Crabbing Defect 2018 GLC 43
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Joined: Jul 2018
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Audi S5 Sportback
Crabbing Defect 2018 GLC 43
This last summer, I moved to Michigan from Florida, and decided to trade in my nearly new 2018 S5 Sportback for a vehicle more suited to the climate. I purchased a 2018 GLC 43 with the 21" wheels and summer tires, with plans for winter wheels/tires. Because of family issues and timing, I didn't do the research that I normally do when I purchase a new car; I just pulled the trigger. Within days, and while the outside temperatures were in the 70s, I experienced the loud thumping skidding noise when getting in and out of a parking space. The problem has only gotten worse as the temperatures have dropped. Mercedes is well aware of the problem, and their bulletin indicates the problem occurs at low temperature or WET PAVEMENT. At least on my car, it occurs anytime it's maneuvered in tight turns at low speeds. Mercedes also says there is no solution other than switching out wheels and tires, which they will not cover. Even if they would cover the cost, I've read that it doesn't eliminate the problem, it merely reduces it. I bought the car because I liked the staggered big wheels and low profile tires, that's how it was marketed, so to suggest a fix that only partially alleviates the problem, yet changes the nature of the car is ridiculous.
Having spent over $70K on a vehicle that thumps and bumps in parking lots, making passersby wonder what's the problem, is an embarrassing mistake.
Anyone else want to publicly whine about Mercedes's tire crabbing problem?
Having spent over $70K on a vehicle that thumps and bumps in parking lots, making passersby wonder what's the problem, is an embarrassing mistake.
Anyone else want to publicly whine about Mercedes's tire crabbing problem?
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Lots of posts regarding crabbing/clonking/skipping on the forum, it is even worse in RHD cars, I have changed to 20 inch wheels with winter tyres (At mercedes expense) from 19 inch wheels with summer tyres and it all but eliminates the crabbing.
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2018 glc43 AMG coupe
Yeah it's pretty bad on my 21". I only notice it when inside a particularly tight multi story car park though. Am I happy about it? No, but I'm aware that only full lock causes it, so I try not to do it... and enjoy the rest.
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From: GA
X3 M40i
It's due to the summer tires. A lot of us opted to get Pirelli Scorpion tires which are all season. Since I changed my tires to these, I haven't had any issues. People have said that they wear out fast but I haven't experienced any uneven wear. You can always opt for 20in wheels and you will have a ton of All-season and winter tire options. Summer tires aren't going to do it for you.
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From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
I will say, it is kind of annoying as the weather gets colder here in the Northeast US, but nothing over the top for ME. I'll probably switch out to the Pirelli all season's when the Conti's wear out, anyway. There are a few other issues that I find more annoying than this and with no "fix", but still enjoy the vehicle overall. No vehicle is 100% perfect that I've found.
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From: Bromley, UK
2017 C43 AMG Saloon
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
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From: Boston, Massachusetts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport
Well the staggered setup exists on both the LHD and RHD models since that's how the tires are mounted, so the fact that it occurs on RHD models doesn't rule out this possibility. I was just wondering whether getting smaller all-season tires and switching to a straight mounting setup would solve or at least mitigate the problem.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
It exists on other GLC models than the 43 and 63, the 220D and 250D suffer and they don't have staggered set ups, that's what I meant, I have summer tyres in 19 inch and it is awful, I also have 20 inch (not staggered) with winter tyres and it has disappeared.
Last edited by Philamg; Oct 27, 2018 at 05:18 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2018
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Audi S5 Sportback
Not just in cold weather
This crabbing issue is loud, and physically noticeable even when the temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. It's crazy that Mercedes is suggesting that those of us who bought a vehicle with wide tread, summer vehicles, should accept a "solution" that costs us more money, and doesn't eliminate the problem, but rather, partially mitigates the problem. Mercedes has offered me $1000, which is ridiculous, because when I have to unload this vehicle, I'm going to lose thousands. Next step, a Lemon Law attorney.
Last edited by Emerson11; Nov 1, 2018 at 07:05 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: midwest
Current: 2018 GLC63 Retired: 2015 S550, 2012 cls550
Count me in on being embarrassed by this... My wife said "why does your new car sound like its falling apart already?" Friend said "That sounds horrible, is your car ok?"
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
It's the geometry of the front suspension, too much caster and it tilts the wheels out unevenly at full lock steering, the tires skip and cause that noise. The different tires will slide instead of skipping so you don't notice, but the issue would require a re-design of the front suspension and would alter the way the car drives negatively.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: GA
X3 M40i
It's the geometry of the front suspension, too much caster and it tilts the wheels out unevenly at full lock steering, the tires skip and cause that noise. The different tires will slide instead of skipping so you don't notice, but the issue would require a re-design of the front suspension and would alter the way the car drives negatively.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
The Pirelli tires are also garbage.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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Audi S5 Sportback
Here's the mail and email for Mercedes customer assistance:
1 Mercedes-Benz Dr., Sandy Springs, GA 30328, Attention: Customer Assistance
mbcep@mbusa.com (customer assistance)
The more owners Mercedes hears from the better. I'd suggest emailing and sending a letter using certified mail, so that you'll have proof of timely notification.
While I will be pursuing a cause of action under state "Lemon Laws," given the price of these vehicles, and the dollars lost when we are forced to replace them prematurely, perhaps there is a "class action" avenue available.
1 Mercedes-Benz Dr., Sandy Springs, GA 30328, Attention: Customer Assistance
mbcep@mbusa.com (customer assistance)
The more owners Mercedes hears from the better. I'd suggest emailing and sending a letter using certified mail, so that you'll have proof of timely notification.
While I will be pursuing a cause of action under state "Lemon Laws," given the price of these vehicles, and the dollars lost when we are forced to replace them prematurely, perhaps there is a "class action" avenue available.
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Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
Does anyone out there know what the factory/stock alignment specs for the GLC43/63 should be? 21" summers for me, if that matters. I'm coming up on my first 43 service and want my MB dealer to check the alignment. Would like to have a little knowledge of what they should be going in.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
Does anyone out there know what the factory/stock alignment specs for the GLC43/63 should be? 21" summers for me, if that matters. I'm coming up on my first 43 service and want my MB dealer to check the alignment. Would like to have a little knowledge of what they should be going in.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: GA
X3 M40i
