BENT RIMS
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 308
Likes: 76
2024 E350
If an S-Class originally came with 19" or 20" wheels/tires and you decide you want to downsize to 18" do you need to have anything reprogrammed in the car? I know the MPH will be off and it might also affect the stability control system if you change tire sizes. Do you have to go into a secret settings menu in the car to change the tire size to 18"? If you know how to do this please share.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2015 S550 (W22)
I too have been experiencing challenges with bent rims. Also, the lack of a spare is an issue too. The rims/tire issue is the only part of my W22 ownership experience that I don't enjoy.
I like the idea of having a Space Saving Wheel/Tire. Does anyone have a lead as to where I can purchase one?
I like the idea of having a Space Saving Wheel/Tire. Does anyone have a lead as to where I can purchase one?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I too have been experiencing challenges with bent rims. Also, the lack of a spare is an issue too. The rims/tire issue is the only part of my W22 ownership experience that I don't enjoy.
I like the idea of having a Space Saving Wheel/Tire. Does anyone have a lead as to where I can purchase one?
I like the idea of having a Space Saving Wheel/Tire. Does anyone have a lead as to where I can purchase one?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
I know an old thread, but it was helpful in my decision to downsize wheels.
2015 S550 Sport
I think I have developed a tire pressure phobia as I have driven with the tire pressure page always in the cluster due to multiple cracked wheels.
The roads are good in SoCal, so no excuse for cracking wheels.
Based on info from this site, and elsewhere, I decided to downgrade to an 18" wheel to get peace of mind and reliably non-cracking wheels, And also to try to achieve bearable ride comfort.
I just cringed with the 20’s at every small road imperfection.
The sharp jolts from manhole covers, railroad crossings, and even roadway seams were driving me crazy.
For a car like this to ride like that was inexcusable.
But I looked cool with those 20’s.
Mercedes offered 18's as standard, yet as far as I can tell there is only one wheel style in 18, and its pretty pathetic.
And just a note to some comments indicating irregularities with vehicle control and monitoring systems due to wheel size changes, there are none.
All variations of 18, 19, and 20" wheels for the W222 use tire profiles with the same outer tire diameter, and do not affect any vehicle systems.
With each inch of reduction in wheel diameter you get an additional ½” of sidewall comfort.
So going from 20’s to 18’s adds a full inch of sidewall.
It may not sound like much, but read on.
Due to the lackluster design of the factory 18's I investigated some aftermarket wheels.
My local tire shop had some nice 18's in stock that had the same design as my current 20's and was gracious enough to let me try them on.
Unfortunately, they rubbed on the front calipers, just a smidgen, but that's enough.
We tried a couple other sets, but no joy.
This made me consider some internet claims that W222 models with the Sport package had bigger calipers.
But after further research this was debunked.
I figured the factory wheels would be the gold standard for fitment.
I was lucky enough to find a used set locally and was able to bolt one on and check the clearance.
There isn't much, but they don't rub.
Now to the fun part.
I threw away the factory Run Flats on the wheels and had a set of new Bridgestone Turanza Quiet tracks in 245-50/18 (non-staggered) installed.
First drive: A moment of pure Zen.
Instantly it was more than apparent that a miraculous transformation had occurred.
This was no subtle improvement, this was epic.
This is how a luxury car is supposed to ride.
I now actively run over lane markers, manhole covers, and any little bumps just for the satisfaction.
A sublime comfort now envelops me with this luxurious ride.
I may not look as cool as I did with the 20’s, but I can probably reduce the dosage of my blood pressure medication....
The only upside of the 20’s is that I discovered helium for TIG welding.
My Miller Dynasty is a 210 amp machine, and struggled to heat a puddle in the thicker parts of the wheel, (I got to the point of fixing my wheels myself).
My welding supply shop recommended a helium argon gas mix.
I was skeptical, but wow, what a huge difference, with a 50/50 mix I was actually able to turn the welder down to about 150 amps and easily get full penetration of the thickest part of the wheel.
So, this is just one guys experience, but I thank all of the posters who each added a piece to this thread to move me in this direction.
