Are E550 Tires Overly Stiff?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Are E550 Tires Overly Stiff?
Sorry if this is a newbie question but are the W212 E550 tires too stiff? Reason I ask is because the ride is just so much more harsh than my W211 was. Has anyone been able to do something to circumvent this?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I think that it has more to do with the airmatic suspension than anything else. From what I understand, there used to be three settings, now only two. I went to 17 inch rims with Michelin tires and the ride is still harsh over rough roads. I do believe that the Michelins are all weather sport tires and have somewhat stiff sidewalls which no doubt add to the harshness. I'm not sure if there is a tire that would make a big difference or not. Regards. Ned.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Welcome to the W212 club, bud. 
Unfortunately, as M-B tries to pander the E to be "youthful", whilst being anything but a Sports Car (lots of body lean in turns, still, as it should be as that yields class leading comfort characteristics on smooth roads), they seem to have allowed lots of harshness to be felt over rough roads.
From my gatherings, the Airmatic doesn't even help this (maybe makes it worse over very hard roads, i.e less travel)?
Unfortunately, as M-B tries to pander the E to be "youthful", whilst being anything but a Sports Car (lots of body lean in turns, still, as it should be as that yields class leading comfort characteristics on smooth roads), they seem to have allowed lots of harshness to be felt over rough roads.
From my gatherings, the Airmatic doesn't even help this (maybe makes it worse over very hard roads, i.e less travel)?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Paradise
w212 E550
i've been going through the same speed bumps for years. when i had my bmw, i didn't have to go slow like i have my car lowered. but not anymore in the w212. i first thought due to the larger wheels and lower profile tires but now as you guys said, could be the airmatic. guess we have to live with it.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Placitas, NM
E550
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
I can't speak for the airmatic, but I think the ride balance of my E350 is perfect.
If I ever start thinking it is harsh, I have only to drive my wife's Volvo wagon. Now that is a pile driver!
Regards,
Don
If I ever start thinking it is harsh, I have only to drive my wife's Volvo wagon. Now that is a pile driver!
Regards,
Don
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
My Luxury 2011 Bluetec has a fantastic ride and excellent compliance over bumps. I have notice that now that I have over 30k miles, the cornering is flatter than when new. I have no complaints in the ride/handling department.
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