SL/R231: Rear end vibration at high speed
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Rear end vibration at high speed
I rarely drive my 2017 SL550 at high speed. Normally I just do leisure day trips, 40 to 50 mph tops. Took the car to the dealer today for 10,000-mile service. The dealer is 90 minutes away by interstate. The majority of the trip was 75 mph and I noticed a distinctive minor vibration coming from the rear. I assumed it was just rough pavement but while driving the dealer loaner back home the loaner was very smooth on the same highway. I have owned this car for 2 years and this is the first time I have noticed any vibration. I rarely drive it this fast for an extended time. This is a CPO car, it had 2,800 miles when I purchased it. This car does have Active Body Control (ABC).
Asked the dealer to rotate and balance all four tires. Just spoke to the dealer. They did the service, took it for a test drive and the car still has rear vibration at speeds over 60 mph. I asked them to keep the car until they find the issue. Anyone had a similar issue? If so, was it resolved, and what needed to be done?
Asked the dealer to rotate and balance all four tires. Just spoke to the dealer. They did the service, took it for a test drive and the car still has rear vibration at speeds over 60 mph. I asked them to keep the car until they find the issue. Anyone had a similar issue? If so, was it resolved, and what needed to be done?
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I rarely drive my 2017 SL550 at high speed. Normally I just do leisure day trips, 40 to 50 mph tops. Took the car to the dealer today for 10,000-mile service. The dealer is 90 minutes away by interstate. The majority of the trip was 75 mph and I noticed a distinctive minor vibration coming from the rear. I assumed it was just rough pavement but while driving the dealer loaner back home the loaner was very smooth on the same highway. I have owned this car for 2 years and this is the first time I have noticed any vibration. I rarely drive it this fast for an extended time. This is a CPO car, it had 2,800 miles when I purchased it. This car does have Active Body Control (ABC).
Asked the dealer to rotate and balance all four tires. Just spoke to the dealer. They did the service, took it for a test drive and the car still has rear vibration at speeds over 60 mph. I asked them to keep the car until they find the issue. Anyone had a similar issue? If so, was it resolved, and what needed to be done?
Asked the dealer to rotate and balance all four tires. Just spoke to the dealer. They did the service, took it for a test drive and the car still has rear vibration at speeds over 60 mph. I asked them to keep the car until they find the issue. Anyone had a similar issue? If so, was it resolved, and what needed to be done?
This may not show up on a balancing machine as there is no weight on the tire.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
The easiest and first step is to see if one of the rear staggered tires is not forming a slight bulge or separating on the inside causing the vibration. This can happen at any time and age or mileage of tires.
This may not show up on a balancing machine as there is no weight on the tire.
This may not show up on a balancing machine as there is no weight on the tire.
I'm assuming when the dealer rotated and rebalanced the tires they did not dismount the tire. I'll pass your suggestion along to the dealer. Thanks again.
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Thank you for the suggestion. It sounds like the tire would need to be dismounted from the rim to verify "separating on the inside". Am I correct?
I'm assuming when the dealer rotated and rebalanced the tires they did not dismount the tire. I'll pass your suggestion along to the dealer. Thanks again.
I'm assuming when the dealer rotated and rebalanced the tires they did not dismount the tire. I'll pass your suggestion along to the dealer. Thanks again.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
Assuming it's determined one of my tires is experiencing a ply separation (or another defect) and needs to be replaced. What is this board's opinion on scrapping all four of the OEM run-flats and replacing all with Michelin Pilot Super Sports for $1,200? The run-flats have 10,000 miles on them. I realize the Pilot Super Sports are summer tires - I live in Florida and never leave the state with the SL.
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Last edited by PAPA PA; Oct 31, 2020 at 12:22 PM.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
OP is in FL. Pilot SuperSports, not A/S3+, is the tire to get. In northern climates, if one does not want to do season change, A/S3+ is an ideal choice. However, summer compound is so much stickier and is perfect for FL climate including summer downpours.
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Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Good catch! A/S3s for us in the PNW!
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I did the same. I live in Southern California and the car is never driven in the rain, but I went with the A/S3+ tires anyway and am very happy with them. They are quiet and smooth riding, two things that are extremely important to me.
