W123 in snow - What to expect....? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

andersbenz · #31 12-20-2009, 11:23 AM

I used to live in a 2nd floor apartment on the Western Promenade of Portland, Maine. Landlord was pretty cool and let me hang a long extension cord out the window so that my '84 300D would start in the winter.

I ran the car on four snow tires from Thanksgiving to Easter and the car was champ in the snow. Had to give it plenty of speed to build momentum to get up the hills but otherwise alright.

I decided to move after the winter it got so cold that Casco Bay (saltwater harbor) froze over and the Coasties had to break through the ice so that the home heating oil barges could get through.

Hatterasguy · #32 12-20-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archdukeferd

Now I'm off to work, where I'll have to remind myself that the 10' of frozen, white material underneath the snowcat is "little snow." And that anyone with some skill and some blizzaks could be showing up DOT trucks with a lil' old W123...

LOL, yeah tell me about it.

When conditions really suck only a truck with some good ground clearance, real 4wd with lockers, chains, and knobby tires cut it.

I don't give a crap what kind of car you have, even an AWD Subaru or Mercedes with studded winter tires is useless in conditions like that.

Having said that I'm glad I live in the coast and don't have to deal with much snow.

Junkman · #33 12-20-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archdukeferd

Negative. The mountains in WNC offer conditions every bit as bad as the great lakes midwest. I grew up in OH and have spent plenty of time in MI and IL. The main difference is that it rarely gets below -10 here.

I will agree that lots of people in this region have no idea how to drive in the snow though...

The key reason you can "run what you brung" in chitown and other places is that its FLAT. No amount of skill or snow tires will get a RWD vehicle around when it dumps in the mountains.

When it gets this bad, 4wd AND chains is really your only bet.

Agreed. Mountains are always a different animal than the flats. We used chains when we went skiing in Michigan. I drove an MGB in Chgo with no problems (other than the usual MGB problems). An old volkswagen with the rear engine was better & much fun was had "practicing skid handling" in the parking lot. Today we'd probably be arrested for reckless driving. Times have changed. Apparently answers regarding NC and snow should be specific to the area. My relatives are in Raleigh and don't go much out of their way to deal with snow there.

#34 12-20-2009, 01:09 PM

You really have to watch out for those NC mountains.

TchTchr · #35 12-21-2009, 12:35 AM

Putting new Hankook iPikes on tomorrow. I'll report back when we get a snow.

pawoSD · #36 12-21-2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

LOL, yeah tell me about it.

When conditions really suck only a truck with some good ground clearance, real 4wd with lockers, chains, and knobby tires cut it.

I don't give a crap what kind of car you have, even an AWD Subaru or Mercedes with studded winter tires is useless in conditions like that.

Having said that I'm glad I live in the coast and don't have to deal with much snow.

That is when it is time to consider moving, or just not going anywhere for the day.

Crazy_Nate · #37 12-21-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

Haha you guys talking about snow! It's cracking me up.

Snowfall like this is a yearly occurence in the snowbelt especially in Erie!

I plow throw snow without a care. I grew up on 12in + snow fall.

But, that's the difference between north and south...

In NY, the plow trucks are out before it starts snowing and start while it's snowing. Here in southeast VA, what plow trucks? Granted, we only got an inch - pretty unexpected! A couple more inches and everything shuts down.

I really hope they get the snow cleared up in the DC area before Wednesday...I'd like to have a trouble free trip up to see the family

snookwhaler · #38 12-21-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archdukeferd

That's awesome, deep gap is literally about 30-45 mins from me. Same story with my jeep, modify a proper 4wd and get some decent sized tires and you're good on everything but ice or long pitches of uphill, deep snow. I actually have taken it head to head with a pinzgauer in deep (10-20') snow and the gauer didn't make a good showing for itself.

