Jun 24, 2015, 07:17 PM
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Run flats
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 5
From: Zürich, Switzerland
C250 Polar White, Night Package
Run flats
without realising the C class does not have a spare wheel I have gone and ordered my car with normal tyres, not run flats. I did this as I thought the ride quality would somehow be impacted by run flats.
Is this really the case? or should I try changing to run flats asap?
Thank you!
Is this really the case? or should I try changing to run flats asap?
Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 114
From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
I thought I'd at least try the runflats first when I ordered my 2015 C300 Sport with 19" wheels & Summer tires before even thinking about switching to regular tires, especially since I don't want to buy a donut spare and use up all my truck space.
The C300 w/run flats I test drove didn't feel too bad, but I think I'll end up buying a takeoff set of the stock 18" AMG wheels/tires for the Winter, and use one of the 7.5" width wheels as a spare on long trips in the Summer.
The C300 w/run flats I test drove didn't feel too bad, but I think I'll end up buying a takeoff set of the stock 18" AMG wheels/tires for the Winter, and use one of the 7.5" width wheels as a spare on long trips in the Summer.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
without realising the C class does not have a spare wheel I have gone and ordered my car with normal tyres, not run flats. I did this as I thought the ride quality would somehow be impacted by run flats.
Is this really the case? or should I try changing to run flats asap?
Thank you!
Is this really the case? or should I try changing to run flats asap?
Thank you!
From what I've seen so far people are shying away from the run flat tires - firstly they're a lot stiffer and secondly they're also hideously expensive.
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Western Australia
W205 C250 Bluetec AMG Line
In saying that.. I had Continental 18" RFT on my F30 and it was hideously stiff and rigid.. after 9 months I changed them out to 18" Continental NON RFT and it made only a very small difference in comfort.. the main reason I swapped out is that I couldn't get a replacement RFT for three months.
the 19" Continental RFT on my W205... are definitely a world ahead.. same roads I drove the BMW on yet the ride is 100 times better... yes this may have a fair bit to do with Airmatic.. I guess it really comes down to what car your coming from and the roads in your area.
the 19" Continental RFT on my W205... are definitely a world ahead.. same roads I drove the BMW on yet the ride is 100 times better... yes this may have a fair bit to do with Airmatic.. I guess it really comes down to what car your coming from and the roads in your area.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
I feel the run-flats give an inferior ride, although I can't compare the ride to non run-flats on the C300. I checked two dealers and both said they would not install non run-flats due to liability reasons.
At some point (and definitely when my tires need replacing) I will put on conventional tires.
Car manufactures need to get away from run-flats. The disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
I received my JD Power survey today and I slammed Mercedes for the run-flat tires.
At some point (and definitely when my tires need replacing) I will put on conventional tires.
Car manufactures need to get away from run-flats. The disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
I received my JD Power survey today and I slammed Mercedes for the run-flat tires.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 236
Likes: 2
C400
In saying that.. I had Continental 18" RFT on my F30 and it was hideously stiff and rigid.. after 9 months I changed them out to 18" Continental NON RFT and it made only a very small difference in comfort.. the main reason I swapped out is that I couldn't get a replacement RFT for three months.
the 19" Continental RFT on my W205... are definitely a world ahead.. same roads I drove the BMW on yet the ride is 100 times better... yes this may have a fair bit to do with Airmatic.. I guess it really comes down to what car your coming from and the roads in your area.
the 19" Continental RFT on my W205... are definitely a world ahead.. same roads I drove the BMW on yet the ride is 100 times better... yes this may have a fair bit to do with Airmatic.. I guess it really comes down to what car your coming from and the roads in your area.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Western Australia
W205 C250 Bluetec AMG Line
Might be the case, however the test drive I had before I ordered was non-airmatic and I did find a difference straight away.. who knows.. Im a first to MB owner... it must be the refinement of the MB that pushed it ahead of the BMW perhaps
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 366
Likes: 8
From: SF Bay Area
CLA-250, C-300
Good point, I was going to chime in and say how forgiving these new 19" SP RF are compared to the RF I got on the CLA, but my CLA ran the same RF (I have the CLA SP with the same 18" that come with the standard C SP), but I the airmatic is a very different, flexible and forgiving setup, so to your point, the only way I will find out is when I change my wheels in June (hopefully).
