GuyFawkes

I was washing the car when I noticed there was what looks like a blister on the tire wall of one of the front tires. How does this happen? Is it normal? And is it safe to drive?

TIA

park423

Most likely from a pothole or curb. I believe inner sidewall has a break causing the bubble on the outer wall. Should replace tire ASAP. I had 2 bubbles in a tire for I don't how long but once I saw the bubbles, all I could think about while driving on the freeway was the tire bubbles, had to replace tire for the peace of mind while driving.

GuyFawkes

Damnit!! This would be the 2nd tire I had to replace. Which is funny because my M3 has 19" wheels with a much much harder suspension and the tires have never gone bad over potholes.

park423

Is it the same tire u already replaced? May be a warranty available on that tire. So far I have replaced 3 tires because of potholes (2 popped, 1 bubbles), My dealer covered 2 out of the 3 tires so far.

GuyFawkes

Unfortunately it was another tire. Do tires have warranty? The car is very new still (months)

RichardB

Yes,
On something like this go to the dealer first and request a warranty replacement. Pot hole or not, the tire should be able to take the beating, especially so if there is no rim damage. Rims will usually get bent from road hazards before the tire gets damaged.

I'm gonna check my tires also now that I see this. What tires do you have on this car?

GuyFawkes

I have Pirelli PZero Nero All Seasons, size 245/40 R 18, mounted on the OEM AMG rim.

K-A

What's your tire PSI set to? Maybe too high?

RichardB

I have the factory mounted Continentals on mine with just over 1,000 miles and no problems thus far.

Ctrl+alt+Elite

Yes, you gotta get that changed pronto. Road Hazard warranty should handle it for you

LaicepsYdobon

Unfortunately I have to welcome you to the club. I have the Pirelli's also and I had to replace two of them this past winter. Pirelli's have very thin side walls that bubble/rip when you hit a pothole or curb. You should replace ASAP because it's not if you have a blowout but rather when. My current car does not have the wheel and tire protection package and it cost me $268 each time to get a new tire and put it on by my dealer.

ImInPA

If they are run flats, that is your answer. Run Flat tires for all the extra noise and harsher ride are far stronger than regular tires.

GuyFawkes

Not sure, it is whatever the dealer had it at when they delivered the car to us when new.


Nope, M3's don't use run flats. I really think it has to do with the quality of tire as LaicepsYdobon seems to experience the same problem.

Really wish I would have gotten that bloody tire insurance now! ack.

The crazy thing is the car has only 3800kms on it.

MagicJack

I've joined the club. Hit a pothole at night doing 70 and both front and rear driver side tires have blisters. Too bad the rear tire is almost brand new.

There goes 600$+. I am saving my money for maintaining this beast instead of thinking of further mods.

hyperion667

aw man, that sux......I agree to replace it.....that sux too!
I've had no tire issues since the last one I replaced......of course my wheels
would void any warranty.....and I just passed 13K miles......I think 12 is the limit for tires?
might be wrong


good luck in the future, send the town you live in the bill, LOL

BenzMan369

Very sorry to hear of your tire problems GuyFawkes.

The more I hear and read about those P Zero Neros, the more convinced I am to get them off my new car, if it's delivered with them, and mount Michelin Primacy MXM's instead. I know they'll ride better and I suspect wear better, with increased durability as well.

I test drove a '10 E350C with the Neros and didn't like them one bit.

Anyone know if the wheel insurance MB sells includes coverage on the tires as well?

K-A

The Pirelli's make the E ride like sh**. Hate to say it. Very inappropriate tire choice for M-B to use on the E it seems.

RSIKR

I agree about the Pirelli Zero Neros. Great on smooth roads, cornering, stick to the road like paint. On uneven, rough, or grooved surfaces they are the loudest tires I have ever had in over 4 decades of vehicle ownership including trucks and SUVs. They are properly inflated, balanced, and the car is in alignment.

The bubbles are sidewall separations from the impact of hitting the pothole. You should get an adjustment for the mileage used on the tire warranty at the dealer and not have to pay full price. They will probably charge for mounting balancing, and wear. It is not safe to drive on these tires.

I have seriously considered ordering new tires. Any suggestions? I have read that K-A is pleased with the Contis on his 2011 vs the Pirellis on the 2010.

Anyone use the Continental All Season DWS tires?

hyperion667

cont all season are sweet.....that's what my car was delivered with

Arrie

What tire size do you have?

RSIKR

245/40R18

park423

I had conti's on my car, hit a deep pothole at about 25-30 (didn't know how deep it was as it was filled with water) and it blew out both tires on the left side. Got the tires replaced at my dealer (they covered one tire as a courtesy), then I must have hit another pothole as I also discovered 2 bubbles in my tire while cleaning the wheels, this time dealer covered the tire under warranty.

Not sure if Conti's are the answer.

RSIKR

Thanks. I'm looking for something quieter in an all season performance tire. All low profile tires and wheels are more susceptible to pothole damage. I cringe if I hit one. I've been fortunate so far judging by the forum.