GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Screaming tire noise ! Anyone Else ?

Old Jul 1, 2011 | 11:27 AM
  #1  
201mph's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Lake Norman, NC
C63, GL450, Panamera S, lots of little British leakers
Angry Screaming tire noise ! Anyone Else ?

15k on our '11 GL450, and the OE Pirelli Scorpions are screaming their way down the highway. Didnt have this problem on our '08 GL.


The outer tread blocks on all four tires have become scallopped, and they sound like snow tires or off-road tires... tires are only worn to 6/32 depth.


No cure for it except to replace tires and re-align.


Anyone else have this problem? If so, was it attributed to:

1. alignment? Caster, camber or toe-in ?

2. suspension compliance? Softness of bushings, or factory geometry?

Thanks.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2011 | 01:55 PM
  #2  
alx's Avatar
alx
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
Originally Posted by 201mph
15k on our '11 GL450, and the OE Pirelli Scorpions are screaming their way down the highway. Didnt have this problem on our '08 GL.


The outer tread blocks on all four tires have become scallopped, and they sound like snow tires or off-road tires... tires are only worn to 6/32 depth.


No cure for it except to replace tires and re-align.


Anyone else have this problem? If so, was it attributed to:

1. alignment? Caster, camber or toe-in ?

2. suspension compliance? Softness of bushings, or factory geometry?

Thanks.
do not try to solve non-existent problems.

if all four tires are cupped on the outside it is how you drive, or your psi is incorrect.

if i was you i would check tire pressure (32 on all four for 19" - do not overinflate the rears- this is only if fully loaded). if pressure is good, remount tires so cupped side is inside and have the alignment checked. caster, camber and toe-in are all interrelated so if one is off, the others will be off too.

also, obvious, but worth mentioning- do not drive in the raised suspension position.

my vote goes for how you drive though... this is a big truck- do not take corners fast... or you can- but it will cost you.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2011 | 03:57 PM
  #3  
thebishman's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 1,007
From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
Only managed to get 19K miles out of the Pirellis before I had to replace them due to excessive road noise. They had tread still above the wear indicators. No weird tread wear however. Agree you need to have the alignment checked and if you don't do this already, make sure to check the psi at least monthly.
Bish
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2011 | 11:23 AM
  #4  
201mph's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Lake Norman, NC
C63, GL450, Panamera S, lots of little British leakers
Thanks Bish... when I pressed the dealer service mgr, he admitted that yours and my complaint is not uncommon.

I suspect that the factory suspension bushings are on the soft side... under braking or cornering, they can deflect enough that the alignment is compromised and uneven tire wear can result. The "screaming" noise occurs as the uneven tread edges catch the air at speed... i.e. snow tires do this from new.

Alx.. if the problem were non-existant, I wouldnt be asking. You'll find that on many cars, static caster, camber and toe are all set independently. Agreed that frequent check of air pressure and alignment are a good idea... improves ride, handling, and tire life.
Reply

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

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:21 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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