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...

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.

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.

Just buy yourself a new tire.. and get on with your life.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The dealer won't give you any love on this one. You are more likely to get a new motor.

He said, she said kind of situation. Tires are tightly QAed before they leave they factory.

Thanks for the posts, guys. The dealer agreed to a provide a replacement at "their expense, but just this once."

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.

Got 6,000 miles on my rear Conti's. Can I expect 3,000 from my PS2's? :p

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.

you wore them out in 6000 miles! Damm!

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.

Sales manager = service manager.
Take it to the General Manager and ask for resolution.

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.

In my experiences with all types of dealers, they will NEVER go up to bat when it comes to tires.