2015 S550 Sport
I think I have developed a tire pressure phobia as I have driven with the tire pressure page always in the cluster due to multiple cracked wheels.
The roads are good in SoCal, so no excuse for cracking wheels.
Based on info from this site, and elsewhere, I decided to downgrade to an 18" wheel to get peace of mind and reliably non-cracking wheels, And also to try to achieve bearable ride comfort.
I just cringed with the 20’s at every small road imperfection.
The sharp jolts from manhole covers, railroad crossings, and even roadway seams were driving me crazy.
For a car like this to ride like that was inexcusable.
But I looked cool with those 20’s.
Mercedes offered 18's as standard, yet as far as I can tell there is only one wheel style in 18, and its pretty pathetic.
And just a note to some comments indicating irregularities with vehicle control and monitoring systems due to wheel size changes, there are none.
All variations of 18, 19, and 20" wheels for the W222 use tire profiles with the same outer tire diameter, and do not affect any vehicle systems.
With each inch of reduction in wheel diameter you get an additional ½” of sidewall comfort.
So going from 20’s to 18’s adds a full inch of sidewall.
It may not sound like much, but read on.
Due to the lackluster design of the factory 18's I investigated some aftermarket wheels.
My local tire shop had some nice 18's in stock that had the same design as my current 20's and was gracious enough to let me try them on.
Unfortunately, they rubbed on the front calipers, just a smidgen, but that's enough.
We tried a couple other sets, but no joy.
This made me consider some internet claims that W222 models with the Sport package had bigger calipers.
But after further research this was debunked.
I figured the factory wheels would be the gold standard for fitment.
I was lucky enough to find a used set locally and was able to bolt one on and check the clearance.
There isn't much, but they don't rub.
Now to the fun part.
I threw away the factory Run Flats on the wheels and had a set of new Bridgestone Turanza Quiet tracks in 245-50/18 (non-staggered) installed.
First drive: A moment of pure Zen.
Instantly it was more than apparent that a miraculous transformation had occurred.
This was no subtle improvement, this was epic.
This is how a luxury car is supposed to ride.
I now actively run over lane markers, manhole covers, and any little bumps just for the satisfaction.
A sublime comfort now envelops me with this luxurious ride.
I may not look as cool as I did with the 20’s, but I can probably reduce the dosage of my blood pressure medication....
The only upside of the 20’s is that I discovered helium for TIG welding.
My Miller Dynasty is a 210 amp machine, and struggled to heat a puddle in the thicker parts of the wheel, (I got to the point of fixing my wheels myself).
My welding supply shop recommended a helium argon gas mix.
I was skeptical, but wow, what a huge difference, with a 50/50 mix I was actually able to turn the welder down to about 150 amps and easily get full penetration of the thickest part of the wheel.
So, this is just one guys experience, but I thank all of the posters who each added a piece to this thread to move me in this direction.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
[QUOTE=Sooper Jenius;8799123]I know an old thread, but it was helpful in my decision to downsize wheels.
2015 S550 Sport
I think I have developed a tire pressure phobia as I have driven with the tire pressure page always in the cluster due to multiple cracked wheels.
The roads are good in SoCal, so no excuse for cracking wheels.
Based on info from this site, and elsewhere, I decided to downgrade to an 18" wheel to get peace of mind and reliably non-cracking wheels, And also to try to achieve bearable ride comfort.
I just cringed with the 20’s at every small road imperfection.
The sharp jolts from manhole covers, railroad crossings, and even roadway seams were driving me crazy.
For a car like this to ride like that was inexcusable.
But I looked cool with those 20’s.
Mercedes offered 18's as standard, yet as far as I can tell there is only one wheel style in 18, and its pretty pathetic.
And just a note to some comments indicating irregularities with vehicle control and monitoring systems due to wheel size changes, there are none.
All variations of 18, 19, and 20" wheels for the W222 use tire profiles with the same outer tire diameter, and do not affect any vehicle systems.
With each inch of reduction in wheel diameter you get an additional ½” of sidewall comfort.
