mmgrad

This forum has been so helpful in every possible way, I just had to bring my questions to all those who know...

My 2002 CLK430 with 10,000 miles is showing a very harsh ride. Stock springs, shocks, rims, tires.

Situation:
Highway speeds (70+mph), lane #1.

Car 1: 2002 CLK430 - Stock, tire inflation as recommended @32-33 psi
Bumpy Bumpy ride... almost like sitting on a washing machine during spin cycle. Lots of vibration.

Car 2: 2001 Accord Coupe V6 (Lowered with Eibach Sportline, running on 17" rims with 215/40s - tires at 34psi)
Smooth ride. Can barely feel any of the vibrations as I did with the Benz.

My question: Is this normal?

Or do my shocks and/or springs need replacement?

All input is appreciated! THANKS....

Newbie

Most stock CLK430s can be compared to old, floaty Caddilacs as far as the ride is concerned, so I wonder if perhaps you've got unbalanced wheels? Maybe one or more has been slightly dented from potholes or whatever- that could be causing the rough ride.

My car is considerably rougher than stock, which I like, but it's rarely, if ever, harsh. That's with aftermarket shocks and springs, lowered 1.2"

karl k

Let MB dealer take care of it during warranty. You are entitled to one free wheel alignment.

Your car should be vibrationfree - straight as a bullet from 0 to ???!

Your tire pressures are too low. I am running 38/40 front and 35/37 rear for underinflation during the first 8,000 miles on my Michelin Sport. Are your front tires worn on the outsides w/32/33 lbs.? If so, a sign of underinflation.

mmgrad

its not a real vibration. its more like... i feel every single bump in the road.

The rims don't have any noticeable indentable from potholes, etc... And, I just got the car back from the shop last week from doing a wheel alignment.

u got it... the inside and outside worn... lots of camber wear (we discussed this in the tire pressure thread).

As a matter of fact, i just dropped off the car this morning to chat with my advisor to see if i might be able to get new tires (free of charge) since its their factory specs that are putting me in danger and wearing out my tires.

maybe, if they won't swing for new tires for free, maybe they can pro-rate me for new tires. we'll see how that plays out

if they do nothing, i'll just up my psi between 38-40....

Newbie

Upping your PSI is a very good idea anyway. I think MB's really odd for recommending 32/33- perhaps they're just trying to wear your tires out faster? Since I learned those numbers were ridiculous, I've noticed much improved tire wear, and most importantly, significantly improved resistance to potholes and other road hazards. I've spent way more money than I'd like to think about on blowouts, dents, and broken rims caused by potholes around here.... I think I would have saved myself some money if I'd been going with 42/43 all along.

karl k

Danny

Since you made repeated visits for the vibration correction, ask for the service MANAGER.

Call Corporate ( 1-800-For-MERC) and tell them about your spinn-cyle vibrations.

Then call your dealership for another service appointment and tell them, that you called MBUSA Corporate. They told you to ask for the service manager, because of a potential lemon law issue. (Dealer-buy-back after 3 unsuccessful tries to repair the same problem.)

You should also get FREE tires or only pay $100 per tire. I am going for the same "front tire replacement", because of erroneous instructions, causing underinflation in the front tires, as manifest by excessiveouter edge wear. My rear tires are fine.

mmgrad

karl....

Did you have to reference anyone at Corporate in order to get your dealer to replace your tires? Or is this still an 'In-Progress' thing?

Mach430

MB has replaced under warranty my tires and my sister's tires once. Put your tire pressure up to 36. Any higher and you'll wear the insides too fast. What part of CA are you from? I can always help you out at my dealership if you need tires.

mmgrad

Ben:

I'm in the Los Angeles area myself. The dealer I take the CLK to is W.I. Simonson Mercedes in Santa Monica cause its only 2 minutes away from work.

Who do you recommend?

I can make my way to any of the following dealers without a problem:

Downtown LA Motors
W.I. Simonson
Berverly Hills Ltd
Rusnak Mercedes
Penske Mercedes

A little further, but I can make the drive:
Cutter Motors
Fletcher Jones Newport Beach
House of Imports
Long Beach Mercedes
Calstar Motors
Caliber Motors

karl k

This was my suggestion to you to call Corporate. I do not have any vibrations. Just came back from my dealership - got a wink for an appointment on Monday...

Mach430

Last one on the list ask for Rob Deck. The also have free MB loaner cars for customers with appointments. Caliber's # is 714-777-1900.

mmgrad

Caliber motors it is.... (if my dealer isn't willing to fix the problem)

I would love to take a look at your showroom(?) while i'm in the neighborhood, but your site says no walk-ins (gosh darn it)

Thanks again!