Jun 24, 2015, 07:17 PM
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Changing Run Flats to Conventional Tires
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
Changing Run Flats to Conventional Tires
I'm not taking delivery of my C300 until January '15, but I'm most likely to ditch the run flats for conventional tires.
I've done a lot of research and this link sort of reflects my feelings:
http://tires.about.com/od/understand...flat-Tires.htm I don't see a review date and maybe the new Modified Run Flats are different.
I think I like C4004matic's recommendation of the Pirelli P7's. I know I will have to purchase the MBZ Fix-A-Flat & Compressor (which I hear fits neatly in the bottom trunk compartment).
EDIT: I've been driving for 45 years and I've had one flat about 40 years ago. I've had a couple of punctures with nails/screws but left them in until I got to the tire shop. Thanks to TPMS I was able to air the tire until I got to the shop.
The Consumer Reports Review mentioning hitting a pot hole and feeling that "odd whack" sort of sold me on conventional tires.
Specifically, can any owners of C300 Luxury cars (hopefully with Airmatic) provide any feedback as to the noise/jarring effect when driving over potholes, expansion joints, and coarse asphalt pavement?
I've done a lot of research and this link sort of reflects my feelings:
http://tires.about.com/od/understand...flat-Tires.htm I don't see a review date and maybe the new Modified Run Flats are different.
I think I like C4004matic's recommendation of the Pirelli P7's. I know I will have to purchase the MBZ Fix-A-Flat & Compressor (which I hear fits neatly in the bottom trunk compartment).
EDIT: I've been driving for 45 years and I've had one flat about 40 years ago. I've had a couple of punctures with nails/screws but left them in until I got to the tire shop. Thanks to TPMS I was able to air the tire until I got to the shop.
The Consumer Reports Review mentioning hitting a pot hole and feeling that "odd whack" sort of sold me on conventional tires.
Specifically, can any owners of C300 Luxury cars (hopefully with Airmatic) provide any feedback as to the noise/jarring effect when driving over potholes, expansion joints, and coarse asphalt pavement?
Last edited by PeteInGilroy; Nov 23, 2014 at 02:38 AM. Reason: Adding Info
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
B200T
I'm not taking delivery of my C300 until January '15, but I'm most likely to ditch the run flats for conventional tires.
I've done a lot of research and this link sort of reflects my feelings:
http://tires.about.com/od/understand...flat-Tires.htm I don't see a review date and maybe the new Modified Run Flats are different.
I think I like C4004matic's recommendation of the Pirelli P7's. I know I will have to purchase the MBZ Fix-A-Flat & Compressor (which I hear fits neatly in the bottom trunk compartment).
EDIT: I've been driving for 45 years and I've had one flat about 40 years ago. I've had a couple of punctures with nails/screws but left them in until I got to the tire shop. Thanks to TPMS I was able to air the tire until I got to the shop.
The Consumer Reports Review mentioning hitting a pot hole and feeling that "odd whack" sort of sold me on conventional tires.
Specifically, can any owners of C300 Luxury cars (hopefully with Airmatic) provide any feedback as to the noise/jarring effect when driving over potholes, expansion joints, and coarse asphalt pavement?
I've done a lot of research and this link sort of reflects my feelings:
http://tires.about.com/od/understand...flat-Tires.htm I don't see a review date and maybe the new Modified Run Flats are different.
I think I like C4004matic's recommendation of the Pirelli P7's. I know I will have to purchase the MBZ Fix-A-Flat & Compressor (which I hear fits neatly in the bottom trunk compartment).
EDIT: I've been driving for 45 years and I've had one flat about 40 years ago. I've had a couple of punctures with nails/screws but left them in until I got to the tire shop. Thanks to TPMS I was able to air the tire until I got to the shop.
The Consumer Reports Review mentioning hitting a pot hole and feeling that "odd whack" sort of sold me on conventional tires.
Specifically, can any owners of C300 Luxury cars (hopefully with Airmatic) provide any feedback as to the noise/jarring effect when driving over potholes, expansion joints, and coarse asphalt pavement?
Why the MB compressor kit specifically (over, say, a $40 compressor and a can or two of the fix-a-flat sprays)?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
Haven't really thought about it...just figured the MBZ products would fit nicely in the trunk.
