Ride Quality Issues '15 E250BTC Luxury Pkg
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 37
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From: Atlanta, GA
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino
Ride Quality Issues '15 E250BTC Luxury Pkg
Hi All
I have a 2015 E250 Bluetec with the 167 Luxury Pkg, and just over 10k miles. This is my 4th W212 sedan, the first of the "facelifted" generation. All of the previous W212's were Sport Pkg cars.
My issue is that this car seems to ride more roughly than any of the others. I seem to feel EVERY SINGLE IMPERFECTION ON THE ROAD! Every bump, crack in the road, etc.... All is stock, except for a chrome wheel swap (same wheels) that was done by a very reputable shop here in L.A. The car has Bridgestone runflats.
Shouldn't a "Luxury" ride even softer?
Any ideas? Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have a 2015 E250 Bluetec with the 167 Luxury Pkg, and just over 10k miles. This is my 4th W212 sedan, the first of the "facelifted" generation. All of the previous W212's were Sport Pkg cars.
My issue is that this car seems to ride more roughly than any of the others. I seem to feel EVERY SINGLE IMPERFECTION ON THE ROAD! Every bump, crack in the road, etc.... All is stock, except for a chrome wheel swap (same wheels) that was done by a very reputable shop here in L.A. The car has Bridgestone runflats.
Shouldn't a "Luxury" ride even softer?
Any ideas? Any help is greatly appreciated.
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Joined: Aug 2015
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2014 MB E25 4Matic and 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser
ride quality
I too find my 2014 BT luxury to ride harder than I expected
This is especially true at low speeds (parking lot speed bumps in particular) and really not an issue at all at highway speeds.
After putting 20k on it the ride doesn't bother me as much as it did. I can't believe I'm writing that about a car this expensive.
I still think a major part of the problem is the tires and debate going back to traditional tires when I replace current. Clearly there are tradeoffs (like no spare) but sometimes I think it's worth it.
Good luck!
Tim.
This is especially true at low speeds (parking lot speed bumps in particular) and really not an issue at all at highway speeds.
After putting 20k on it the ride doesn't bother me as much as it did. I can't believe I'm writing that about a car this expensive.
I still think a major part of the problem is the tires and debate going back to traditional tires when I replace current. Clearly there are tradeoffs (like no spare) but sometimes I think it's worth it.
Good luck!
Tim.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 37
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From: Atlanta, GA
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino
I too find my 2014 BT luxury to ride harder than I expected
This is especially true at low speeds (parking lot speed bumps in particular) and really not an issue at all at highway speeds.
After putting 20k on it the ride doesn't bother me as much as it did. I can't believe I'm writing that about a car this expensive.
I still think a major part of the problem is the tires and debate going back to traditional tires when I replace current. Clearly there are tradeoffs (like no spare) but sometimes I think it's worth it.
Good luck!
Tim.
This is especially true at low speeds (parking lot speed bumps in particular) and really not an issue at all at highway speeds.
After putting 20k on it the ride doesn't bother me as much as it did. I can't believe I'm writing that about a car this expensive.
I still think a major part of the problem is the tires and debate going back to traditional tires when I replace current. Clearly there are tradeoffs (like no spare) but sometimes I think it's worth it.
Good luck!
Tim.
Thank you for the response!
The only issue I have is that my 2011 E350BTC with Sport Pkg had the same tires and seemed to handle bumps better.... Even with 40k+ miles....
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
For Canada, Mercedes does NOT supply RFTs for the E Class; instead, we get all seasons + TireFit Kit (compressor + goop). I would suggest that the ride of your car could be improved by swapping the RFTs for non-RFTs. Having had various BMWs with RFTs and having driven a new W205-C400 with RFTs, I would not wish to have them on my car.
RFTs are expensive to replace, virtually impossible to patch and they compromise ride quality.
Last edited by DerekACS; Nov 20, 2015 at 05:00 PM.
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
I would guess it is the run flats - while I have never driven a Mercedes with run flats I have driven many BMWs with them - and they all rode hard.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Massachusetts
E350 4matic
I had a 2010 e350 luxury model with non run flats and now a 2014 e350 with Bridgestone run flats. The ride quality you describe is my only regret about trading up. It does seem to react to every little crack in the pavement. Also with mine, the road noise is much more pronounced. I mentioned this to my local Indy mechanic (certified by Mercedes) and he told me that they stiffened up the suspension since my 2010.
As for the run flats, they are a miserable tire in my opinion and I will change them out soon and I will NEVER take delivery on another car that is equipped with them.
As for the run flats, they are a miserable tire in my opinion and I will change them out soon and I will NEVER take delivery on another car that is equipped with them.
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From: Atlanta, GA
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino
Interesting comment ! I also drive a 2015 E250BT 4Matic with Sport Package; I previously drove a 2013 E350BT, also with Sport Package.. Both cars were equipped with non-RFTs (Conti ProContact 245/40R18). The 2015 E250BT4M rides slightly better than the 2013 E350BT.