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 366
Likes: 8
From: SF Bay Area
CLA-250, C-300
America's tire is more flexible, they allowed me to change all four no-spare, but they would not mix RF with -RF (rightfully so due to the potential hazard).
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
We have an America's Tire and I will check with them. THANKS!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
B200T
Costco said if you used the "slime" it would void the warranty. Not sure that is true because even instructional videos at MBUSA and the on line manual advise to carry their tire fit kit (slime/compressor) if you use traditional tires.
We have an America's Tire and I will check with them. THANKS!
We have an America's Tire and I will check with them. THANKS!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 33
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I ran 18" non-runflat snow tires all winter. Granted, the more aggressive tread design is somewhat louder than all-seasons, but I expected the ride to be more compliant on the softer tires. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case.
While the snows had less "thump" over pavement breaks, the ride really wasn't much different. Maybe a bit more muted, but the difference was much less than I had expected.
While the snows had less "thump" over pavement breaks, the ride really wasn't much different. Maybe a bit more muted, but the difference was much less than I had expected.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 236
Likes: 2
C400
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
I don't like run flats but seems inevitable they will be the only choice. Hopefully more great strides in improvement, but physics of harder sidewall hard to ignore unless some new compound inventions.
Supposedly new driveguard by Bridgestone is the leas "run flat" like. Friend with A Mini running them said they're a big upgrade from his previous run flats. I have no personal experience.
If my Conti run flats went, I would look for an alternative though.
Supposedly new driveguard by Bridgestone is the leas "run flat" like. Friend with A Mini running them said they're a big upgrade from his previous run flats. I have no personal experience.
If my Conti run flats went, I would look for an alternative though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 114
From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Current run-flat tires won't help in the least if you end up shredding a tire from road debris, accident, or a good hit up against a curb. Your only choice in those scenarios is having a spare or calling a tow truck.
Other than a multiple flat situation or limiting the chance of having to change a flat tire yourself, what are benefits of having run flat tires because all I seem to focus on are the negatives:
1) Increased cost
2) Stiffer ride
3) No spare tire from the manufacturer
4) Increased tire (rotational) weight
5) Increased difficulty finding replacement run-flats in emergency situations
6) Usually require a replacement instead of repair
Last edited by MASSC450; May 10, 2015 at 01:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 5
From: Zürich, Switzerland
C250 Polar White, Night Package
Personally I think this elusive goal of a run-flat tire ever riding like a non-flat tire is fantasy, and the only reason the market is gravitating this way is purely to cut costs or increase profit...for both the car & tire manufacturers. You need either tire pressure OR a stiffer sidewall to support the weight of the vehicle...and we all know the tradeoff of having a stiffer sidewall is a stiffer ride.
Current run-flat tires won't help in the least if you end up shredding a tire from road debris, accident, or a good hit up against a curb. Your only choice in those scenarios is having a spare or calling a tow truck.
Other than a multiple flat situation or limiting the chance of having to change a flat tire yourself, what are benefits of having run flat tires because all I seem to focus on are the negatives:
1) Increased cost
2) Stiffer ride
3) No spare tire from the manufacturer
4) Increased tire (rotational) weight
5) Increased difficulty finding replacement run-flats in emergency situations.
Current run-flat tires won't help in the least if you end up shredding a tire from road debris, accident, or a good hit up against a curb. Your only choice in those scenarios is having a spare or calling a tow truck.
Other than a multiple flat situation or limiting the chance of having to change a flat tire yourself, what are benefits of having run flat tires because all I seem to focus on are the negatives:
1) Increased cost
2) Stiffer ride
3) No spare tire from the manufacturer
4) Increased tire (rotational) weight
5) Increased difficulty finding replacement run-flats in emergency situations.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
2015 C-300 4matic,Polar White, Black MB-tex,Premium 1,Burmester,partial LED,open pore black ash
Dramatic Improvement
I switched my 17 inch run flats (Pirellis) for conventional tires (Michelin Premier) and found a dramatic improvement in ride quality. The ride on run flats was so harsh and jarring that it gave me lower back pain.
As I mentioned in a previous thread if I were to rate the ride quality on run flats as a zero and a perfect ride as a 10, I would rate the ride with conventional tires as a 7- dramatic improvement.