So going from 20’s to 18’s adds a full inch of sidewall.
It may not sound like much, but read on.
Due to the lackluster design of the factory 18's I investigated some aftermarket wheels.
My local tire shop had some nice 18's in stock that had the same design as my current 20's and was gracious enough to let me try them on.
Unfortunately, they rubbed on the front calipers, just a smidgen, but that's enough.
We tried a couple other sets, but no joy.
This made me consider some internet claims that W222 models with the Sport package had bigger calipers.
But after further research this was debunked.
I figured the factory wheels would be the gold standard for fitment.
I was lucky enough to find a used set locally and was able to bolt one on and check the clearance.
There isn't much, but they don't rub.
Now to the fun part.
I threw away the factory Run Flats on the wheels and had a set of new Bridgestone Turanza Quiet tracks in 245-50/18 (non-staggered) installed.
First drive: A moment of pure Zen.
Instantly it was more than apparent that a miraculous transformation had occurred.
This was no subtle improvement, this was epic.
This is how a luxury car is supposed to ride.
I now actively run over lane markers, manhole covers, and any little bumps just for the satisfaction.
A sublime comfort now envelops me with this luxurious ride.
I may not look as cool as I did with the 20’s, but I can probably reduce the dosage of my blood pressure medication....
The only upside of the 20’s is that I discovered helium for TIG welding.
My Miller Dynasty is a 210 amp machine, and struggled to heat a puddle in the thicker parts of the wheel, (I got to the point of fixing my wheels myself).
My welding supply shop recommended a helium argon gas mix.
I was skeptical, but wow, what a huge difference, with a 50/50 mix I was actually able to turn the welder down to about 150 amps and easily get full penetration of the thickest part of the wheel.
So, this is just one guys experience, but I thank all of the posters who each added a piece to this thread to move me in this direction.[/QUOTE
Well, I’m absolutely convinced that most here will think that I WROTE this post incognito! This member and I are definitely on the same wave length when it comes to ride quality concerns and how wheel diameter and tire choices can make a huge difference. Congratulations friend. PLEASE post photos of your car with the 18’s, as I am considering the purchase of a W222 with the AMG Line body and would be doing the exact same thing you did. By the way, does your car have Magic Body Control or 4-Matic?
2015 S550 Sport
I think I have developed a tire pressure phobia as I have driven with the tire pressure page always in the cluster due to multiple cracked wheels.
The roads are good in SoCal, so no excuse for cracking wheels.
Based on info from this site, and elsewhere, I decided to downgrade to an 18" wheel to get peace of mind and reliably non-cracking wheels, And also to try to achieve bearable ride comfort.
I just cringed with the 20’s at every small road imperfection.
The sharp jolts from manhole covers, railroad crossings, and even roadway seams were driving me crazy.
For a car like this to ride like that was inexcusable.
But I looked cool with those 20’s.
Mercedes offered 18's as standard, yet as far as I can tell there is only one wheel style in 18, and its pretty pathetic.
And just a note to some comments indicating irregularities with vehicle control and monitoring systems due to wheel size changes, there are none.
All variations of 18, 19, and 20" wheels for the W222 use tire profiles with the same outer tire diameter, and do not affect any vehicle systems.
With each inch of reduction in wheel diameter you get an additional ½” of sidewall comfort.
So going from 20’s to 18’s adds a full inch of sidewall.
It may not sound like much, but read on.
Due to the lackluster design of the factory 18's I investigated some aftermarket wheels.
My local tire shop had some nice 18's in stock that had the same design as my current 20's and was gracious enough to let me try them on.
Unfortunately, they rubbed on the front calipers, just a smidgen, but that's enough.
We tried a couple other sets, but no joy.
This made me consider some internet claims that W222 models with the Sport package had bigger calipers.
But after further research this was debunked.
I figured the factory wheels would be the gold standard for fitment.
I was lucky enough to find a used set locally and was able to bolt one on and check the clearance.
There isn't much, but they don't rub.
Now to the fun part.
