GLE Wheel and Tire Protection Necessary?
 

Coming from a C450 AMG Sport where I was glad I got the wheel and tire protection. 6 tires got bubbles and all replaced. 2 cracked rims too.

Do do you think it will be necessary on a GLE350?

I don't know what they're charging, but I have found that with the last two vehicles I purchased (Lexus RX350 and Infiniti QX60, ) I bought the tire/wheel protection for $500, and more than made my money back on both. I got flats on two separate occasions and a chipped rim with the Infiniti, and a flat tire and raked rim with the Lexus. I got all four wheels replaced on both vehicles and each of the tires replaced after each incident. Saved thousands.

I am definitely considering getting that if its around $500. On my current car, in 3 years I had two flats, had to replace one brand new tire due to sidewall puncture, had to replace one rim due to a puncture, and all 4 of my rims are scuffed. And I am being extra careful, this is what NYC roads are like unfortunately.

It’s $1,400 for 60 months.

That's pretty steep

Can you negotiate it? Mine were originally priced at $1000 for 48 months and I got them down to $500.

I probably could’ve negotiated it down to $1000 but I wasn’t in the mood to do any more negotiating.

I hear that. Honestly, even at $1,400, there’s a pretty decent chance you come out ahead over the course of five years.

True. I had already negotiated the extended warranty and the prepaid maintenance service. He was hounding me for the paint protectant and upholstery and everything else. I was ready to get the hell out of there.

Yeah, purchasing a car can really sometimes be a test of endurance. You agree to a price on the car and it takes another four hours to get out of there. Drives my wife nuts. I get stubborn and keep going back and forth with them.

I'm curious, did you buy the paint protectant? Anyone know if it's worth it?

Wheel/tire insurance
 

The tires on the GLE are quite a bit larger in section than the C Class ones. It somewhat depends somewhat on which wheel option you get. I found with the 21" AMG wheels on my GLE the rears have quite a bit of curb protection (i.e. the tires protrude beyond the rim face ~1/2"), but the fronts virtually none. I usually self-insure on that kind of thing but our roads and driving conditions are pretty good. You might want to go with that option.

No. I only took the extended warranty and prepaid maintenance. Have to draw the line somewhere.

As mine is a lease I just took the prepaid maintenance. Been lucky on turn in and never paid a additional fee. Thought my luck would run out on the last one, two chips in the windshield and 4 tires just a touch under the limit. No charge!!! I run winter tires on separate rims 5 months a year.

ADP items
 

[QUOTE=bigpern23;7780593I'm curious, did you buy the paint protectant? Anyone know if it's worth it?[/QUOTE]
The "protection" items are almost always a rip off for Additional Dealer Profit. They make unsupported claims and if you really do want the item, you can find it less expensively from detail shops.

Thats about what I figured. And I generally keep my cars only about 5-7 years anyway, so whatever benefits the paint protection may have would likely not noticeably take effect during my ownership.

Are you protected?
 

"Paint protection" is typically a polymer or "ceramic" sealant. It will last longer than carnauba wax, but is in no way a "lifetime" product as some claim. It can also make repairs difficult (must repaint a whole panel).

MB tire and wheel coverage DOES NOT cover replacements of alloy wheels! Just cosmetic repair!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...49e1a63a1b.jpg
Only cosmetic repair!

Can I only get tire and wheel protection from the dealer where I bought the car? They are asking me for almost $3000 for a 60-month term which I think is steep.

Any suggestions on how else I can get cheaper protection.

Thanks

Tire & wheel protection
 

I don't have a precise answer, but I would guess any dealer could provide it. Call or email the Finance guys at other dealers.

It’s a rip-off