Can anyone clarify exactly what the snowchain switch does on a 500E? The owner's manual just says that it maxmizes grip while using chains in the snow and that it deactivates after 37 MPH.

Thanks.

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

It allows a small amount of "slip", or variance in rotational speed of the rear tires. With ASR, if the rears are spinning at a different rate, ASR shuts you down. However, in snowy conditions tires can load up with snow unevenly, resulting in different effective tire diameters and thus different speeds...however, having ASR stop you dead in your tracks is NOT desirable! With the snow chain switch activated, your rears can spin a little bit and ASR will allow it.

This feature is very effective in the snow, which is the primary reason I've not installed an ASR defeat switch

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Thanks, Michael. So, does this mean that I can theorhetically get a better launch by activating the snowchain function? Thus allowing for some wheelspin up to about 37 MPH?

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

If anyone can answer you definitively, I'll be glad to hear it. ASR MUST stay out of things or you're screwed, switch on or off.

Methinks "Maybe"?

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Hi Guys,
When We had the first mjor snowfall,I tried the snow
chain switch. I'm equipped w/snow tires.On an empty
parking lot,I tried to accelarate briskly! Guess what,
It didn't work.The ASR killed it!One thing I noticed is
no fish tailing.BTW,9"of snow.