E55 in the snow
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Joined: Dec 2003
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E55 in the snow
Hi guys,
I'm considering ordering an E55 but I have read some concerns on other forums about it's handling in the snow. In particular I've seen posts about the traction as a result of the huge torque of the machine. Has anyone experienced an E55 in the snow (with snow tires) and can you comment on how it performs in these conditions (snow, icy roads, deep snow, etc.).
Thx in advance.
P.S. other forums have also posted rumours on the '05 models coming with a limited slip diff (presumably to help in getting all that torque onto the road).
I'm considering ordering an E55 but I have read some concerns on other forums about it's handling in the snow. In particular I've seen posts about the traction as a result of the huge torque of the machine. Has anyone experienced an E55 in the snow (with snow tires) and can you comment on how it performs in these conditions (snow, icy roads, deep snow, etc.).
Thx in advance.
P.S. other forums have also posted rumours on the '05 models coming with a limited slip diff (presumably to help in getting all that torque onto the road).
Last edited by ES.; Dec 29, 2003 at 09:59 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 575
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From: Ramsey, NJ
2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
I have heard this rumor as well, and I hope it's true as I am putting in a request for the first 05 e55.
Now the problem with massive amounts of HP and torque in the snow, obviously isnt related only to the E55, but rather all cars of the same characteristics. I also dont think that the LSD will help any. I do plan, however, to use some set of snows in the winter, and if it REALLY snows,then well....i guess ill have to borrow another car.
I would also like to hear if anyone has had any experience thus far..
Now the problem with massive amounts of HP and torque in the snow, obviously isnt related only to the E55, but rather all cars of the same characteristics. I also dont think that the LSD will help any. I do plan, however, to use some set of snows in the winter, and if it REALLY snows,then well....i guess ill have to borrow another car.
I would also like to hear if anyone has had any experience thus far..
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
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Experience in snow
Using dunlop wintersport m2's. There is no problem with snow as long as your not an idiot. The esp works well and know how to apply throttle and you won't have any problems. The frustration is on dry roads. Winter tires will tend to break loose easier that oem tires when applying heavy throttle in a straight line. The cornering of the m2's isn't bad for a winter tires.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 624
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From: Westchester County, NY
2013 E 350, 2012 GLK 350, 2012 C300 4matic
Guys rest assured no problem - I minimally lost traction and did not get stuck with the stock Contis during the first NYC snow (on a Fri afternoon). The next morning I swapped out for my snows 18*8.5 all around Dunlop Winter Sport M3's - I had no problem with these at all, including an unplowed parking lot on a slope.
Also once you spend the bucks for the tire/wheels - it won't snow anymore.
Also once you spend the bucks for the tire/wheels - it won't snow anymore.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: NY/NJ
Originally posted by Eddie Knopp
Also once you spend the bucks for the tire/wheels - it won't snow anymore.
Also once you spend the bucks for the tire/wheels - it won't snow anymore.
By the way, its true most RWD cars dont have too much of a problem these days in the snow as long as your wheels aren't in a bad state from peeling out too often. Also, using restraint and a little common sense wont hurt either - trust me, i know from experience.
Got stuck a few times while picking up a friend from the train station with my summer tires the other day - not fun.
Cheers!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
Both of our benzes have 4 matic, but if the E behaves anything like my IS300 it is very frustrating to drive in the snow and on heavily sanded roads. And yes, i have snow tires on all 4 corners, michelin pilot alpin.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 575
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From: Ramsey, NJ
2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
NOTHING can be as bad as lexus in the snow. I have heard nightmares about the IS300, and I have experienced my own in my GS400. Just horrible. Benz, even in non-4matic models, is clearly superior in that area.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Spend the $$ for Tirerack pkge with Dunlops M3,had the pleasure to test them for a few hours in 1-2" snow.
Then it melted and I have winter tires in the dry.
Then it melted and I have winter tires in the dry.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Chicago, IL
Real Cars
I've actually been on my OEM Dunlops this whole winter so far. Chicago has only had a few snows, and I drove through a few of them... the E is heavy enough to not have issues like a 3200lb IS300. I have a set of M2s sitting in my basement waiting for me to put them on but so far I have not found the justification for it. The last snow I was in I kept it in W mode, took it easy, maintained distance from the cars in front of me, and had no problems. I drive the 55 everyday, too.
