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Fret not, those meticulous Germans fully endorse running a square setup for winter use. It's right there in the owner's manual (page 410 for MY2014). They suggest either 255/35-19 all around or the stock FF255/35-19 & RR285/30-19.
Simply expect reduced rear grip in the dry with the square setup.
+1
I think the choice of squared vs staggered depends on how you will be using your car during the winter. If I lived in one of the real northern tier states with hills/mountains and where it snows a lot during the winter and where the roads are covered with snow/ice more often than not in the winter or in the Rockies, I would go with the squared setup. And I would probably go real hard core snow tires like the Nokians.
But for me, living in NYC where the temperature swings during the winter and where, while it can be cold, the roads are not usually snow covered even during the winter, the staggered setup with Pirellis made more sense. Sure that setup will not perform as well in snow/ice and a square setup with a hard core snow tire but most of the time I don't need that. More often than not in the winter, the roads here are cold but not snowy. When there are, it usually is not like it is up real north and that kind of staggered set up should be enough. I don't generally drive when there are blizzard conditions anyway. And for the many days when the road will be dry and cold in the winter, I would want the extra rear traction of the staggered set up -- especially given that the car will have the Renntech full tune and sport mufflers.
Which OZ wheels did you get - they look really sweet. How is running the same front and back working out - have you had much snow/ice yet in CO to give them a good workout?
I have a white E63 AMG S Wagon on order, due for pick up next month. I live in Lake Tahoe so am researching winter shoes for her as well....
Which OZ wheels did you get - they look really sweet. How is running the same front and back working out - have you had much snow/ice yet in CO to give them a good workout?
I have a white E63 AMG S Wagon on order, due for pick up next month. I live in Lake Tahoe so am researching winter shoes for her as well....
I don't know if any of you are running these on your E63 sedans/wagons but after having Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 winter tires last winter, I gave the new Dunlop Winter Maxx tires a try this year (225/40R18 square setup). I drive a '13 C63.
The Dunlop Winter Maxx are true studless snow/ice tires. They're a bit more focused than the LM-32 tires.
I have already had a chance to test out the Winter Maxx in some pretty dreadful conditions (3-4 inches of unexpected snow + freezing rain to top it off). I was blown away by how well the Winter Maxx tires performed. I was easily able to maintain the posted speed limit (50 mph). The car never felt skittish or unsettled.
On my way home from downtown (a 30 minute drive), I counted at least 13 slide-offs. Some of these slide-offs occurred right before my eyes.
In cold/dry conditions, the Winter Maxx tires are very solid. Steering feel and turn-in at low speeds are both somewhat compromised but this is to be expected with dedicated studless snow/ice tires. However, the steering feel is excellent when completing longer, sweeping turns at higher speeds (30+ mph). There is no vague/dead spot when cruising with the steering wheel centered.
I don't know if any of you are running these on your E63 sedans/wagons but after having Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 winter tires last winter, I gave the new Dunlop Winter Maxx tires a try this year (225/40R18 square setup). I drive a '13 C63.
The Dunlop Winter Maxx are true studless snow/ice tires. They're a bit more focused than the LM-32 tires.
I have already had a chance to test out the Winter Maxx in some pretty dreadful conditions (3-4 inches of unexpected snow + freezing rain to top it off). I was blown away by how well the Winter Maxx tires performed. I was easily able to maintain the posted speed limit (50 mph). The car never felt skittish or unsettled.
On my way home from downtown (a 30 minute drive), I counted at least 13 slide-offs. Some of these slide-offs occurred right before my eyes.
In cold/dry conditions, the Winter Maxx tires are very solid. Steering feel and turn-in at low speeds are both somewhat compromised but this is to be expected with dedicated studless snow/ice tires. However, the steering feel is excellent when completing longer, sweeping turns at higher speeds (30+ mph). There is no vague/dead spot when cruising with the steering wheel centered.
A few photos of the tread (Dunlop Winter Maxx):
Well that tire is a true ice and snow tire more in line with the Nokians. It is not a performance winter tire. It is the kind of tire designed for ice and snow but which will not do well in warmer conditions and which will not have the dry weather performance of the performance winter tires (such as its family member the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D or the Blizzaks you had or the Pirelli Sottozeros -- the one tire that comes in the E63's OEM staggered tire sizes).
If one expects to be in ice and snow and serious cold a lot then a true ice and snow tire like yours may fit the bill better than a performance winter tire.
Well that tire is a true ice and snow tire more in line with the Nokians. It is not a performance winter tire. It is the kind of tire designed for ice and snow but which will not do well in warmer conditions and which will not have the dry weather performance of the performance winter tires (such as its family member the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D or the Blizzaks you had or the Pirelli Sottozeros -- the one tire that comes in the E63's OEM staggered tire sizes).
