I have a 2003 E55 with Continental tires. at approx. 3500 miles I began to hear "thumbing" noice primarily at low speeds. I had the tires checked by MB service and they informed me that the tires are beginning to cup. They checked the alignment and there was not a problem. Has anyone else developed problems with the Continentals? Also, What are the best tires for the E55 in terms of decent handling, wear, and comfort?

 

I had a 2003 E55 as well and had problems with my Conti's as well.

At 5K miles they were visibly cupped. My dealer knows that I am a stickler for air pressure and checking the tires.

I showed them at 2500 miles that I was starting to have a problem. At 5K they replaced both of the fronts.

Schiz

 

My Pilot Sports went around 10K before they started to cup. My understanding is that is *normal* for MB due to large negative camber setting (???). It's usually worse on the fronts (and of course you can't rotate with staggered setup).

Did they *really* check the alignment? I was told that at least for the W210 that a front-end alignment requires replacement of suspension bolts with temporary calibration bolts and that it's at least a $500 ordeal.


TJC

 

My Pilot Sports cupped badly too. I just drove harder into the turns and wore the the outer treads flat....no more thumping. They lasted 10k miles.

For whatever reasons, the label on my driver side B-pillar says to use only the Connies or Dunlops. Maybe try the Sport 9000 next.

 

Why would it cost him a dime... ? Its a warranty issue...

 

It shouldn't. The point (made by the local dealer here) is that it is a REAL PITA and isn't routinely done.


TJC

 

I had problems at roughtly the same mileage with the Conti's. Much worse on cold mornings. When I sold the car at 6,000 miles it was quite bad.