It should be noted that while I did drive while it was snowing, my driving through actual accumulated snow was minimal, as most of my driving is on major streets that get plowed fairly quickly. The streets around my house though had snow and I really had no problems.
-m
It should be noted that while I did drive while it was snowing, my driving through actual accumulated snow was minimal, as most of my driving is on major streets that get plowed fairly quickly. The streets around my house though had snow and I really had no problems.
-m
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Chicago
E55
Good to know Marcus. I have lately only had all weathers. Before that, with high performances, my major problem was cold rather than snow. Chicago streets get plowed quickly. But on a cold day evne on dry streets the traction was terrible and if there was ice .. it was terrible. I even got stuck in a Dominnics parking lot! Would you say the new OEMs are better.
Absent, how bad are winter tires in the dry?
Absent, how bad are winter tires in the dry?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 624
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From: Westchester County, NY
2013 E 350, 2012 GLK 350, 2012 C300 4matic
Winter tires in the dry are tolerable, if you push them they'll loose some traction. Also with my setup I'm an inck narrower in the rear with the winters.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Wow, thx guys for all the input!! I'm still not sure what to do re. ordering an E55. I currently drive a BMW 540 6 speed and I do have some problems on cold, icey roads re. wheel slippage and traction control taking over (Blizzaks are my winter tires). When the side streeets don't get plowed, I'm in real trouble.
An E55 adds about 250 lb-ft of torque to the equation over the 540. I just love the E55. It blows the new 5 series out of the water (but I guess that's the topic of another thread). I just don't know if an E55 is the right car for a Canadian winter.
I'm heading to my therapy session now.
Later
An E55 adds about 250 lb-ft of torque to the equation over the 540. I just love the E55. It blows the new 5 series out of the water (but I guess that's the topic of another thread). I just don't know if an E55 is the right car for a Canadian winter.
I'm heading to my therapy session now.
Later
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
Originally posted by Marcus Frost
I've actually been on my OEM Dunlops this whole winter so far. Chicago has only had a few snows, and I drove through a few of them... the E is heavy enough to not have issues like a 3200lb IS300. I have a set of M2s sitting in my basement waiting for me to put them on but so far I have not found the justification for it. The last snow I was in I kept it in W mode, took it easy, maintained distance from the cars in front of me, and had no problems. I drive the 55 everyday, too.
It should be noted that while I did drive while it was snowing, my driving through actual accumulated snow was minimal, as most of my driving is on major streets that get plowed fairly quickly. The streets around my house though had snow and I really had no problems.
-m
I've actually been on my OEM Dunlops this whole winter so far. Chicago has only had a few snows, and I drove through a few of them... the E is heavy enough to not have issues like a 3200lb IS300. I have a set of M2s sitting in my basement waiting for me to put them on but so far I have not found the justification for it. The last snow I was in I kept it in W mode, took it easy, maintained distance from the cars in front of me, and had no problems. I drive the 55 everyday, too.
It should be noted that while I did drive while it was snowing, my driving through actual accumulated snow was minimal, as most of my driving is on major streets that get plowed fairly quickly. The streets around my house though had snow and I really had no problems.
-m
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Originally posted by Pbglas
Good to know Marcus. I have lately only had all weathers. Before that, with high performances, my major problem was cold rather than snow. Chicago streets get plowed quickly. But on a cold day evne on dry streets the traction was terrible and if there was ice .. it was terrible. I even got stuck in a Dominnics parking lot! Would you say the new OEMs are better.
Absent, how bad are winter tires in the dry?
Good to know Marcus. I have lately only had all weathers. Before that, with high performances, my major problem was cold rather than snow. Chicago streets get plowed quickly. But on a cold day evne on dry streets the traction was terrible and if there was ice .. it was terrible. I even got stuck in a Dominnics parking lot! Would you say the new OEMs are better.
Absent, how bad are winter tires in the dry?
Much better then Blizzaks I had on my wife's 911.
