GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

2015 GL450 and Potholes, etc.

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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 09:00 AM
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E350 4MATIC
2015 GL450 and Potholes, etc.

Hi, all. Last year, we bought an E sedan with the low profile 18" AMG wheels, and we needed 2 tire replacements from hitting the lousy potholes of NYC. One was a blowout and the other pothole caused a sidewall bubble. We got the tire/wheel protection plan but what a hassle. We're always scanning the roads for potholes, but wife is worry about driving it for another winter, and wants to trade it for a GL450. I'm inclined to just get her the standard 19" wheel/tire, but personally love the look of the Appearance Package with the 20" wheels.

That said, I don't want to repeat the same mistake of getting a vehicle with tires that can't handle day to day driving in NYC without worry of a tire blowing out from hitting a pothole.

Dealer said tire damage from potholes, etc. on the ML and GLs are rare, but I wonder. Would hate to take a bath on the E on trade to end up with the same problem. I would love get thoughts from folks with either the 19" or 20" on the GL who drive regularly on roads with potholes. etc. Many thanks.
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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 09:11 AM
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I also live in New York. My previous 2 GLs had 20" wheels. Current has 19". I like the soft ride of 19" wheels and IMO they look better than current 20", but it's a matter of personal choice. I've never had any issues with any of tires/rims driving in NY in our GL.
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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 09:14 AM
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I wouldn't worry about that much.
I've driven the 19 inch almost 60,000 km on Chinese roads without damage ti the tires. I bet most roads here would count as off-road in NYC.
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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 09:14 AM
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2015 GL450
About a month ago, I traded my E550 with AMG wheels for a GL450 with appearance. Night and day difference. In the E, I too was always scanning for potholes, even setting location reminders on my phone for particularly bad ones. I lost a few tires. In the GL, I just drive over the same spots I used to avoid! It's so much more relaxing. I've had the truck only a month, but I know the experience will be very different.
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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 11:33 AM
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Thanks guys for the reassurance. Everytime I drive the FDR and BQE in the E sedan, I cringe so I'm glad to hear the GL will be a different experience, even with the 20".

A related question - are the 20" in the Appearance package run flats?

For me, another consideration is the replacement cost of 19" vs 20" tires. From what I've read, with the GLs, I've read that some drivers had had to replace the tires before their 3 year lease is up, so cost of the tires factor in. I'm only doing a 10K/3yr lease but see some posters saying they had to replace tires after 20K miles.

Lastly, for you NY drivers of GLs, would you recommend the tire/wheel protection?
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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 01:26 PM
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2013 GL450...2 of them were near bald after 23k miles...and still another 12 months left to go on lease, so had to replace. MB dealer has special for $1200 installed/balanced/alignment, so not a bad deal.
PL
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Old Dec 11, 2014 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by myalias-1234
A related question - are the 20" in the Appearance package run flats?

No Run flats on any of GL models anymore (thank god)

Lastly, for you NY drivers of GLs, would you recommend the tire/wheel protection?

No.
Above....

Last edited by aeggroup; Dec 12, 2014 at 02:51 PM.
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