dagwoodnil

Picked up my GLK 2 weeks ago and loving it. Waited about 3 months for it.

Its been raining all day here but decided to go for a drive up to the local mountain to test out the all season Pirelli in the snow.

On the way down the mountain, after playing in the snow, I notice this weird vibration. But its not a side to side vibration but an up and down vibration.

I did not get a chance to stop and take a look at what was causing it. But I am guessing snow gather inside the wheel which created an imbalance hence the up and down vibration.

By the time I got down the mountain, the vibration was gone (from the rain and wetness on the ground).

Has anyone experience this before?

dagwoodnil

Picture of my new GLK.

JT01

I had 18" Kahns on my GTI and what you described is what would happen if snow accumulated in one of the wheels. I subsequently got snow tires on the stock 16s.

Not sure yet if I'm gonna get snow tires for the GLK....

supercharged

How was the glk in the snow overall?

dagwoodnil

It was more like slush/snow.....

It handle not bad for the speed I was travelling (20 - 30km). After all, I was only doing the test in the parking lot.
Acceleration from start was pretty good, the tire gripped well.
Stopping was good also (with the ABS assist). But again, it was kind of slushy so I'm sure the tire contacted the gravel underneath.
Turning on medium speed was still a bit tough....it required a lot bigger radius.

I am now thinking either snow tires or a set of Thule K summit chains....

Set of chains is about 600 Cdn, which is considerable less than snow tires.
I am leasing, so don't want to fork out the cash for a set of snow tires and wheels (unless I keep the car).

fishsriz

is there anyways we can turn off the traction control?

MB_Owner

You can turn off ESP but ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.

See page 61 of the online 2010 GLK Owner's Manual.

W210

I'm thinking about the same. But for CAD$600 I understand we are only getting a pair of Thule K, don't we need 2?

Maybe we can do a local group buy for snows/chains for the Vancouver area.

supercharged

This is really just an opinion but unless you're planning on driving in the mountains with over 2 feet of snow I really don't see the need for chains.

JT01

+1

Aren't you guys in Vancouver?? Seriously...

W210

It's more for the backup, have been to Whistler a couple of times where cops check for snow flake rated tires, even on SUV. They won't let you through with S & M tires.

Of course, when driving the 911 with snows, they let me through.

dagwoodnil

Let me guess, you are from somewhere that gets lots of snow and probably your government has the budget to clear the snow right away.

Of course everyone thinks Vancouver is such a warm and beautiful city that never snows. And if it does, it never sticks for more than a day. In most case this is true and that's why I love Vancouver.

However, when it does snow and the weather stays cold, that's when we need the snow tire or chains. You see, unlike other cities that gets lots of snow and the local have multi-million dollar budget to remove the snow. Here in Vancouver, there is very little budget for snow removal! Therefore, only main road gets cleared and side streets are never cleared.

So don't assume because we live in Vancouver, snow tires are not required.

Sailorlite

Does your chain-candidate have the 4Matic? Around here (SoCal) when there's snow in the mountains, you'd be required either to install chains OR have 4wd (4Matic) and M+S tires. Those are legal/administrative requirements, but they're way conservative and as for the actual driving, with snow-driving experience you'd be fine with 2wd and snow tires (no chains).

JT01

Winter tires, I agree. But chains? Give me a break.

You are correct, I live in Edmonton where we typically get tons of snow. But our side streets rarely get cleared also. AWD and winter tires are more than adequate... in fact, I don't even think chains are allowed on our city streets...

Anyways, I don't think the problem is the city not clearing the streets. The problem is the citizens in "warm and beautiful Vancouver" don't know how to drive in the snow or on ice... and unfortunately, AWD with winter tires AND chains wont prevent some other dip-**** from sliding into you...

WYGLK

I've had my GLK for 3500 miles so far and it has seen about 60 inches of snow and ice already. It handles great in hard-packed snow or ice. In deep snow, however, you will need to shut off the ESP and driving in sport mode helped a bitas well. I've buried it in the snow twice already, but got it out with a little rocking and shoveling. Keep in mind I was in snow up to the doors-so it did pretty well. My problem is with the climate control system. Either I have to use max-defrost and cook myself or the regular setting which can not clear ice off the windshield fast enough. Other than that I love the Glk.

WYGLK

Forgot to add that after driving through deep snow it will shake violently at higher speeds until the snow and ice fall off the vehicle.

ftttubrgcm

It is snowing today but I don't think it will get deep enough to cause snow buildup in the rims to cause the imbalance. If it does, I'm hoping we don't suffer the same symptoms.

Duke_on

I don't think chains are allowed on 401 either. You can not drive fast with those on.

supercharged

I'm in Vancouver and I plan to stick with the pirelli all seasons this winter.

WpgGLK

That's all you need in Vancouver.
When it snows the city closes down anyway.

mr.mbenz

I don't think we get enough snow to justify 'snow chains'.
However, as the weather system is getting worse every year due to the climate change and ozone layer damage, we are seeing more snow later than usual. Quality snow tires should be suffice for the GLK.
And if you're really on a budget what's wrong with using 18" rims+ snow tires? They are safe, aren't they?

For Vancouver, this year we had snow in April too. Does any remember this?

Tate

If you have a GLK with snow tires, that will get you around pretty much most city areas without any problems. Chains are way overkill, unless you live in some very remote area.

In all honesty if it does snow so much that you need chains, you should not be driving out at the first place unless it is really necessary.

mr.mbenz

+1, Tate

W210

Anyone thinking of picking up snow tires in Vancouver, we should do a group buy.

Baby G

WHere do you live that you have seen 60 inches already eh???