If one expects to be in ice and snow and serious cold a lot then a true ice and snow tire like yours may fit the bill better than a performance winter tire.
Yes, I noted that these are a true studless snow/ice tire, as opposed to a "performance" winter tire.
So we are in total agreement. I enjoyed the Blizzaks very much. I was just pleasantly surprised that the Winter Maxx tires felt remarkably similar to the LM-32s in cold/dry conditions. The Winter Maxx aren't as noisy, either.
I've used the Sottozeros before. I had them mounted on my '13 F30 M Sport 335i. I was happy with their performance as well.
Originally Posted by ace10
Dunlop Winter Maxx is not offered in sizing suitable for E63S.
I did not know that. Was just trying to provide some feedback in case they were.
I have a '14 E550 4MATIC as well. I just run the Continental all-seasons on it though.
I've been riding on OEM sized staggered on my 2012 E63 sedan for 3 weeks. Very pleased with Pirelli sotto 2. Very good cold pavement performance. 1st snow today and handled well. But remember that these are powerful, heavy, rear wheel drive beasts. Snow driving is an acquired skill. I live in northern New Jersey and this is my daily driver. Good luck to you all. I'm happy with decision.
Hakka R2s, square setup. In snow, sleet, slushy nasty mix, they're very good. I've historically driven a lot of miles on many setups in wintry weather, and this setup is really limited only by the lack of mechanical grip (studs) and a variable center differential. With 2/3 torque going rearward, the rear tires are easily loosened with heavy throttle in slippery conditions, but the square setup digs effectively if the throttle is applied judiciously. It's not a mountain goat with this configuration, but it will get you safely from here to there under most winter conditions. Deep snow would be a problem due to low clearance (and ice w/o studs).
Dry grip is adequate, but the sidewall softness makes the car feel like it's riding on marshmallows. The narrower rear meat makes the car more willing to wag its tail, but the electronic assists quickly stop any shenanigans under normal driving modes. Still, dry grip with the Hakka's is better than the summer Conti's a at lower ambient temps. Wet grip stinks, so take it easy (relatively speaking).
For my skiing family, the trade-offs are worth it. I'm willing to trade dry cold performance for cold winter performance.
Ok, got my winter setup on. So far so good and no rubbing, though I have probably only driven ~20 miles post swap. The Blizzaks seem to offer a better ride and produce less road noise, though I'll reserve final judgment on that once I've put some highway miles on. Importantly, they don't feel "squishy" around corners, which is a plus. Here are a few pics I snapped quickly at the garage.
I have a staggered setup. The fronts are perfect (8.5/19 with 35mm offset), but the rears stick out slightly more than I would like. The rear rim is the Replika R142 9.5/19 with a 45mm offset (the only offset offered), which is a "guaranteed" fit on the car when I spoke to 1010 Tires. The tire itself is 275/35, so actually narrower (though obviously slightly taller) than stock. I'll try to get some better pics today.
'14 E63S, '13 G550, '06 E320 cdi, and a bunch of other stuff.
Got the Pirelli Sotto II's installed. Felt like the right time to do it with another chance of snow midweek. This will be the second season with this set. I didn't put a tread depth gauge on them, but they look virtually new.
Bring on the snow.
The low sun makes even a crappy cellphone pic rough to capture.
Got the Pirelli Sotto II's installed. Felt like the right time to do it with another chance of snow midweek. This will be the second season with this set. I didn't put a tread depth gauge on them, but they look virtually new.
Bring on the snow.
The low sun makes even a crappy cellphone pic rough to capture.
Car looks great. Wheels look winter ready. Is that Palladium Silver?
Ok, got my winter setup on. So far so good and no rubbing, though I have probably only driven ~20 miles post swap. The Blizzaks seem to offer a better ride and produce less road noise, though I'll reserve final judgment on that once I've put some highway miles on. Importantly, they don't feel "squishy" around corners, which is a plus. Here are a few pics I snapped quickly at the garage.
I put about 140 miles on today, majority on the highway, but also on some back roads. Had the car packed up with luggage and family, so a pretty full load. In terms of wintry conditions, most of the roads by me were plowed, so can't speak to snow performance other than to say I generally felt more confident rolling through muck with the winter set up, which is probably more in my head than anything. On the dry/wet road, the ride is certainly better and I think perhaps slightly quieter. The car feels very planted going straight at speed. However, during a more, uh, performance oriented maneuver I definitely noticed the car wiggling more, which is to be expected. All in, so far I'm pleased. In terms of clearances, I didn't notice any rubbing, so I'm hoping I'm in good shape there. I have a few more photos of the rear for those that are interested that I will post later this evening.
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