The wheels of doom
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Joined: May 2025
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E450 4matic coupe
The wheels of doom
Hi guys I have owned a E450 coupe 4matic for just under a year and I have gone through 6 front tyres and I’m on my 3rd crack on the rear alloy wheels I have clocked up around 23,000 mainly doing motorway miles so absolutely fuming I love the car but it’s just not financially viable as it currently stands
currently all tyres are run flats on the front I have continental 245/35R20 CONTI SPCN6 95Y RFT XL
These tyres are insured with kwikfit so not too bad as I only pay £27 when they pop each time not great I know but better than paying the full price the front wheels have not had a crack to date it’s only the tyres that go
on the rear I have Goodyear 275/30/20 Y Summer
these are due to be replaced and I’m just about to get the 2 x rear cracks repaired
has anyone else had these issues and can anyone recommend a certain tyre type,size to alleviate the problem albeit the terrible state of our roads currently or changing alloy wheel size recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
cheers
luke
currently all tyres are run flats on the front I have continental 245/35R20 CONTI SPCN6 95Y RFT XL
These tyres are insured with kwikfit so not too bad as I only pay £27 when they pop each time not great I know but better than paying the full price the front wheels have not had a crack to date it’s only the tyres that go
on the rear I have Goodyear 275/30/20 Y Summer
these are due to be replaced and I’m just about to get the 2 x rear cracks repaired
has anyone else had these issues and can anyone recommend a certain tyre type,size to alleviate the problem albeit the terrible state of our roads currently or changing alloy wheel size recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
cheers
luke
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Joined: Dec 2019
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Hi guys I have owned a E450 coupe 4matic for just under a year and I have gone through 6 front tyres and I’m on my 3rd crack on the rear alloy wheels I have clocked up around 23,000 mainly doing motorway miles so absolutely fuming I love the car but it’s just not financially viable as it currently stands
currently all tyres are run flats on the front I have continental 245/35R20 CONTI SPCN6 95Y RFT XL
These tyres are insured with kwikfit so not too bad as I only pay £27 when they pop each time not great I know but better than paying the full price the front wheels have not had a crack to date it’s only the tyres that go
on the rear I have Goodyear 275/30/20 Y Summer
these are due to be replaced and I’m just about to get the 2 x rear cracks repaired
has anyone else had these issues and can anyone recommend a certain tyre type,size to alleviate the problem albeit the terrible state of our roads currently or changing alloy wheel size recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
cheers
luke
currently all tyres are run flats on the front I have continental 245/35R20 CONTI SPCN6 95Y RFT XL
These tyres are insured with kwikfit so not too bad as I only pay £27 when they pop each time not great I know but better than paying the full price the front wheels have not had a crack to date it’s only the tyres that go
on the rear I have Goodyear 275/30/20 Y Summer
these are due to be replaced and I’m just about to get the 2 x rear cracks repaired
has anyone else had these issues and can anyone recommend a certain tyre type,size to alleviate the problem albeit the terrible state of our roads currently or changing alloy wheel size recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
cheers
luke
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E450 4matic coupe
MBWorld God!
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Yes, non run-flat first, if you have road side (usually included with the vehicle for a certain amount of years) then you are golden if not you should also throw a slime kit and compressor in the trunk since you don't have spare or run-flats anymore.
If getting rid of RFT still doesn't help, next route to take is to downsize.
If getting rid of RFT still doesn't help, next route to take is to downsize.
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Hermosa Beach, California
2018 E400 Coupe
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E450 4matic coupe
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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I see, pick something with a good balance depending on your usage, does it rain a lot (ie. UK)? do temperatures drop below 45F (7C, if so new winter tires and can just get a dedicated set of summers), do you like to corner a lot at turns?, do you prioritize fuel economy over sporty, do you prioritize comfort over fuel economy, do your prioritize tire wear?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 669
Likes: 142
From: Hermosa Beach, California
2018 E400 Coupe
I thought of PS4s as well as a recommendation for OP but given it is a summer tire and I didn't think OP will drive in a sporty manner, didn't recommend it. Although those tires are comfortable for daily driving, the wear is not amazing, that is when AS4 tires comes in. Otherwise, they are awesome tires, I agree you made a great decision. Thank you for your comment.
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From: Oklahoma
2016 C300 4Matic traded in for a 2022 E450 Coupe
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I feel you 100%. I was travelling out of town and hit a major pothole that blew one tire and damaged the other three. I used the roadside to have it towed to the nearest MB dealership. Long story short, the tires are unavailable locally and had to be shipped in from out of state, and it will take a week to arrive. We had to rent a car to drive home, and now I need to get back in the future to pick up the car, which is 200 miles away.
