MBOwnerToBe

Hi,

I'm looking for snow chains for my GLS 450 (2022). Some people seem to be of the opinion that snow chains are not needed on this car, but I'd prefer to have a set in the trunk just in case.
However, I'm confused as to what kinds of snow chains are suitable / approved by the manufacturer. I saw good reviews for Konig K-SUMMIT XXL K77 (looks like re-branded Thule ?), but again not sure if those are suitable for the GLS.

Thank you in advance!

mercedesbuff

Well, you got me curious, since I live in snow country. So I decided search "snow chains" in the owners manual.

... and I learned a couple things:



Hope that helps!

MBOwnerToBe

Thank you so much, @mercedesbuff ! Yes, I saw this page in the manual, but
1) It says "snow chains are only permissible for certain wheel/tire combinations", and my local dealer (NorCal) is not knowledgeable about it - they just refer me to some third-party shop
2) The manual only talks snow chains and I'm wondering if snow cables would be more palatable as they're smaller and should therefore pose less risk to the vehicle body/chassis.

rayzam

I've had snow chains (cables) for my last 2 GLSs (with 20" wheels) but haven't got one for the current one with 21" wheels, since I ended up not using the chains in previous cars and it was just money wasted (plus the extra rattling noise it commonly caused when stored in the spare tire compartment). I have driven my GLSs extensively in snow/mountain with AS tires and they never disappointed me. At least here in California, the general consensus (based on my conversations with Caltrans and CHP officers) is that if the roads are so bad that AWD with winter/AS tires cannot cut it and chains are needed, they will just close the road.
If you still want them, you will need chains/cables specifically designed for limited clearance. For the past trucks I had Peerless Super Z6 which was easy to put on and remove. Not sure if they have options for 21/22" rear wheels though. If not, you can look into offerings from RUD (I think RUDmatic Hybrid was the product name if I recall, which is also the one officially offered and supported by MBUSA). Good luck!

wamochi

what size wheels do you have? i may have an unused set of nice cable chains from our last GL550 with 21" wheels. we have since traded up to an X7 with 22's so they no longer fit.

MBOwnerToBe

Thank you, @rayzam , for the pointers to specific chain models!
It's a good point re road closure, but I'm thinking about getting chains just in case, to get peace of mind in the following two scenarios:
1) The road wasn't originally closed but the weather conditions suddenly got much worse and you need to continue driving to safety
2) You need to leave the house/hotel in early morning and the driveway hasn't yet been cleared of snow.

MBOwnerToBe

Thank you, @wamochi , for your kind offer but I have 20" wheels

wamochi

ok the 20's may work too. i'll check when i get home and let you know!