Intrested in getting a 4matic MB since I have to deal with the snow when the season is here, my current e class rear wheel drive tranny really sucks big time in the snow and in the rain. I hear there are alot of problems with the 4matic, what are the problems with the 4matic tranny, from common to rare.

I am sure opinions will differ but here is mine:

The earlier version of 4-Matic was quite trouble prone due to it's complexity.

The newer (as in W210 +) version is very simple and quite reliable. Basically a typical gear transfer case splitting power approx 30/70. No fancy clutches or fluid packs. Slip control is at the individual wheels and uses the ABS braking circuit.

Yeah, I know, oversimplified, but I do not feel like writing a book.

Of course there will be exceptions, but mine has been flawless with 70K miles and counting. It worked great with our latest snow storm.

Best Wishes,
Ron

Considering how well my RWD 210 does in the snow with ETS, I would think that the 4matic version would work really well. The RWD isn't perfect, but it will get you where you are going. It's better than open front wheel drive.

Stick with the W210 or later 4matics. The W124 4matic was overly complicated with the transfer case, ASD, pump and relays causing issues, the ABS was about the only thing that worked correctly.

Or just buy a cheap 4x4 beater for those mths.

Winter driving are the other idiots on the road that you have to worry.

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Agreed:

That is when my 04 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 comes in handy, other then being my work truck.

I wanted 4 Matic as I am a volunteer fire/rescue person who cannot avoid bad weather. So it is in my E320 just in case.

I also agree about the other fools out there. I would drive anywhere if it were only me on the road.

Without exception we spend a good part of any smowstorm responding onto the highway to (drumroll please) help folks who either flipped over or ran off off the road, mostly SUVs.
I still cannot figure out why people think they can handle or brake better just because they can get moving forward easily.
Is a little saved time worth a ride to the emergency room?

I just love leaving my warm house or office to work out in the snow/wind for hours at a time, but again that is the job I volunteered for.

The new MB 4 wheel system is so simple that I am not concerned about any increased cost. I have heard it is pretty bullet proof.

As to the claim it throws the balance of the car off, I do not plan on racing it any time soon.

Best Wishes,
Ron

Are you running a set of good snow tires? My non-ASR, no-limited-slip C230 is used in terible winter driving conditions with few problems thanks to a set of BLizzak Revos. It is certainly not the equal of my wife's Subaru (also on Blizzaks) but I get around better than most people...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Where I live (western/northern Michigan), the RWD Mercedes cannot get out of my driveway without snow tires. I have (had) two 300Es, a 300TDT, and a E320.

The 4Matic can move quite nicely on just Michelin Energy tires.