I guess from my perspective I'm the snowmaking manager at hawksnest (if you remember that resort) and I spend most of my time looking at the absolute worst conditions NC has to offer. I spent about 15 hours last night wading around in natural snow that's anywhere from knee-6'+ deep. Hey, its my living. I tend to get offended when people say things like NC has little snow.

This morning at sunrise I promptly clocked out, cracked a PBR and dropped in on some beautiful waist deep, untracked powder...

I'm sure he is fine, but we seem to be on the same page here. I urged him to stay inside, sit by a fire and drink scotch because you can't control other driver's stupidity. I think that's a better alternative to getting in a fender bender or stuck in a ditch because you wanted to go grocery getting, hence keeping trips out to work and emergencies.

Now the best part? IT'S STILL SNOWING!!!

Still!!? Cool!! I bet you guys are getting hammered up there. I remember driving through Banner Elk on the way up to Beech Mtn. The snow could get thick up on that windy road. Over in Deep Gap the snow was often measured in feet, not inches. Plus the roads are horrible. They just paved right over the rock and clay. Even worse over where you are.

I remember passing through that town you live in a few times... There aint nothin out there! I miss it. I probably could not handle it anymore. Florida turns you into a wuss. When it gets down to 45, I don't even go outside!

I sure miss skiing and snowboarding up there at night. That was fun stuff!!

300dOwner · #39 12-21-2009, 10:50 AM

Agree w/the various postings...run 4 snow tires w/a full tank if you're in the snow belt...like I am in W. New York...tend to the Scotch beyside the fire is you're in N.C or areas where snow is a 4 letter word....and be grateful for an excuse for a day off

I've never gotten stuck in my 300D...'cept in the mud on a scout campout

my83300cd · #40 12-21-2009, 11:02 AM

The 01 beetle hates getting out of the driveway- unless the traction control is turned off and the wheels can spin down to hit the gravel driveway.

The CD drove out like it was any other day.

Had to leave the '59 vw, as the plow/salt trucks were already out by the time I was ready to move it- and I dont really need to promote more rust.

Like the two posters commented, it is the one I'd put money on though.

Driving the CD in the snow is way more fun than the 01 beetle

StaggerLee · #41 12-21-2009, 01:06 PM

Listen Dukeford, I'm not driving the thing off-road to the ski resort. Yes, I stick to state maintained highways because they take me right to where I'm going. Besides, I don't think the OP was talking about driving in snow "up to the side view mirrors" in his W123.

If the NCDOT can't keep less than 1 foot of snow on the road I'm guessing its because it doesn't snow enough, often enough, to warrant more snow removal equipment.

By the way, Stevens Pass is a low spot in our "Mountains" at 4,000 ft and that low spot is higher than 90% of your state. Your tallest peak is lower than Mt St Helens and 1/3 of it blew up and away.

What I'm saying, Dukeford, is that if you had real mountains in NC, you wouldn't have to make snow. I don't mean to offend you, but, get over yourself. You don't get that much snow.

Read and Weep:

Mt. Baker Elev 10,775ft
Average Annual Snowfall: 647 inches

647 inches
1,638 cm

World Record Snowfall 98-99 1,140 in. 2,896 cm

Mt. Ranier: the most prominent mountain in the contiguous United States and Cascade Volcanic Arc at 14,411 feet

Mount Mitchell (North Carolina's talles peak) Elevation(ft): 6,686

Need more proof? Let's compare:
http://www.mountainzone.com/mountains/highest-peaks.asp?s=WA
http://www.mountainzone.com/mountains/highest-peaks.asp?s=NC

NC mountains aren't squat. Actually they are sort of squat in comparison.

71inka02 · #42 12-21-2009, 03:28 PM

First of all -- we had 5 1/2 inches of snow, with a little freezing rain and sleet to top it off...

Secondly -- Geezzz I missed my Rover...!!

And lastly -- I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised...The 123 did fairly well. Friday night was the worst and I was out in it - We have very dear friends that own a pizza joint, and when they get short handed and need help they call - I work for food! Sure enough Lisa called and they had deliveries backed up big time - I was a little uneasy, but said what the heck! I pulled up, and Lisa said..."OMG, where's your Land Rover?" - "no worries", I said --- "the ol' girl does good"....