Unfortunately Mercedes refused to make the switch so I'm stick with 4 run flats and out $1200. CornishPatsy you're fortunate to be given a choice.
I have never had a flat tire and if I did would not change the tire myself.Should that happen I will call roadside assistance.
As I mentioned in a previous thread if I were to rate the ride quality on run flats as a zero and a perfect ride as a 10, I would rate the ride with conventional tires as a 7- dramatic improvement.
Unfortunately Mercedes refused to make the switch so I'm stick with 4 run flats and out $1200. CornishPatsy you're fortunate to be given a choice.
I have never had a flat tire and if I did would not change the tire myself.Should that happen I will call roadside assistance.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania, USA
Audi S4
Personally I think this elusive goal of a run-flat tire ever riding like a non-flat tire is fantasy, and the only reason the market is gravitating this way is purely to cut costs or increase profit...for both the car & tire manufacturers. You need either tire pressure OR a stiffer sidewall to support the weight of the vehicle...and we all know the tradeoff of having a stiffer sidewall is a stiffer ride.
Current run-flat tires won't help in the least if you end up shredding a tire from road debris, accident, or a good hit up against a curb. Your only choice in those scenarios is having a spare or calling a tow truck.
Other than a multiple flat situation or limiting the chance of having to change a flat tire yourself, what are benefits of having run flat tires because all I seem to focus on are the negatives:
1) Increased cost
2) Stiffer ride
3) No spare tire from the manufacturer
4) Increased tire (rotational) weight
5) Increased difficulty finding replacement run-flats in emergency situations
6) Usually require a replacement instead of repair
Current run-flat tires won't help in the least if you end up shredding a tire from road debris, accident, or a good hit up against a curb. Your only choice in those scenarios is having a spare or calling a tow truck.
Other than a multiple flat situation or limiting the chance of having to change a flat tire yourself, what are benefits of having run flat tires because all I seem to focus on are the negatives:
1) Increased cost
2) Stiffer ride
3) No spare tire from the manufacturer
4) Increased tire (rotational) weight
5) Increased difficulty finding replacement run-flats in emergency situations
6) Usually require a replacement instead of repair
1. Increased trunk space/interior volume due to no spare wheel.
2. Decreased vehicle weight due to no spare wheel, jack, tools, etc.
3. Increased "safety" in the event of a blowout.
Those of you who are experiencing issues changing out your run-flats need to find a better wheel/tire shop. Better yet, use it as a chance to order new wheels along with the new non-run flat tires. Tirerack.com will get you an entire new set of wheels and tires in 2 days flat.
Last edited by CorradoJr; May 10, 2015 at 07:51 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
I went in to America's Tire today and explained my situation (wanting to switch from RF's to Non RF's. They said they would do it, but then went on to try and sell me Bridgestone DriveGuards, another RF tire. I told them I would research it, but there is NO way I'm switching one RF for another!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
I switched my 17 inch run flats (Pirellis) for conventional tires (Michelin Premier) and found a dramatic improvement in ride quality. The ride on run flats was so harsh and jarring that it gave me lower back pain.
As I mentioned in a previous thread if I were to rate the ride quality on run flats as a zero and a perfect ride as a 10, I would rate the ride with conventional tires as a 7- dramatic improvement.
Unfortunately Mercedes refused to make the switch so I'm stick with 4 run flats and out $1200. CornishPatsy you're fortunate to be given a choice.
I have never had a flat tire and if I did would not change the tire myself.Should that happen I will call roadside assistance.
As I mentioned in a previous thread if I were to rate the ride quality on run flats as a zero and a perfect ride as a 10, I would rate the ride with conventional tires as a 7- dramatic improvement.
Unfortunately Mercedes refused to make the switch so I'm stick with 4 run flats and out $1200. CornishPatsy you're fortunate to be given a choice.
I have never had a flat tire and if I did would not change the tire myself.Should that happen I will call roadside assistance.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
Interesting to hear more of your review of differences, the Michelin Premier is high on my list as a potential replacement. How large (if any) of a difference in noise? This seems to be one of the concerns online of this tire. How do you find ride smoothness/cornering differences? I have Conti RF, and uncertain if there's a difference between them and the Perelli RF. The Non RF version of the Perelli C7 is very highly rated.
the Michelin Premiers were rated higher for noise, but now I see the Pirellis are rated higher, but Michelin is still better for ride quality.
