ljcool

I test drove the S550 with sports package this past week and there was a noticeable harshness on the ride. While it wasn't that pronounced, it isn't what you'd expect on a flagship model. Had a look at the tire and they were Goodyear Eagle F1 Run Flats. I asked if there were any alternates. I was flat out given a no. Said MB doesn't have any approved alternates other than factory options, but did mention the S600 comes with Pirelli P Zero Run Flats.

So I ask to those who have swapped their tires, what brand/model did you change to? Thanks!

jrpisha

I had my dealership swap out the Goodyear runflats from my 2015 S550 4MATIC w/ SP & 20" wheels for a set of Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2's. Very pleased with the tires. They look good on the rims, they're quiet & handle well.

LovinMercedes

If you go to the thread on run flats, everything you'd ever want to know is there.

The various rim sizes have different tire sizes. Some models have matching front and rear while others are larger in the back. It all depends upon what exact model you have. For instance, with respect to the S600's, the 19 inch wheels are run flats and the 20 inch are conventional.

It's already all in the thread on run flats. What people have switched to is also there.

ljcool

Thanks! Been reading it for an hour now and see that most are in agreement (at least members of this forum) that the OE Run Flats need to be replaced.

LovinMercedes

I think most certainly felt that way with the 20's. The 19 inch isn't so clear cut.

ljcool

What I'd really like to know is how does the 18" ride?

LovinMercedes

You don't need to change the run flats on the 18's. They are fine.

I don't recall anyone with 18's feeling there is any difference between the run flats and the conventional tires.

ljcool

That's good news! Only problem is no dealer seems to have any S550s rolling on 18s on their lot...

Cptdenny

After putting over 1,600 miles on my 2014 S550 with 20" Pirelli Run Flats, I can't see what the issue is. Maybe if I was to drive one with conventional tires back to back with mine, maybe I can feel the difference.

I did test ride back to back to back just prior to my purchase, a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost with only 3K miles, then the 2014 S550 (soon to be mine), and then the 2014 Lexus LS 460 down the road. The S550 with these 20" run flats rode smoother than the Roller and the Lexus.

If any of you want to compare a back to back ride against my 20" run flats in the Port St. Lucie Florida area, let me know.

emilner

I had the dealer swap my rfts for Michelin Pilot A/S. They did it for free, no questions asked. After driving an S with the eagles and now my car I can say there is a huge difference on impacts but road noise is roughly equal. The car floats in comfort mode, I can't see it getting any smoother.

One thing I have noticed is the car occasionally has a slight funky side to side motion when hitting road imperfections. It's not related to the tires, but I was hoping they would have fixed that.

LovinMercedes

Do you have 19's or 20's?

emilner

19's

ljcool

I haven't tried the Premier A/S, but there is a similar wobbling sensation on the Pilot Super Sport when driving on a highway with rain grooves on them.

emilner

Ok cool. I was hoping it was not just me. I really noticed it on 95 south heading from 287 to the split for Throgs neck. The groves are not very straight and the car had some side to side movement like it was trying to find the right line. Also on other roads I'm occasionally moving side to side in the car when I meet a just right road imperfection.

Kratos-TM

I don't know if emilner is referring to the same thing I've been posting about on my 2014 model, but I hated how much it rocked side to side on bumps. Like a see-saw effect. I had runflats and conventional tires and it was the same on both. So I concluded that it was the suspensions settings being too soft. So for my 2015 model, I made sure to put in Magic Body Control. I have a feeling that's gonna fix that problem.

emilner

You are right. It's a sea saw. It's odd- I've never experienced it in a car before. Like the front and rear suspensions are on a different page. If you have to order a special suspension well, then it would truly suck if a 2015 S550 Mercedes Benz can't drive like a great car...

ljcool

It should. I've been watching this video and the difference is incredible www.youtube.com/watch?v=940wGYCeQ68. The car I test drove didn't have MBC so I'm looking at trying one with it to feel the difference for myself.

lsdreem

wow why in the world would you swap for hankooks ? Never mind I don't want to know but that was a great deal for your dealership since you can get all 4 hankook tires for the price of one of your runflats.

Kratos-TM

Well this new generation needs MBC. My 221 didn't. Something's different.

jrpisha

I live in Michigan. Over the lifecycle span of my last three cars (BMW 5 series'), I maintained a separate set of winter wheels/tires. I didn't want to deal with that on my S Class. With the addition of the 4MATIC option and good high performance all-season tires, I'll be fine.

That was my primary motivator for taking off the runflats. Why Hankook? In my research I found them to be the highest rated high performance all-season tires that fit my 20 inch rims (according to tirerack.com). Add in a host of other benefits including a 10% reduction in unsprung weight and a 15% reduction in rolling resistance moving away from the run-flats. I've never seen them priced at the level you'd quoted; not sure where you've sourced your data...