Simon425

Hello everyone,

I just bough a new (to me) 2008 E350 with the sports package.
My wife has a E320, so I though I knew what I am getting into; the new car is much sportier (which is good), but I am really annoyed by the new car being much noisier.

It's weird - the noise is present even at low speed - 35-40 mph, but it doesn't really get bad even at 70 mph.
Seems to be coming from the back - back seat area or the trunk. Sounds like wind/tire noise, but I am not sure.

I am wondering if the 18" rims/low profile tires are causing it.
One of my front tires just blew up, so I may use the opportunity to change the rims.
Car has 57K miles/Continental tires.

I don't have much experience with different size rims/tires on the same car.
Are the Conti tires known to be noisy?

Any help will be appreciated.

Cheers,
Simon

zoo

iTrader: (1)

The diameter of the wheels and/or the size of the sidewall will not contribute to the noise.
The tire material and tread design will.
Find out the exact model of the tire and look at reviews.

Simon425

Thank you, Zoo, I ordered two new rear tires (Michelins, supposed to be quiet), will report what's the difference once they are installed.

Blitz2639

I have an 08 sport also and I have 19s on mine. The tires won't have any bearing on noise outside of the quality of tire that you have. If the tires don't fix it unfortunately take a look at the rear diff. I've seen a few of those go bad including my own. Hopefully that's not the case for you.