My car disintergrated on Tuesday...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Huntington NY
S560
My car disintergrated on Tuesday...
I was driving on Jericho turnpike going west Tuesday right near the new Hamlet in Jericho when I hit a minor pothole. The two right side tires went over it with a minor thud, I thought nothing of it as it was not jarring in any way. Almost immediately the car started to fall apart. It started to pull to the right and vibrate pretty bad. I call up MB in Massapequa and went straight there.
As per the service advisor I bent the two right rims and threw off the alignment. He told me it was going to be $1100 for the two rims and $200 for an alignement. I told him to hold off on the rims as I had a new set of snow tires/rims I wanted to put on anyways. They put on the set and tried to align the car, no dice. Apparently I did some major suspension damage at the same time!!!!!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never bent a rim much less totalled a car especially on such a small pothole. It is actually hard to find on the street!!! What is this car made of tin cans??????????? They still have the car and will start going into the suspension on Monday to see what is left of this POS.
I absolutely loved this car until I saw this, I am just completely speachless...
As per the service advisor I bent the two right rims and threw off the alignment. He told me it was going to be $1100 for the two rims and $200 for an alignement. I told him to hold off on the rims as I had a new set of snow tires/rims I wanted to put on anyways. They put on the set and tried to align the car, no dice. Apparently I did some major suspension damage at the same time!!!!!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never bent a rim much less totalled a car especially on such a small pothole. It is actually hard to find on the street!!! What is this car made of tin cans??????????? They still have the car and will start going into the suspension on Monday to see what is left of this POS.
I absolutely loved this car until I saw this, I am just completely speachless...
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 352
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From: fl
1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
Two friends, one with an Audi A6 the other a BMW 3 convertible, both destroyed two rims on minor potholes and did suspension damage. Both had optional low profile performance tires. A neighbor who owns a speed shop does a nice business replacing road damaged high performance tires and wheels. IMO most people driving on average or worse city/suburban roads should stick to 55 series or higher tires. Going below 45 series is really inviting problems on all but smoothest roads. Many auto journalist advise against sport options because of the ultra low profile tires, which provide only nominal handling improvements on the street 98% of the time. If a car is tracked you would be better off buying dedicated performance wheels and tires separately. If vanity compels big wheels and low profile tires, be prepared for possible expenses.
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Wouldn't the suspension damage be covered under warranty?
Also, even if the wheels weren't covered under the warranty, I'm sure your insurance would cover it, right?
And if all else fails, slap some HRE's on it, slam it, and post some pics.
Also, even if the wheels weren't covered under the warranty, I'm sure your insurance would cover it, right?
And if all else fails, slap some HRE's on it, slam it, and post some pics.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: NYC
2024 C300W4
Sorry to hear that.
That’s exactly why I bought the tire/rim insurance from the dealer when I picked up the car. I thought I was just throwing money away but, reading your email, I am starting to believe it was the best investment. I hate the streets in NY, especially some in Brooklyn.
I hope the dealer does he right thing and gives you a break.
Good Luck.
That’s exactly why I bought the tire/rim insurance from the dealer when I picked up the car. I thought I was just throwing money away but, reading your email, I am starting to believe it was the best investment. I hate the streets in NY, especially some in Brooklyn.
I hope the dealer does he right thing and gives you a break.
Good Luck.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Don't worry. Its gonna cost some money, but the car will run like new again. The 18 sport wheels are low profile & as such offer very little forgiveness against bad road. You'll enjoy the car again. A lesser car would have been torn apart. ..and this should be a collision claim, right?
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Dec 22, 2007 at 09:38 PM.
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From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
You have an insurance claim, same as a collision. You'll pay the deductible and they will fix your car. Calm down. Calling the car a POS is like calling it a POS because your trunk was smashed in in a rear ender. Neither is your fault. Neither is the car's fault. That's what insurance is for.
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From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Generally speaking it is best to avoid pot holes. You are in control, you have the ability to steer around, stop or have a direct hit on a pot hole. The fact that you hit one should be an indicator to yourself that it's time to slow down, leave more following distance and pay more attention. Don't blame the car for your lack of control.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Generally speaking it is best to avoid pot holes. You are in control, you have the ability to steer around, stop or have a direct hit on a pot hole. The fact that you hit one should be an indicator to yourself that it's time to slow down, leave more following distance and pay more attention. Don't blame the car for your lack of control.
