My C's First Accident!!!
#51
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
Oh and I'm glad to see you're doing ok man. You should have snagged some photos. They would have been useful for the photo-hunt game. lol
#52
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
I've been using Discount Tire, which has about the same prices as tirerack, but it's easier becase I can go in. There's a guy, Blue, who I've been working with for a while. They do really good work, and will do small things for you for no cost. They patched a tire on my mom's car for naught. She had never been there before. I also saw them change a stem for someone for free as well. I like the shop and the guy, so I'll be asking him about any used tires.
#53
Super Moderator
drew hope you can get some sleep tonight i know after all my accidents or near accidents i could not sleep for at least one night. the last one which i am sure you all have seen pics of still keeps me up over a month latter. Lets see i have had three accidents 1 last month, one on graduation day from HS lol in my c320 and one when i was like 10 in my moms land cruiser which we totaled a jeep. After all of them i had trouble sleeping. Then of course the few times i thought i was going to wreck freaked me out a lot funny thing is they were never in the sports cars i drove (slk55, 911, corvette) always in some crappy slow car or one of my first two cars around the farm. wow i have never thought about all that before i really need to stop driving that is way to many accidents for a 20 year old i guess only one was my fault so that is good right at least my best friend and i had a memorable graduation day
#54
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
For two months after I was rear-ended (in my mom's car) I braced myself for impact after every time I hit the brakes. I'm glad I got over that! But thanks, I'm going to try to get some sleep now. I told Matt I was going to bed quite a while ago. If he were here, it would explain why I was still up, but I guess I'm up just from thinking about him...
Anyway - sleep is good, or so they say.
Anyway - sleep is good, or so they say.
#56
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 c230k ss, 2005 Land Rover LR3, 2006 Honda S2000
I did read it, but I've come to accept this as a reality. Johnand and I were discussing it earlier via PM. He is very tedious about his car and his tires are wearing in the center and not on the outside, too. If you're inclined, leave the rears at 32. Glyn made a point to say in another thread that if you feel your V6 C230 is understeering a lot (something you complained of) you need more pressure in your front tires.
My car wears tires like this, regardless of pressure:
Fronts: Wear on the shoulder.
Rears: Wear in the center
Nothing I do, adjusting pressures, alignments, nothing changes this. I rotate my tires directionally every 6000 miles and hope that makes them last. I got 30k out of my last set and this set of DWS tires is at 14k and looking good.
BTW - Peanut Butter cookies FTW! Oatmeal 2nd prize. Chocolate Chip - FTMFL. I hate chocolate.
My car wears tires like this, regardless of pressure:
Fronts: Wear on the shoulder.
Rears: Wear in the center
Nothing I do, adjusting pressures, alignments, nothing changes this. I rotate my tires directionally every 6000 miles and hope that makes them last. I got 30k out of my last set and this set of DWS tires is at 14k and looking good.
BTW - Peanut Butter cookies FTW! Oatmeal 2nd prize. Chocolate Chip - FTMFL. I hate chocolate.
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Joisey
Posts: 858
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
glad you are ok...............you posted the pics and now Have a some questions for you........I see that you have upgraded front calipers..........hehehehe..........need to know what year model donor mercedes they came from...........I am looking for some one to tell me exactly what year and what trim model so I can start searcing for them ...........please let me know.........
#58
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Camas, WA
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 0
Received 58 Likes
on
24 Posts
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Thanks, Karo, you're so nice!!! No, my friend put the sticker on as a joke when I was installing the lights, and no one has noticed until now.
I should add that my rear tires are almost completely bald, which was a major contributing factor, so that's on me. I was changing lanes and accelerating, and once there's no traction, ESP can't help.
Laneshift, I got scared when you said that, but it doesn't seem to be as bad as the picture looks, I guess it's just the angle. This picture's from months ago, and it looks about the same.
