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?

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.

[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.

"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!


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

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