AMG's in winter weather..any experiences? | FerrariChat
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AMG's in winter weather..any experiences?

Discussion in 'Other German' started by Cavallini, Dec 9, 2004.

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  1. Cavallini

    Cavallini Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,835
    #1 Cavallini, Dec 9, 2004
    Greetings all. I was seduced by a '04 black on black S55 AMG today at the dealership. It has the most presence I've ever felt from an MB, in a very mascline yet streamlined fashion; and it strikes a different chord, a different driving experience compared to Ferrari's and most other makes.

    All of which brings me to my question: How do the AMG products, with all that torque, behave in the wet and the snow, and heaven forbid the ice? I ask because a sedan in that price range should have more versatility than a convertible sports-car.

    Your first-hand or second-hand experience and insight are greatly appreciated.


    Forza,


    Cavallini
     
  2. f355b

    f355b Formula Junior

    Jan 23, 2004
    449
    Little Silver,NJ
    #2 f355b, Dec 9, 2004
    i have an ML55 AMG i know its four wheel drive, all i did was change the tires and its fine and the tires are FAT 285's.
     
  3. stephens

    stephens F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Feb 13, 2004
    4,647
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Stephen S
    #3 stephens, Dec 9, 2004
    Cavallini
    The SC '55 is not smooth in transition to on and off boost due to the sudden nature of the mag clutch. The TT in the 600 does not have this problem. The extra weight of the S Class will help with traction, but you will find the ESP working overtime, particularly when turning into junctions from a stop.
     
  4. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #4 Kds, Dec 9, 2004
    I have sold new and used Benzes for the last 10 years.....and I currently have an AMG C43 in stock right now with Z rated summer tires....I drove across town the other day during a snow flurry on icy roads with no problems.....the ESP light was constantly flashing over half the time mind you.....but then again......I was also born on the prairie....so driving in winter is second nature to me as I used to go skiing 60+ days a year in a 1974 454 cubic inch Vette with 60 series summer tires.

    I imagine with proper snow tires you'll be just fine......Mercedes ESP systems are incredible....and coupled with a little driver skill and tire technology....you'll find yourself amazed by the experience.
     
  5. C. Losito

    C. Losito Formula Junior

    Dec 12, 2003
    922
    Metro St. Louis
    Full Name:
    Chris Losito
    #5 C. Losito, Dec 9, 2004
    I drive a '96 C36 AMG through St. Louis winters. Like kds said I haven't really had any difficulty getting to where I was going, be it on snow or ice. The traction and stability control systems really make up for those wide unfriendly tires. Of course an S55 would have more torque, but I think you'll be ok. Just drive carefully!

    *edit*
    That's another thing: Work with your tire dealer to get an effective pair of tires. I personally opted not to use snow tires, instead going for a milder (but still speed rated) tire. It's worked out for me.
     
  6. Cavallini

    Cavallini Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,835
    #6 Cavallini, Dec 11, 2004
    Many thanks to everyone. I'll keep you posted about my decision.


    Cavallini
     
  7. Doody

    Doody F1 Veteran

    Nov 16, 2001
    6,099
    MA USA
    Full Name:
    Mr. Doody
    #7 Doody, Dec 11, 2004
    you're too kind, ryan :)

    i drove an S55 through last winter here in boston. i put Pirelli SnowSports on it for the snow and ice. it performed admirably. it didn't hold a candle to my wife's audi or my jeep, but i never had a real problem with it.

    too much torque for snow and ice, for sure, but you just have to be careful to moderate it. the one thing i was very careful about was to try to never get both rear tires on ice (a good chunk of my driveway ices over at one end). physics is physics regardless of what tires you have (unless studs are legal where you are).

    i never found wet weather to be an issue - stock tires or snow tires. i drove it fairly indiscriminately - all the time. if memory serves i probably would have taken my beater jeep if it were actually snowing (hard) or it was an ice storm - just for fear of accidents more than traction.

    hope that's helpful!

    doody.
     
  8. DodgeViper01

    DodgeViper01 F1 Veteran

    Oct 1, 2003
    6,867
    #8 DodgeViper01, Dec 11, 2004
    If you change the tires and put the car in winter mode so it starts in second gear you should be fine as long as you are careful but if you do not change the tires and happen to hit snow, good luck. The AMG's are not winter cars, you need a 4-Matic for that. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
     

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