Djackson13

I recently had the tires replaced on my 2015 s550. The tireshop informed me that 2 of my rims are cracked. Just wondering if anyone has tried the repair option on these rims. I have the 20 inch factory OEM rims. All responses will be appreciated.

Hardhitting804

My AMG style 20" rear rim was losing air due to a small crack. Took it to a Rim Repair shop, couldn't be repaired. Weld was beyond the safety point. Looking at aftermarkets.

dpm7471

I’ve had a few S classes. I’ve had problems with several rims cracking on 2 of the S classes I’ve had. Both of these were W222’s. I had them “tig welded” to repair the cracked rims by a company locally that specializes in rim repair. After an in depth discussion with them, he told me that he sees a lot of Mercedes rims that he has to repair due to cracked rims. Apparently this is an issue with Mercedes rims. He stated that Mercedes rims are the most common ones he has to repair.

I’ve had a total of 3 different rims repaired (tig welded). It works well if done right and none of them have re-cracked, but understand that these companies usually do not provide any kind of warranty. The reason is that the moment you run over a deep pothole, you could crack it again.

The most common cause of this is running over a pothole hard which damages the rim. The most common symptom we see as owners is a slow leak from one of the tires or the tire has trouble holding air.

Utopia Texas

The larger diameter rims get the smaller the side wall of the tires become to keep a certain ratio and with less side wall there is less flex in the tire and more shock to the rims on rough roads. Also the ride quality deteriorates as the tire side wall gets smaller. This is why I prefer 18” rims though I do have 19” rims on two vehicles. I have no idea why this trend of larger rims was started but if you run 20”-21” rims just get used to the damage and repairs that go along with it. These larger rims have created a whole new repair industry.

ephico2real

I have it repaired but it re-crack again twice. The shop told me to get a new rim after the second fix. They told me the run flat tires on the S550 put pressure on the rims when the car entered a pot hole. So I ended up buying an aftermarket AMG rim on eBay.

2012 merc amg

A lot of the issue is the run flat tires too, that with the bigger rims and poor roads is a really bad combo. The sidewalls are so stiff they transfer the jolt from the bumps right into the rim and bend and crack them. If you were to go with non run flat tires this is less likely to happen in the future. I'm getting rid of my run flats for good as soon as I wear them out. I really like the Uniroyal Tiger Paw all season GTZ tires as they are so reasonable in price like 150 dollars a tire and I've had great luck with them. I'll have those on both my cars eventually.

Nimesh Pat

i have the same problem once they are cracked never the same I'm debating to replace all rims to 19 inch. I had 20s before on a chevy lol and the problem wasn't as reoccurring do run flats more vulnerable to flats?

Nimesh Pat

so im assuming you dont keep a spare in the back? And you kept the 20s with non run flats?

places

I went 19's on my 2020 S450, no interest in AMG or 20's+, no way. I had endless issues on my SL with 20's so got rid of it. Will not go to 20's again. Not worth it. Plus I HIGHLY recommend the wheel and tire insurance, especially if you have the AMG kit or larger tires. Saved me thousands. I'm hopeful the S450 with 19's will be more reliable in the wheel and tire dept. Ride quality is def better.

Nimesh Pat

im going ahead than will buy 19s and buy all season non run flats nyc roads are horrible. Do you know if i can put any spare in the back considering i have staggered rims?

2012 merc amg

Yes you could put a spare in the back, some run the W221 Spares and that will work. You may want to even think about going with 18's. With those the car will ride even better and be less likely to get rim damage from bumps, ya the NYC roads are really bad, go the 18's. Check out the Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ all seasons, they are inexpensive and great tires.

e55phil

I have 4 20" rims, At least one is bent. I fixed them twice. if anyone has interest PM me as they are gathering dust. I removed the 20 inch wheels and put on 19 inch