I should add that my rear tires are almost completely bald, which was a major contributing factor, so that's on me. I was changing lanes and accelerating, and once there's no traction, ESP can't help.
Laneshift, I got scared when you said that, but it doesn't seem to be as bad as the picture looks, I guess it's just the angle. This picture's from months ago, and it looks about the same.
Agreed, they LOOK low, but I have found you can't go by looks for tire pressure.
I've thought that too, but I think these tires are just weird.. they're at the PSI that Merc recommends, they look low, and yet they wear more on the inside of the tread. I really don't get it.
I'd rather you not get banned again. I hope no one thinks I deserved this, though.
I'd rather you not get banned again. I hope no one thinks I deserved this, though.
I did read it, but I've come to accept this as a reality. Johnand and I were discussing it earlier via PM. He is very tedious about his car and his tires are wearing in the center and not on the outside, too. If you're inclined, leave the rears at 32. Glyn made a point to say in another thread that if you feel your V6 C230 is understeering a lot (something you complained of) you need more pressure in your front tires.
My car wears tires like this, regardless of pressure:
Fronts: Wear on the shoulder.
Rears: Wear in the center
Nothing I do, adjusting pressures, alignments, nothing changes this. I rotate my tires directionally every 6000 miles and hope that makes them last. I got 30k out of my last set and this set of DWS tires is at 14k and looking good.
BTW - Peanut Butter cookies FTW! Oatmeal 2nd prize. Chocolate Chip - FTMFL. I hate chocolate.
My car wears tires like this, regardless of pressure:
Fronts: Wear on the shoulder.
Rears: Wear in the center
Nothing I do, adjusting pressures, alignments, nothing changes this. I rotate my tires directionally every 6000 miles and hope that makes them last. I got 30k out of my last set and this set of DWS tires is at 14k and looking good.
BTW - Peanut Butter cookies FTW! Oatmeal 2nd prize. Chocolate Chip - FTMFL. I hate chocolate.
In the rear, our cars do 2 things, they tend to wear the inner shoulder more than the rest, due to negative camber. No matter what you do for pressure, you won't change that. But, is is very minor over the life of the tires. I like to run my tires just a touch overinflated, to keep them cooler, and maximize fuel economy. So, I almost always wear the center out before the shoulders, but just slightly. Our cars also have a tendency to wear out the right rear ever so slightly more than the left, as this is the drive tire.
I didn't know this. I am hoping to get new tires soon (front and rear), but I have no job, so this presents a problem. Hopefully I can do some odd jobs and get the money. I was planning on going with a different tire anyway, and was planning on upping the pressure.
So does anybody have a recommendation of a good, cheap tire?
So does anybody have a recommendation of a good, cheap tire?
#59
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 c230k ss, 2005 Land Rover LR3, 2006 Honda S2000
I wanted the DWS too, but I needed them replaced now. Went with the new Sumitomo HTR A/S P01. They have a 40k mi warranty and so far they ride good. Looking forward to the DWS once I blow through these
#61
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 c230k ss, 2005 Land Rover LR3, 2006 Honda S2000
glad you are ok...............you posted the pics and now Have a some questions for you........I see that you have upgraded front calipers..........hehehehe..........need to know what year model donor mercedes they came from...........I am looking for some one to tell me exactly what year and what trim model so I can start searcing for them ...........please let me know.........
Those look like the stock calipers for the c230 ss
#63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by e24kgold
I promise I wont!
Originally Posted by e24kgold
My last set I had set at Merc recommened and the front were wearing fine but the rears were done after 20k. I am now using lower pressure in the rears to see if that helps, but it might not based on what you said Matt. Maybe 25k-30k it all the rears are good for no matter the pressure.
The DWS tires are good tires, but I can't say I would back-order them. I paid $585 OTD (tax/fees/installation) for my set of 4. Had they been on back order, I would have not hesitated to go with the Ecsta ASX tires again (and saved $50). They treated me well and I can't complain.