I threw away the factory Run Flats on the wheels and had a set of new Bridgestone Turanza Quiet tracks in 245-50/18 (non-staggered) installed.
First drive: A moment of pure Zen.
Instantly it was more than apparent that a miraculous transformation had occurred.
This was no subtle improvement, this was epic.
This is how a luxury car is supposed to ride.
I now actively run over lane markers, manhole covers, and any little bumps just for the satisfaction.
A sublime comfort now envelops me with this luxurious ride.
I may not look as cool as I did with the 20’s, but I can probably reduce the dosage of my blood pressure medication....
The only upside of the 20’s is that I discovered helium for TIG welding.
My Miller Dynasty is a 210 amp machine, and struggled to heat a puddle in the thicker parts of the wheel, (I got to the point of fixing my wheels myself).
My welding supply shop recommended a helium argon gas mix.
I was skeptical, but wow, what a huge difference, with a 50/50 mix I was actually able to turn the welder down to about 150 amps and easily get full penetration of the thickest part of the wheel.
So, this is just one guys experience, but I thank all of the posters who each added a piece to this thread to move me in this direction.[/QUOTE
Well, I’m absolutely convinced that most here will think that I WROTE this post incognito! This member and I are definitely on the same wave length when it comes to ride quality concerns and how wheel diameter and tire choices can make a huge difference. Congratulations friend. PLEASE post photos of your car with the 18’s, as I am considering the purchase of a W222 with the AMG Line body and would be doing the exact same thing you did. By the way, does your car have Magic Body Control or 4-Matic?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 697
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
The FIRST thing I did after buying my 560 was to get rid of the 19's and the RF tires.
I've got a set of 18's with Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 from Tire Rack.
The difference is night and day.
Took Stream advice, worth every word he wrote !
Thank you again !
I've got a set of 18's with Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 from Tire Rack.
The difference is night and day.
Took Stream advice, worth every word he wrote !
Thank you again !
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
The wheels are bent because M-B has made a poor choice, from the consumer’s perspective, in terms of wheel and tire combination. Large diameter wheels and low profile tires create an unfavorable situation where wheel damage is more frequent.
This situation is made worse because automakers continually seek lower cost and weight in all components, including wheels. This allows them to make more money and meet fuel economy and emissions standards.
One claim that will be made in support of large diameter wheels is the style/cosmetic appearance argument. It’s a subjective claim and, as this thread shows, can have a negative consequence for the consumer.
This situation is made worse because automakers continually seek lower cost and weight in all components, including wheels. This allows them to make more money and meet fuel economy and emissions standards.
One claim that will be made in support of large diameter wheels is the style/cosmetic appearance argument. It’s a subjective claim and, as this thread shows, can have a negative consequence for the consumer.
The opposite is true--but the consumer takes appearance over utility and comfort.
20" wheels add almost ½ the amount of weight saved by not having a spare (compared to 18" wheels).
But now we are in a conundrum, so many people are in the 20" wheel category that tire manufactures are not making to tiers we want in 18" sizes.
Thus, the world is run by the stupid, for the stupid, .....
And don't get me started on run craps..........
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I know an old thread, but it was helpful in my decision to downsize wheels.
2015 S550 Sport
I think I have developed a tire pressure phobia as I have driven with the tire pressure page always in the cluster due to multiple cracked wheels.
The roads are good in SoCal, so no excuse for cracking wheels.
Based on info from this site, and elsewhere, I decided to downgrade to an 18" wheel to get peace of mind and reliably non-cracking wheels, And also to try to achieve bearable ride comfort.
I just cringed with the 20’s at every small road imperfection.
The sharp jolts from manhole covers, railroad crossings, and even roadway seams were driving me crazy.
For a car like this to ride like that was inexcusable.
But I looked cool with those 20’s.
Mercedes offered 18's as standard, yet as far as I can tell there is only one wheel style in 18, and its pretty pathetic.
And just a note to some comments indicating irregularities with vehicle control and monitoring systems due to wheel size changes, there are none.
