Larger sidewall tire on W212? (Sick of bent rims)




Also bear in mind about the rims - outer side has all the cast with bolt holes, when inner is just plain ring.
In my long years of driving - I bent only 1 rim in my life. That was in Los Angeles traffic, when being distracted - I had to do panic braking while going into shoulder. That's where pothole was and made big lip on my 16" rim. Funny that I did not notice any problem in driving, so did not see the lip till I come to my destination 150 miles later. Good tire did not bubble.





At least I know where it is and mostly avoid it. This road was recently repaved and they missed this one entirely.
Here's a good one on Mockingbird Lane, downtown Dallas. Mockingbird is the main drag leading to Love Field Airport. Not a place to expect potholes, but there are dozens on this road.
Can't avoid this one without changing lanes, or tip-toeing through it. This is where allowing plenty of distance ahead to spot these helps.
Last edited by DFWdude; Mar 2, 2020 at 06:04 PM.




In 3 years of ownership I have replaced 13 rims. I am tired of driving like I am in a slalom around every single bump and dip in the road.
Bought several OEM rims. Bent them all.
Bought aftermarket "like OEM" replacements thinking they'd be cheaper and possibly stronger. They weren't bad, but instead of bending they just cracked. And some still bent.
A month ago I bought a set of "semi-forged" aftermarket rims. Didn't want to do it but I had to bite the bullet so to speak, and everything I'd read told me they'd be stronger. Within two weeks two more of them were bent.
I'm getting tired of a $300 monthly expense on rims. It's almost like having a car payment.
So last ditch thought, has anyone put a tire on with a taller sidewall, to maybe insulate the rims from the road a little? I'm stuck with these aftermarket rims, since I made the investment. Would a 245/50R18 fit?
And before you say it's my driving, I'd like to point out my '09 Audi is on 19" rims with 35 series tires and still has every single one of its' original 11-year-old rims without a wobble or shimmy at all. And if I google the curb weights, they're nearly identical (the Audi is actually slightly heavier!) The mechanic in me tells me it's impossible that it's something with the car itself, but it's something with the car itself.
Thoughts?
Nothing like the Poconos for potholes. Lived there for years before moving to California
Last edited by Alandf; Mar 2, 2020 at 06:18 PM. Reason: added fact
The Best of Mercedes & AMG













It sounds like wifey needs to be taught to leave more space in front so she can watch for potholes...
...rather than ogle her Smart phone, or scanning the pedestrians watching her drive by in her Mercedes-Benz.
These rims don't bend by themselves. Sorry...
Last edited by DFWdude; Mar 3, 2020 at 04:24 PM.





Celebrating 46th anniversary this July.
Last edited by DFWdude; Mar 5, 2020 at 07:00 AM.









Last edited by DFWdude; Mar 3, 2020 at 04:38 PM.




The phenomena even made a scene in old movie about carrying nitrogliceryna to remote mine.








Since you are getting some rebound, your kidneys may never feel it but when the travel locks up before fully extending, I can see this exerting immense impact on a wheel if it happens when you're going over a pothole. This is just my theory but given that it has caused numerous strut mount blowouts, I think it's a viable one.


