Snow Chains

[ColinAG]

I have a C220 SE (4 years old) and I have been told there is no clearance for snow chains. Tyre size 245 17's.

As chains are mandatory in the Alps where I need to go and I dont wish to get caught out, does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this problem.

Many thanks,
Colin

 

[television]

Yes you are not allowed up from the German side without, there is a strap type that should give you clearance

 

[ColinAG]

Thanks Malcolm,

 

[philharve]

Hi Colin

Would studded tyres be a practical alternative? Would they be legal too? At least they would overcome the clearance problem.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Yes you are not allowed up from the German side without, there is a strap type that should give you clearance

Does that include 4x4's having to have studs/straps etc?

 

[philharve]

Yes you are not allowed up from the German side without, there is a strap type that should give you clearance

Malcolm

Photos? Maker? Cost?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[moosehead]

I've been trying to solve this dilemma for the last 12 months as we spend a lot of time skiing in the Alps during the winter. There is no way that you can fit chains to 245/40 17s especially with the sport pack / lowered suspension. I've yet to come across an alternative that's as effective as chains and am thinking about getting another pair of wheels (7.5J instead of 8.5J) and fitting 225/45 snow tyres (same size as the fronts). If it becomes too much for the snow tyres you can fit chains to 225s (according to the manual).

 

[television]

Malcolm

Photos? Maker? Cost?

REGARDS

Phil

I will find these things, I believe that they are in the MB list.

Studs are not allowed in Germany

 

[philharve]

I will find these things, I believe that they are in the MB list.

Studs are not allowed in Germany

Hi Malcolm

Then what do vehicle owners use in those countries where snow & ice is present more-or-less all year round. Studded tyres?

Are 'special' wheels used in rallying in cold countries?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[television]

Hi Malcolm

Then what do vehicle owners use in those countries where snow & ice is present more-or-less all year round. Studded tyres?

Are 'special' wheels used in rallying in cold countries?

REGARDS

Phil

Sweden Norway and Finland use studded tyres, they also use salt on the roads, Germany does not use salt or studded,just winter tyres and chains or the newer versions of them.

 

[hmang]

I have a C220 SE (4 years old) and I have been told there is no clearance for snow chains. Tyre size 245 17's.

As chains are mandatory in the Alps where I need to go and I dont wish to get caught out, does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this problem.

Many thanks,
Colin

why not get some cheap second hand smaller wheels and tyres for using in the snow.

it's not as if aesthetics are going to be an issue with chains attached.

 

[ColinAG]

Thanks for that chaps, I havent seen straps advertsised anywhere though and do the french allow them as they do not recognise snow socks as an alternative to snow chains yet. Think Moosehead has given me what I need to do, but now wish I still had my old 300TE bags of room for chains and tyres lasted forever.
THANKS

 

[television]

They are in the MB accessory book do a google search they are out there

 

[television]

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/

http://www.snowchains.co.uk/main/weisssock.htm

 

[ColinAG]

Hi Jez,
Yes it does include 4 x4's in the Alps. Over a certain height signs are posted saying that chains are mandatory, this year didnt need them as roads were cleared very fast but I dont want to be the idiot that gets caught out and blocks the road. Gendarmes wouldnt be too sympathetic.
Cheers
Colin

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Hi Jez,
Yes it does include 4 x4's in the Alps. Over a certain height signs are posted saying that chains are mandatory, this year didnt need them as roads were cleared very fast but I dont want to be the idiot that gets caught out and blocks the road. Gendarmes wouldnt be too sympathetic.
Cheers
Colin

Thanks. I'll not bother with the Alps then.

 

[wireman]

For most snow and the like conditions narrow tyres are better since they will sink in and get a better grip, it realy is an eye opener to see just how superior a narrow tyre is in poor conditions. I have no liking for wide low tyres (or the kind of driving that makes them a pre-requisite) but do agree that they look nice, and thats all.

My solution to your problem would be do like the swedish and norwegians do and have a full set of winter wheels with narrow mud and snow tread tyres ready and waiting for the winter months. Studded tyres are very good but are not suitable for sustained speed in no snow conditions, chains which can be fitted and removed easily are a better bet.