Jun 24, 2015, 07:18 PM
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Runflats??
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Runflats??
This is probably a ridiculous and very obvious question but I honestly couldnt find the answer anywhere. I have a 2010 E350 sedan sport 4matic with the factory 5 spoke 18 inch rims, do they have run flat tires standard?
I know theyre conti's, I just dont know if theyre sport or pro contact and if that means they're runflats or not...
So do run flats come standard on 2010 E classes?
I know theyre conti's, I just dont know if theyre sport or pro contact and if that means they're runflats or not...
So do run flats come standard on 2010 E classes?
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 13
From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
Absolutely not! The only runflats MB uses are the blutec's in the E and GL and ML (ML blutec's used runflats pre 2012). Your E should have regular tires. Runflats are more expensive, can be patched only if you do not run with no air pressure for any amount of time and ruin the sidewalls. (if you discover a nail, screw, etc in a runflat, and do not let the air pressure diminish to the point of almost nothing, you CAN patch it and it will be safe).
Other problems with runflats: a tendency to tramline, rough ride due to the stiff side walls, handling can be poor depending on tire manufacturer.
Also, try going on a road trip and have a failure where you need a new tire. Not all tire stores carry runflats, so plan on staying a while until the MB store can get a new tire in a few days.
BMW almost uses runflats exclusively. I have a 2005 Z4 that has them. They stink.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the only so called benefit is you can drive on one with no air pressure at 50 MPH for 50 miles. However if you hit a road hazzard and blow them apart, you just park and wait for a tow truck and then wait a few days for a new tire(s).
Be glad you don't have them.
Other problems with runflats: a tendency to tramline, rough ride due to the stiff side walls, handling can be poor depending on tire manufacturer.
Also, try going on a road trip and have a failure where you need a new tire. Not all tire stores carry runflats, so plan on staying a while until the MB store can get a new tire in a few days.
BMW almost uses runflats exclusively. I have a 2005 Z4 that has them. They stink.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the only so called benefit is you can drive on one with no air pressure at 50 MPH for 50 miles. However if you hit a road hazzard and blow them apart, you just park and wait for a tow truck and then wait a few days for a new tire(s).
Be glad you don't have them.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 13
From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
Almost forgot, lift up the flat panel in your trunk and you should see a donut spare tire. Not great, but you can change your flat tire and be on your way.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
A year ago, I was very close to buying a 550i. That is, until I discovered that run-flats were the only option, and at the time, at discount dealers and at BMW, replacement tires, mounted and balanced, cost $600 EACH! And the word on the street was that tire life was really short.
(I understand that cost may have come down since then.)
(I understand that cost may have come down since then.)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Yeah Ive heard the runflats have a pretty ****ty ride quality, but thanks for pointing out all those other drawbacks! Im very glad Merc doesnt put them on their cars standard like BMW.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Newer RunFlats are not that bad when new. As the tread wears; however, noise increases. The irony of RunFlats is that if you were to actually have to drive on the sidewall for any length of time (more than a mile or two) the tire would have to be replaced. Almost no tire store stocks RunFlats in many if any sizes. You are probably SOL unless you get a flat in front of Tire Rack.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I replaced my runflats with regular tires and a kit similar to what MB ships with Canadian Bluetecs. Essentially a fix-a-flat and a compressor. Essentially, if I get a flat that the kit will not seal, I am no worse off than if I got the same damage with Runflats. Time to call for assistance. I have found the non-runflat tires have made my already nice riding car a great riding car.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
I have a '12 E BTC and '09 ML BTC so run flats on both. In hind site I should have flipped the order of buying the vehicles and avoided the run flats. The ML is coming up on replacement and not sure if i will go with run flats but they don't seem to have a big advantage over a pump and fix-a-flat.
Has anyone put fix-a-flat or slime in a run flat so you could drive it once you have leak and possibly patch the tire instead of replacing? I am planning on keeping a can in each car for out town trips but not sure if its and vain and then end up messing up the TPMS...
Has anyone put fix-a-flat or slime in a run flat so you could drive it once you have leak and possibly patch the tire instead of replacing? I am planning on keeping a can in each car for out town trips but not sure if its and vain and then end up messing up the TPMS...
