baytownbud

According to MBUSA, the 2011 GL550 is equipped with all-season run flat tires. Anyone care to share their opinion on these tires? And do you think these tires will improve or hurt the ride quality? Thanks.

socketman

They have a very stiff sidewall but doent seem to hurt ride quality

stickygreen

Have the Goodyear LS-2 on our '09. The tires are definitely stiffer and make it ride a bit harsher, but the ADS really helps. Biggest downside to these tires is that they have a lot of impact noise, meaning that bumps in the road create a little "whump" when you hit them. Also, I'd be willing to bet that MPG would increase noticeably without the heavy runflat tires. They are wearing great with well over 50% tread remaining after 27k miles of use, which is good considering they cost almost $500 each new.

Though I'm not a fan of runflat ride characteristics, I much prefer that my 62 year old mother doesn't have to sit roadside waiting for AAA in case of a flat.

43221B

I agree with stickygreen on the durability. I have 20,000 miles on mine and still have at least half the tread remaining. I don't baby them either. Surprising considering what others have reported they are getting out of their 19" tires.

MBZFAN55

I just took delivery last month on a 2011 GL550 and it came with Pirelli Scorpion Zero's. I didn't see any "run flats" on any of the GL550's on the dealer's lot.

TamZ

We have an '11 GL350 Blue Tec with the run flats. I am really surprised by how "hard they hit" whenever you hit bumps. Speed bumps are the worst. The first week I drove the vehicle, I thought something was wrong. My husband says it is just the run flats.

blee911

I agree. I'm satisifed with the ride but believe it would be better with non-run flats. Bumps are more harsh than they should be considering how soft the ride is in Comfort mode on my 350. I'm not a big fan of run flats. I'd rather have a spare.