For our Indianapolis, Dayton and Columbus friends on here, who will all likely agree with the following statement; I-70 between Indy and the Ohio line always has, and always will SUCK!!!

Thankfully i I was able to get to MB dealership in downtown Indy this morning for a new tire. Somehow the rim did not bend, which was a miracle, and the alignment is ok as well (whew considering I spent $250 last Thursday in DC to have it all aligned up and balanced). Will have to get it balanced though when I get home. Car was flawless on our way out last Friday. Heading home tomorrow with a slight vibration (500 miles).

Honestly - if any of you ever find yourself on this stretch of road, be prepared and pay very close attention. There are chunks the size of volleyballs missing, and nearly every overpass bridge is missing 8 inches of connector pieces from the roadway to the bridge. Absolutely the worst damn road I’ve ever travelled down.

$350 to replace tire. My wheel and tire warranty from CNA came through like a champ yet again with 100% coverage!

43 is ridiculous. On certain stretches it feels like your tires are flat. I just did a round trip to Road America last Saturday on that crappy road. Unreal

Yeah I’m not sure how the wheel didn’t get bent either. I guess I hit it right at the strongest spot, maybe the wheel spoke gave it extra strength? It was a section missing in the road that was against the beginning of a small overpass bridge. Hit it going 75mph. Pulled over about a mile down the road to check it out as I could feel something shaky. That’s where I took that picture. Was in Greenfelt Indiana about 20 miles east of Indy. Once I made it to the dealership, they changed the tire in about an hour. I was able to spin the wheels while it was in the air and didn’t see any bends in them.

Drive home yesterday. Definite vibrations in the 60-75 range with worst at 68 mph. Smoothies out at 78mph, and drops off under 60mph. I’m thinking it needs to be rebalanced with road force machine. If that’s all it needs, I will be totally surprised. It was an evil and hard hit. How the tire didn’t blow out immediately is remarkable.

Not too bad on the MPG’s eh? Basically Dayton to DC with heavy heavy rain from Pittsburg onward (couldn’t use cruise control through hilly area due to heavy traffic). Sure did enjoy the 4matic aspect yesterday! White knuckle a few times down I-76!

I know that area! I was on my way from Richmond to Evansville for a round trip. Had a meeting in Evansville. Came back through Bloomington via 69. Road construction much? Ha!

I am the only one in my family tree to not go to IU or Ball State (I defected to warmer climate of NC). Family roots in Washington, Pet’burg area.

I’ve not messed with the Mercedes this week. Parked it in the garage and have been driving the VW instead. Probably going to get the mb to a shop after next week for a balance and full check for anything bent. I honestly just can’t believe that front wheel isn’t damaged. If not, then I don’t think I want to know what the previous owner hit that did bend two of them. Maybe ran over a politician or two (we have plenty to spare around here)!