Well, we're in the middle of another bad ice storm, and I am very impressed with my 126.
For one, the design of the door handles is very helpful to use as leverage to get the door open. This compared to the usual pull up door handle as in my BMW. You just can't get the same leverage that you can with the Mercedes handle.
The 2nd gear start proved quite helpful in keeping the tail end from sliding. I just have all season tires, and I must say that this car did better than any FWD that I have driven. The heavy weight of the car inspires confidence. I even purposely went on an unplowed route to see how she would do, and no problems at all.
__________________
1990 420SEL Black/Black-Monochromatic Paint Scheme, 1998 BMW 540ia Sport, 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser, all old, high mileage beasts, but all paid for!!
yeah, love the handles but they do not age well in terms of looks, oh well, who cares?
I remember once I slipped on some black ice and grabbed the handle thus preventing further injury to myself, for which I am really grateful.
handling in snow? I misjudged a corner and slid, I turned the steering wheel in th opposite direction gave it some gas and powered out of what could have been very costly mistake.
Armour All works great on handles, my 200k 300se ones look brand new with a few coats! It works great on bringing the grill back to life as well.
Mother's "Back to Black" works well too.
__________________
Regards,
Axel
1990 SEC, Arctic White w/gray interior, M119.960 326 Hp. engine from 1992 500 SL, 722.370 transmission from 500E (reinforced clutches), 2:82 Differential, Euro Headlamps, 1st Gear Start module, One-Touch Window module and Keyless Entry module all from BergWerks, Bilstein HD Shocks on front axle, H&R lowering springs front and rear, AMG 3-piece 17" rims, 8.5" in the front and 10" at the rear.
My 420SEL is not the most fun to drive on ice. Maybe I am spoiled by years of 4 wheel drive Jeeps, but I sure have had to revive some skills from yesteryear getting this rear wheel drive monster to go straight on the ice.
__________________
My Mercedes keep me so broke, I can't even pay attention!!
Vehicle: White 1982 Euro 500 SEC (67,000), Black 1982 Euro 500 SEC, 1985 300D Turbo Diesel (329,000 miles!)
Location: Missouri
Posts: 220
I have to disagree with the capability of these vehicles in snow or ice. We didn't get a lot of ice so I can't say about that (though I don't believe many cars do well in ice) we did have a few inches of snow about a week ago, of which was the first time I drove my 500 in winter weather. It was not pretty. The roads were not in great condition but every other car on the road did alright. I have low profile all season tires so of course that didn't help. But everytime I would tap the gas, even on a flat surface, the rear would rather slide to the side than push the car. Worst car in winter weather I've ever driven.
Wait, What do you mean by 2nd gear start? We had a nice little snow blitz earlier here in PA, Everytime I touched the accelerator my wheels spun out on me, Had to ease off and get it back on track, Mainly due to the tires though (I guess).
A little off topic, I finally got a chance to take her out on a short highway run and even this this is only the 300sel, She felt like a beast handling those curves, Dark as what not on the highways out here, but I was diggin' out at 80mph (many curves and slanted turns on a nice little stretch of the 309) feeling more than confident in the handling.
Should I be doing this on a permit? I really felt the need to open her up to 120+, But the passengerdriver kept telling me to slow down, Completely right though... just got ahead of myself a bit.
500SEL Euro
Linear Mode
