ML fun in the snow
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
ML fun in the snow
OK, the same winter storm that swamped So. Cal., Vegas and so on, got to us here in Chicago and Wisconsin.
I have a few rental properties in the Milwaukee area, and had to go that side to check up on everything.
First hint of issues in the Milwaukee area was a stop sign where the pole wasn't visible, just the sign. (Will post pics when I download them.)
I have the Airmatic, but even raised up, I could still feel snow rubbing under the undercarriage. The yellow 4-Matic light was basically flashing non stop. But to everyone's astonishment, and a little of mine, the ML kept pulling through. Never stopped, never had to do any special tricks, just steer it to where I wanted it to go, and it went with confidence. I bravely went down side streets and drove around stuck cars and pickups!!
I know this forum is sometimes used to vent on engineering flaws and so on, but in this case, KUDOS to the engineers who designed the ML and its 4Matic for winter use!!
Score one for the good guys!!
I have a few rental properties in the Milwaukee area, and had to go that side to check up on everything.
First hint of issues in the Milwaukee area was a stop sign where the pole wasn't visible, just the sign. (Will post pics when I download them.)
I have the Airmatic, but even raised up, I could still feel snow rubbing under the undercarriage. The yellow 4-Matic light was basically flashing non stop. But to everyone's astonishment, and a little of mine, the ML kept pulling through. Never stopped, never had to do any special tricks, just steer it to where I wanted it to go, and it went with confidence. I bravely went down side streets and drove around stuck cars and pickups!!
I know this forum is sometimes used to vent on engineering flaws and so on, but in this case, KUDOS to the engineers who designed the ML and its 4Matic for winter use!!
Score one for the good guys!!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
As promised, here are a few pics. I had to go back there again today with a trailer and clear some debris dumped in a rear alley. The ML had no issues pulling a heavy loaded trailer through tight alley turns in 14 inches of snow. Wish I had used a video cam.
I am convinced the 4Matic engineers were snowmobile enthusiasts.
I am convinced the 4Matic engineers were snowmobile enthusiasts.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Except they never drove WHILE it was snowing... Can you say "constantly frozen wipers"? Like this:
http://www.willems.ca/blog/?p=966
http://www.willems.ca/blog/?p=966
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
14 inches in Dec. to us here in Chicago is an eye opener. Also follow up that up with temps at -7 with the wind chill at -25.
Baxterdown, yes those are the 6 twin spoke wheels... Saw them on the web site when I ordered the car, and had just have them... Probably the nicest set I have ever bought.
Baxterdown, yes those are the 6 twin spoke wheels... Saw them on the web site when I ordered the car, and had just have them... Probably the nicest set I have ever bought.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
And I have never had the wipers ice over as I constantly spray washer deicer while driving. Maybe that's why?? I do complain that the blades rip by the ice way to easily resulting in me being on my third set on a 2007 car...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Snow!
I know you guys in the East will say, what's the big deal. But here in Portland, we don't get long snow events too often. We've had 19" in the last couple weeks, and people here don't know how to deal with it! My '08 M3 has been in the garage 2 weeks now. Maybe by Monday it will take to the road again. In the meantime, my ML with 19" Pirelli Ice & Snows had got me through everything. I have never had to put on chains on 10 years of ML ownership. I do have an extra set of new Ruuds, if soneone wants a deal, though.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Dec 27, 2008 at 11:47 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
I think that the next time I buy tires, I will include a set of those Pirelli's, and use them as a dedicated snow set, as the Conti's do not have the snow on the mountain emblem. Glad to hear that they work great.
I am still convinced that instead of the 4Matic badge on the rear hatch, they should put "Snowmobile Edition".
I am still convinced that instead of the 4Matic badge on the rear hatch, they should put "Snowmobile Edition".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
Except they never drove WHILE it was snowing... Can you say "constantly frozen wipers"? Like this:
http://www.willems.ca/blog/?p=966
http://www.willems.ca/blog/?p=966
But I agree with the OP...this thing is a beast in the snow. Glad to here the W164 is just as good.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Pirelli Ice & Snows
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
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2009 ML350
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 33
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ML320 (W163)
Why don't you try any of the "winter" wiper blades?
John
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
2006 ML350
AGREED!!
Here in Cincinnati, OH we have been getting a good amount of snow over the last two weeks. I currently attend the University of Cincinnati and I commute home approx. 25 miles each way. Usually takes 45 minutes but yesterday we got unexpected snow and it took me 4 hrs. But she handled like a dream. BTW, its a 2006 ML350.
Ya the Wiper blades do suck!!
Ya the Wiper blades do suck!!