Does anyone know if the Mercedes Towing covers the vehicle with conventional tires?
Does anyone know if the Mercedes Towing covers the vehicle with conventional tires?
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
G37x Coupe
I test drove the C400 with sports suspension and 18" runflats. The ride wasn't bad on smooth pavement but upon returning to the dealership I did drive over a very shallow pothole, maybe 1/2" deep and 8" wide, at about 20 kmh (12mph), and it felt like we hit a brick. It was a very harsh thud that really surprised me. I drove over the same thing on the way out with my G37X coupe with 18" non runflats and hardly felt it at all. I know this isn't the setup you were asking about but figured it would be useful anyway. I'm in the market for a C400 with AMG interior, which is only available with the 19" runflats and airmatic (sports package) in Canada, but after experiencing how terrible runflats are I just can't buy this thing with 19" runflats. The car's already going to cost me 70k after taxes and fees (we pay 12% sales tax plus 3% luxury tax in BC.)
It's really quite ridiculous that at this price point you can't choose non runflats. Even more ridiculous that you can't have 18" wheels on a model that is made in the same factory as the US spec C class, which does come with 18" wheels as an option with the AMG interior package. I'm hoping the option will be available in the 2016 configurator when MB Canada realises they are losing sales because of this.
It's really quite ridiculous that at this price point you can't choose non runflats. Even more ridiculous that you can't have 18" wheels on a model that is made in the same factory as the US spec C class, which does come with 18" wheels as an option with the AMG interior package. I'm hoping the option will be available in the 2016 configurator when MB Canada realises they are losing sales because of this.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The Sport suspension & run-flats is a nasty combination. Run flats have improved from a comfort perspective & suspensions are now better tuned for them but I'm dreadfully aware of them & prefer good old standard Michelin PS3's thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 32
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2015 C220
I have to say I don't see what the fuss is all about. I think the run flats are fine with the AMG sport suspension. I also don't understand that people won't consider the car because of run flats....
Of course, this is just one man's opinion.
Of course, this is just one man's opinion.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes ~ One should still consider the car but toss the run-flats as Pete is suggesting.
Sensitivity to run flats & the Sport suspension all depends on typical roads the vehicle will be operated on & how numb one is to intrusion of noise & wheel deflection into the ride.
Sensitivity to run flats & the Sport suspension all depends on typical roads the vehicle will be operated on & how numb one is to intrusion of noise & wheel deflection into the ride.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
Any thoughts or tests between the different oem run flats randomly coming on this car? Conti. Perelli P7, Michelin MXM. Or are they all pretty much identical?
Last edited by floridadriver; Nov 23, 2014 at 09:37 AM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
G37x Coupe
We don't get the 10-15% discounts the US gets nor the $2k winter event discount. This is a much more expensive car in Canada, especially when you factor in the $3k in fees and the 15% tax on top of all that. The alternative is to go with a C300 but I'm coming from a 330 HP car and don't want to drop down to 241 HP. All these things together is why this particular consumer won't do it.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
'24 GLB250. Previously '23 GLB250 '17 GLS500 '14 C250 '13 ML500 '12 C250 '08 ML500 '07 E500 '03 A160
We've had our W205 C250 for a couple of months now. Just over 4,000kms.
We've got the AMG line with 19" multi-spoke rims and run flat tyres, but NO Airmatic.
Most of the time we drive the car around in Sport or Sport + and have never had any issues with ride quality at all.
Like most of you we were quite unhappy when we found out the car we had ordered had run flats, and nobody had said anything, but we still wanted the car and figured we might change them to conventional tyres if necessary, as a previous BMW (2008) we owned had them and they were awful.
Totally different story on the Benz though. Not sure if it's better tyre technology over the last 6 or so years, or MB have just got the knack at making it work.
Not going to waste our time or money now changing anything!
So yeah, don't stress too much about it guys, unless you're doing heaps of country driving a long way from repair shops.
But in 25 years, doing an average of 40,000kms per year I have never once had a flat tyre!
Sorry about the tyres/tires thing ... we are the ones who spell it correctly though
We've got the AMG line with 19" multi-spoke rims and run flat tyres, but NO Airmatic.