For Canada, Mercedes does NOT supply RFTs for the E Class; instead, we get all seasons + TireFit Kit (compressor + goop). I would suggest that the ride of your car could be improved by swapping the RFTs for non-RFTs. Having had various BMWs with RFTs and having driven a new W205-C400 with RFTs, I would not wish to have them on my car.
RFTs are expensive to replace, virtually impossible to patch and they compromise ride quality.
For Canada, Mercedes does NOT supply RFTs for the E Class; instead, we get all seasons + TireFit Kit (compressor + goop). I would suggest that the ride of your car could be improved by swapping the RFTs for non-RFTs. Having had various BMWs with RFTs and having driven a new W205-C400 with RFTs, I would not wish to have them on my car.
RFTs are expensive to replace, virtually impossible to patch and they compromise ride quality.
Thank you for the responses!
I suppose it could be the run flats, however, my '11 E350BTC had the exact same tires and I had no complaints in 40k+ miles.
Perhaps these are defective? If so, is there a chance of any recourse with Bridgestone? Maybe a prorated discount on a new set?
It REALLY makes the car miserable to drive.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Probably a combination of the wheels, tire brand and run-flats. How did the car ride before you swapped the wheels? Bridgestone may have changed the tires since your 2011 ones.
I have always found Michellin tires to be noisy and harsh riding and never purchase them as replacements.
This may be too simple, but what about the tire pressures?
Incidentally, to my knowledge there is no such thing as a Mercedes-Benz certified independent mechanic. He may have worked for a dealership and been certified then, but he is no longer receiving M-B training, updates, access to M-B information, etc. Therefore no longer "
certified."
I have always found Michellin tires to be noisy and harsh riding and never purchase them as replacements.
This may be too simple, but what about the tire pressures?
Incidentally, to my knowledge there is no such thing as a Mercedes-Benz certified independent mechanic. He may have worked for a dealership and been certified then, but he is no longer receiving M-B training, updates, access to M-B information, etc. Therefore no longer "
certified."
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 37
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From: Atlanta, GA
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino
Probably a combination of the wheels, tire brand and run-flats. How did the car ride before you swapped the wheels? Bridgestone may have changed the tires since your 2011 ones.
I have always found Michellin tires to be noisy and harsh riding and never purchase them as replacements.
This may be too simple, but what about the tire pressures?
Incidentally, to my knowledge there is no such thing as a Mercedes-Benz certified independent mechanic. He may have worked for a dealership and been certified then, but he is no longer receiving M-B training, updates, access to M-B information, etc. Therefore no longer "
certified."
I have always found Michellin tires to be noisy and harsh riding and never purchase them as replacements.
This may be too simple, but what about the tire pressures?
Incidentally, to my knowledge there is no such thing as a Mercedes-Benz certified independent mechanic. He may have worked for a dealership and been certified then, but he is no longer receiving M-B training, updates, access to M-B information, etc. Therefore no longer "
certified."
I agree that most likely Bridgestone has changed something with this tire, I'm leaning towards replacement.
I will most likely go to non RF's and the MB tirefit and pump. The only question I have is will it damage wheel as Fix-A-Flat does if I have to use it?
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
As for the tire goop, I would suggest that you purchase the Mercedes TireFit kit; it will not damage your wheel or tire after use.
Thread Starter
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From: Atlanta, GA
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino
IF you decide to go with non-RFTs, do NOT buy Pirelli PZero all seasons. I had these tires on my 2015 E250BT for a few months and got rid of them because they howl loudly between 60 - 100 kph (35-60 mph). The Conti ProContacts are much quieter.
As for the tire goop, I would suggest that you purchase the Mercedes TireFit kit; it will not damage your wheel or tire after use.
As for the tire goop, I would suggest that you purchase the Mercedes TireFit kit; it will not damage your wheel or tire after use.
How about Michelin Primacy MXM? Are the Conti's a better choice?
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
According to www.tirerack.com , the Conti PureContact/EcoPlus are the highest rated "Grand Touring All Seasons" of three potential tires in 17" size for your car: Conti ProContact, Conti Pure Contact/EcoPlus and Michelin Primacy MXM4.
If the Michelins were made in 245/40R18" size and MO rated, I think I would have chosen them over the Conti ProContact. However, since my MB dealer was making the switch @ minimal cost to me, they would only install MO (Mercedes Original) approved tires in order to be 'in compliance' with corporate policy. That limited my choice to Conti ProContact as replacement tires for the Pirelli PZeros.
If the Michelins were made in 245/40R18" size and MO rated, I think I would have chosen them over the Conti ProContact. However, since my MB dealer was making the switch @ minimal cost to me, they would only install MO (Mercedes Original) approved tires in order to be 'in compliance' with corporate policy. That limited my choice to Conti ProContact as replacement tires for the Pirelli PZeros.
