I recently got a 2000 E320 4-matic and just started driving it in the snow. Creature comforts notwithstanding, it acts differently than our '93 300E 4-matic. In fact I'm almost tempted to dump the new one and keep the old one, it's that much better a snow car.

Does anyone know why? Is there a big difference between the mechanics of the two systems? Maybe the ESP in the 2000 has something to do with it??

Thanks for your help!

I’m surprised to hear your comment. I had a 124-TE 4-matic wagon in which I logged well over 10 thousand miles over snow/ice/slushy mountain roads and now have the newer generation 4-matic, in which I've logged about a 50% more miles over snow/ice/slushy roads than my former wagon. The new 4-matic system out performs the older generation in every way. What do you see as disadvantages of the newer design?

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...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

ive never driven the older 4 matic, but i have driven the new (2003 e320 wagon) 4 matic in the snow, and i thought it was great! it lets you have enough power to rotate the car, but not enough that you're in trouble.

mike

Night and day differences in the mechanics of it, yes. I like the newer one better, I'd never ever buy a 124 4Matic.

Gilly

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Thanks Paul, the tire advice makes sense. In fact the difference in behavior may be due to the tires.

FYI the big difference in driving seems to be that the 124 keeps on pullin' at a steady pace. It's hard to drive that car into a skid. And it does have new Mich. m/s tires.

The E320 newer system, however, will change engine speed (hence vehicle speed) as the wheels start to spin. From a dead stop you can break it free for a moment if starting into a corner. In all fairness, this car has about 20% tread worn off. Call me ol' fashioned, but when I step on the gas I expect the car to motor on; not speed up, then slow down, then speed up . . .

Just this morning I disengaged the ESP system and shifted into the "winter" transmission mode. We'll see if this results in any more predictable driving characteristics in the new 4-matic system that you guys feel so strongly about.