Snow chain alternative for E500 Sport Estate

J Donne

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There is insufficient clearance to fit snowchains to my E500 Sport Auto Estate, so does anyone know how I stay legal driving to the Alps this winter? My local MB dealership is unable/unwilling to help.
 

Wighty

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There is insufficient clearance to fit snowchains to my E500 Sport Auto Estate, so does anyone know how I stay legal driving to the Alps this winter? My local MB dealership is unable/unwilling to help.
Does winter tyres get round the problem ?
 

Wighty

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Or will smaller wheels allow space for the chains ?
 
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fabes

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As above, wouldn't winters do.

You don't need studded do you?
 

LostKiwi

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As above, wouldn't winters do.

You don't need studded do you?
In France at certain times of year in certain places you must use chains if the conditions dictate. Signs are used to inform when it's required. It's a legal requirement to use them when told.
 

Rappey69

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c220 w204 amg sport
What about "snow socks" ? I think they were discussed on here many years ago.
http://www.autosock.co.uk/
I had aggressive mud tyres on my Suzuki jimny. The grip in the snow in 2wd was amazing !

Ahh, been beaten to it !
 

sonic

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Chains are only any use in deep snow, driving in a light dusting of snow you will slide everywhere. It will be almost impossible to fit chains in you car due to the lack of clearence.
Buy the smallest narrowest wheels your car will accept, & fit winter tyres.
 

LostKiwi

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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
Chains are only any use in deep snow, driving in a light dusting of snow you will slide everywhere. It will be almost impossible to fit chains in you car due to the lack of clearence.
Buy the smallest narrowest wheels your car will accept, & fit winter tyres.
Doesn't resolve the issue in the Alps. Even with winter tyres you will be told to fit chains if conditions demand it. If you don't you'll be stopped from proceeding and turned around.
 

Ricardo_e220

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Autosock variety are formally approved for use in France, not sure where in the alps you are proposing to go though? If Austria/Germany you’ll need winter tyres or all seasons at the very least
 

sonic

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Doesn't resolve the issue in the Alps. Even with winter tyres you will be told to fit chains if conditions demand it. If you don't you'll be stopped from proceeding and turned around.
Yes your correct that chains are required occasionally, but its most unlikely they will fit over standard wheels. Plus he is unlikely to get very far up snow covered hills on summer tyres.
 

keefysher

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Give us a bit more info please. Then we can help.

Is your car as a 2009 a S212? Has it rear air/self levelling suspension being a wagon? What tyre size do you have fitted?

This table gives us a broad range, but which have you fitted?:

Screen Shot 2019-10-24 at 06.45.06.png

I'll take a guess given the age at 245/40/18, and use this tool available here https://konigchain.com/fitguide-consumer/ :

Screen Shot 2019-10-24 at 06.49.55.png
Even has a 'slim' version for those 'not chain able' cars. Who'd have thought a MB dealer would assist you?

As above, in the French Alps it is a legal requirement to carry chains regardless of what tyres you have fitted. If the conditions dictate and the Gendarmerie are out you will be directed to an 'Aire de chainage' as identified by this sign:

Screen Shot 2019-10-24 at 06.55.39.png
Where you will have to demonstrate competence in fitting the chains, then be directed to continue your journey or stay put. Do not annoy a tired bedraggled Gendarme who has had to recover dumb drivers who thought they could get away without using the right kit.

The Konig (also known as Thule) are a pop to fit.

Fortunately the likelihood of actually requiring to fit and use them is remote as the road clearance is pretty swish, especially on key transfer days ie the weekend. In 40 years of skiing in the Alps have only had to fit chains 3 times. Never used winter tyres. I have a pair of the K Summit that were bought initially for my W221 that could not have chains fitted according to MB. Not cheap, but priceless if required.

In Germany winter tyres are compulsory even if transiting to the Swiss/Austrian/Itallian Alps. You haven't told us which Alps you are going to, it could be Beckton for all we know :geek::rolleyes:;)

You may be able to hire chains for your holiday. There is a place just off the M25 in the Reigate/Redhill/Sevenoaks area en route to the ferry/chunnel, google is your friend, but book soon.
 
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J Donne

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Thanks all, much more helpful than MB! I had wondered about Snowsocks and am reassured to hear that they would make me legal in the French Alps (although Beckton sounds enticing). I have no idea which iteration of the E500 I have or what sort sort of suspension - but I have 265/35/R18s fitted to the rear tyres. There is very little clearance but I will have a look at the Konig product. Thanks again.
 

keefysher

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König K-SUMMIT K23 :geek::D:cool:
 
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J Donne

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Thanks, I had found the spec on the Konig site but they are expensive (almost 4 x price of the Snowsock variant). I have had to use chains in the Alps in the past, mainly to get out of steep snow-covered drives, but was once grateful to have them in the car when visiting Castle Howard and a snowstorm struck, causing chaos on the modest internal slopes and the A64!
 

Flyinspanner

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Snow socks - if you drive on ‘clear’ tarmac, they rip up fairly quickly. You have to remove them and refit once you hit snow again.
 
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J Donne

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You star, I have made an offer!
 

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