I purchased a 1994 C280 in 1997. It already had a half-worn set of Michelins (not sure which one's) and I had this "wump-wump" problem from the tires. If I were rolling at around 5mph you could hear and feel the tire...almost like there was a bad spot in it.

So, I thought I would get a new set. Bought some Pirelli's P6000 Sport Veloce...big mistake. They didn't last long and they were noisey.

So, went back to Michelin and I'm only about 25% - 30% through them (they are X-one's) and I can now hear/feel the wump in the front left tire.

Two questions: Any idea why this might be happening? And, recommendations for a good, long lasting set of tires? We get rain here, but if we get snow, I don't even mess with it.

Thanks,

Daniel

Bad wheel bearing?

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E

Hi Daniel,

I used to have big problems with this on my E class cars. Big problems because I drive between 5000 and 6000 miles per month.

Now, each time I buy a new set of Michlens (about once a year) I have a 4 wheel alignment then rotate every time I change my oil (5000 miles) and balance when I have a maintenence service (30,000 miles).

No more premature wump-wump.

My $0.02USD.

Regards,

Roger that. I put the miles on mine as well.

I'm gonna keep a regular rotation schedule with these until I burn them up and on the next set I'll make sure to start regular rotations from the beginning.

FYI, these tires were/are great. When I first got them, smooooooth and they were quiet.

Still wondering if there are other tires out there worth looking into.

Thanks.

I have the same problem with my 94 c280! several representatives from MB in california have come to guam and looked at this problem... nothing helped... everytime I change my michelin tires, same thing happens... within 1 month it starts "whump whumping"... even my Lexus GS with the very expensive michelin pilot sports that I got from tirerack do this. I think it is something with michelin tires because I changed my MB's tires to Bridgestones last year... and the tires are still sooooooo quiet. I just hate the handling. The tires are too soft and have absolutely no grip at all. It always seems like i'm floating... unstable. My friend who has an MB C230 with the continental tires doesnt have the "whump whump" noise either. this is just my $USD 0.25 hehe..

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'94 MB C280 Lorinser Sport Suspension

I perceived that the alignment was at least as important as the rotation. Obviously, if the tires are not tracking parallel to the road, over time, a scrubbing or cupping action is going to be a part of the wear pattern.

I think if you will run your hand around the offending tire, you will feel the undulations that are causing the "wump-wump". Of course, once this pattern is established in the surface of a tire, there is no practical means to correct it.

I will decline to enter the debate about tire brands. There are so many factors that influence consumer preferences about tires that any opinion I might advance is mute.

BR,