Originally Posted by johnand
On our cars, in the front at least, that is opposite. Since the high caster angle puts more force on the shoulders due to the large camber change, you want to up the tire pressure to lower shoulder wear.
Originally Posted by bdgdl08
If he were here, it would explain why I was still up, but I guess I'm up just from thinking about him
Originally Posted by Javvy
I see that you have upgraded front calipers
#64
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Camas, WA
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 0
Received 58 Likes
on
24 Posts
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
No, no, I think you read that wrong, you want to add some air pressure, go higher, to reduce shoulder wear, which is opposite of conventional wisdom on tire wear. I am currently, at 36 PSI front, and STILL get more shoulder wear, though, I think it has a lot to do with tire design too. Seems the Michelin's I currently have, don't have as much tread depth at the shoulders, as the rest of the tire.
#65
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 c230k ss, 2005 Land Rover LR3, 2006 Honda S2000
[quote=LILBENZ230;4123923]I know I overreacted the first time around back at the beginning, and I apologize and am pleased we have pretty much started fresh.
Me Too!
I'd do what Johnand does. Run the rears slightly over inflated. I'm afraid you'll probably have to accept that the tires just aren't gonna make it much longer than your experience. I'd run the fronts higher for sure, though to counter that shoulder wear. My Kumho tires looked ridiculous in the front after 30k miles - no shoulder tread whatsoever.
The rears were just worn in the center, shoulder wear was fine. I'm afraid it would be worse if I inflate them any more
Me Too!
I'd do what Johnand does. Run the rears slightly over inflated. I'm afraid you'll probably have to accept that the tires just aren't gonna make it much longer than your experience. I'd run the fronts higher for sure, though to counter that shoulder wear. My Kumho tires looked ridiculous in the front after 30k miles - no shoulder tread whatsoever.
The rears were just worn in the center, shoulder wear was fine. I'm afraid it would be worse if I inflate them any more
#66
MBWorld Fanatic!
No, no, I think you read that wrong, you want to add some air pressure, go higher, to reduce shoulder wear, which is opposite of conventional wisdom on tire wear. I am currently, at 36 PSI front, and STILL get more shoulder wear, though, I think it has a lot to do with tire design too. Seems the Michelin's I currently have, don't have as much tread depth at the shoulders, as the rest of the tire.
#68
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
Thanks again, everyone. I'm going to see if I can get some pictures of the crash site... I drove by today and you can see my skidmarks going off the side of the road and through the grass.. They crisscross like three times - I hadn't realized I started spinning.
On closer examination, I realized I did a little more damage than I originally thought. Where my car was resting on the cement drainage thingy, it took a chunk out of the plastic cover over the lower frame under the driver's side of the car. There is also a crack on the very back of the driver's side sideskirt. There are also some scratches on the front-right side of my car, but nothing that won't come out - I think. Also, the bumper is
*slightly* out of adjustment, but nothing I need to worry about. I'm just glad nothing major happened.
On closer examination, I realized I did a little more damage than I originally thought. Where my car was resting on the cement drainage thingy, it took a chunk out of the plastic cover over the lower frame under the driver's side of the car. There is also a crack on the very back of the driver's side sideskirt. There are also some scratches on the front-right side of my car, but nothing that won't come out - I think. Also, the bumper is
*slightly* out of adjustment, but nothing I need to worry about. I'm just glad nothing major happened.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Aventura, Fl
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 C230, 2006 BMW M3, bye bye C55:(
Glad you're ok man
Had a feeling that numpre was a tadbit off. BTW, is that video in your sig real?
Milkm4n, PS2's are some of the best ones you could buy. I have them on the M3 currently and they last long enough (with that car) and offer awesome performance, grip, and handling. Havent slipped with those tires yet at all including hard rain driving
Had a feeling that numpre was a tadbit off. BTW, is that video in your sig real?
