MB E400 AMG

[woolders]

A friend bought one of these second hand without a test drive. Yes she is blonde!

She has had to have two alloy replacements and two repairs plus tyres due to pot holes here and in France.

Are they prone to this problem or are there any recommended wheel/tyre sizes to solve the problem?

TIA.

[BEARDYB0Y]

I expect it will have the multispoke alloys? I've seen a lot of those end up in skips from hitting potholes!

The low profile tyres are the main issue and the wheel barrel isn't the strongest. I remember even seeing one that had split in half once!!

Id say the best solution would be to buy a smaller alloy wheel with a thicker sidewall. The e220/e200 standard alloy for example. All AMG line models came with the same brakes so the smaller wheel should still fit over the caliper.

Any Qs, fire away! BB

Edited by BEARDYB0Y on Friday 19th September 21:35

[Ed.Neumann]

Get rid of the run flats if it is on them too.

They really don't last with those tyres on.

[AlBondigaz]

Our E220 Amg Line came with 19" AMG Alloys. Replaced them with 17" Mercedes alloys and all season tyres. Much nicer ride, maybe not as sharp handling wise but way better on the potholed roads.

Not had a problem with run flats in 80,000 miles.

[ruhall]

I have no doubt that the ride is far better with that set up, but why do the UK importers, in MB's case, insist on specifying the larger diameter wheels for the UK market, often not giving a potential customer the choice. Smaller diameter wheels are often available in other markets, so it isn't MB.

Perhaps things have changed recently (whilst I was away on holiday) and our roads have all been repaired such that we now have the smoothest road surfaces in Europe, in which case, I understand why they specify what they do.

[Ed.Neumann]

AlBondigaz said:

Our E220 Amg Line came with 19" AMG Alloys. Replaced them with 17" Mercedes alloys and all season tyres. Much nicer ride, maybe not as sharp handling wise but way better on the potholed roads.

Not had a problem with run flats in 80,000 miles.

You didn't have a problem with run flats but swapped the 19" wheels for some 17" wheels. Hmmmm?


Sorry, couldn't resist.


I just wish they fitted normal tyres and gave you a spare wheel.


I like the look of yours on the 17's though, looks very purposeful. And that colour too. Very nice.

[trevalvole]

ruhall said:

I have no doubt that the ride is far better with that set up, but why do the UK importers, in MB's case, insist on specifying the larger diameter wheels for the UK market, often not giving a potential customer the choice. Smaller diameter wheels are often available in other markets, so it isn't MB.

Because that is what must sell in the UK. I have heard talk of German car companies referring to the English spec i.e. small engine, body kit, sports interior and big wheels.

[AlBondigaz]

Ed.Neumann said:

You didn't have a problem with run flats but swapped the 19" wheels for some 17" wheels. Hmmmm?


Sorry, couldn't resist.


I just wish they fitted normal tyres and gave you a spare wheel.


I like the look of yours on the 17's though, looks very purposeful. And that colour too. Very nice.

I've got run-flats on the 17" also!

[AddyT.]

I have a '17 E Coupe with runflats since July. Already had a cracked alloy thanks to our roads which was fixed for £84 thankfully! However, need to move it on to non runflats when the time is right/have cash to do so. The tyre garage told me another customer reduced the wheel size on his Mercedes and went away from runflats as he was sick of this issue and since, no problems whatsoever!