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Ok, now this makes a little more sense. However, I will say the car rides comfortably, the struts are not leaking, and I just had it in to the dealer last week where I complained of road noise (has 100k onnit and I wanted some new bushings before the warranty is up, dammit) and one of the many, many things I had them check was the strut mounts. I did get some free control arms and a tranny mount out of it. Not saying that's not the problem, however right now there's not enough pointing at it to make me drop a grand on four new struts.
I know you didn’t like DFW’s comments but there is really only so much help we can give you. We all own these cars, lots of us with those same rims and some of us with even more fragile ones. Since none of us have this issue - including those of us who live in places with terrible roads - the only rational conclusion is that it is something being done to the car by the driver. This forum would be overran by threads like this if there was something inherently flawed with the W212 and it’s rims.
The ones suggesting suspension things and the like are being extremely nice.
I hope you solve the issue but in the end it might be time for a different car.
New struts and shocks are probably going to be more than a grand. But as another poster said, this looks increasing like user error. Too high air pressure, driver who either doesn't care or drives too fast. Not completely MB's fault and no one else has as many as you do. Sometimes it's not the car that's to blame.
Thanks for all the help guys. I ended up going with the 255s recommended above and have never been happier with the car. There's visibly a lot more "meat" between the road and the rim, but nothing rubs and everything fits. Plus these tires just feel so much better than anything we've had previously, and the car has never been quieter. With the +35 offset wheels I have on it's REALLY close to sticking out from the fenders in front, but the tread stays covered (although the sidewalk bulge does seem to protrude a hair). I hope this helps but even if not, I'll continue buying this size in the future because the car's never been more comfortable and quiet. View straight down from above the fender.
A couple of years ago I blew two tires in the rain at night: puddles masking how deep the pothole was, so both rights got nailed ...clearly had to get towed home! Both right tires blew, both rims got scarred, but dealer said wheels were straight and undamaged (beyond the cosmetic scratches, of course).
My recourse: replaced the factory 245s with 255/40s (factory 18s on a plain jane 2016 e350). Car rides a tad more compliant, and like the OP said more sidewall that protrudes beyond the face of the rim for a bit more protection. Since that blowout, I've kept the tires (nearly religiously as I didn't want a repeat performance) inflated at 36f-37r. Tried it at 39-40psi but disliked the more jarring ride. Been good so far and I'm definitely staying with the 255 choice!
I know lots of you kids ( ) like the 19s, 20s and whatnot, but man, for the life of me, don't know how you guys can stand the ride. BTW, I'm in SoCal where the roads typically aren't nearly as bad as midwest or east coast, but if I could switch to factory 17s even here, I would!
A couple of years ago I blew two tires in the rain at night: puddles masking how deep the pothole was, so both rights got nailed ...clearly had to get towed home! Both right tires blew, both rims got scarred, but dealer said wheels were straight and undamaged (beyond the cosmetic scratches, of course).
My recourse: replaced the factory 245s with 255/40s (factory 18s on a plain jane 2016 e350). Car rides a tad more compliant, and like the OP said more sidewall that protrudes beyond the face of the rim for a bit more protection. Since that blowout, I've kept the tires (nearly religiously as I didn't want a repeat performance) inflated at 36f-37r. Tried it at 39-40psi but disliked the more jarring ride. Been good so far and I'm definitely staying with the 255 choice!
I know lots of you kids ( ) like the 19s, 20s and whatnot, but man, for the life of me, don't know how you guys can stand the ride. BTW, I'm in SoCal where the roads typically aren't nearly as bad as midwest or east coast, but if I could switch to factory 17s even here, I would!
Edward
I have 17" rims on my E550 with BIG brakes in front. Why can't you change to 17" rims?
When I heard that models with bigger engines have bigger calipers, my E250BT accepts 16" wheels just fine.
From what I know - standart E class come with 17" wheels and only sport versions had 18" from factory.
Than with so many options MB offers, you have to do measurement the hard way to confirm.
I don't know but when I test fit them, they wouldn't clear the calipers.
Looking at your picture your rotors look a lot smaller than mine that are 344 mm (13.5") in diameter. It also looks there should be room for 1/2" smaller rim over your calipers.
I guess it depends how they make the rim. In yours there is a step to a smaller diameter I guess for easing the tire installation.
My rims are American Racing Maveric and they fit just fine.
I have 17" rims on my E550 with BIG brakes in front. Why can't you change to 17" rims?
Hi there,
I know this is an old thread and hopefully you may see it or others who have some info to share. how did the 17'' rims work for you on the E550.
I have a 2011 E550 cabrio RWD. I''ve replaced 18's with 17's and comfort tires on a previoius car (e350) and it made huge difference in comfort. that was a 4matic. I'm interested in doing the same to this car to improve comfort but I'm hesitant given the difference betwween 4matic and rwd; and also the fact that the E550 puts out substantially more power. Any thoughts?
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) like the 19s, 20s and whatnot, but man, for the life of me, don't know how you guys can stand the ride. BTW, I'm in SoCal where the roads typically aren't nearly as bad as midwest or east coast, but if I could switch to factory 17s even here, I would!
