I've never had snows on my 300E before because I have always stored it in the winter, but this year we are using it to make a two week trip down to Florida from Ohio. I ordered the tires Monday from Tire Rack and will put them on at the shop when they arrive. My question is: What kind of ride should I expect these tires to give on long freeway distances? I had to remove a fresh set of Blizzaks today from a '95 E320 wagon because the owner couldn't stand the way the car rode with the snows on it. We put Arctic Alpins on it (which made me feel better that I made the better choice of the Michelins over the Bridgestones), and I guess he seems to be happier. The only reason I'm putting the tires on now is because we leave the day after Xmas and I am afraid the weather might get foul on our return trip, like it did last year. Ok, any ideas would be greatly appreciated as always!



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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8

I am starting my 2nd winter season with the Arctic Alpin tires on my 1998 E320. They are on all four wheels and I have been very impressed. The traction is excellent and they handle very well for snows. We have Blizzaks on our older Benz and those tires have always handled like crap because I think the sidewalls are so soft. The Arctic Alpins won't handle like the regular tires, but they are not that bad. The car feels very stable even when making some pretty agressive lane changes at highway speed.

[This message has been edited by Bob I (edited 12-16-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Bob I (edited 12-16-1999).]

I have just ordered new tires and rims also for the winter, my local dealer did not and benz apparently or so he says does not recommend the alpines because of their lower speed rating. He ssaid they only recommend the Pilot series. I checked into the tirecom banner at this website up above, and this is what was also mentioned.

If your planning on booting down I-75 at 75 plus like I do, and some extended high speed driving you may want to consider this.

Also, since Ohio does not get that much snow (everything is not that much to my standards being a Canuck you see ) you may also want to remember this fact to.

If you are going to be in Florida doing high speed Interstate Running, where it could be 80 degrees, with a full car load, the weight factor on the softer alpines might meat there match.

Just some thoughts, but I am trading in for the "slightly" rougher ride and noise, for the added safety factor of less chance of blowing out a softer compounded tire.

But then again, if you go the speed limit, all I am saying is just rambling isn't it?

Thoughts to ponder....

Enjoy the drive down I-75, I love kentucky and Tennesee

Chris Ecklund

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Chris Ecklund
98 300 DT

Thanks fellas for your replies. I was talking to one of the other techs at the shop today and he also felt that the Florida temps will probably tear up those tires. I might ship them down to our place there and if the weather forecast looks foul, I'll run over to L.P. Evans (MB dealer in Miami) and have them mount them up for me before we come home, and I'll just ship my all seasons back to Ohio. Ok, we'll see how it goes! Thanks again! I guess I really should have a G-Wagen for these trips!


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8