Class Action for Vibration problems?
Member
Joined: May 2011
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2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
Really makes you wonder how many owners are dealing with this issue since we are only a very small group on this bulletin. People who complain are heard more than happy customers!
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I would think the actual number of owners experiencing this is very small. There is 3 mile stretch of I-83 where several of the cars I have ever owned has had a slight shimmy in the steering wheel. Only on that stretch of highway, and, only in the southbound lane. Go figure. I hate front end vibrations.
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
I would think the actual number of owners experiencing this is very small. There is 3 mile stretch of I-83 where several of the cars I have ever owned has had a slight shimmy in the steering wheel. Only on that stretch of highway, and, only in the southbound lane. Go figure. I hate front end vibrations.
Dealer, then tireshop keep balancing the wheels, and alignment, and still couldnt fix it. Both told me that the alignment and balance reading were good. All bushing and steering rack were checked and checked, all found to be 10/10 condition.
Took it to pro shop, they used road-force balancing machine (Hunter 9700) and
they told me that the rims werent perfectly round, and that triiger vibration. Sent the rims to Specialty shop to make them round again. Notice that no amount of tire replacement, alignment, or balance can address this type of problem. Funny that balance machine at dealer and tireshop couldnt detect this problem.
Got the rims back, mounted and installed, no more vibration. Car run smooth and stable at all speed. Cost total was 250 bucks.
I guess the car was too sensitive to wheels imperfection
Last edited by zam2000; Apr 18, 2013 at 07:16 PM.
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Joined: May 2013
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Range rover sport
S63AMG model 221 year 2011.
There is no doubt that many S-Class (W221) cars have serious vibration problems (shimmy, steering wheel vibration). The internet and forums are full of hapless owners who have been saddled with high priced lemons. Most unlucky are the ones without warranties. The MB dealerships have tried all kinds of things from all manners of balancing, tire changes, etc, and everything that MBUSA's LI00.90-P-050323 (below) asked them to do.
(LI00.90-P-050323 – 221 except 4MATIC, steering wheel vibrations/shimmy @ highway speeds. Vibration caused by wheel/tire balance/uniformity; torque strut bushing; or steering rack (vehicles with EHPS up to VIN A351230))
Still the vibrations won't go away. It is sad that one gets a cushier ride from a 15K Hyundai than from a $100K S-Class. The service managers have let it slip out that there is a manufacturing defect that MBUSA has not acknowledged. Just search the web and see the tales of woes from people who thought that acquiring a Mercedes S-class should be a dream of luxury driving and not one of having one's insides turn from excessive steering vibration and front shimmy while driving.
My brand new S400 has spent more time in the dealership that in my house. Everything has been done without a solution. Only thing that has happened is a change in what speeds the vibrations start.
What should be our recourse to get Mercedes to acknowledge this problem and deal with it appropriately. Should we recourse to a class action lawsuit? This has been the only way to get a reaction from MBUSA
I am frustrated by my experience. Do you still have the vibration problem? What do you think?
(LI00.90-P-050323 – 221 except 4MATIC, steering wheel vibrations/shimmy @ highway speeds. Vibration caused by wheel/tire balance/uniformity; torque strut bushing; or steering rack (vehicles with EHPS up to VIN A351230))
Still the vibrations won't go away. It is sad that one gets a cushier ride from a 15K Hyundai than from a $100K S-Class. The service managers have let it slip out that there is a manufacturing defect that MBUSA has not acknowledged. Just search the web and see the tales of woes from people who thought that acquiring a Mercedes S-class should be a dream of luxury driving and not one of having one's insides turn from excessive steering vibration and front shimmy while driving.
My brand new S400 has spent more time in the dealership that in my house. Everything has been done without a solution. Only thing that has happened is a change in what speeds the vibrations start.
What should be our recourse to get Mercedes to acknowledge this problem and deal with it appropriately. Should we recourse to a class action lawsuit? This has been the only way to get a reaction from MBUSA
I am frustrated by my experience. Do you still have the vibration problem? What do you think?
