cyclrder

I am wondering how vulnerable the GL550 AMG wheels are to bending or cracking? cost of replacement?

thanks

43221B

I have 20" wheels. In 15,000 miles I have managed to put a very slight bend in one rim. You can only see it if you are looking for it and it doesn't effect the balance in any way. I can count (3) the number of pot holes I have hit since owning my car. The 21" wheels retail in the $1300 range. They are around $1000 + shipping if you buy them from a dealership that will discount and ship.

cyclrder

hello 43221B... maybe you remember me from the Cayenne vs GL thread?

needless to say.. I am picking up my new (2008 w 20K miles GL550) today.. I am trying to decide if I should buy the $1049 5 year full replacment tire/wheel warranty...

with my current AMG wheels.. I have blown at least 5 tires, 3 cracked rims and numerous bubbles.... NYC potholes.. but someone had told me that with these tires being so big.. they actually don't fall as deep into the pot hole and last better.... (not sure if I buy that one) ...

43221B

Congratulations on your new GL! There is probably some truth to what someone told you about the width helping out with wheel damage. Your history of wheel damage though leads me to think the warranty would be a good investment. I'm not too big on warranties but at least if you got one for your wheels you wouldn't have to worry about dodging pot holes. Your roads are about as rough as they come and they aren't going to be getting better anytime soon.

justthebest

I spent a year dealing with DC potholes and didn't even bend a rim. That said, I agree with 43221B that your history seems to be a vote for the warranty.

jblewis02

I'm just turning in my GL550 having completed a 3 year lease. I was offered the insurance when I took delivery but turned it down as their were so many exclusions I couldn't see it paying. I did not crack and/or bend any rims but did bubble a tire and had to replace that at some ridiculous price. I must qualify the above sentence by saying the stress of constantly looking for and dodging potholes ( I commute 30 miles to work) was so intense that early on in the lease I decided to swap cars with my wife and I only use the car on weekends. Not exactly as I planned. In addition the truck was less then happy on I95 when it rained and even more so in the snow. Also no matter how careful I was and how far I parked from the curb I ended up nicking the rims. I believe the tire/wheel combo to be drop dead beautiful but so everyday impractical that I decided to get a fully optioned 2011 GL450 which I'm picking up this week

cyclrder

jblwis02

ughhhh.... don't tell me about the snow! are they really that bad? (I already know the anwer to the question.... my E500 wagon had dedicated snows... I could go anywhere as long as I didn't hang up the bottom of the car...

how is your new ride? any pics?

jblewis02

Picked up the 2011 450 Sept1. Now have about 800 miles. Initial reaction is that I really miss the extra 50 hp. 550 had huge acceleration from start and even better when you dropped down a gear or two to pass. I'm not sure why but I think the ride of the 550 was more "lively" or maybe "sportier" than the 450. Having said those things I am much more comfortable with the 450 as an everyday rider. All my wheel/tire fears are gone and I can concentrate on enjoying the vehicle, not worrying about it. BTW the new GPS is a much improved product but still not as safisticated as my $199 Garmen.

way2evil

Sounds like you need to learn how to drive. I have had my GL for a year now and have never hit the wheels on any curb. I usually avoid big potholes but dont bother for the little ones, the GL soaks them right up. As far as rain goes, the SUV handles great in the rain with the tires on it, but it could use a different tire for the snow. It tends to float alot in the snow.