Snow Tires - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Boston Bill · #1 10-19-2005, 09:27 AM

Hello all,

This being my 1st upcoming winter with my 1987 560SEL. I'm wondering if it's even worth it getting snow tires for my MB. I live just south of Boston Ma. and we can get a lot of snow during our winters. I haven't driven a rear wheel car in some time but don't remember it being to fun or really that safe. Is a MB with good snow tires any better in the snow or should I just put her away for the winter? I'm hoping my cold weather friends can help me.

Thanks
Bill
PS I would drive her if I thought it was safe!

dtf · #2 10-19-2005, 09:34 AM

I don't know enough about your car but I wouldn't take my '99 E300 Turbodiesel or '94 E320 wagon out on the road without my Hakkapeliitta's on them. Snow tires make a TREMENDOUS difference in traction and confidence. Add some weight in the back and I swear the wagon will climb any hill in any depth snow.

ChipJ · #3 10-19-2005, 09:43 PM

it has the traction control system (which is really pretty poor) and also like DTF has Nokian Hakkas on it. My wife says it is a great snow car - I'm not sure I would say that, but it is perfectly fine. By the way, not to highjack this thread, but DTF - what have you replaced on that specimen? I'd love to know more...

92497pmu · #4 10-19-2005, 10:32 PM

Billy, Billy, Billy....

You gotta get some snow tires. I recommend Nokian Hakkapelita (and I'm not even going to try and spell that right)

I have 4 Nokian Hakka 2 with studs (yes, you must get 4 or don't even bother- your handling will be even less predictable). These tyres (as the Europeans spell) are AMAZING on my E300. I have been through all sorts of outrageous junk last winter: snow, sleet, mixed precip., freezing rain, snow drifts up to 6+ inches.

You need 2 shoes on your feet and you wear boots in the winter
Put 4 Hakkas on the Benz and enjoy the Northeast weather.
You're gonna need 4 tires of some sort -- you might as well have the right ones for the season on your car.

Phil

PS
Make sure to laugh at the yuppies in their SUV's, 4x4 pickups and AWD subarus when you pass them in the ditch. 4x4 is nice, but the tires are where the rubber meets the snow on the road... oh yeah, and be safe- slow down a little

Ethan · #5 10-21-2005, 05:04 AM

This months 10/05-11/05 ConsumerReports has a snow tire test.
I've used Nokian, but would also consider the Michelin - that were top rated in the Consumer Reports test.

Also make sure the lug nut bolts aren't tightened over spec when and if you have new tires installed.

drshaws · #6 10-21-2005, 08:36 AM

Has anyone used Vredestein Snowtrac winter tires on their MBs? A local (MA) tire place quoted these at $75 less for 4 compared to the Nokians. I've seen decent reviews coming from Europe on these tires (they're Dutch), but haven't seen too many US reviews. Thoughts?

Thanks - Jonathan

Boston Bill · #7 10-21-2005, 10:37 AM

Thanks folks,

It SOUNDS like to me that my MB can be driven in the snow (what do Germans do in the winter walk?) with the PROPER tires! Since my tires are the only thing between me and the road. I should spend some cash and buy good tires and rims. I was told the life of the tires last longer without rim changes. After all I do have heated seats and what a waste it would be to not use that during a cold New England winter. Thanks for input!

Bill

dtf · #8 10-21-2005, 11:45 AM

Hi Chip, I've kept up on the maintenance but a short list of things that have failed are:

Fan clutch bearing 200,000 miles
Ball joint 120,000 miles ($800)
Head gasket(s)
Water pump 100,000 miles
Wiring harness 230,000 miles

and lots of little things like upshift delay valve on the transmission, viscous fluid pack in the fan, hoses, radiator, a couple of MAF, oil pressure reader, idler arm, some rear end suspension parts (forget their names)...