Run Flat Tires vs. Non Run Flats
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Benz C300 4matic Sedan
Run Flat Tires vs. Non Run Flats
Greetings All!
First thread AND my 1st Benz. After a month on a '17 C300 it is ever so clear that run flats are a horribly stiff ride-now bumps do seem harder than they even look after "crashing over" them with these Conti-tech RUN FLATS! So, after almost unanimous agreement that they will change my ride to an impressive level that a Benz sedan which I bought a month ago with "babyish" 20,000 miles on it should be, here's a question:
**Yes, I did check for possible alignment and suspension issues with a Benz road techie. No problems detected.
Will the exchanging of these run flats to NON-ones make a huge difference? Of course I am excited almost more than when I purchased this car to find out. My guess is they will to some degree. The construction of run flats are made tough with little give and rough flexibility on the road.
I live on Long Island but winters are very rare with snow lately, and doubtful it will change in the near future (but that's another topic.)
*** Smooth ride and good handling along with wet traction excellence are my priorities-lots of rain here.**
So I am considering Pirelli Zero Nero GT Max Summer Performance tires. Maybe I'll go with an All Season instead.
For my C300 225 17 50 94 tires any A/S suggestions? Who has switched form a non-flat to a conventional tire? Your thoughts??
Thanks all!!
First thread AND my 1st Benz. After a month on a '17 C300 it is ever so clear that run flats are a horribly stiff ride-now bumps do seem harder than they even look after "crashing over" them with these Conti-tech RUN FLATS! So, after almost unanimous agreement that they will change my ride to an impressive level that a Benz sedan which I bought a month ago with "babyish" 20,000 miles on it should be, here's a question:
**Yes, I did check for possible alignment and suspension issues with a Benz road techie. No problems detected.
Will the exchanging of these run flats to NON-ones make a huge difference? Of course I am excited almost more than when I purchased this car to find out. My guess is they will to some degree. The construction of run flats are made tough with little give and rough flexibility on the road.
I live on Long Island but winters are very rare with snow lately, and doubtful it will change in the near future (but that's another topic.)
*** Smooth ride and good handling along with wet traction excellence are my priorities-lots of rain here.**
So I am considering Pirelli Zero Nero GT Max Summer Performance tires. Maybe I'll go with an All Season instead.
For my C300 225 17 50 94 tires any A/S suggestions? Who has switched form a non-flat to a conventional tire? Your thoughts??
Thanks all!!
Last edited by BenzRocker6; Mar 2, 2020 at 12:13 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 431
Likes: 86
C400
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 22
From: Weaverville, Ca
1992 MB 190E, 2016 MB C300
For what it's worth. I have Conti run flats on my 2016 C300(17" rims). Compared to other tires that I have owned, the Conti run flats are quiet and smooth riding. Some tire noise on some road surfaces, but not bad IMO. But yes, I hate the whole run flat idea an would much rather have a spare and considering Michelins.
Last edited by dennish; Mar 3, 2020 at 01:13 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
Likes: 6
From: New Hampshire
2019 C300 4Matic
You'll need to buy a jack, lug wrench and spare tire as well. I run Blizzaks snow tires in the winter and discovered that due to my run flats, I had no jack, wrench or spare tire. I purchased a cheap jack and wrench and just keep one of my run flats in the trunk for an emergency. Had no idea about run flats not including the tire change items....my bad for not discovering this when purchasing.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 431
Likes: 86
C400
You'll need to buy a jack, lug wrench and spare tire as well. I run Blizzaks snow tires in the winter and discovered that due to my run flats, I had no jack, wrench or spare tire. I purchased a cheap jack and wrench and just keep one of my run flats in the trunk for an emergency. Had no idea about run flats not including the tire change items....my bad for not discovering this when purchasing.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 40
Likes: 14
2016 C300 Sport Polar White
Also the Continental run flats that MB uses wear out extremely fast. If you switch think about getting a jack and a spare or donut. (check other threads for ideas) I haven't yet but eventually will.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 9
From: Djibouti
I6 and V6 Diesels
I will second the response on the DWS06 tires. I've got a set of DWS06 for my 2004 525i and 06 320CDI, and will buy them again any chance I get. They are very smooth with great tread life.
The Run-flats Conti Procontact GX SSR 18" are new in the back and old in the front on my 2016 C350e, which has airmatic. I will admit the ride is rougher than I am used to especially considering that the airmatic suspension softens the ride, but its acceptable. I would've preferred to have 17" rims, as I believe every inch increase the harshness of the ride considerably. From the three cars I have 16" is softest, 17 is reasonable, 18 is acceptable.
Once these tires wear out or the ride gets to be too rough (I suspect the latter), I will replace them with the Conti DWS tires and get a flat repair kit...and keep my membership with AAA, as towing hybrids is not allowed...they need a flatbed.
The Run-flats Conti Procontact GX SSR 18" are new in the back and old in the front on my 2016 C350e, which has airmatic. I will admit the ride is rougher than I am used to especially considering that the airmatic suspension softens the ride, but its acceptable. I would've preferred to have 17" rims, as I believe every inch increase the harshness of the ride considerably. From the three cars I have 16" is softest, 17 is reasonable, 18 is acceptable.
Once these tires wear out or the ride gets to be too rough (I suspect the latter), I will replace them with the Conti DWS tires and get a flat repair kit...and keep my membership with AAA, as towing hybrids is not allowed...they need a flatbed.
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 174
Likes: 36
From: Central Oregon USA
2017 C300 Cab 4Matic
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
I leased a 2020 for my daughter - took off the OE "Extended Mobility" (Run Flat) tires and put them in my garage to go back on for Lease Turn In.
A decent set of "normal tires" - the C handles like a entirely different (and better) sedan - especially on curves at speed - since the "Run Flats" have a super stiff sidewall component that "fight's back" on curves.
Yes - can of Fix-A-Flat - no need to go the MB brand "Tire Fit" goo.
A decent set of "normal tires" - the C handles like a entirely different (and better) sedan - especially on curves at speed - since the "Run Flats" have a super stiff sidewall component that "fight's back" on curves.
Yes - can of Fix-A-Flat - no need to go the MB brand "Tire Fit" goo.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Cordova, TN
2020 Mercedes SLC300
I'm seriously considering dumping the Conti run-flats on mine too. The harsh ride and flat spotting really bugs me. I've been looking at donut kits for a spare but I'm not certain if I'll have enough clearance for the calipers (have the larger ones with the AMG package). Wondering if anyone has tried one.