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 4
Lexus LS 400, 2008 BMW 528i, 2014 e250 BlueTec
I love this forum. There are so much to learn from you guys and you are nice enough to share your knowledge and experience. With this car there really are a lot to learn.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, NY USA
2012 E550 Cab
Over time and use the RF's become deafining noisy and the longer you have them the noisier they become. Had them on a C5 Vette and could not wear them out they got hard as rocks. Finally just threw them out, should have gotten rid of them on day one. Never again!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery, Alabama
2011 E-350
Yes, the '98 C5 definitely had Goodyears. They were crap! I had a '98 and had to replace them at 18,000 miles. The fronts were wearing on the inside. They were noisey and hard from day one. I later bought an '03 and it still had Goodyears. They were still crap. At 15,000 miles I replaced them with the Michelin Pilot Sports run flats. It was like riding on air compared to the Goodyears. However, now, after 4 years, even the Michelins are starting to get noisey and hard ridiing. They are light years better than the Goodyears in every aspect. I guess run flats are like everything else on cars...it all has its pros and cons, for me, the run flat pros out weigh the cons.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 13
From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
I have a '12 E BTC and '09 ML BTC so run flats on both. In hind site I should have flipped the order of buying the vehicles and avoided the run flats. The ML is coming up on replacement and not sure if i will go with run flats but they don't seem to have a big advantage over a pump and fix-a-flat.
Has anyone put fix-a-flat or slime in a run flat so you could drive it once you have leak and possibly patch the tire instead of replacing? I am planning on keeping a can in each car for out town trips but not sure if its and vain and then end up messing up the TPMS...
Has anyone put fix-a-flat or slime in a run flat so you could drive it once you have leak and possibly patch the tire instead of replacing? I am planning on keeping a can in each car for out town trips but not sure if its and vain and then end up messing up the TPMS...
I would NOT recommend SLIME repair solution. It is flammable and some shops won't touch the repair if you have used it. I worry about it messing up the TPM system as well.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Thanks for the recommendations! yeah I noticed our '12 has individual readings for each tire and the '09 does not, very handy feature. Still up in the air about what to do but my wife seems to prefer the idea of Runflats on the ML, happy with the current ride quality.
Makes sense about the slime though, really only good for slow leak such as nails which a compressor can get you to limp into a shop with...
Makes sense about the slime though, really only good for slow leak such as nails which a compressor can get you to limp into a shop with...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
MB includes a kit that contains "slime" and a compressor for Bluetecs shipped to Canada without RunFlats. Continental Tire makes a similar kit as well. Regardless of what you say about slime, products like this are widely endorsed by manufacturers.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: USA
Multiple
I had runflats on my BMW. Trust me, you don't want them!! I hit a small pothole at low speed that resulted in bubbles on both tires on that side. Both tires had to be replaced at a cost of over $900. Luckily, I had bought the tire and wheel insurance when I purchased the car. Just take a look at the BMW forums and you will see how much these tires are hated. You can't buy a BMW without runflats. They are standard on all models and are universally hated for their constant failures. Goodyears are the worst, followed by Bridgestone Potenzas.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Yes they are definitely not ideal I agree. I think I will pick up slime though as a last resort if I end up with a puncture and loosing air fast out of town etc. Really it only worries me for long trips out of town on the weekends.
I wish Mercedes had put more thought into the AdBlue tanks. The new ML has both spare and tank, and the New Passat even has a dougnut and a tank in the trunk. Looking at the side of the tank on the E, i feel they could have come up with some complex tank design to allow a tire to fit there as well. Maybe on the next generation. For now though the ride quality and noise really doesn't bother me but when it comes time for new tires on the E will probably go for conventional for comfort reasons.
Has anyone priced out buying a spare rim and tire for the E?
I wish Mercedes had put more thought into the AdBlue tanks. The new ML has both spare and tank, and the New Passat even has a dougnut and a tank in the trunk. Looking at the side of the tank on the E, i feel they could have come up with some complex tank design to allow a tire to fit there as well. Maybe on the next generation. For now though the ride quality and noise really doesn't bother me but when it comes time for new tires on the E will probably go for conventional for comfort reasons.
Has anyone priced out buying a spare rim and tire for the E?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: USA
Multiple
Yes they are definitely not ideal I agree. I think I will pick up slime though as a last resort if I end up with a puncture and loosing air fast out of town etc. Really it only worries me for long trips out of town on the weekends....Has anyone priced out buying a spare rim and tire for the E?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Slime won't do much good if you have a massive blowout due to hitting something on the road. I called Tire Track and asked about opinions on a spare tire and wheel, ordered one for about $200 and threw it in the trunk for our frequent drives to Santa Fe from Dallas. Out in the middle of the desert the runflats are pretty worthless if you have a massive failure.
