Do I need RFT tires?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,368
Likes: 6,327
RFT are heavily discussed on the forums, there are many threads on this, pros and cons. In short though, you don't have to have RFTs, especially if you like to have better ride quality. Traditional is fine, if you don't live in pot hole city then it is unlikely you will have issues. That said, having a spare or the fix-a-flat kits, compressors etc. might not be a bad idea.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 292
2019 E300
The factory Pirelli are surprisingly good, I also had good luck with Conti and Michelin runflats. I also changed out a set of runflats with conventional tire on my old BMW, the ride become softer and more comfortable. I used my BMW on long trips so I carry a compressor, can of fix a flat and a spare in the trunk.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
We have had Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin RFT's on a mix of Benz'; currently on the P7 Pirelli run flat, 18", and IMO the best of the lot. Run flat tires have evolved a great deal over their market life, however they still are not as compliant as non-run flats IMO.
Added: In fairness, we converted all of our previous RFT equipped cars to Michelin non-run flats (Pilot Sport / AS3, 3+,/ 4), put in a kit with a pump and some slime and drove on; never an issue with any and a much smoother ride, until these Pirellis.
Unless there is a compelling reason that I have not yet discovered, my plan is to go back with the Pirellis when we need new tires. How many miles on the OP Pirellis?
Added: In fairness, we converted all of our previous RFT equipped cars to Michelin non-run flats (Pilot Sport / AS3, 3+,/ 4), put in a kit with a pump and some slime and drove on; never an issue with any and a much smoother ride, until these Pirellis.
Unless there is a compelling reason that I have not yet discovered, my plan is to go back with the Pirellis when we need new tires. How many miles on the OP Pirellis?
Last edited by TennesseeZ4; Jul 27, 2022 at 09:27 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 669
Likes: 142
From: Hermosa Beach, California
2018 E400 Coupe
More than three years ago I dumped the RFTs that came with my 2018 E400 Coupe for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, which IMHO provide a much better ride and handling. The issue you have to consider, however, is the lack of a spare tire or even a dedicated space in the trunk to store one. That's not a big issue for me because I don't take the car on long road trips — AAA and MB are always only a call away when driving in the city, and I wouldn't try to change a tire myself anyway, especially on the freeway or even city streets. I do, however, keep a can of flat fixer in the trunk just in case.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,829
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
If you are leasing your car, you will need to follow the lease return requirements, if you intend to return the car at lease end.
Renting a car is such a hassle.
Renting a car is such a hassle.
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
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,368
Likes: 6,327
I mean it makes sense the car is not yours after all, maybe just maybe if you return it and get another lease, they might just pretend the tires weren't wrong.
