Bilalsalim

Hi all, introducing myself here. I'm the owner of a brand new GLE450d 2024 model. While the gestures and functions are great, I just don't feel comfortable with the ride. It is bumpy, jerky and too bouncy. Even on even smooth roads the cockpit shakes and tilts like an old truck. This is by far the most uncomfortable ride I have experienced across any SUV I have driven (and I've driven all major brands). Does anybody else also have this problem? My car dealer says there's nothing wrong as there are no indicators in the dashboard. Really looking for some advice from fellow benz owners.

MJ50

moved to V167 forum...

mikapen

Your tire pressures?

BlueYonder

What size tires?

Bilalsalim

My tyres are 22" and pressure is kept at 280 kPa in the front and 310 kPa in the back, set by my showroom mechanics.

I had previously lowered the pressure to 245 kPa for all tyres. It only made the bumps less jerky but the jerks were still obvious.

wildta

Some of the "jerkiness" could be tramlining. Staggered big diameter wheels can exacerbate tramlining, which is a car’s tendency to follow the longitudinal ruts, grooves, or imperfections in the road, rather than the driver’s steering input. This can make the vehicle feel as if it’s pulling to one side, requiring constant corrections to keep it traveling straight. It’s named after the way trams or trolleys follow their tracks without the need for steering.

While staggered big diameter wheels can give a car a more aggressive look and potentially improve certain aspects of performance, they can also make the car more susceptible to tramlining, especially on roads that are not perfectly smooth. It’s a trade-off that drivers should be aware of when choosing wheel and tire setups for their vehicles.

Bilalsalim

Thanks. This is education for me. I don't know what staggered wheel diameter means either but I assume it means having different wheel sizes for front and back tyres. That is not the case here though. All 4 wheels are the same size and as part of the standard package.

Having said that, could it possibly also be that the wheels are not aligned currently? For a new car?

Potrice

Are you running run-flat tires? At 45 psi like you mentioned, coupled with 22'' wheels, run-flats will make the ride pretty harsh.

wildta

If you have 22" tires, they are the same 22 diameter but the width and sidewall aspect ratios are different: 285/45R22 front, 325/40R22 rear

Yes it's possible it could be out of alignment but unlikely. Ask the technician to check the alignment if you suspect that's the issue.

wildta

45psi is near max load based on fuel door tire pressure guide label. I'd start at the minimum load psi and see how it drives. Also, these 22" tires do not come in run flat options, AFAIK.

mikapen

Ignore your "showroom mechanics" and door post stickers. Use the correct pressures as shown on the gas flap.
You are significantly over pressure. In addition to ride quality, it also affects your tire life.

BlueYonder

The 22" tires have little sidewall to provide cushioning. The high tire pressure exacerbates the problem. Do you have the air suspension? in the US, the 22" tires require the air suspension option. You don't say your location, but you should also check to see if those tires are summer high performance. If so, they won't be safe to drive in temperatures below 45° F or 7° C.

Bilalsalim

Thank you everyone for your inputs. Apologies for the confusion, the wheels are 20". I am based in Zurich, Switzerland. The tyres are a summer package meaning that I will have to get another set for winter.

As mentioned earlier, I did try a lower air pressure at about 245 kPa. On the gas inlet door the recommended pressure is about 230 kPa with normal load but higher for heavier load. The ride did become a bit smoother but was still jerky. It also started banking on turns. Also, the car is a 7 seater and I suspect that Airmatic suspension does not work well with hybrid and 7 seater versions.

mykel79

I guess the question is: did you do a test drive before you bought the car? Did it drive differently then? If it did, then there is hope that you can get your car to drive the same.
I'm also in Europe, have 20" wheels with a 7-seater version and air suspension. On bumpy roads there is a lot of wobble. On smooth roads it rides like a dream, you don't feel the speed at all. From what I drove in Switzerland, the roads all seemed in excellent condition, so I guess you're not driving over bumpy roads.

Bilalsalim

Hi Mykel79, when we test drove, it was the 2023 model and you normally don't feel intricate movements in a short ride. For my car, on smooth roads is where I have the issue. It senses the smallest unevenness and moves the cockpit. My Hyundai Santa Fe, 2020 model, also a 7 seater, was smoother.

mykel79

Maybe you could do another test drive now that you know what to look for? Just to compare another car. I don't think the 7 seat option makes a big difference. The airmatic will matter, so you'd have to drive a car that also has it.

I previously had a Volvo XC90 with air suspension and the Mercedes drives much smoother.

mikapen

It does sound like tramlining. A characteristic of wide tires. Different inflation pressures can help.