Vibration
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
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2015 C300
Vibration
Hi y'all, I am new to this forum and was wondering if any one else experiencing vibration issues on their c300? I purchased a 2015 with Amg sports package and feel vibration around 70-75 mph. This changes with road surface it is more noticeable on a smoother road, some times the road noise dampens this on windy days. The car has been at the dealer several times and I had the road force balancing done at couple different places with same results. This is really frustrating and I don't know what else to do.
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2016 C300
It's almost always a wheel/tire issue. In addition to road force balancing, the shop needs to measure run-out on the rim and the tire. Run out is the lateral (side to side) variance that can occur in a tire through a manufacturing defect, or in a rim that is warped. A wheel with run out may still balance normally.
If the vibration is primarily in the steering wheel it's likely isolated to a front wheel. In the seat, it's likely rear.
I'm presuming these are OEM wheels with the correct offsets, and no spacers?
If the vibration is primarily in the steering wheel it's likely isolated to a front wheel. In the seat, it's likely rear.
I'm presuming these are OEM wheels with the correct offsets, and no spacers?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
I'm pretty sure it can just be a road feel.
Is you steering wheel shaking?
if not then it may be the hard tires and you are getting more
road feel.
I thought this too but
it found out to be that some vibration
exists on any car even the S550.
My dealer test drove my car when I complained about this
and they gave me a new c300 in their lot to test drive
and found out to be the same.
Is you steering wheel shaking?
if not then it may be the hard tires and you are getting more
road feel.
I thought this too but
it found out to be that some vibration
exists on any car even the S550.
My dealer test drove my car when I complained about this
and they gave me a new c300 in their lot to test drive
and found out to be the same.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
It's almost always a wheel/tire issue. In addition to road force balancing, the shop needs to measure run-out on the rim and the tire. Run out is the lateral (side to side) variance that can occur in a tire through a manufacturing defect, or in a rim that is warped. A wheel with run out may still balance normally.
If the vibration is primarily in the steering wheel it's likely isolated to a front wheel. In the seat, it's likely rear.
I'm presuming these are OEM wheels with the correct offsets, and no spacers?
If the vibration is primarily in the steering wheel it's likely isolated to a front wheel. In the seat, it's likely rear.
I'm presuming these are OEM wheels with the correct offsets, and no spacers?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 14
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2015 C300
Thanks for the quick response! Yes these are the original Oem wheels and tires. The rim were found to be bent and repaired, the trans mount was also replaced. Couple tires did not pass the road force and were replaced. The dealer then swapped tires and rims from a similar car and I could still feel the vibrations. The stealing wheel does not shake nor does the seat but I can feel this through both these components. Could this be the run flats? I owned a 08 c350 with sports tuned suspensions but never felt anything like this.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
Thanks for the quick response! Yes these are the original Oem wheels and tires. The rim were found to be bent and repaired, the trans mount was also replaced. Couple tires did not pass the road force and were replaced. The dealer then swapped tires and rims from a similar car and I could still feel the vibrations. The stealing wheel does not shake nor does the seat but I can feel this through both these components. Could this be the run flats? I owned a 08 c350 with sports tuned suspensions but never felt anything like this.
I doubt that bent rim was the main cause.
Comming from a E93 Bimmer with M sport suspension.
My current C-class is a cloud compared to it.
I'm pretty sure its the tires or the suspension.
W205 became a lot more sportier than W204
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
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2015 C300
I have been thinking about taking the hit and trading this car in. I Spent almost a year researching online before investing in this vehicle and am not sure if I made the right decision. Please advice if this is normal characteristics for this model. Another question I have is would it be worth spending money on aftermarket wheel and tires. Any suggestion?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
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2016 C300
I have been thinking about taking the hit and trading this car in. I Spent almost a year researching online before investing in this vehicle and am not sure if I made the right decision. Please advice if this is normal characteristics for this model. Another question I have is would it be worth spending money on aftermarket wheel and tires. Any suggestion?
I recommend Michelin Primacy runflat (if u want runflat)
I had those in my Bimmer and improved my ride quality
10X compared to my stock continental piece of junk.
Your car is faulty if the vibration is something like this
:
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I have the p zeros on my car.
