With 4Matic, do you really have to replace all tires?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
With 4Matic, do you really have to replace all tires?
Is there a maximum tread variance that you should maintain between the front and rear tires? I have found no clear answer to this question. Of course tire shops and dealerships will tell you you need to replace all four...but they just want to sell more tires. Mercedes has not put anything in their manuals that specifies that all four must be replaced at once. Also apparently 4matic uses three open differentials and can send up to 70% of its power to one wheel if necessary.
But then the concern is long-term driving with fairly worn rear tires and brand new fronts. I feel like I've noticed a vibration in the drivetrain since replacing the fronts only. Then again, I've replaced all four tires and my fronts ultimately wore more than the rears...as do other cars. So there has to be some allowance for a difference in fronts and rears in the 4matic system. I'm just wondering if there's a limit as to how much (e.g. having worn rears and brand new fronts).
It's either no issue at all and just a sales tactic (perhaps the drivetrain is built to handle different speeds in the front and rear); or running different fronts and rears for the long-term puts additional wear on the system.
But then the concern is long-term driving with fairly worn rear tires and brand new fronts. I feel like I've noticed a vibration in the drivetrain since replacing the fronts only. Then again, I've replaced all four tires and my fronts ultimately wore more than the rears...as do other cars. So there has to be some allowance for a difference in fronts and rears in the 4matic system. I'm just wondering if there's a limit as to how much (e.g. having worn rears and brand new fronts).
It's either no issue at all and just a sales tactic (perhaps the drivetrain is built to handle different speeds in the front and rear); or running different fronts and rears for the long-term puts additional wear on the system.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Well, I had excessive rear tire wear, and I just replaced only the rears yesterday. The fronts have pretty solid tread, and I measured it out, no significant difference that the drivetrain can't handle. As long as the fronts aren't low/balding, you should be fine.
Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 142
Likes: 26
The difference between new and worn tires OF THE SAME SIZE is so small that it shouldn't be something that causes you concern. When/If you were able to measure and calculate the diameter and revolutions per mile, the difference would be so small that it wouldn't matter.
If you have tires of the same size, worn vs 'newer' is not something to worry about.
If you have tires of the same size, worn vs 'newer' is not something to worry about.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
The difference between new and worn tires OF THE SAME SIZE is so small that it shouldn't be something that causes you concern. When/If you were able to measure and calculate the diameter and revolutions per mile, the difference would be so small that it wouldn't matter.
If you have tires of the same size, worn vs 'newer' is not something to worry about.
If you have tires of the same size, worn vs 'newer' is not something to worry about.
Just measured. My rears are 4/32nds and fronts are 9/32nds.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