But all in all thanks for your blaming me on my incompetent driving.
As far as the car goes, I am pissed that it fell apart with such a minor bump, I can't stress how minor it felt, like hitting a medium sized pavement joint. It's not like I hit a curb at 40 here. I have hit potholes with other cars where I clenched the wheel waiting for the airbags to go off (anyone ever been on the BQE in winter?), but never bent a rim much less destroyed a car. This suspension should not have handled it so poorly.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Generally speaking it is best to avoid pot holes. You are in control, you have the ability to steer around, stop or have a direct hit on a pot hole. The fact that you hit one should be an indicator to yourself that it's time to slow down, leave more following distance and pay more attention. Don't blame the car for your lack of control.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Long Island, NY
2004 E500 Wagon 4Matic
Thanks for your utterly ignorant comment. Have you ever seen Jericho turnpike where they have filled hundreds of potholes on a cement roadway with asphalt? The spotted cow look sure makes seeing potholes very difficult. As far as speed, I hardly think 35-40 is excessive, I was in traffic and following the car in front of me with proper distance.
But all in all thanks for your blaming me on my incompetent driving.
As far as the car goes, I am pissed that it fell apart with such a minor bump, I can't stress how minor it felt, like hitting a medium sized pavement joint. It's not like I hit a curb at 40 here. I have hit potholes with other cars where I clenched the wheel waiting for the airbags to go off (anyone ever been on the BQE in winter?), but never bent a rim much less destroyed a car. This suspension should not have handled it so poorly.
But all in all thanks for your blaming me on my incompetent driving.
As far as the car goes, I am pissed that it fell apart with such a minor bump, I can't stress how minor it felt, like hitting a medium sized pavement joint. It's not like I hit a curb at 40 here. I have hit potholes with other cars where I clenched the wheel waiting for the airbags to go off (anyone ever been on the BQE in winter?), but never bent a rim much less destroyed a car. This suspension should not have handled it so poorly.
My uncle got one of the first year Porsche Boxters a while back, which my lead footed brother proceed to blow the engine apart in. But apart from the initial P.O.S. reaction, they were most impressed by how Porsche handled it. New engine was just the beginning. Porsche guy came to visit to get a detailed step by step of the incident, as well as recent background on the car. Told my uncle they wer gonna ship the engine back to Germany for further study.
Doubt MB will react this way. But come close, and I will be well impressed.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
+1 neighbour. I doubt I could have replied in such a restrained way. I more the F-U type.
My uncle got one of the first year Porsche Boxters a while back, which my lead footed brother proceed to blow the engine apart in. But apart from the initial P.O.S. reaction, they were most impressed by how Porsche handled it. New engine was just the beginning. Porsche guy came to visit to get a detailed step by step of the incident, as well as recent background on the car. Told my uncle they wer gonna ship the engine back to Germany for further study.
Doubt MB will react this way. But come close, and I will be well impressed.
My uncle got one of the first year Porsche Boxters a while back, which my lead footed brother proceed to blow the engine apart in. But apart from the initial P.O.S. reaction, they were most impressed by how Porsche handled it. New engine was just the beginning. Porsche guy came to visit to get a detailed step by step of the incident, as well as recent background on the car. Told my uncle they wer gonna ship the engine back to Germany for further study.
Doubt MB will react this way. But come close, and I will be well impressed.
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Boxster go boom
<<Early boxster engines are known for their propensity for self destruction>>
Early..late..they are still doing it. My friend SJB just paid 12 grand for an engine in his Boxster S. Out of warranty, needless to say.
Early..late..they are still doing it. My friend SJB just paid 12 grand for an engine in his Boxster S. Out of warranty, needless to say.
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From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
You have an insurance claim, same as a collision. You'll pay the deductible and they will fix your car. Calm down. Calling the car a POS is like calling it a POS because your trunk was smashed in in a rear ender. Neither is your fault. Neither is the car's fault. That's what insurance is for.
That is why I won't take my car to MB after the factory warranty runs out and even when I get an aftermarket warranty. I'll go to an independent MB mechanic who has lower labor rates and has the capacity and willingness to repair rather than just go directly to replace mode at every opportunity.