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I believe that most of this vibration is caused by bent or out of round wheels or tires. Before going totally crazy, just buy a cheap set of wheels from Tire Rack and have them mounted. If the vibration goes away, you have your answer. This is a lot cheaper than replaceing parts.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
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From: Texas
2015 White/brown Nappa S550, '13 S550 4 matic, 11 S550 sold, '10 S550 Sports BLACK 08 S550 P3 sport
you might wanna explain properly in a new thread exactly what kind of vibes you are having and the type of work done to rectify it.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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2013 S550 SOLD / 2016 S63 SOLD / 2017 GLS450 / 2017 G550 4x4 / 2019 G63 E1 SOLD / 2019 AMG S63 COUPE
The ONLY way to take this vibration off , is to replace the rotors and the brake pads , I replace mine every 3K miles for FREE , I'm going nuts !!!
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Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 105
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From: NYC
2016 S63 4D, 2015 G63, 2017 Macan Turbo, 2001 M5
I have the wheel vibration problem as well. 2011 s550 with 28k miles. I paid the dealer to have an alignment done as I thought that was the problem because it was pulling slightly to the left on highway. Unfortunately, that didn't fix the pull or vibration. I replaced the rims & tires with 20" and Michelin pilot super sports. The car is still at the dealer and supposedly no longer pulls to the left but the vibration is still there, so bent rims are not the problem. Dealer is going to replace the bushings first and steering rack after if the vibration doesn't go away.
Pretty frustrating as my m3 and m5 with 150k miles each have the tightest steering and go straight without vibration. At least I get to use a brand new ml350 loaner with 800 miles on it.....
Pretty frustrating as my m3 and m5 with 150k miles each have the tightest steering and go straight without vibration. At least I get to use a brand new ml350 loaner with 800 miles on it.....
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 105
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From: NYC
2016 S63 4D, 2015 G63, 2017 Macan Turbo, 2001 M5
Well this is annoying. The car is still at the dealer - about 2 weeks now.
I had them install Power Wheels Pro Style 815 rims (20s staggered) with michelin pilot super sports. The vibration is still there. The dealer used a road force balance machine and the wheels/tires seemed perfect, go figure. The dealer decided to throw on another set of oem 19's from another car, and guess what - no vibration! So, clearly the problem seems to be aftermarket rims or wheels, but the problem isnt detected on the road force balance machine. Any suggestions? The dealer replaced suspension bushings and my steering rack. My wheel bearings are fine.
I had them install Power Wheels Pro Style 815 rims (20s staggered) with michelin pilot super sports. The vibration is still there. The dealer used a road force balance machine and the wheels/tires seemed perfect, go figure. The dealer decided to throw on another set of oem 19's from another car, and guess what - no vibration! So, clearly the problem seems to be aftermarket rims or wheels, but the problem isnt detected on the road force balance machine. Any suggestions? The dealer replaced suspension bushings and my steering rack. My wheel bearings are fine.
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2016 C300
Well this is annoying. The car is still at the dealer - about 2 weeks now.
I had them install Power Wheels Pro Style 815 rims (20s staggered) with michelin pilot super sports. The vibration is still there. The dealer used a road force balance machine and the wheels/tires seemed perfect, go figure. The dealer decided to throw on another set of oem 19's from another car, and guess what - no vibration! So, clearly the problem seems to be aftermarket rims or wheels, but the problem isnt detected on the road force balance machine. Any suggestions? The dealer replaced suspension bushings and my steering rack. My wheel bearings are fine.
I had them install Power Wheels Pro Style 815 rims (20s staggered) with michelin pilot super sports. The vibration is still there. The dealer used a road force balance machine and the wheels/tires seemed perfect, go figure. The dealer decided to throw on another set of oem 19's from another car, and guess what - no vibration! So, clearly the problem seems to be aftermarket rims or wheels, but the problem isnt detected on the road force balance machine. Any suggestions? The dealer replaced suspension bushings and my steering rack. My wheel bearings are fine.
When they did the road force balance did they check for run-out? It's not normally a part of the balancing but they can measure for it if you ask. It's a vertical variance in the shape of the wheel, like a bend or a warp. There should be none or very little. Run out can cause vibration problems in an otherwise balanced wheel.