All variations of 18, 19, and 20" wheels for the W222 use tire profiles with the same outer tire diameter, and do not affect any vehicle systems.
With each inch of reduction in wheel diameter you get an additional ½” of sidewall comfort.
So going from 20’s to 18’s adds a full inch of sidewall.
It may not sound like much, but read on.
Due to the lackluster design of the factory 18's I investigated some aftermarket wheels.
My local tire shop had some nice 18's in stock that had the same design as my current 20's and was gracious enough to let me try them on.
Unfortunately, they rubbed on the front calipers, just a smidgen, but that's enough.
We tried a couple other sets, but no joy.
This made me consider some internet claims that W222 models with the Sport package had bigger calipers.
But after further research this was debunked.
I figured the factory wheels would be the gold standard for fitment.
I was lucky enough to find a used set locally and was able to bolt one on and check the clearance.
There isn't much, but they don't rub.
Now to the fun part.
I threw away the factory Run Flats on the wheels and had a set of new Bridgestone Turanza Quiet tracks in 245-50/18 (non-staggered) installed.
First drive: A moment of pure Zen.
Instantly it was more than apparent that a miraculous transformation had occurred.
This was no subtle improvement, this was epic.
This is how a luxury car is supposed to ride.
I now actively run over lane markers, manhole covers, and any little bumps just for the satisfaction.
A sublime comfort now envelops me with this luxurious ride.
I may not look as cool as I did with the 20’s, but I can probably reduce the dosage of my blood pressure medication....
The only upside of the 20’s is that I discovered helium for TIG welding.
My Miller Dynasty is a 210 amp machine, and struggled to heat a puddle in the thicker parts of the wheel, (I got to the point of fixing my wheels myself).
My welding supply shop recommended a helium argon gas mix.
I was skeptical, but wow, what a huge difference, with a 50/50 mix I was actually able to turn the welder down to about 150 amps and easily get full penetration of the thickest part of the wheel.
So, this is just one guys experience, but I thank all of the posters who each added a piece to this thread to move me in this direction.
2015 S550 Sport
I think I have developed a tire pressure phobia as I have driven with the tire pressure page always in the cluster due to multiple cracked wheels.
The roads are good in SoCal, so no excuse for cracking wheels.
Based on info from this site, and elsewhere, I decided to downgrade to an 18" wheel to get peace of mind and reliably non-cracking wheels, And also to try to achieve bearable ride comfort.
I just cringed with the 20’s at every small road imperfection.
The sharp jolts from manhole covers, railroad crossings, and even roadway seams were driving me crazy.
For a car like this to ride like that was inexcusable.
But I looked cool with those 20’s.
Mercedes offered 18's as standard, yet as far as I can tell there is only one wheel style in 18, and its pretty pathetic.
And just a note to some comments indicating irregularities with vehicle control and monitoring systems due to wheel size changes, there are none.
All variations of 18, 19, and 20" wheels for the W222 use tire profiles with the same outer tire diameter, and do not affect any vehicle systems.
With each inch of reduction in wheel diameter you get an additional ½” of sidewall comfort.
So going from 20’s to 18’s adds a full inch of sidewall.
It may not sound like much, but read on.
Due to the lackluster design of the factory 18's I investigated some aftermarket wheels.
My local tire shop had some nice 18's in stock that had the same design as my current 20's and was gracious enough to let me try them on.
Unfortunately, they rubbed on the front calipers, just a smidgen, but that's enough.
We tried a couple other sets, but no joy.
This made me consider some internet claims that W222 models with the Sport package had bigger calipers.
But after further research this was debunked.
I figured the factory wheels would be the gold standard for fitment.
I was lucky enough to find a used set locally and was able to bolt one on and check the clearance.
There isn't much, but they don't rub.
Now to the fun part.
I threw away the factory Run Flats on the wheels and had a set of new Bridgestone Turanza Quiet tracks in 245-50/18 (non-staggered) installed.
First drive: A moment of pure Zen.
Instantly it was more than apparent that a miraculous transformation had occurred.
This was no subtle improvement, this was epic.
