Gonna put some winter tires on my 300e stock rims. I'm looking for a dependable winter tire, but dont know exactly how to judge a good one since Ive never used them before. Is the difference in traction really noticeable? I'm going to run the 195/65/15 size and am looking for any suggestions/experiences with different brands of winter tires. I will do mostly local driving around the campus ( no more than a mile each way) but the snow can get packed here in the midwest. Thanks.

I live in Calgary, Canada and I've got four Bridgestone Blizzaks installed on my 87 260E. There's no comparison between winter tires and all-season radials. The Blizzaks are said to be superior on icy roads and are highly recommended in the Calgary area. I drive mostly in the city and occasionally go to the Rockies (<100 miles one-way) I'm very satisfied with the performance, which came at what I thought was a reasonable price (<400US installed). Also check the Michelin Arctic Alpin. I'm told the Alpins are a better choice if you do a lot of high speed highway driving.
AK

Alex is right; no comparison. I run Toyo Observes on both cars, and am very satisfied...consider them the equal of the Blizzak but the good rubber is full depth, unlike the Blizzak (at 50% wear they are essentially all season tires.).

The toyos arte adequately responsive, and wear welll.

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All the best, Michael
500E
300TE

I don't know if you need an "ultimate" winter tire (given your "one mile drive to campus"), but if so, there is nothing that can beat the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 1. It's best studded (though a couple of north-midwestern states, Mich. and Illinois, or Minnesota may prohibit studs). Where did you say you lived?

edict,

Yes, there is a world of difference between all season and dedicated snow/ice tires. I have gone through a couple of sets or Pirelli's on my Audi Quattro and felt like I could climb a tree. I need to get a new set this winter and I think I'll try the newer Bridgestone Blizzak MZ-02 tires.

I put on a set of Michelin Artic-Alpins on my wife's fwd car and they were wonderful -- fairly quiet, good tracking and very good on icy roads around town.

You won't regret your decision to get a dedicated set of winter wheels/tires. Good luck.

Anybody thinking about winter tires should consider Nokian Hakka Qs (studdless) or Nokian Hakka 1s (studs). They are made in Finland, highly rated in Europe, and cost about 110 $Can installed.
www.nokiantyres.com

Lube, do you know if those Nokians come pre-studded from the factory? In Pennsylvania they charge about $10 a tire for studding; it's optional, as well as legal on our roads between November and April 15th I think. Studs suck on dry pavement, unless you enjoy leaving grooves on warmer days I've had good, albeit limited, experience with the original Bridgestone Blizzaks. I had them on a Volvo I got rid of last year, and that feeling of wanting to climb an ice-covered tree is confidence-inspiring. Never got to try them on any MBZ yet, but the difference on my Volvo was 15 mph clenched-knuckles vs an effortless 40 mph on packed, icy snow. Passing people on icy roads with a rear wheel drive car suddenly is an option. With the Blizzaks I might not have gotten that Volvo stuck during a blizzard and myself almost frozen to death, but that's another story entirely. In snow country (even here we do get the occasional "oh s***" storm) snow tires could save your life, literally.

Sorry Robert, I don't know much about the Studded Hakka 1s. I'm more of a fan of the Hakka Qs. If your interested you can contact
Pat Greer <greerent@dias.net>, I believe he's a distributor of Nokian Tyres in your area. I was going to order Hakka's from him until I found out that Nokians are readily available in Canada.

re: "...do you know if those Nokians come pre-studded from the factory? In Pennsylvania they charge about $10 a tire for studding; it's optional..."

Yes, they definitely don't come with studs --they're delivered to your local dealer without, and have to pay extra for them to install them. Note that the Hakka 1 takes a special stud, together with unique holes (other Nokians don't have this) that gives a softer, quieter ride than any other studded tire, as the studs are essentially cushioned within the tread -- there's a special layer at the bottom of the stud holes. It really works -- I've got two cars each with 4 of these new Hakka 1s, and they are definitely quieter.
I wrote about the Nokian Hakka 1 a few messages above. Nokians (and the older Nokia brand) are the only snow tires I've been satisfied with for over 20years (I have tried others occasionally, those that had a lot of hype about this breakthrough and that, and dumped every one of them after one season -- nothing, not Blizzaks or Alpins) come close. Not that I have anything against Pirelli or Michelin (or any other brand) -- I use Pirellis and Michelins as summer tires on my cars -- they just don't make the best snow tire!

I can't believe they still make those. I thought they were discontinued. A friend has them on his 201.Has had them for years. I really like the blocky tread pattern, by far the best I've seen on any snowtire.But I can't find anyone who carries them. I'm hoping that they offer a 205-55-16 so I can mount them on my 2000 Sclass rims for the winter.

Bill
1991 300E

While waiting for tirerack's winter test results I was reviewing Nokian's web site. They also have a model NRS-T designed for "prestige" cars. Does anyone have any experience with this tire?

Although we do not carry the Nokian's or Haki's we have completed some of our testing and I am posting the results today.

Thanks, Luke


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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
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