Tire bubbles on brand new e350 ...SCANDAL I tell ya!
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: NYC
2008 E 350
Tire bubbles on brand new e350 ...SCANDAL I tell ya!
Hello all -
It's been a long time since I've posted here but I felt the need to bring this up. I am on my 3rd lease of a Mercedes vehicle since 2001. My newest ride is an E350 4-Matic with stock Sports package. The car has less then 4,000 miles on it and ALREADY 3 of the 4 tires have bubbles in them. This is a scandal in my opinion. I know New York City streets are bad but this car has seldom been used over the past 4 months, and I'd have to constantly run over potholes to get this type of damage. Furthermore, even doing some Googling on the issue of tire bubbles on mercedes vehicles with low profile tires produces an alarming amount of stories. To top that off, my neighbor has the same exact 2008 E-350 sports package/low profile tires and he too has a tire bubble on his front wheel. The man barely drives 20 miles out of the way. What can I possibly do to resolve this without shelling out hundreds of dollars per tire (my dealership quoted me $299 per tire!).
Any help would be appreciated.
It's been a long time since I've posted here but I felt the need to bring this up. I am on my 3rd lease of a Mercedes vehicle since 2001. My newest ride is an E350 4-Matic with stock Sports package. The car has less then 4,000 miles on it and ALREADY 3 of the 4 tires have bubbles in them. This is a scandal in my opinion. I know New York City streets are bad but this car has seldom been used over the past 4 months, and I'd have to constantly run over potholes to get this type of damage. Furthermore, even doing some Googling on the issue of tire bubbles on mercedes vehicles with low profile tires produces an alarming amount of stories. To top that off, my neighbor has the same exact 2008 E-350 sports package/low profile tires and he too has a tire bubble on his front wheel. The man barely drives 20 miles out of the way. What can I possibly do to resolve this without shelling out hundreds of dollars per tire (my dealership quoted me $299 per tire!).
Any help would be appreciated.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Manhattan
Velvet Fleetwood
where are the bubbles located? if they are on the side of the tire then dealer will claim that this is due to an impact and not tire defect. having said that, under no circumstances I would buy tires from dealer. Check out tire rack.com . or maybe contact some of the sponsors here on the board.
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From: South Carolina
2005 E55 ///AMG
where are the bubbles located? if they are on the side of the tire then dealer will claim that this is due to an impact and not tire defect. having said that, under no circumstances I would buy tires from dealer. Check out tire rack.com . or maybe contact some of the sponsors here on the board.
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From: Orlando, FL
2026 AMG GT63 Pro
unfortunately for you its hard to prove that the tire itself was defective and not a result of an impact with a pothole...
furthermore, the probability of 3 of your 4 tires being defective from the factory is near 0 - i would argue that you had to hit something..
With 18" rims it does not take too deep of an abnormality in the road to cause it to bubble, especially with reduced tire pressure as a result of the cold..has happened to me several times, just be happy that you don't have to replace all your rims because i just went through that
i guess they sell tire and rim insurance for a reason...
furthermore, the probability of 3 of your 4 tires being defective from the factory is near 0 - i would argue that you had to hit something..
With 18" rims it does not take too deep of an abnormality in the road to cause it to bubble, especially with reduced tire pressure as a result of the cold..has happened to me several times, just be happy that you don't have to replace all your rims because i just went through that
i guess they sell tire and rim insurance for a reason...
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From: Orlando, FL
2026 AMG GT63 Pro
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: NYC
2008 E 350
I appreciate the replies. The main point I forgot to mention which makes this fishy is that none of the rims have any damage on them. If I were to hit a pothole with such impact to destroy 2 or 3 tires, shouldn't there be damage to the rim as well? I will go home to look at what brands the tires are, but I know they are 18" low profile as you guys are already aware.
I never had this issue with my other E350, so how bad are these low profile tires?
I never had this issue with my other E350, so how bad are these low profile tires?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Hello all -
It's been a long time since I've posted here but I felt the need to bring this up. I am on my 3rd lease of a Mercedes vehicle since 2001. My newest ride is an E350 4-Matic with stock Sports package. The car has less then 4,000 miles on it and ALREADY 3 of the 4 tires have bubbles in them. This is a scandal in my opinion. I know New York City streets are bad but this car has seldom been used over the past 4 months, and I'd have to constantly run over potholes to get this type of damage. Furthermore, even doing some Googling on the issue of tire bubbles on mercedes vehicles with low profile tires produces an alarming amount of stories. To top that off, my neighbor has the same exact 2008 E-350 sports package/low profile tires and he too has a tire bubble on his front wheel. The man barely drives 20 miles out of the way. What can I possibly do to resolve this without shelling out hundreds of dollars per tire (my dealership quoted me $299 per tire!).
