ES.

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).

ThemisN

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..

ajoe

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.

Pbglas

Actual snow days are rare. Most of us need cold weather tires. Anyone with experience with all weather tires?

Eddie Knopp

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.

Silver_Lana

I love that quote!!!

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!

EDWARD CONROY

Using mode C (2nd gear starts) will also help.

AMG Fan

I've had great luck with Dunlop M3's in snow this season and am very happy how this car drives.

Kar don

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.

ThemisN

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.

absent

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.

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

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?

Eddie Knopp

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.

Pbglas

Thanks Eddie. I guess no 4 second 0-60 on winter tires. But can it do it in 6 seconds without leaving a lot of black behind on the road?

ES.

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

Kar don

yup, check your private messages

D-5

I drove my E55 in the snow this morning and it took me 45mins just to get the car from my garage to the gate (there is a slope)

ES.

How deep was the snow and where do you live??

absent

I have Dunlop M3's ,not that bad considering their size(245 all around).
Much better then Blizzaks I had on my wife's 911.