I had 2 bents rims (these wheels are incredibly soft) and I had 4 tires replaced - all under warranty.
Basically, I was getting massive vibration above 80 mph. Brought it two different times. The steering wheel and passenger seat would shake violently.
My mom recently picked up a BMW with the p zero run flats too and had to have every tire swapped out.
I had 2 bents rims (these wheels are incredibly soft) and I had 4 tires replaced - all under warranty.
Basically, I was getting massive vibration above 80 mph. Brought it two different times. The steering wheel and passenger seat would shake violently.
My mom recently picked up a BMW with the p zero run flats too and had to have every tire swapped out.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
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2015 C300
The car is rear wheel drive. On a calm day the vibration are felt both in the stearing wheel and seat, it almost feels like a constant grinding as if something rubbing on the tires. The searing does not shake like in the above video but transfers road noise.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
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From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
I would suggest getting new tires or go to a reputable individual Mercedes shop and get their opinion. If there is any issue go back to your dealer and have it fixed.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
I have the p zeros on my car.
I had 2 bents rims (these wheels are incredibly soft) and I had 4 tires replaced - all under warranty.
Basically, I was getting massive vibration above 80 mph. Brought it two different times. The steering wheel and passenger seat would shake violently.
My mom recently picked up a BMW with the p zero run flats too and had to have every tire swapped out.
I had 2 bents rims (these wheels are incredibly soft) and I had 4 tires replaced - all under warranty.
Basically, I was getting massive vibration above 80 mph. Brought it two different times. The steering wheel and passenger seat would shake violently.
My mom recently picked up a BMW with the p zero run flats too and had to have every tire swapped out.
I have the stock 17's and they seemed to be hard as rock. I go thorough ****ty roads of LA everyday and no shaking yet.
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
Up here in Portland I am dodging potholes 4-6'' deep and 2' in diameter on nearly every major street.
My wife's family lives in SoCal. I am always impressed by how well the road surfaces are maintained compared to Oregon.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 14
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2015 C300
Drove two cars today with same wheel and tire combo. Felt the same vibration in both vehicles. You guys are right I believe it's the run flats. Time to look for new wheels 
pretty sure the wife is going to like that...
pretty sure the wife is going to like that...
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
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From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
Supersports are great but if you want to stick to runflats. I really recommend the Michelin Primacy MX4 they are bit pricy but really comfortable and they are runflats!!
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2016 C300
I can't think of a reason to stick with runflats. They cost more, don't last as long, ride harsher, are noisier, and they're highly prone to sidewall ruptures which negates their ability to handle punctures. It's possible the Primacy are better than the OEM but I'd hate to spend the money to find out and be disappointed. The MPSS are a sure thing.
Nothing wrong with a Seal & Fill kit. We just picked up a 2017 Audi Q7 last week and I was surprised to see no spare but an Audi branded Seal & Fill set up in its place. (The Q7 comes with conventional tires).
Nothing wrong with a Seal & Fill kit. We just picked up a 2017 Audi Q7 last week and I was surprised to see no spare but an Audi branded Seal & Fill set up in its place. (The Q7 comes with conventional tires).
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
I can't think of a reason to stick with runflats. They cost more, don't last as long, ride harsher, are noisier, and they're highly prone to sidewall ruptures which negates their ability to handle punctures. It's possible the Primacy are better than the OEM but I'd hate to spend the money to find out and be disappointed. The MPSS are a sure thing.
Nothing wrong with a Seal & Fill kit. We just picked up a 2017 Audi Q7 last week and I was surprised to see no spare but an Audi branded Seal & Fill set up in its place. (The Q7 comes with conventional tires).
Nothing wrong with a Seal & Fill kit. We just picked up a 2017 Audi Q7 last week and I was surprised to see no spare but an Audi branded Seal & Fill set up in its place. (The Q7 comes with conventional tires).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
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2016 C300
If you keep the miles down and avoid potholes you might get a full year out of them. I've found that if you remove the factory runflats and stack them in the garage you can store rakes and shovels and stuff in the middle. That seems to be the best use for them.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
lol I have 8k on oem. I think I can get 20k out of ot.
