Tires
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 174
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From: Central Oregon USA
2017 C300 Cab 4Matic
I had OEM Continental run-flats on my Cabriolet until this week, when I had conventional new winter tires mounted. The softer tread on the winter tires may account for some of the difference but the improvement compared to run-flats is huge; far less jarring over bumps, smoother, lighter steering, and very much quieter. And that's with 2 psi over the recommendation. Though my run-flats tires still have over 50% tread left, the difference is so striking that I'll probably replace them with conventional tires when the winter tires come off in March. Carrying a 12V compressor and road insurance since there's no spare, but I can't remember the last time I had to use a spare tire.
As for specific tires, I don't want to start a food fight, but it's pretty hard to go wrong with Michelin or Continental. For LA driving (I'm ex NOLA), I'd recommend tires with the best wet performance over a general high performance tread. All-seasons won't gain you anything in a warm climate. TireRack.com is a great resource for tests and reviews.
As for specific tires, I don't want to start a food fight, but it's pretty hard to go wrong with Michelin or Continental. For LA driving (I'm ex NOLA), I'd recommend tires with the best wet performance over a general high performance tread. All-seasons won't gain you anything in a warm climate. TireRack.com is a great resource for tests and reviews.
Last edited by dwpc; Nov 22, 2020 at 12:28 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 153
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From: Louisiana
2019 C300 Coupe AMG Sport Package
I’ve repeatedly seen on the forums that switching to a non run flat makes a ton of difference in noise and drivability. I was looking at Continental on Tire Rack!
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
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From: Oklahoma
2016 C300 4Matic traded in for a 2022 E450 Coupe
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2016 C300 sedan
How many miles did you get out of the current set? Are the fronts or rears worn more than the others? I've gone through about 6 sets of tires. The original Continentals I had lasted the longest but were the noisiest and roughest riding. My rears wear out before the fronts - the outer edge wears out around 15-20k miles and they start getting noisy. I'm currently running Pirelli P7 run flats because I got a smoking deal with them already installed on another set of factory wheels, they are ok. Honestly, with all the sets of tires I have had on this car I really cannot tell any major differences between the different run flats and non run flats other than noise and harshness .. all the run flats seems to run about the same and all of the non run flats seem to run about the same. Looks like you are in Louisiana, I think any decent rated Summer tire will work well for you. If you are happy with the originals and they lasted a long time then I would consider going back with them. If you are looking for budget tires don't be afraid to get something lower priced as long as they are a good name brand and don't have any crazy negative reviews. Just remember, if you have non run flats and get a flat you will be waiting for a spare tire roadside repair or a AAA tow.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Central Oregon USA
2017 C300 Cab 4Matic
- Unless you expect to be driving in light snow, my advice is to stick with summer tires with good wet ratings. All-season tires are a compromise and are a noisier.
- What they don't tell you about run-flats is that by the time you drive to the tire shop on the flat tire, that tire is usually trashed and you'll have to pay $200 for a new tire.
- If you don't buy runflats, consider carrying a small 12V compressor in case you get a slow leak. I carry a small Black & Decker compressor that I can also use to inflate my paddleboard. Alternately, you can carry a couple cans of "Fix-a-Flat" but some tire shops may refuse to fix a tire that's been filled with sealant goop.
- There's no spare, so a serious leak or blow-out with non-runflats means a flat-bed ride. It's unlikely, but stuff happens. If M-B or your insurance don't cover it, consider adding it or getting roadside insurance just-in-case.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Louisiana
2019 C300 Coupe AMG Sport Package
I was at 19,000 miles when they told me that I needed new tires, I had probably needed them for a while. My Mercedes dealership said that my rear two and passenger front tread is a 3 and my right front is 0...I found that odd?
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Joined: Oct 2016
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2016 C300 sedan
Yep- I got 40,000 out of my first set of fronts, my rears were making noise at 15,000 and I replaced them at 20,000. You can look for tires that have longer tread wear life/rating but they are usually harder rubber, translating into a rougher ride. Too many considerations and choices! Good luck
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Weaverville, Ca
1992 MB 190E, 2016 MB C300
I am quite picky and hate tire noise more than most, and I have to say that the original Continental run flats are quiet and nice riding. I think this is because I have 17's. My past car was a w204 with non run flat 18's and all the tires I tried were noisier than these Continentals.
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From: Louisiana
2019 C300 Coupe AMG Sport Package
FREE TWO-YEAR
TIRE ROAD HAZARD
PROTECTION
- Repairs reimbursed up to $40 per tire per occurrence.
- 100% reimbursement of the original cost of the tire during first two years (if not repairable).
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