Hit pot hole
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Joined: Mar 2026
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2022 e450
Hit pot hole
I have 2022 e450 I recently purchased as cpo.
car has airmatic suspension with 18” wheels on rft.
was driving freeway last week, hit pot hole. There was loud thud. I thought for sure I damaged tire/wheel.
I felt slight vibration in steering wheel driving home but did not get low tire pressure alert.
got home, looked at tire and wheel and surprisingly all looks ok. Still bothered by slight vibration at steering wheel at higher speeds (I’m sensitive to these things) so took it to local Mercedes dealer.
they said car is ok and they couldn’t replicate my concerns when they test drove the car. I’ve read hitting pot hole can throw alignment off. I asked if alignment was needed and they said no.
driving to work today, still feel slight vibration at steering wheel and seat that I don’t think was there before I hit pot hole. It bothers me.
am I just imaging things? Should I take it back to the dealer? Maybe take it to Indy shop or tire shop as dealer is blowing this off?
car has airmatic suspension with 18” wheels on rft.
was driving freeway last week, hit pot hole. There was loud thud. I thought for sure I damaged tire/wheel.
I felt slight vibration in steering wheel driving home but did not get low tire pressure alert.
got home, looked at tire and wheel and surprisingly all looks ok. Still bothered by slight vibration at steering wheel at higher speeds (I’m sensitive to these things) so took it to local Mercedes dealer.
they said car is ok and they couldn’t replicate my concerns when they test drove the car. I’ve read hitting pot hole can throw alignment off. I asked if alignment was needed and they said no.
driving to work today, still feel slight vibration at steering wheel and seat that I don’t think was there before I hit pot hole. It bothers me.
am I just imaging things? Should I take it back to the dealer? Maybe take it to Indy shop or tire shop as dealer is blowing this off?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 599
Likes: 237
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Go to a good tire shop for a road force balance. If that does not fix it you may have bent wheel or some other issue a good tire shop should find. The dealer is not expert on everything. I have the same car and it is loud when you hit something. Non runflat tires are quieter and more comfortable.
Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 214
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
2020 E450 4matic wagon
I have chased this type of squawk on three different vehicles.
Last edited by mercerized; Mar 19, 2026 at 12:35 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 170
Likes: 49
2017 M-B E400 4Matic Wagon AMG-Line
Agree with the others. You likely have a bent wheel. When I bought my 2017 wagon, I took it to an Indy shop that specializes in M-B. The owner said I was driving on 4 stop signs. Had the wheels straightened for $150 (US) per wheel. Not perfect but pretty damn close. AMG wheels are notorious for being soft and easy to damage.
Also agree on road force balancing. Most tire shops throw them on their computerized balancer and get it "close". My indy mechanic recommended road force balancing and he can't do that. He told me the standard balancing machines like he has are designed for minivans and SUVs.
Also agree on road force balancing. Most tire shops throw them on their computerized balancer and get it "close". My indy mechanic recommended road force balancing and he can't do that. He told me the standard balancing machines like he has are designed for minivans and SUVs.