And honestly, she did well - She's no Rover, but I can't complain! I ran 3 deliveries, and collected an amazing $21 in tips. The roads I traveled were actually nasty and a combination city and rural...Had several hills to pull, and on 1, a guy in a Honda Fit was struggling and I passed him on the left. The thing I learned quickly was to try and prevent the turbo from spooling up, and keeping her calm - Very easy on the pedal, and almost like working the fuel to really maintain the momentum. When the turbo started in she'd start to break traction, so just ease off the fuel a little and she'd calm down and continue tracking. When the rear end started to try and pass the front - I practiced some drivers education 101 ---- turn the wheels in that direction and stayed on the fuel, nice and easy. I truely believe that had I lost momentum on a couple of hills, I would have had a struggle.

I avoided pulling in any driveways as that would have been a challenge at 2 homes - traffic was very lite, so I just hit the hazards, left her in the street idling and hoped for the best. I passed by many cars in ditches and stuck on some hills -- I was so amazed, and once again so very happy with the 123!

I finished up "playing" pizza delivery boy around 8:30, and then went to a friends house for a fresh bowl of "deer stew", and a couple tall Vodka/tonics. Left their house around 11:30, and just eased the ol' girl home without any trouble - a 15 min drive in normal conditions, and about 25 mins thru the blizzard.

Anyway - After Friday nights adventure and test drive...I never felt regret about not having the Rover for the weekend.....But - WOW...I'd have had a blast with the Disco during this rare NC blizzard....

Thanks for reading and allowing me to share my passion for the 123!

Archdukeferd · #43 12-21-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StaggerLee

NC mountains aren't squat. Actually they are sort of squat in comparison.

Woah man, you must misunderstand me. The skagit valley area is literally one of my fave in the country, the olympic peninsula will always hold a very special place in my heart...

THe paved/state maintained road question was more about region than anything-something like 50% of the roads in this area are unpaved gravel. Cellphone service is a joke, very easy to be 30-45 mins away from getting a signal.

As for natural snowfall? No question, we're in the freakin' south. As for conditions getting nasty, I've spent time in the olympics, cascades, sierras, appalachian, smoky, and american rockies... Conditions get as unpleasant here as anywhere. Is it as widespread? Absolutely not. Other places don't deal with the freeze-thaw cycle we do which makes for a LOT more ice. I didn't say "the same" I said equally nasty.

As for the snowmaking comment, tons of resorts have some snowmaking facilities nowadays, including those out west. Its seen as a way to get a better handle on opening dates. Western resorts don't rely on them like the east do, but that's a different discussion.

As for the pissing contest, I'm not entering it, I just love reminding people that the tallest mountains east of the rockies aren't in vermont or NH, etc. I owe no allegiance to state or coast, I like mountains.

Oh, it sounds like you specifically do mean to offend me, its okay. I've spent enough time in enough different types of mountains to know which ones are "real" and which aren't. There are some "real" nice ones right in your backyard, they're actually some of my favorite in the country. I have logged 30,000+ vertical feet (that's just going up, no idea how much down) and a month straight in the WA backcountry, how much time you have on NC soil?

Anyways, cheers to snow and taking turns.

bustedbenz · #44 12-21-2009, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archdukeferd

When it gets this bad, 4wd AND chains is really your only bet. I saw at least 2 6wd plow trucks fail to make it past the first 1/4 mile of my gravel road this morning after I skied down to my subaru and shoveled it out so I could back it down the hill. If they'd had chains they would have been fine, but they didn't (don't ask me why, pretty amateur)...

Watauga County may not have the resources for the fanciest rigs. 6WD even without chains may be all they need most of the time. I go to church with one of the plow drivers in Valle Crucis; I'll have to ask him next time I see him.