Any help would be appreciated.
It's been a long time since I've posted here but I felt the need to bring this up. I am on my 3rd lease of a Mercedes vehicle since 2001. My newest ride is an E350 4-Matic with stock Sports package. The car has less then 4,000 miles on it and ALREADY 3 of the 4 tires have bubbles in them. This is a scandal in my opinion. I know New York City streets are bad but this car has seldom been used over the past 4 months, and I'd have to constantly run over potholes to get this type of damage. Furthermore, even doing some Googling on the issue of tire bubbles on mercedes vehicles with low profile tires produces an alarming amount of stories. To top that off, my neighbor has the same exact 2008 E-350 sports package/low profile tires and he too has a tire bubble on his front wheel. The man barely drives 20 miles out of the way. What can I possibly do to resolve this without shelling out hundreds of dollars per tire (my dealership quoted me $299 per tire!).
Any help would be appreciated.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 160
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From: Northern Kentucky
2011 E350 4 Matic,1994 C220,1965 Mustang, 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600
I appreciate the replies. The main point I forgot to mention which makes this fishy is that none of the rims have any damage on them. If I were to hit a pothole with such impact to destroy 2 or 3 tires, shouldn't there be damage to the rim as well? I will go home to look at what brands the tires are, but I know they are 18" low profile as you guys are already aware.
I never had this issue with my other E350, so how bad are these low profile tires?
I never had this issue with my other E350, so how bad are these low profile tires?
It does not take much of an impact for these low profiles to develop a "bubble".
I have had this happen on my own demo and although I am extremely careful I have hit the occasional pothole and there she goes.
I agree with a previous poster, this is when the wheel and tire policy pays off.
Living in my area that is pothole prone I would never be without this insurance.
It might not hurt to call the dealer and see if you could add the wheel and tire package since the car is so new.
Hope it works out for you.
Last edited by KYBENZ; Jan 12, 2009 at 04:18 PM.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
I wouldn't consider it a scandal. Common on our 3rd world condition urban roads. Bubbles will happen on any tire. It's not a Mercedes issue.
As everybody suggests, go show the dealer. Then buy new tires from TireRack or a discount tire shop. And then get tire/rim insurance if you feel so inclined. And always keep the psi where it should be.
As everybody suggests, go show the dealer. Then buy new tires from TireRack or a discount tire shop. And then get tire/rim insurance if you feel so inclined. And always keep the psi where it should be.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
...I agree with a previous poster, this is when the wheel and tire policy pays off.
Living in my area that is pothole prone I would never be without this insurance.
It might not hurt to call the dealer and see if you could add the wheel and tire package since the car is so new.
Hope it works out for you...
Living in my area that is pothole prone I would never be without this insurance.
It might not hurt to call the dealer and see if you could add the wheel and tire package since the car is so new.
Hope it works out for you...
Can you replace a wheel or tire at another MB Dealership if you are out of town and ruin either? Who decides whether to repair or replace the rim or tire? Does it cover normal wear? I've never seen this type of policy.
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
This is one of the main reasons I do not like low profile tires. They are certainly not as durable as the std tires and they do not deliver the ride quality. They also do not run as long as the std ones. From what people I know have experienced you only get about half the miles on a low profile that a std tire delivers. Its a major compromise in most all areas just for the look. They are not practical nor are they as safe.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Out of curiosity.... Is the Wheel and Tire replacement policy administered by an "insurance company" or other 3rd Party Replacement Plan issuer? Or is it simply an agreement between the Corporation that owns the Dealership and the car's Owner? Is the dealership simply "playing the odds" and self insuring the wheels and tires?
Can you replace a wheel or tire at another MB Dealership if you are out of town and ruin either? Who decides whether to repair or replace the rim or tire? Does it cover normal wear? I've never seen this type of policy.
Can you replace a wheel or tire at another MB Dealership if you are out of town and ruin either? Who decides whether to repair or replace the rim or tire? Does it cover normal wear? I've never seen this type of policy.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 160
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From: Northern Kentucky
2011 E350 4 Matic,1994 C220,1965 Mustang, 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600
Out of curiosity.... Is the Wheel and Tire replacement policy administered by an "insurance company" or other 3rd Party Replacement Plan issuer? Or is it simply an agreement between the Corporation that owns the Dealership and the car's Owner? Is the dealership simply "playing the odds" and self insuring the wheels and tires?
