What would you like to know?....
Your question is rather general. Do you have any specifics that you wish to know?
Your question is rather general. Do you have any specifics that you wish to know?Would anyone have any thoughts or advice on the new C320 Sport 4matic Sedan in Automatic. I will be ordering one next month. I have the brochure and have built one on MBUSA's website but would like to know if there is any additional info anyone might have.
The salesman felt the combination of the sport package, with its speed rated tires, and the 4matic system might be at odds with each other. I figure, if MB is offering this combination, it must be fine.Your question is rather general. Do you have any specifics that you wish to know?Would anyone have any thoughts or advice on the new C320 Sport 4matic Sedan in Automatic. I will be ordering one next month. I have the brochure and have built one on MBUSA's website but would like to know if there is any additional info anyone might have.
I have never hear such a ridiculous statement. What does "at odds" mean? Ask him to explain the S500 4-matic with the Sport package, or the ML55AMG with permanent 4WD and sticky high performance Dunlop S9000 tires. They even offer the E55AMG 4matic in Europe.The salesman felt the combination of the sport package, with its speed rated tires, and the 4matic system might be at odds with each other. I figure, if MB is offering this combination, it must be fine.
Thanks for your response. Your suggestion on the Pilot Sport A/S might be the way to go.However, wouldn't you think that MB would be smart enough to put the correct tires on this model? Am I assuming too much to think that MB in Germany would know that if it is a 4Matic, it is for snow and the idea of having to switch tires in the winter, defeats the purpose of buying the 4matic in the first place?I have never hear such a ridiculous statement. What does "at odds" mean? Ask him to explain the S500 4-matic with the Sport package, or the ML55AMG with permanent 4WD and sticky high performance Dunlop S9000 tires. They even offer the E55AMG 4matic in Europe.The salesman felt the combination of the sport package, with its speed rated tires, and the 4matic system might be at odds with each other. I figure, if MB is offering this combination, it must be fine.
The combination is indeed fine, but keep in mind that you will have to go to at least all-season tires in the winter months. You might want to consider getting your dealer to swap the Michelin Pilot Sport tires to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (All-season) tires when the car arrives. That way, you have all-seasons at least.
It is more likely that your salesguy knows that this combination will be rarer and take longer to arrive, and he wishes to sell you a car that is already in stock or enroute, rather than get one built to your specifications. [8)]
I think that what they're thinking along the lines of is that by choosing the sport package, you want the performance/handling that is associated by the name. The Pilot A/S tires are only meant for light snow, but that is better than the Pilot Sports which are not meant for any snow whatsoever.Thanks for your response. Your suggestion on the Pilot Sport A/S might be the way to go.However, wouldn't you think that MB would be smart enough to put the correct tires on this model? Am I assuming too much to think that MB in Germany would know that if it is a 4Matic, it is for snow and the idea of having to switch tires in the winter, defeats the purpose of buying the 4matic in the first place?
Specifically, only 100 lbs extra.There's some extra weight involved that increases the gas consumption but that is the only negative I can think of.
Yes, the 4matics have 10 mm more ground clearance than the RWD C-classes. The 4matic would do better on a track, particularly when wet, since the traction is distributed more evenly fore/aft and the tires are at lower tractive limits.I think the AWD-equiped car may be a little bit higher off the ground, which would have some effect on handling, but I'd think greater security in handling wet and slippery surfaces would be more important to a 4Matic C-purchaser than race track performances.
Thanks to all.Specifically, only 100 lbs extra.There's some extra weight involved that increases the gas consumption but that is the only negative I can think of.
Yes, the 4matics have 10 mm more ground clearance than the RWD C-classes. The 4matic would do better on a track, particularly when wet, since the traction is distributed more evenly fore/aft and the tires are at lower tractive limits.I think the AWD-equiped car may be a little bit higher off the ground, which would have some effect on handling, but I'd think greater security in handling wet and slippery surfaces would be more important to a 4Matic C-purchaser than race track performances.
Thanks for your response.Hello:
Reviews of the 4-matics here in Europe are not that enthusiastic. Most reviewers felt that the car looses power (which it also does on paper) and its "lightness" in handling (if you know what I mean). Plus there's an increase in fuel consumption.
Also, in comparison tests, they found the rear-wheel drive with snow tires (which you need anyway) and all the electronic gizmos fully adequate in winter, unless you live in the mountains.
I had to turn my rear-drive 240 (OK, that's a weaker car) around the other day in a cul-de-sac in the middle of nowhere on sheer ice (and on an incline), and managed without any problem, by just taking it easy.
I can save you the trouble right now because the Pilot Sports (the summer versions) are completely unsuitable for snow. While 4matic will allow you to get going, turning and stopping are significantly compromised due to the performance compound and tread design. That's why I urge you to swap to the Pilot Sport A/S's ahead of time, if your dealer has allowances for a trade-in (since the tires on the car would be brand new). Either that or you can get a set of 16" wheels with dedicated winter tires.Thanks for your response.
A hundred pounds and a few miles less per gallon don't concern me as much as how the car acts in the snow.We have had an unusually hard winter here in NJ. Among the many reasons for selling my '03 E500 Sport recently, was how poorly it was in the snow.I take deliverly on a ML350 in a few weeks so my wife will be set. I am leasing a C320 Sport sedan with 4matic for myself. I love the look-inside and out- of the sport package. My plan is to try the C next winter with the tires that come with it and if it does not perform well in the snow, I will have to get a set of snows. I spoke to the market manager for the C class at headquarters and he suggested this approach.
We get the car thru corporate direct not thru a dealer and the market manager said we can't place the order with A/S tires. A set of snow tires sounds like the way to go.I can save you the trouble right now because the Pilot Sports (the summer versions) are completely unsuitable for snow. While 4matic will allow you to get going, turning and stopping are significantly compromised due to the performance compound and tread design. That's why I urge you to swap to the Pilot Sport A/S's ahead of time, if your dealer has allowances for a trade-in (since the tires on the car would be brand new). Either that or you can get a set of 16" wheels with dedicated winter tires.Thanks for your response.
A hundred pounds and a few miles less per gallon don't concern me as much as how the car acts in the snow.We have had an unusually hard winter here in NJ. Among the many reasons for selling my '03 E500 Sport recently, was how poorly it was in the snow.I take deliverly on a ML350 in a few weeks so my wife will be set. I am leasing a C320 Sport sedan with 4matic for myself. I love the look-inside and out- of the sport package. My plan is to try the C next winter with the tires that come with it and if it does not perform well in the snow, I will have to get a set of snows. I spoke to the market manager for the C class at headquarters and he suggested this approach.
Don't forget to post in the M-class forum as well []
Does this mean that you work for MB or at least the communications department? [We get the car thru corporate direct not thru a dealer and the market manager said we can't place the order with A/S tires. A set of snow tires sounds like the way to go.
My wife works in Montvale.I love my wife!Does this mean that you work for MB or at least the communications department? [We get the car thru corporate direct not thru a dealer and the market manager said we can't place the order with A/S tires. A set of snow tires sounds like the way to go.]
Yes, winter tires sound like your best bet!