Not BMW but a MB

[sapphireblack]

My neighbour paid me a visit earlier today, he regards me as a petrol head, unlike himself. He was given by a wealthy uncle a rather lovely Brabus spec car a C series i think, a big black saloon, debadged of course. It has 22" wheels fitted with rubber bands. The uncle has recently taken delivery of his new Bentayga

He has a problem as the uber low suspension and tyres are driving him nuts, cracks in the wheels almost monthly. He needs a fix but any significant changes to the car or wheels mean "the look" would be compromised. He asked me what he might be able to do. All i can think of is inner tubes but i suspect for a very low profile tyre, 35s I think, thats probably not an option?

[X5Sport]

Tyres or alloys?

22” on UK roads with rubber bands is not a good recipe for alloy or tyre longevity. It kind of suggest that the wheels may be underrated for the weight of the car - something that has been reported by i4 owners who have fitted standard BMW wheels (suitable for a 3or 4 series ICE). In the i4 case, the car weighs 350kgs more so some alloys wheels are cracking due to being used at close to the maximum rating (or even above) on poor road surfaces. Tyre life also well below expected.

Tyres for a car that size are going to have zero sidewall flex. Probably hard springing won’t be helping. That would not help the tyre life.

They no doubt look fabulous, but for every day use, come with snags. Showroom or concourse wheels.

If it were me, I’d try looking for a Brabus wheel that’s less aggressive? 20” perhaps in the same style? For tyres, is it fitted with the right ones? They should have MO or MOE on the sidewall.

[sapphireblack]

The wheels are apparently a Brabus replacement from a while ago. The previous owner had issues with one rim but the style originally on the car were discontinued, a deal was done for the current set, which it seems are no better. I've been a passenger in it once and on good roads the car is great. The ride is definitely firm, rims are 22" and were refurbed earlier this year and new rubber fitted. Obviously, my neighbour isnt in a rush to discard them.

Obviously, the combination of appalling UK roads and big rims is a significant problem.

But inner tubes is a solution????

[X5Sport]

Not sure how an inner tube would help. It’s just a liner held at the same pressure.

[sapphireblack]

It would stop the tyre deflating due to cracked wheels?

[Leslie]

Not sure inner tubes are even legal on a tubeless tyre now and doubt they even come in 22" anyway ,maybe some tyre sealant is an answer ?

[sapphireblack]

The wheels crack letting air escape. One wheel has two repairs now, another is (hopefully) being fixed mminently.
I feel for the guy, the pleasure of owing the car is being compromised by duff (and expensive) wheels on poor UK roads.

[Alan Gunn]

Send Uncle the bill for fixing the rim's.

[X5Sport]

For cracked wheels then need to come down a couple of sizes, and I know that won’t be the message I’d want to hear either but…... Not sure I would want to be in a car that cracks them that easily. Sounds like a recipe for a sudden collapse.

[sapphireblack]

I know BA about MB motors, but anything badged Brabus isnt easy to come by and not cheap when it does. I dont envy him finding a solution.

[Greydog]

I had 2 AMG E 55 estates both had transmission issues and both suffered from rust all in their first 3 years phenomenal cars even with the issues followed with a CLS 63 estate 4 years and not a single glitch or hitch. I never had any wheel/tyre problems but they were on 20" (Big in those days) mind the UK roads were in better nick as well. Maybe a swap to 20" either Brabus or AMG style would be the answer, sell the 22"s

[sapphireblack]

I had 2 AMG E 55 estates both had transmission issues and both suffered from rust all in their first 3 years phenomenal cars even with the issues followed with a CLS 63 estate 4 years and not a single glitch or hitch. I never had any wheel/tyre problems but they were on 20" (Big in those days) mind the UK roads were in better nick as well. Maybe a swap to 20" either Brabus or AMG style would be the answer, sell the 22"s

Agreed but having only recently had the wheels refurbished and new rubber fitted, it's a painful blow to the pocket.