jmatero

Currently have the E350 Sport and wondering how the E250 Sport (17" wheels/run-flats) ride and handling compares. As a long-time BMW owner, my experience with run-flats had been terrible. Loud, hard, expensive, etc.

DerekACS

Maybe that's why MB Canada decided to NOT equip the Canadian version of E250BT with RFTs ? Instead it comes with all seasons and a TireFit kit (compressor + tire sealant).

Having driven various BMWs with RFTs, I must agree with your assessment. Most RFTs are unforgiving when driven through potholes or over expansion joints.

If you decide to go with an E250BT, why not swap out the RFTs for OEM 17" Michelin all seasons
(supplied on the Canadian version) + a TireFit kit ?

Raymond Lee

My e250 runs pretty much like 2012 E350 BlueTec I had until just 2 months ago. RFT does not bother me at least for now. Will have to see how it would ride after about 30,000 miles on the tire. Power wise E350 is more powerful but it is strong enough that I don't miss anything. I do like watching fuel tank going down slow and slow to get 45 highway miles.
You be the judge! You are not going to see noticeable difference overall. That is what experts are saying!

michael61

I didn't hate the run flats, but they were a bit noisy on certain types of payments (they I sadly often drove on).

So when I had two tires blow out (not the tire's fault, I hit a giant pothole outside of Atlanta on the interstate and lost both right tires) I put four Michelin MXM4's (conventional tires) on my E250. I've been happy with them so far. We'll see how they do in winter in a few months...

In hindsight, the run flats may have saved my rims after the blow out. Not sure, but plausible.

(Not sure what I'm going to do with the two slightly used tires I have sitting in my garage...)

Raymond Lee

Sell your slightly used tire.

michael61

What's a good way to do this?

Raymond Lee

Try eBay. Since your tire is run-flat, it could be a factor for other who do not use run-flat.