Losing weight

[richunters]

Just bought new tires for my 98 E300D with the factory wheels last weekend. I had the tires balanced on the Hunter 9700 machine. When I got home, the balance weights on two of the tires flew off. I drove back to Discount Tire and they tried to tell me they did the balancing, and that those two wheels probably didn't need any balancing weights. Fortunately I had watched the balancing and knew all four tires had weights on them. They changed the weights on all four tires (using a different type of weights). However, this time three of the weights came off when I got home. Had to take it back again. This time they tried a third type using steel weights. They are still there this morning. From now on, I'll always check the weights when they are installed.

Just wondered if anyone has the same experience, and whether mercedes wheels use special balancing weights.

[moparmike]

How is your paint after those?

[apb]

Same exact experience -- also they got to repaint 2 of my wheels.
I now request the "alloy" mount (taped weights in the wheels) and you must demand a dynamic balance.

[richunters]

Well one of my wheels had a noticeable scratch on it from all the weight change-outs

Taped weights? Are these taped to the inside of the wheels? If the steel weights ever come off i'll have to trythem

[apb]

yes

[400E]

I recommend using official MB weights. They are a 2-piece weight which fits better on MB rims. They have never flown off my wheels, like the cheap, common, 1-piece weights the tire stores typically use.

This is one of those rare times when using the dealer makes sense, as they have high-speed wheel balancers and the right weights. That is, if you don't have a good, independent MB mechanic who cares enough to get the right weights.