This is how a luxury car is supposed to ride.
I now actively run over lane markers, manhole covers, and any little bumps just for the satisfaction.
A sublime comfort now envelops me with this luxurious ride.
I may not look as cool as I did with the 20’s, but I can probably reduce the dosage of my blood pressure medication....
The only upside of the 20’s is that I discovered helium for TIG welding.
My Miller Dynasty is a 210 amp machine, and struggled to heat a puddle in the thicker parts of the wheel, (I got to the point of fixing my wheels myself).
My welding supply shop recommended a helium argon gas mix.
I was skeptical, but wow, what a huge difference, with a 50/50 mix I was actually able to turn the welder down to about 150 amps and easily get full penetration of the thickest part of the wheel.
So, this is just one guys experience, but I thank all of the posters who each added a piece to this thread to move me in this direction.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 16
2004 SL500 // 2015 S550
This is fantastic - there was another thread where I posted about whether the 18s will fit the S550 w/ AMG Sports package (Tirerack removes them as an option once you select AMG Sports Package).
And, I also share in that same exact feeling of anxiety/pit in stomach when approaching a road imperfection. My 20s are at the point where they are bending from what seems like general use (i.e. do not remember hitting anything large enough to bend a wheel). Also, no damage to tires, but apparently enough to knock the wheel out-of-round.
Well done, and as mentioned above, it would be great to see some pics!
And, I also share in that same exact feeling of anxiety/pit in stomach when approaching a road imperfection. My 20s are at the point where they are bending from what seems like general use (i.e. do not remember hitting anything large enough to bend a wheel). Also, no damage to tires, but apparently enough to knock the wheel out-of-round.
Well done, and as mentioned above, it would be great to see some pics!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 697
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
The problem with these 19" or 20" wheels is that they look gorgeous from the outside, once you're driving the car that "look" goes away and you're exposed to a bumpy ride and the risk of bending, or even cracking, the wheels very soon.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
less stiff tires like non run-flats usually helps as well as adjusting tire pressure, although adjusting tire pressures might not be worth it as a trade of of a worse ride, the getting rid of run-flats will improve the ride though
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 114
Likes: 91
From: So CALi
| 2015 S63 / 2013 5.7 Tundra |
Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 114
Likes: 91
From: So CALi
| 2015 S63 / 2013 5.7 Tundra |
Victorville-Hit a truck re tread at 70, tore the whole front off my 2003 G35 Sedan, CHP actually helped me push off the 15fwy.
605fwy@ Firestone exit-Hit a HUGE pot hole, destroyed both the driver side tires on my 2010 Jag XFR.
91fwy-ran over a dam ladder in my 1997 Silverado 4 flats.
Sir you have been lucky...lol
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
S550
Cracked rims
Hi everyone,
So I have a 2017 Maybach S550. I took it to the dealer for service and expected to have a few bent rims.. the service advisor lets me know i have 3 bent and 1 cracked rim. I authorized him to go ahead and make the repairs. A few weeks later, having only driven the car back home without hitting any potholes, I felt vibration in the steering wheel. i brought it back to the same dealer and again I'm being told I have 4 bent rims.
How/why are the rims so easily bent? Do you think the tech is correctly evaluating the problem or simply just saying the rims are bent for an easy fix?
So I have a 2017 Maybach S550. I took it to the dealer for service and expected to have a few bent rims.. the service advisor lets me know i have 3 bent and 1 cracked rim. I authorized him to go ahead and make the repairs. A few weeks later, having only driven the car back home without hitting any potholes, I felt vibration in the steering wheel. i brought it back to the same dealer and again I'm being told I have 4 bent rims.
How/why are the rims so easily bent? Do you think the tech is correctly evaluating the problem or simply just saying the rims are bent for an easy fix?
The fix is to use smaller forged rims with matching tires. A combination that would have close to the same circumference as the originals.That would give more cushioning over bumps.
I'm looking to see what's recommended.
I have 20" and want to go to 18".
I've read that a lot of owners are having cracking rims but Mercedes will not admit it's a design flaw.
