Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Hello! I've joined the site because I'm worried about the safety of my family and myself after two alloys cracked within the last twelve months. Even after only 8,000 miles, Mercedes considers this wear and tear; however, I think they are dangerous and unfit for purpose. Steel views this as normal wear and tear, while Mercedes asserts that the heavy electric vehicle's impact on big alloys and thin tires causes cracks. I feel less secure and have £2500 less in my pocket. I was hoping someone else had heard about the cracked wheel problem with this or comparable models.
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
My apologies for the troubles you've been through; fortunately, I haven't encountered anything similar thus far. Just like you, the mechanic who serviced my car for the first time told me that all four tires need replacing at 15,500 kilometres because of the heavy electric vehicle (EV) weight on the big, thin tires and, of course, the four-wheel steering. Four new tires will probably cost more than a grand.
Posts: 88
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Damaged alloy wheels are nothing new for Mercedes. Well before electric vehicles were even a thing. Countless posts on Mercedes message boards.
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
It seems like the vehicle is still under warranty, so I would file a complaint stating that the vehicle was sold unfit for its intended purpose.
If you can obtain written confirmation from either Mercedes or the dealer that the issue is related to the car's weight as an electric vehicle, it would strengthen your case. This would show that Mercedes was aware that their EVs needed a stronger wheel rim, but they neglected to consider this when selling the vehicle.
A reference to the Consumer Right Act of 2015 and your intention to bring the matter to the attention of the Motor Ombudsman could be helpful additions to your complaint...
If you can obtain written confirmation from either Mercedes or the dealer that the issue is related to the car's weight as an electric vehicle, it would strengthen your case. This would show that Mercedes was aware that their EVs needed a stronger wheel rim, but they neglected to consider this when selling the vehicle.
A reference to the Consumer Right Act of 2015 and your intention to bring the matter to the attention of the Motor Ombudsman could be helpful additions to your complaint...
Posts: 65
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
My limited edition 2000 BMW 530e M sport (equipped with 35 section tires) had a similar issue.
Despite the wheels not breaking, it buckled four of them in a year, costing £700 each.
The epidemic of potholes in Britain was to blame for this.
Despite the wheels not breaking, it buckled four of them in a year, costing £700 each.
The epidemic of potholes in Britain was to blame for this.