Mikeson123

In a new Class E 4 Matic, snow chains should be placed in front or rear wheels?

guhvies

I would say since it's 4matic, chains on all wheels. However, take that with a table spoon full of salt as where I'm from/loud, snow is something I see only on telly normally...

4MaticCoupe

don't know how it applies to the sedan, but the owners manual for the coupe (page 343) states:

"# Never mount snow chains on the front wheels
# Only mount snow chains on the rear wheels in pairs."

c4004matic

The manual settles it, rear. I think its mostly for clearance reasons. Regardless, why use chains at all? As far as I know, almost all areas that require snow chains, require chains or snow tires (snow flake on mountain symbol). Chains are the pits to install, remove etc and are prone to damaging your vehicle. If this is so where you live I would definitely recommend buying a snow wheel and tire set and forget about chains.

Jan AMG

I'm curious, in what conditions would you need snow chains with 4Matic? I never had problems with 4Matic in the winter, it is a very capable system. Unless you are planning to drive up black ski slopes of course.

bellavance

4Matic plus Michelin X-ICE Xi3 tires should normally do the job, even here, in Canada ;-)

Moreover, the optional Air Body Control suspension allows you to raise the car if you ever get stuck in snow.

78degrees

I've been driving my S211 E500 4Matic in all conditions for the previous 5 years..
This includes pulling my caravan in snow, a lot.
During Rally Sweden, my friends and I are working as safety staff. We're always using my E500 to pull the caravan on all roads.
Some or the roads are really steep, some are extremely slippery.
A lot of cars struggle seriously even without caravans while I'm able to stop and start on the steepest roads.
Why? 4Matic combined with good winter tyres (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 in 245/45-17) We've never considered using snow chains.


This picture is from Rally Sweden..

Another picture from Rally Sweden, this one is from inside the regroup between two of the stages.
The conditions were a lot more tricky than it looks, some cars were struggling without caravan. All cars using winter tyres.

ua549

I started driving in the Midwest farm country. Chains were a necessity if one traveled on farm roads that were never maintained for snow removal. I've been stuck in snow driving a 4wd Sprinter wishing that there were chains on the truck along with the knobbies.

Cao Black

I have RWD, but had to sign a waiver at time of purchase.

"Tire Chain Disclosure:
As equipped, this vehicle may not be operated with tire chains, but may accomodate some other type of tire traction device, etc..."

Might want to double check with dealer or others. Just saying.

Ricerx

I know this is an old posting but I got here looking for the same answer for my 4matic. I've seen this question pop up in multiple threads and forums. I can only speak of driving to and from Lake Tahoe in California and the CHP sometimes requires chains for 2wd but not for 4 or awd unless the conditions are really bad. In that case they sometimes require chains on all vehicles regardless of whether it's 2 or 4 wd. A few years back me and a buddy got turned around by the CHP because the conditions were bad on hwy 50 and chains were required on all vehicles. I was driving my sister's Subaru Outback and he was in a Toyota 4runner. We had to drive up to North Tahoe and use hwy 80 where the roads are not nearly as curvy, steep, and narrow.