The 815's manufacturer shows a 35mm offset in one set of specs, and 45mm in another. The low offset wheels can cause problems. 45mm shouldn't. Verify yours are 45mm. The SuperSports are great tires and should ride like glass on the right rims.
If those two issues check out and you're still having problems, a set of OEM take offs is your next step. Anything from a W221, a CL or 2008 and up C Class will be a perfect fit.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 105
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From: NYC
2016 S63 4D, 2015 G63, 2017 Macan Turbo, 2001 M5
Thanks for that Mike5215. That's very helpful.
The dealer will check run-out and offset today. I'm actually hoping there is a problem with one of those. I need closure.....
The dealer will check run-out and offset today. I'm actually hoping there is a problem with one of those. I need closure.....
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 105
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From: NYC
2016 S63 4D, 2015 G63, 2017 Macan Turbo, 2001 M5
My service advisor checked the wheels himself and they are perfect (road force & lateral). The wheels are a ET35 offset - stock rims are ET43. They tried another set of OEM wheels that are ET43 offset and no vibration. They will try my ET35 rims now on another car to see if that's the issue. My SA has a hard time believing the issue is caused by 8mm of offset. I'm probably going to get 8mm spacers for one last try.
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2016 C300
My service advisor checked the wheels himself and they are perfect (road force & lateral). The wheels are a ET35 offset - stock rims are ET43. They tried another set of OEM wheels that are ET43 offset and no vibration. They will try my ET35 rims now on another car to see if that's the issue. My SA has a hard time believing the issue is caused by 8mm of offset. I'm probably going to get 8mm spacers for one last try.
True it's 8mm on one wheel, but on the front suspension it's a total of 16mm difference. I rolled the dice myself on a set of aftermarket wheels with a 32mm offset and ended up having to dump them over vibration problems. OEM wheels were an immediate cure.
Since the wheel vendor advertised the fitment as 45mm and sent you 35mm they really should swap them out for you. Otherwise I'd buy a set of 44-46mm 20' wheels and sell the 815's on EBay. They're a correct fit on an E Class and variants. S Class have an unusually high offset so it can be a challenge finding wheels but they're out there.
I ran a set of replica 19"'s with the same face as the 815's (no diamond cut, machined on all facets) in 45mm that cost me $700 and ran perfectly true. The last time I had tires mounted one of those rims took zero weight. The tech took a cell phone pic of it because it was so unusual.
Last edited by Mike5215; Apr 2, 2014 at 12:33 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 105
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From: NYC
2016 S63 4D, 2015 G63, 2017 Macan Turbo, 2001 M5
Thanks Mike. That gives me an idea. I'm going to have the dealer test the OEM wheels with a 10mm spacer which would be the same offset as my aftermarket wheels. If that causes vibration issues, then we know that's the problem. If not, I'm out of ideas.
Where did you get the replica 19s?
Where did you get the replica 19s?
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2016 C300
Thanks Mike. That gives me an idea. I'm going to have the dealer test the OEM wheels with a 10mm spacer which would be the same offset as my aftermarket wheels. If that causes vibration issues, then we know that's the problem. If not, I'm out of ideas.
Where did you get the replica 19s?
Where did you get the replica 19s?
I think you already have your answer...the current replica wheels have to go either way. The issue is the least financially painful way to get a good set of good looking wheels to replace them.
The 19's were a model called MB-527. Several Ebay vendors sell them. You're looking for an S65 AMG replica wheel. It'll probably have a 45mm offset since the knockoffs can't be an exact duplicate.
Here's a 20" staggered S63 replica set in the correct configuration and a 45mm offset for $700: (Link to the Ebay listing below the pic) Vendor has been around awhile.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-GUNMETAL-...00648c&vxp=mtr
I currently run a set of OEM S63 20's and I like the look, but they're a little less aggressive than the S65 style.
