I recently purchased 2004 E320 with 53K miles. Everything is smooth and quiet until get up to 55 mph. At that time a rhythmic rumbling/thumping sound begins coming from the (drivers side rear). Up until 50-55mph its quiet. The tires are Continental Contitouring Contact. I had a Michelin Harmony on my former 92 300E that gave me the same problem and it had developed a flat spot. A new tire fixed the problem. The one particular tire where I think the noise is coming from is on the driver's side rear. This tire's tread depth measures 5 with a tire gauge and the other three measure 7. Any suggestions?

tarheel75

Replace the Continentals with Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires.

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Fred Hoelzle

If you want to make SURE that tires are your problem, before laying out hard earned cash, find a buddy with an MB with similar wheels and tires, change them out and drive it around the block.

About fifteen years ago I began running across noises that sounded exactly like a bad wheel bearing only to find that it was a tire.

To prevent this from happening, rotate tires regularly. This is much more necessary on front wheel drive cars, but don't overlook it on rear wheel drive cars.