300TD in snow

OK all you 300TD drivers out there. How is the TD in snow. Rear wheel drive is new to me - I have always had Saabs and live in Alaska so the driving in the snow issue is important. I have a 80 300TD in Seattle where I am going to school but should I take it back home to Alaska with me or leave it here for the fair weather folkes?

Is the sedan much diffent in the snow?

Thanks for the wisdom.

Adam

[jeffsr]

There is no comparison between front wheel drive and rear wheel drive in the snow. Front wheel wins hands down. Get yourself some radial chains and hope for the best..And I am reasonably sure this post will produce some controversy, which will be at least educational...

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 04-12-2000).]

Adam, if you are going to sell your car before you go back to Alaska, why not buy a nice used MB 4-Matic or an Audi Quattro? Install 4 snow and ice tires on it and you are all set! You should have about 5 months remaining before you'll need it. Good luck.

[Chiragp]

I can't help but respond to this one.

Snow Tires now and days have become so advanced that I wonder if it becomes important if you have front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. I will tell you that if you handle an old saab in snow, ou should be able to the same with a 300TD wagon with snow tires. The only reason I say with a 300TD is because the diesels really don't have a quick punch like gas engines do, there for causing slippage under acceleration. As for when the car slips, the front wheels will stay planted and just keep the wheel pointed in the direction you want to go. With Front Wheeld Drive, when the wheels slip, you also loose steering control which is one minus. But FWD is better in snow because the engine's weight keeps the tires better planted.

My adivce for Alaska thought is 4wd with snow tires. Tell me what your price range is, and I am sure we will be able to give you some good advice. I have an ML430, and have seen some of the major car magazines drive the ML430 with snow tires, and they have nothing but praise. The M-class' 4wd system is the most advance one available, so that would be my advice, and M-class. If you need something cheaper, I would say a used Audi quattro. The Benz 4mattics are hard to find, but if you do find one, its probably not much cheaper then an M-class unless if its older for which you can find an Audi for much better pricewise.

P.S. I had an Audi (I know) I can say thought they are built with German excellence like BMW, and Benzes are.

Good Luck.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells )

[Benzmac]

Be sure to realize that the D might not start well in the cold conditions...

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for all the input. I have to confess that I already do have a MB 4x4 - a 1980 230G cabrio Gelaendewagen up in Alaska and it is absolutely wonderful but for a second car.....

The cold weather starting is a good point but if the compression is good and the battery strong, won't a diesel generally do well?

Maybe I could just talk my wife into a second G-wagen??