-8 years. I'd be more concerned with that then anything. Especially if you go with winter tires and you are comfortable with driving in inclement conditions.

A poor braking system with RWD and let's say you have crappy tires. Can definitely be a white knuckle experience not worth the headache.

raja777m

I agree, in PGH, 5th and Shady Ave, I was able to pull my 04 sentra uphill in heavy snow; with 1 snow tire on the front passenger side and other tires close to tread wear indicator, while my friend's rental camry with good tire depth (A/S) and another friend's corolla with all 4 snow tires (90+ tread depth) wasn't able to go.
It depends on the driver too



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