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When I replaced the tire for $441.00 it came with a one year protection plan. I can run over 20 nails and MB will replace that tire for free for the first year. The second year MB will pick up half the tab if it needs to be replaced again. But only if it's not bald. It's not much, but it's a small piece of mind for at least the first year.
Why are you surprised? Companies do not sell warranties as a courtesy to consumers. Selling warrantees of all kinds is a major money maker for the companies that sell them. I'm sure they make a ton of money off this warranty regardless if they sold the original tire or not.
I agree that most warranties make companies a lot of money and are generally not worth it, especially on electronics. But a lifetime, non-prorated warranty on 4 run flat tires that includes balancing for $150 is a really good deal, especially on tires I didn't purchase from them.
RFT's did their job. Tire pressure said I had 0 PSI in big bold red letters and I heard the air escaping as I pulled out the bolt. But the tire was rock solid and got me to the dealership.
That's really great to hear! However, I plan on switching out the RFTs for snow tires for December-March. I just don't think the run-flats are up to the challenges of Chicago snow. My go-to winter tires have been Nokians for my last 3 cars. I will be taking a risk with nails (and bolts!). But it can't be helped as far as I can see. If I am wrong about the run-flats in snow, let me know.
Not only tires. I recently had to replace the passenger side mirror (glass) and cover / cowl on my 2013 C250. $250 at the dealer for replacement parts.
The dealer said if that had been the W205, the cost would be around $3,000 due to the electronics / functionality of the side mirrors. This is one of the few instances where I'm glad I don't have the new C class.
That's really great to hear! However, I plan on switching out the RFTs for snow tires for December-March. I just don't think the run-flats are up to the challenges of Chicago snow. My go-to winter tires have been Nokians for my last 3 cars. I will be taking a risk with nails (and bolts!). But it can't be helped as far as I can see. If I am wrong about the run-flats in snow, let me know.
Maybe try them in the snow before replacing them, my Pirelli Cinturato P7 RFT worked fine for me in the NJ snow. Of course 4matic also helped.
I had my 3rd tire issue yesterday (2 flats and 1 rim damage.) I'm now at about $1,000 worth of repairs charged to the tire and wheel insurance. I picked up a nail or bolt. The tire pressure held until the nail popped out, then it quickly went to zero. I drove about 10 highway miles on the runflats (19 " Pirelli P Zero) to the dealer. Unfortunately, they won't be able to get a replacement tire for 2-3 days. At least they gave me a loaner.
Tire availability is an issue with the 19" runflats. I had the same issue last year trying to get a replacement for the 19" Pirelli Sottozero runflats; it took 3 days to get the tire replaced. That's fine when close to home and the local dealer. Being stranded far from home waiting for a replacement tire would not be good. I carry a Conti Comfort Kit to hopefully be able to seal and inflate the tire until I get home.
Last week, when I was washing the car, I noticed a large bolt with a washer sticking right into my left front tire. The tire was still holding pressure, but I drove right up to a local repair shop.
They were able to plug the tire and it's been fine since then. The mechanic did it without even removing the tire from the car, and he refused to charge me for the repair since it took about two minutes. This happened on a Saturday, so I was very lucky to find him open.
I think you can get away with plugging a runflat (although it's not recommended) as long as the tire never deflated and you haven't ridden on a deflated tire. Once you drive on a deflated runflat, it will have to be replaced. The sidewalls will have been weakened and the tire wouldn't be safe.
10-03-2015, 08:19 AM