Can you replace a wheel or tire at another MB Dealership if you are out of town and ruin either? Who decides whether to repair or replace the rim or tire? Does it cover normal wear? I've never seen this type of policy.
Can you replace a wheel or tire at another MB Dealership if you are out of town and ruin either? Who decides whether to repair or replace the rim or tire? Does it cover normal wear? I've never seen this type of policy.
The limitations and conditions are stated in our policy that we provide the customer.
As far has who makes the determination of repair or replace, I am not sure of that.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: Tires
I had a Michelin HXMXM4 245-40-18 V rated blow out last month going through a small pothole at about 15 mph on a 45 degree day. Unlike the northeast, the roads are generally good in the south, we don't get the salt etc. in the Winters and infrastructure is newer.
Both car and rim were fine, but the tire had a 2-3 inch long slit in the outer sidewall and was toast. I was beyond surprised that this would cause a blowout, I did however find the jack and spare to work quite well. These tires are delicate.
Good luck with getting replacements, I was disappointed with Michelin in this case.
Both car and rim were fine, but the tire had a 2-3 inch long slit in the outer sidewall and was toast. I was beyond surprised that this would cause a blowout, I did however find the jack and spare to work quite well. These tires are delicate.
Good luck with getting replacements, I was disappointed with Michelin in this case.
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From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Did the OP post the tire brand yet? I'm guessing more than likely they are Continental ProContacts. On the E-Class MB uses either Michelin Pilot MXM4s, Conti ProContact, or Pirelli P6 Four Seasons. The Continentals are NOTORIOUS for having bubbles. They are the ****tiest tires. I have the Pirellis on my 09 with 11,000 miles since August and *knock on wood* no problems yet.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Did the OP post the tire brand yet? I'm guessing more than likely they are Continental ProContacts. On the E-Class MB uses either Michelin Pilot MXM4s, Conti ProContact, or Pirelli P6 Four Seasons. The Continentals are NOTORIOUS for having bubbles. They are the ****tiest tires. I have the Pirellis on my 09 with 11,000 miles since August and *knock on wood* no problems yet.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
I've had Michelins on all of my Benzes and I never had a bubble or a problem with tires (besides a flat once). I can see that you live in Jersey also and I don't have to tell you how bad the roads are we have here. A buddy of mine has some low profile tires on his M3 and he has tire problems all the time. I'm not sure who makes it for his BMW but those tires are not meant for roads like what we have here.
By the way, is it just me or have you noticed since that first major storm in late December there are MASSIVE potholes everywhere in NJ that no one has bothered to fill in. I know we will get more snow, but some of them are really really bad, definately tire/wheel damaging potholes.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: New Jersey
'06 E500 Flint Grey - Charcoal
Yep .. you want potholes ... try the Pulaski Skyway! I used to take that home at night since it's quicker then the turnpike extension but no more ... 78 for the most part is good though.
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Potholes are horrendous this year in NJ/NY
I have noticed the same as it seems they are worse than ever this year. Another reason to go with downsized snow tires. I switched to 17" on my 211 for the winter and get good traction in the snow while getting a bit more sidewall to work with when the potholes come around.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Did the OP post the tire brand yet? I'm guessing more than likely they are Continental ProContacts. On the E-Class MB uses either Michelin Pilot MXM4s, Conti ProContact, or Pirelli P6 Four Seasons. The Continentals are NOTORIOUS for having bubbles. They are the ****tiest tires. I have the Pirellis on my 09 with 11,000 miles since August and *knock on wood* no problems yet.
I run Pilot Sport Ribs on the P-car.
(of course, we can run performance summers here all year around)
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: canada
2006 E 500 4matic W211
I hear you, end of last winter I hit a pothole , damage my rim and ruined the tire, which were brand new Pirelli winter tires.So I have the rim fixed and decide to put my all season back on as it was the end of the winter. 1 week later I hit another pothole
on same rim and the same thing happens. I ran my Conti's this past summer and threw them out when I put my winters on, the conti's were so noisy.
Just bought some 18" wheels for this coming summer and will leave my 17" dedicated to winter set up. I am now looking for a decent set of 18" summers. Tire rack is the way to go from a price perspective, so much to choose from but no idea what will be the best, any ideas?
on same rim and the same thing happens. I ran my Conti's this past summer and threw them out when I put my winters on, the conti's were so noisy.
Just bought some 18" wheels for this coming summer and will leave my 17" dedicated to winter set up. I am now looking for a decent set of 18" summers. Tire rack is the way to go from a price perspective, so much to choose from but no idea what will be the best, any ideas?