Most of the time we drive the car around in Sport or Sport + and have never had any issues with ride quality at all.
Like most of you we were quite unhappy when we found out the car we had ordered had run flats, and nobody had said anything, but we still wanted the car and figured we might change them to conventional tyres if necessary, as a previous BMW (2008) we owned had them and they were awful.
Totally different story on the Benz though. Not sure if it's better tyre technology over the last 6 or so years, or MB have just got the knack at making it work.
Not going to waste our time or money now changing anything!
So yeah, don't stress too much about it guys, unless you're doing heaps of country driving a long way from repair shops.
But in 25 years, doing an average of 40,000kms per year I have never once had a flat tyre!
Sorry about the tyres/tires thing ... we are the ones who spell it correctly though
Last edited by Benz Werd; Nov 25, 2014 at 08:13 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 22
From: Ottawa, Canada
2014 C63 507, 2012 R350
I've had runflats on wife's R Class and when changing to winters I do not feel any difference. I think the technology has come a long way and while my winter tires are Blizzaks, I haven't had a chance other than on attest drive to find any fault with the runflats.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 703
Likes: 68
From: Boston Area
2021 Mojave Silver E450, 2024 Black on Black Jaguar F-pace P400, 2011 335d (RIP), 2010 E350 (sold)
IMO runflats got a bad rap in 2007+ on BMWs and rightfully so, at least back then. Now, I can't say that I have an issue with them on my 2011 BMW, but still there are seemingly thousands of threads blasting them on bimmerfest and bimmerpost. Some people got burned by the early RFs, won't even try the new versions and loudly advocate for everyone to rip them off their cars whenever the question arises. My advice is to try them objectively first. If you don't like them, change em out. Plus you could always sell them as takeoffs.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
My criticism of them is only really with the steel sport suspension. The Airmatic controls them pretty well. Most people here just take the car off the dealer floor straight to a tyre shop & swap them out.
More & more people are just ordering their cars without them. MBSA is willing to oblige.
More & more people are just ordering their cars without them. MBSA is willing to oblige.
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Though there are better non run flat options, I think that swapping them off the bat is a little silly. I sincerely doubt that anyone would find the ride so objectionable that they would run out and swap. Simply be vigilant of road craters. The OEM tires are excellent, thus there is no harm in waiting for them to run their course. You can take that money and invest it in the prepaid maintenance instead 
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Our Tyre shops give you a decent credit for the run flats they remove. I'm not the only one that is critical of the steel sport suspension. Out local motoring press advise against buying it. And they usually like firm set ups. In conjunction with run flats it would spoil the car for me. I want to enjoy my new car & not wait for a set of tyres to wear out.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 163
Likes: 4
From: Seattle, WA
2015 C300
I have found the same thing. my 2015 C300 Sport came with the Continental ContiSport SSR, and I feel every pot-hole. I'm looking for a different all-season non-run flat as well.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
You are obviously sensitive to this like I am. I don't want harshness in a Benz. One of the reasons I buy them is to get away from it.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas NV
Corvette/2017 E-300
It seems like from what I'm hearing...the non-run flats will provide a smoother ride when hitting potholes or over rough terrain. For those that are going to non-run flats are you saying it's a noticeable difference on smooth roads/highways? Again I can't tell the difference and luckily our roads/highways here in Vegas are well maintained...and I avoid the few potholes that may be out there. My MB(run flats) actually provides a smoother ride than my Solara (non-run flats)
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Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: New York State
2015 c400 sport 4 matic
call me crazy but I thought fix a flat can not be used on a car with tire sensors? It supposedly ruins the sensor? I don't mind the run flats, but I am NOT happy about NO spare tire
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I'm riding on Goodyear non-runflat snow tires right now. I have not noticed any significant difference in ride quality compared to the Continental RFT's.
I do not have the Sport or Airmatic suspension ... just the standard steel setup with 18" tires/tyres and wheels/whyles.
I do not have the Sport or Airmatic suspension ... just the standard steel setup with 18" tires/tyres and wheels/whyles.
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B200T
http://www.fixaflat.com/faq/
