E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

tread depth difference an issue on 4MATIC?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 06:33 PM
  #1  
E550rocks's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
e550
tread depth difference an issue on 4MATIC?

2010 E550 4MATIC - Rear tires were making noise. Worn unevenly. Dealership replaced two rear tires - same manufacturer as the front tires, but different model - (both back tires are the same make and model - some confusion on this in the thread) so different tread patterns from the front tires to the back tires - seems as though this was not correct, if anyone can speak to this issue as well as my question(s) below. I asked dealership if all 4 needed replaced at the same time. They said no. Go to private Mercedes mechanic who tells me front tires are 6/32 tread depth, rear tires are 10/32 tread depth and that with the 4MATIC, all four tires need changed at the same time since all-wheel drive on Mercedes is not very forgiving with different tread depths and this stresses the all-wheel drive system and could cause failure to the tune of $6-7K. Any thoughts on this? True, not true? Did the dealership screw up royally by not replacing all 4 tires? Thank you!

Last edited by E550rocks; Sep 25, 2018 at 08:46 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 06:59 PM
  #2  
RA72825's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
The 4Matic system can handle it. If you’re worried about it put 10# less air in the new rears.

^ ok, that is a joke but you get the drift.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 07:01 PM
  #3  
95viper's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 909
Likes: 64
2007 cls550
Not true about the tread depth difference being an issue. Fronts can be changed at different intervals.

However, total BS that they gave you two different rear tires. I hope you didn’t pay for it.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 07:04 PM
  #4  
E550rocks's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
e550
Thank you so much. And, I didn't think about tire pressure differences...it all sounded a bit pushy to me. The only ones you can trust are your mbworld.org pals. Rock on!
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 07:05 PM
  #5  
E550rocks's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
e550
Thank you for your quick reply and your input! It all sounded a little pushy and a bit dramatic...glad to be able to come to the forum of friends and get the true scoop! Cheers!
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 07:11 PM
  #6  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,272
Likes: 3,915
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Welcome.

Another something to consider is MB's are heavy, tire eating machines.........that look really good while eating tires
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2018 | 08:31 PM
  #7  
Mud's Avatar
Mud
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 347
2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
I really surprised about the 2 different rear tires - doesn't speak too well about the dealer. Regardless if they replaced them under warranty.


Reply
Old Sep 26, 2018 | 05:51 PM
  #8  
thefisch's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 393
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
No issue if rear axle tires have more or less tread left than front. Bigger issue is what caused the uneven wear. Did you get an alignment done to correct any issues?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 26, 2018 | 07:04 PM
  #9  
Lolxa's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 13
2010 Mercedes E550 4matic Sport P2, Driver Assistant, Night Vision, Parktronic and Panorama Sunroof
I was driving on 2 rear legally bald tires and 2 fronts that had about 25% tread left.I drove like this for an entire winter. 2010 4matic E550. I got new tires last year. Michelin Pilot Sport 3 A/S+
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2018 | 07:22 PM
  #10  
DFWdude's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,828
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Mercedes Benzs have hundreds if not thousands of sensors. But a tread depth measuring sensor (and associated software) is not one of them.

So, there is no way a 4-matic vehicle can measure differences in performances between axles, or compensate its performance... based on the physical capabilities and limitations of the tires themselves. i.e., traction control sensors work only to maintain traction, regardless of tire specs between axles.

The private mechanic does not know what he is talking about...

Last edited by DFWdude; Sep 26, 2018 at 07:28 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2018 | 09:07 PM
  #11  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,797
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Rule of thumb says MB allows for 4% difference between tires rpm before it start dashboard discoteque.
Surprisingly 6 mm thread difference will not come to 4%. Than usually first thing to notice is CC kicking off at speeds above 60 mph.
New tires on front or rear is whole other dispute.
Michelin advise putting new tires on the rear.
In my younger years I was driving in 4-seasons, where tire thread played big role.
So 1 time I put new tires on rear and wear on front.
For next couple of days, driving on slooshy show I could not control my car on turns and each braking was ending with my back sweating.
Next day I put new tires on front and even moving the car from start was a bit harder, the turning and braking was dependable.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:30 PM.

story-0
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-1
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-5
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE
story-9
Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-Maybach has refreshed the S-Class with new lighting signatures, AI-driven software, and even more elaborate rear-seat luxury.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-25 18:01:51


VIEW MORE