SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Strange. AMG wheel failure.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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04 SL55 (sold),05 SL55, 09 SL63, 07 C2S cab Porsche,
Strange. AMG wheel failure.
I hit a rock about 2/3 the size of a coffee cup on a surface street traveling about 40 mph. Car is two weeks old and I'm meticulous about checking my tire pressure so I know it was on the high side of normal. Essentially, the rock went directly under my left front and rear tire. Lost pressure in the rear tire.
I removed the rear wheel and noticed a central bulge in the rim where air was escaping from. This resulted in the flat. There is absolutely no tread damage. Further. I checked the front wheel and noticed a small central bulge as well but no air leak. There is absolutely no tire tread damage on either tire. How is this possible on a properly inflated tire?
I've owned 2 previous SL55 's albeit with 18 inch wheels. None the less, I can't believe such a small piece of road debris essentially destroyed 2 rims.
I removed the rear wheel and noticed a central bulge in the rim where air was escaping from. This resulted in the flat. There is absolutely no tread damage. Further. I checked the front wheel and noticed a small central bulge as well but no air leak. There is absolutely no tire tread damage on either tire. How is this possible on a properly inflated tire?
I've owned 2 previous SL55 's albeit with 18 inch wheels. None the less, I can't believe such a small piece of road debris essentially destroyed 2 rims.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 314
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From: Malibu, Ca
SL65, 427 COBRA (CSX-3127)73 911S, 246GTS (DINO SPYDER), CORNICHE,1962 PORSCHE TWIN GRILLE ROADSTER+
THE 19 INCH AMG WHEELS ARE VERY SOFT AND PRONE TO BENDING
I have noticed that the 19 inch AMG wheels may have a defect in design because I have read a few stories exactly like yours.
I also had a bent 19 inch rim with a perfect tire and no evidence of any contact damage or ever hitting anything... The wheel just had a flat spot on the inside.
I also had a bent 19 inch rim with a perfect tire and no evidence of any contact damage or ever hitting anything... The wheel just had a flat spot on the inside.
Last edited by EXECMALIBU; Feb 7, 2009 at 08:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,455
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From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
Sounds similar to what I am experiencing.. here is my thread about the failure of AMG 2-piece wheels on my W220...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ing-crack.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ing-crack.html
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 992
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From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
I wouldn't call that a design flaw. The wheel absorbed the impact, causing no damage to the car. You can't expect to hit something like that in the road and not have any damage. In fact, there is even a disclaimer about increased susceptibility to road conditions due to the nature of high performance wheels and tires. Unfortunately you found out the hard way, like so many of us.
Nick
Nick