Good luck with the repair...
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
(1) I'm wondering if your suspension components were "about to break", and this minor pothole incident triggered the breakdown, bec. cars go along Jericho Tpk everyday.
(2) OR u're getting ripped off by the dealer. I could understand bent rims, but suspension damage from minor potholes on an '07? That means cars going over those minor potholes too should suffer damage. I've been driving in NYC for 15 yrs. and I steer around potholes, but I can't avoid every one. I've never bent a rim. Be wary of that dealer... Keep us posted. Good luck!
(2) OR u're getting ripped off by the dealer. I could understand bent rims, but suspension damage from minor potholes on an '07? That means cars going over those minor potholes too should suffer damage. I've been driving in NYC for 15 yrs. and I steer around potholes, but I can't avoid every one. I've never bent a rim. Be wary of that dealer... Keep us posted. Good luck!
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
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From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
You're not the only one...
My experience. Client drives brand new E550 over large pothole and bubbles outer sidewall of both left side tires. The tires were replaced under her "tire warranty." Both of the wheels were slightly bent but not covered due to the fact that they held air... Fast Forward two weeks and two hundred miles later.
Client allows a relative to borrow the car and manages to plow over some "city *******" trying to avoid a car or something... Resulting damage= both wheels broken on the left side, both tires shredded, rear toe link bent, rear knuckle bent, front knuckle bent, rear subframe bent.... So watch out for what is in the road.
My experience. Client drives brand new E550 over large pothole and bubbles outer sidewall of both left side tires. The tires were replaced under her "tire warranty." Both of the wheels were slightly bent but not covered due to the fact that they held air... Fast Forward two weeks and two hundred miles later.
Client allows a relative to borrow the car and manages to plow over some "city *******" trying to avoid a car or something... Resulting damage= both wheels broken on the left side, both tires shredded, rear toe link bent, rear knuckle bent, front knuckle bent, rear subframe bent.... So watch out for what is in the road.
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: CA
2005, E500 Designo
My own experience with potholes is that the city responsible for maintaining the road is responsible. I lost a rim and tire to a pothole and I sent the bill the city sent a check.
Now I know I am not in New York but at a minimum it was an accident and your insurance should cover the damage.
Now I know I am not in New York but at a minimum it was an accident and your insurance should cover the damage.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
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2008 Escalade / 1998 SL500
This is definitely an insurance-claim, however I would throughly investigate just how much this claim will possibly affect your rates (if at all). In the long term the ins. co could really ding you for it.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Lawn Guyland,NY
'07 E350W4
Mid Island Collision!
Thanks for your utterly ignorant comment. Have you ever seen Jericho turnpike where they have filled hundreds of potholes on a cement roadway with asphalt? The spotted cow look sure makes seeing potholes very difficult. As far as speed, I hardly think 35-40 is excessive, I was in traffic and following the car in front of me with proper distance.
But all in all thanks for your blaming me on my incompetent driving.
As far as the car goes, I am pissed that it fell apart with such a minor bump, I can't stress how minor it felt, like hitting a medium sized pavement joint. It's not like I hit a curb at 40 here. I have hit potholes with other cars where I clenched the wheel waiting for the airbags to go off (anyone ever been on the BQE in winter?), but never bent a rim much less destroyed a car. This suspension should not have handled it so poorly.
But all in all thanks for your blaming me on my incompetent driving.
As far as the car goes, I am pissed that it fell apart with such a minor bump, I can't stress how minor it felt, like hitting a medium sized pavement joint. It's not like I hit a curb at 40 here. I have hit potholes with other cars where I clenched the wheel waiting for the airbags to go off (anyone ever been on the BQE in winter?), but never bent a rim much less destroyed a car. This suspension should not have handled it so poorly.
Jericho Tnpk is like most of the roads on the island, all have risks but, I know what you mean, I often go that route to Woodbury Vet, Armallinos dog food and St.Anthonys HS
I absotively and posilutely suggest calling Mid Island Collision in Malverne for ANY repair work on High-end cars.
They're MB certified and do perfect work, I've had 2 cars repaired by them and know someone personally.
They do not make excuses or take shortcuts and they'll get your insurance to cover everything.
Good Luck