Thank goodness I have the Wheel and Tire protection, and everything is covered, but this is seriously causing me to rethink ever owning a vehicle with run-flat tires. I don't want to put standard tires on my vehicle, put a spare in my trunk, and lose the ability to store luggage.
Thank goodness I have the Wheel and Tire protection, and everything is covered, but this is seriously causing me to rethink ever owning a vehicle with run-flat tires. I don't want to put standard tires on my vehicle, put a spare in my trunk, and lose the ability to store luggage.
MBWorld God!
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I feel you 100%. I was travelling out of town and hit a major pothole that blew one tire and damaged the other three. I used the roadside to have it towed to the nearest MB dealership. Long story short, the tires are unavailable locally and had to be shipped in from out of state, and it will take a week to arrive. We had to rent a car to drive home, and now I need to get back in the future to pick up the car, which is 200 miles away.
Thank goodness I have the Wheel and Tire protection, and everything is covered, but this is seriously causing me to rethink ever owning a vehicle with run-flat tires. I don't want to put standard tires on my vehicle, put a spare in my trunk, and lose the ability to store luggage.
Thank goodness I have the Wheel and Tire protection, and everything is covered, but this is seriously causing me to rethink ever owning a vehicle with run-flat tires. I don't want to put standard tires on my vehicle, put a spare in my trunk, and lose the ability to store luggage.
Ever since I stopped buying wheel and tire protection and simply got rid of run-flats, I realized how much money I wasted over the years on these protection packages.
Out Of Control!!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Just stating the obvious, but 20" wheels on really bad roads with potholes isn't gonna be fun for the wallet. You have no sidewalls. Going to non-RFT will just start cracking or bending your front wheels as you punch through the tire when hitting a pothole. The RFT tires actually give you more protection as it takes more force before things come in contact with the wheels. You'll pop the tire first before damaging the wheel. You need to get more rubber between the road and the wheels, so going down in wheel size is the first thing. I'm not into SUVs, but whenever I get one as a loaner I have to admit it's kinda nice to not have to give a hoot about the road. Just drive through whatever comes up and the larger tires and increased suspension travel just takes it. Gonna have to pick your battles and consider a more appropriate wheel/tire setup, or a different vehicle. One of the problems with potholes is that on most cars the suspension bottoms out, and then the weakest link fails. If you are at the end of your suspension travel, something else has to give.
Last edited by superswiss; May 27, 2025 at 04:59 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
One of the downsides to mercedes: You have to replace the run flat tires and buy a compact tire to put in the trunk. Yes you lose some trunk space, but this is only an issue if you are driving for Uber. Better ride, less noise, piece of mind.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
RFT tires is not just an MB thing. Pretty much everybody has been going that direction with their regular models. Spare tires are no longer a thing. Nobody really wants to change wheels on the side of highway with other cars behind them blasting by at 75 mph. RFT tires let you continue driving to a safe place most of the time and then call roadside assistance. The 63 AMG models are pretty much the only ones left that come with non-RFT tires standard, but like most performance cars they haven't had a spare tire in a long time. A can of goo with a compressor is what you get. We've had this debate before. I can't even remember the last time I needed a spare tire, but then again, I don't make it a habit to bomb through potholes.
Last edited by superswiss; May 28, 2025 at 12:10 AM.
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RFT tires is not just an MB thing. Pretty much everybody has been going that direction with their regular models. Spare tires are no longer a thing. Nobody really wants to change wheels on the side of highway with other cars behind them blasting by at 75 mph. RFT tires let you continue driving to a safe place most of the time and then call roadside assistance. The 63 AMG models are pretty much the only ones left that come with non-RFT tires standard, but like most performance cars they haven't had a spare tire in a long time. A can of goo with a compressor is what you get. We've had this debate before. I can't even remember the last time I needed a spare tire, but then again, I don't make it a habit to bomb through potholes.
Newbie
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E450 C238 2022; 300E W124 1993
I think I am ready to ditch the RFs and the 19 inch wheels and the staggered setup.
I would like 18 inch mercedes OEM wheels but not sure who is a reputable vendor for used refurbished wheels.
Does anyone have a wheel store recommendation?
I would like 18 inch mercedes OEM wheels but not sure who is a reputable vendor for used refurbished wheels.
Does anyone have a wheel store recommendation?
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