Milkm4n, PS2's are some of the best ones you could buy. I have them on the M3 currently and they last long enough (with that car) and offer awesome performance, grip, and handling. Havent slipped with those tires yet at all including hard rain driving
#70
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
As a result of the accident, the underbelly piece in front of the front right wheel was damaged. I didn't fasten it back, so the other day - in the rain again - I hit a puddle which knocked the piece loose. I didn't realize it until I got home and found the piece dragging on the ground... at least what was left of it. It's now being held on with a zip-tie and duct tape (embarrassing). I was wondering if anyone could tell me the part number for this so I can order one to replace it. It's the piece with the vents on the front of the wheel well (with the little mud flappy thingy). I'll take a picture tomorrow. Thanks in advance!
#71
MBworld Guru
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Posts: 22,007
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
white and whiter
you can just order it from rmeuropean.com for $35 I think under body panels section shipping's about $6. dealership will rape you $50-57 at least.
if you don't want to wait then just go to the dealership and tell them you need the driver side front L-shape wheel well cover. they'll know what it is. it's the most common thing that falls off on the 203.
if you don't want to wait then just go to the dealership and tell them you need the driver side front L-shape wheel well cover. they'll know what it is. it's the most common thing that falls off on the 203.
#72
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NE. TN
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
06 C350 sport 6MT
dude, GET NEW TIRES !!! i should know, i had a 1992 500e - the porsche/mb collaberative car, id take it out most nites for a little porschedes run over my fav curvy roads, well one nite it was raining and my rear tires were almost bald, and i entered a corner alittle hot and tapped the brakes, this loaded the front tires and unloaded the rears and i did what u did, spun out and slid backwards for 100 feet, luckily i missed the trees and only had grass and mud all over, i was only doing 40 mph, never again will i drive w near bald tires, scared the u know what out of me, glad to hear u came out unscathed. now, call tire rack now. ive been thru s02, s03, star spec, goodyear d3, sumitomo III, falken 615, kdw, sport maxx, fuzion zri, pm me if u are interested in any of these.
Last edited by mlg; 07-09-2010 at 10:15 AM.
#73
i probably said this somewhere in this forum by dont go cheap on tires and breaks ever!! What's cheaper?? saving a 100 dollars or gettin into an accident and paying ur 500-1000 deducutible plus headache and rate hikes involved. Your cars brakes and steering are only as good as ur tires can handle. you pay for what you get
#74
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
you can just order it from rmeuropean.com for $35 I think under body panels section shipping's about $6. dealership will rape you $50-57 at least.
if you don't want to wait then just go to the dealership and tell them you need the driver side front L-shape wheel well cover. they'll know what it is. it's the most common thing that falls off on the 203.
if you don't want to wait then just go to the dealership and tell them you need the driver side front L-shape wheel well cover. they'll know what it is. it's the most common thing that falls off on the 203.
dude, GET NEW TIRES !!! i should know, i had a 1992 500e - the porsche/mb collaberative car, id take it out most nites for a little porschedes run over my fav curvy roads, well one nite it was raining and my rear tires were almost bald, and i entered a corner alittle hot and tapped the brakes, this loaded the front tires and unloaded the rears and i did what u did, spun out and slid backwards for 100 feet, luckily i missed the trees and only had grass and mud all over, i was only doing 40 mph, never again will i drive w near bald tires, scared the u know what out of me, glad to hear u came out unscathed. now, call tire rack now. ive been thru s02, s03, star spec, goodyear d3, sumitomo III, falken 615, kdw, sport maxx, fuzion zri, pm me if u are interested in any of these.
i probably said this somewhere in this forum by dont go cheap on tires and breaks ever!! What's cheaper?? saving a 100 dollars or gettin into an accident and paying ur 500-1000 deducutible plus headache and rate hikes involved. Your cars brakes and steering are only as good as ur tires can handle. you pay for what you get
This is definitely outside of their useful life!