[Ashvin]

I have a 2002 S55 and the car vibrates (when cold ??) at speed between 30-45.
All the tires are almost new – 100-200 miles on each and they have been recently
balanced by the dealer. Even the front and back alignment has been done and everything is within the factory specs.

Dealer indicates that the problem is due to performance tires - when the car sits for few days without being used, it creates a dimple in the tire which causes the vibration. They say it should go away after it warms up, which does not happen. I have never had this problem before for almost a year when I was using the car on a daily basis, but now it happens even when the tires are warmed up. The problem is intermittent and as you know, the problem never happens when the car goes to the dealer for diagnosis.

Does anybody have this kind of problem?
Would appreciate any input which might be helpful.
Thx
Ashvin

 

[v8mbp]

Hey Ashvin

I had that same problem years ago the only thing is it was on a different car (Firebird Sports Car) when I go to speeds like 40-60mph I had the vibration issue, so I took it to the dealer and they said it was the driveshaft. The replaced it and the vibration was gone. I know I can't compare a Pontiac and a nice Luxury car but that could be the problem. And what I would do is take it back until they fix the problem

hopefully all goes well[]

 

[TheGame]

The driveshaft could be the problem, or the u-joints on the driveshaft, or the brake rotors. As rotors wear the surface becomes uneven and they can cause vibration until they are either resurfaced or replaced. How long since your last brake job?

Also low tire pressure can do this on low-profile performance tires such as on the S55. I have the 18" AMG wheels on my S500 and if one of them is even a pound or two low the car vibrates on the highway. Check the pressure weekly.

 

[Ashvin]

Thanks for the reply.
The front tires are brnad new and they also replaced the brake pads. I am sure the dealer did look at the rotors but I will confirm with them.
The car never used to do this before, but now it does it all the time. even when the tires are warm it still vibrates. I will have the dealer check the drive shaft too.

 

[G BOY]

Or a bent rim? ... if you ever hit a pothole too hard

 

[The New Hotness]

The cheapest way to investigate is to have a good, performance tire specialty shop check it out. Have them spin each tire/rim combination off the car. You may have some wave or hop in the tread or 'G-Boys' bent rim(s). Fix rims at Atlanta Wheel Wizard in Chamblee, GA.

 

[mschaub]

go in a different direction. I've driven numerous S55's including my own 2003 (with 36K miles on it). watch your tach, not the speedo. at those speeds, depending on how you shift, I'm betting the vibration takes place 2800 to about 3600 rpm. Especially if you have a heavy right foot, replace the motor mounts and at least one of the transmission mounts. I felt like the car was once again brand new! (casual comment...dealer is perhaps partially correct....it's very hard to find a matched set of performance tires, period!)

 

[Dawar]

I have the same problem onwards 90 kms/hr. it lessens at 130 kms/hr. At higer speeds i,e 150 kms/hr to 200kms/hrs its very minimal. But it really vibrates between 110-130kms/hr. Sometimes i try to control at such speeds with by balancing the pressure on accelerator. It does vibrate while coming down to 110 from 130 kms/hr. my s320 year 2000 is fiited with 18'' AMG Rims with low profile tyres. Tyres are new too. The dealer tells RIM is bent. I am not sure. Can any one please advise.

 

[danielsand]

My suspect in both cases is the tire itself. If the vibration happens ONLY at certain speed, and not before that speed or after, it's the tire in 90% of the cases. Best thing to do (already said in the thread), is to pull the wheels, and put them on the balancer.
There are a lot of tires out there, that are defective from the factory, and it doesn't matter if they are new. I had a tire separate on me (quality brand) in the first 1000 miles.
If you have a friend with the same car, swap the wheels, and take it for a spin (I've done that before). You can also take the spare and drive on it (in all four position, one at the time). Reputable tire shop should be able to check all of them for about 50-60 bucks.

 

[doni01]

My suspect in both cases is the tire itself. If the vibration happens ONLY at certain speed, and not before that speed or after, it's the tire in 90% of the cases. Best thing to do (already said in the thread), is to pull the wheels, and put them on the balancer.
There are a lot of tires out there, that are defective from the factory, and it doesn't matter if they are new. I had a tire separate on me (quality brand) in the first 1000 miles.
If you have a friend with the same car, swap the wheels, and take it for a spin (I've done that before). You can also take the spare and drive on it (in all four position, one at the time). Reputable tire shop should be able to check all of them for about 50-60 bucks.

Great advice !! I also think it is a tire problem.....I know it is PIA but take the spare out and start replacing one at the time.....

 

[Dawar]

My suspect in both cases is the tire itself. If the vibration happens ONLY at certain speed, and not before that speed or after, it's the tire in 90% of the cases. Best thing to do (already said in the thread), is to pull the wheels, and put them on the balancer.
There are a lot of tires out there, that are defective from the factory, and it doesn't matter if they are new. I had a tire separate on me (quality brand) in the first 1000 miles.
If you have a friend with the same car, swap the wheels, and take it for a spin (I've done that before). You can also take the spare and drive on it (in all four position, one at the time). Reputable tire shop should be able to check all of them for about 50-60 bucks.

very true. I will get it checked this way, thanks.

 

[Dawar]

My suspect in both cases is the tire itself. If the vibration happens ONLY at certain speed, and not before that speed or after, it's the tire in 90% of the cases. Best thing to do (already said in the thread), is to pull the wheels, and put them on the balancer.
There are a lot of tires out there, that are defective from the factory, and it doesn't matter if they are new. I had a tire separate on me (quality brand) in the first 1000 miles.
If you have a friend with the same car, swap the wheels, and take it for a spin (I've done that before). You can also take the spare and drive on it (in all four position, one at the time). Reputable tire shop should be able to check all of them for about 50-60 bucks.

Yes! changed the tires and its okay now. Many thanks!

 

[Dawar]

My suspect in both cases is the tire itself. If the vibration happens ONLY at certain speed, and not before that speed or after, it's the tire in 90% of the cases. Best thing to do (already said in the thread), is to pull the wheels, and put them on the balancer.
There are a lot of tires out there, that are defective from the factory, and it doesn't matter if they are new. I had a tire separate on me (quality brand) in the first 1000 miles.
If you have a friend with the same car, swap the wheels, and take it for a spin (I've done that before). You can also take the spare and drive on it (in all four position, one at the time). Reputable tire shop should be able to check all of them for about 50-60 bucks.

Though the problem is gone by changing the tires but can you please advise if size 245/45/18 is good for all 4 AMG 18'' RIMS...someone told me that rear amg rims should have 265/40/18 tires for AMG rims size 18'' but i put all tyres one size i.e 245/45/18? pls advise.

 

[Mike5215]

Though the problem is gone by changing the tires but can you please advise if size 245/45/18 is good for all 4 AMG 18'' RIMS...someone told me that rear amg rims should have 265/40/18 tires for AMG rims size 18'' but i put all tyres one size i.e 245/45/18? pls advise.

For the staggered 18" rims, the rears should be 265/40/18. If you plan on running a "square" set up, I would use the 8.5" front rims all around.