Bubble in tire. Need advise
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Marin County
Bubble in tire. Need advise
Hello all,
I've got a new E55 wagon with less than 500 miles on it. I've got the Continental tires on it and today I noticed a bulge poking out of the side. I took it to the dealer and they immediately accused my of hitting something to cause the damage and they refuse to acknowledge that it might be a faulty tire. I have not hit anything that I know of. Two days ago, it was fine as I checked the air pressure, it sat in my garage yesterday, and today, the bulge appeared.
Please advise on how to handle this. Is this my fault? Is it a faulty tire? I can't say I'm pleased with my new service department thus far...
I've got a new E55 wagon with less than 500 miles on it. I've got the Continental tires on it and today I noticed a bulge poking out of the side. I took it to the dealer and they immediately accused my of hitting something to cause the damage and they refuse to acknowledge that it might be a faulty tire. I have not hit anything that I know of. Two days ago, it was fine as I checked the air pressure, it sat in my garage yesterday, and today, the bulge appeared.
Please advise on how to handle this. Is this my fault? Is it a faulty tire? I can't say I'm pleased with my new service department thus far...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ana, CA
E320CDI, CLK55, and a Smart
Take it up the ladder. The tire has a warranty by the manufacturer. Screw the service advisor's antics. Your car is brand new and a tire defect isnt their fault, but the dealer should be on your side nonetheless.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 26
From: Hawaii
1996 E320, 2018 Ducati Panigale V4S, 2012 1199 Panigale
Yeah, the bubble can be caused by either faulty sidewall, or big pothole. Going to be hard to prove either way though. But id change it out asap. I have seen many people blow out tires because they have a bubble in their Kumho's. Im sure continental isnt as cheaply made, but just be cautious man.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
2004 E55 Evosport I & II; VRP H/E
As I'm sure that you are aware, this involves safety issue. In fact, that may be an issue that you point out to the dealership (in writing). Sometimes, something like a potential for liability will threaten an a$$hole into doing the right thing. In any event, find yourself a new dealership -- I wouldn't give them my service business.
Tire should also be under its own warranty.
A bulge appeared on one of my PS2s after a couple of hundred miles. Exchanged it at no charge.
You can also use it as an excuse to get rid of the Contis. I got rid of mine at 9k miles and wish that I had done it sooner.
Tire should also be under its own warranty.
A bulge appeared on one of my PS2s after a couple of hundred miles. Exchanged it at no charge.
You can also use it as an excuse to get rid of the Contis. I got rid of mine at 9k miles and wish that I had done it sooner.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, Louisiana
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
Why have one of the best, most powerful cars on the market and not spend the extra bucks to put world class tires on the car. Get Michelin PS2s and start really enjoying your ride. Best first upgrade available. They are worth twice what they cost. Contis are junk.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
I keep hearing how awful the stock Contis are, but I just don't see it. They are nicely matched to the car's personality and intended use.
To the OP - if your dealer won't help you get a free replacement, just go to a Conti dealer or another Benz and they should be able to get you a replacement tire.
Good luck.
To the OP - if your dealer won't help you get a free replacement, just go to a Conti dealer or another Benz and they should be able to get you a replacement tire.
Good luck.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 1
From: Central FL
2006 E55
Why am I not surprised by OPEC's dealer response to his problem? The tire replacement should be a relatively minor courtesy to a customer who just dropped $90k + on a car. Tire manufacturer warranty or not, MB service is every bit as awful as almost everyone here has said and then some. The Conti rears on my 2001 911 developed sidewall bubbles after less than 1,000 miles & were replaced by the dealer no questions asked. 
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
2007 S65, 2005 Nissan Armada
Originally Posted by WayneE
I keep hearing how awful the stock Contis are, but I just don't see it. They are nicely matched to the car's personality and intended use.
To the OP - if your dealer won't help you get a free replacement, just go to a Conti dealer or another Benz and they should be able to get you a replacement tire.
Good luck.
To the OP - if your dealer won't help you get a free replacement, just go to a Conti dealer or another Benz and they should be able to get you a replacement tire.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 1
From: NJ
2005 E55
Originally Posted by pas
I agree the Conti's may not be as sticky as the PS2 but they last twice as long, they handle fine dry or wet, are quiet, and they do stick pretty well. That being said my rears have worn out so its time for PS2's, but the Contis are far from junk.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 689
Likes: 2
From: So. Cal
05E55
goto to the sales manager let him fix the issue with the service guy. don't waste your time. Let him know how disappointed you are with this low level of service. Is this what I should expect in the future? If so, I'll take my future business elsewhere!
Bottom line ..Get it fixed ASAP.
Bottom line ..Get it fixed ASAP.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
2005 Carlsson CD32 E320 CDI Inline-6
$40 tire on my 1991 Honda Accord
developed a bubble.
Local tire store replacing it no questions asked.
And your dealer is giving you grief on a new $95K car? Shame on them.
Local tire store replacing it no questions asked.
And your dealer is giving you grief on a new $95K car? Shame on them.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Originally Posted by L8Apex
goto to the sales manager let him fix the issue with the service guy. don't waste your time. Let him know how disappointed you are with this low level of service. Is this what I should expect in the future? If so, I'll take my future business elsewhere!
Bottom line ..Get it fixed ASAP.
Bottom line ..Get it fixed ASAP.
Take it to the General Manager and ask for resolution.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 771
Likes: 13
From: USA
E550
I had stock continentals on my clk500 when it was new. I developed 2 bubbles very soon about 1500 miles and i did not hit any large potholes. Took the car in, and got 4 brand new PS2's for free no questions asked.