Last edited by Mike5215; Apr 2, 2014 at 03:01 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
One thing that most independent Tire shops will miss on these cars is the torque requirements for the wheel lugs. On the W221, the torque is specified at 110 ft-lbs. Most shops only go to 80 lbs, unless they actually look it up.
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Do you think that could cause these vibration issues?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2016 C300
The car is so sensitive to suspension issues that I wouldn't leave any stone unturned, but my expectation is that a dealership tech knows the correct torque settings. Independent shops and tire stores are another matter.
The safest route for me has been to stick to OEM wheels and tires in the correct sizes and offset, avoid dropping (lowering), and keep the alignment in check. I have had good luck with replica wheels as long as the offsets were right. I like the replicas because they look good (and authentic down to the "AMG" stamp) and for $700 a set if I curb them it isn't heart breaking.
The safest route for me has been to stick to OEM wheels and tires in the correct sizes and offset, avoid dropping (lowering), and keep the alignment in check. I have had good luck with replica wheels as long as the offsets were right. I like the replicas because they look good (and authentic down to the "AMG" stamp) and for $700 a set if I curb them it isn't heart breaking.
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2016 C300
Yeah, the 20's just look right on the car.Just for clarification, I have a set of take offs from an S63 that are OEM, not wheels from this vendor who happens to be called "OEM Wheels". But I have run similar replica wheels and I have no problem recommending them. The pics show no AMG stamp on the register and the center cap blurred out but when mine came they had the AMG logos. I think they do that in ads to avoid legal issues.
The wheels looked so authentic that when I took the car to MB for service the tech kept trying to use the MB pilot tool (goes in those little holes on the spokes) and couldn't understand why it didn't fit.
The wheels looked so authentic that when I took the car to MB for service the tech kept trying to use the MB pilot tool (goes in those little holes on the spokes) and couldn't understand why it didn't fit.
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 94
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From: Toronto, Canada
CL550 & CL55 AMG
Wheels
Got delivery of wheels that contrary to earlier discussion with seller require a 3MM spacer plus a hub ring - am I asking for trouble? Turns out this wheel not available in factory correct offset.
Looks good rides ok (no high speed vibration) but my tire guy is adamant that they go back -"this is no Honda"
Please advise - I am way outside my area of expertise.
Thank you very much
Looks good rides ok (no high speed vibration) but my tire guy is adamant that they go back -"this is no Honda"
Please advise - I am way outside my area of expertise.
Thank you very much
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Got delivery of wheels that contrary to earlier discussion with seller require a 3MM spacer plus a hub ring - am I asking for trouble? Turns out this wheel not available in factory correct offset.
Looks good rides ok (no high speed vibration) but my tire guy is adamant that they go back -"this is no Honda"
Please advise - I am way outside my area of expertise.
Thank you very much
Looks good rides ok (no high speed vibration) but my tire guy is adamant that they go back -"this is no Honda"
Please advise - I am way outside my area of expertise.
Thank you very much
I'd get the car on a highway and run it up to 80. If you can release your grip on the steering wheel and it doesn't shake I'd keep 'em.
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 129
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From: JerSey
2010 S550
Yeah, the 20's just look right on the car.Just for clarification, I have a set of take offs from an S63 that are OEM, not wheels from this vendor who happens to be called "OEM Wheels". But I have run similar replica wheels and I have no problem recommending them. The pics show no AMG stamp on the register and the center cap blurred out but when mine came they had the AMG logos. I think they do that in ads to avoid legal issues.
The wheels looked so authentic that when I took the car to MB for service the tech kept trying to use the MB pilot tool (goes in those little holes on the spokes) and couldn't understand why it didn't fit.
The wheels looked so authentic that when I took the car to MB for service the tech kept trying to use the MB pilot tool (goes in those little holes on the spokes) and couldn't understand why it didn't fit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
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2016 C300
When I first got 'em I was kind of meh. They look a little dated and I prefer the S65 OEM wheel. Now that they've been on the car a couple of months I've grown to like them.
If you like the look, grab those replicas. They're quire a bit less than I'd want for the OEM versions were I to sell them.
If you like the look, grab those replicas. They're quire a bit less than I'd want for the OEM versions were I to sell them.
