Hello All,

Been thinking about swapping out my Extended Mobility Tires for regular tires with a
Air Tire Pump Compressor Tirefit Sealant.
Have 19" tires and its such a hard ride. Read that run flats can cause that.
anyone change theirs? any recommendations on replacements
I have a 2020 GLE 350
Thanks.

 

Not only do run flats degrade the ride, but the 19" size tires are undersized compared to other choices, for some reason. The 255/50-19s have an OD of only 29.1". The 20s & 21s run between 29.8" & 31.0". Obviously, the smaller the OD, the shorter the sidewall height for a given size. I would go with 255/55-19 (30.0"). There are several good Michelin or Pirelli options. You also might consider getting the factory space saver spare to toss in the back for trips - The TireFit solution is far from ideal.

 

Hey GregW

Thanks for the info.
So I assume those would fit on the same rims?
With a smaller sidewall that would mean a smaller looking tire?
These 19 are small as it is, its a lease so don't want to upgrade to bigger rims.
Sorry don't know much about tires lol

Thanks for the help

 

Yes, same rims. The 55 aspect ratio tires have taller sidewalls than the 50s which will improve ride and look better.

 

Great info
Thank you

 

Read that there will be a slight speedometer error of plus 1 to 2 MPH when moving up to the 55 diameter,
is there a way to correct that manually in the vehicles computer without going to the dealer?
if not I will stay with the 255/50 tire non run flat.
Would hate to forget that while cruising and get pulled over for speeding lol
Thanks

 

No cop will bust you for exceeding the speed limit by 1-2 mph

 

totally agree but I usually go about 10 mph over the limit on the highways
will the going up to a 55 size really make that much of a ride difference then staying at 50?

 

The programming and coding is specific to each vehicle depending on option codes. No way to adjust the speedometer, AFAIK (maybe someone will figure out how to hack the coding). The difference between 250s & 255s would amount to about 3% - not much. Heck, my M4's speedometer is off 2 mph at most speeds with stock tires for some reason. The ride improvement would be slight, as well as pothole protection and appearance.

 

Thanks Again Greg
Appreciate the useful info

 

Since you have a lease, you would want to keep the stock run flats to reinstall at lease end.

 

Will Do

 

In another thread Greg suggested Michelin Premier LXT. They had a horrible rating for tread life until they recently changed the compound according to the Tire Rack. I originally got my 450 with 19" and they lasted 15,000 with Bridgestone run flat Alenza's. With the stock tires at 5/32" I took them off for lease turn in. My run flat car came with a space saver spare for some reason. It was an April 2019 delivery.

I did got the LXT's Greg recommended (thanks Greg) but did not go up in size. I didn't want the speedometer to be off ( I know crazy ). They are quieter and have a much better ride that the run flats.

 

Hey GregW/Oregon,

Thanks for all the great info!
I went with Vredestein Quatrac Pro Grand Touring All-Season, bought off TireRack (A Buddy has them and loves them)
Like DaveD9 I didn't go up in size I also didn't want the speedometer to be off
wow what a difference in ride comfort! I will NEVER have run flats on any car again!
I felt ever bump and pothole on the road like it was 1 foot deep or 1 foot high.
now I'm riding on a cloud lol
Kept the run flats for lease turn in like you suggested and purchased Slime 50122 Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit
to keep in the car.

Hey DaveD9,
Unlike you my 2020 GLE 350 didn't come with a spare I have a third row think that's why.
production date 02/20
I would have went with the Michelin Premier LXT also if it wasn't for my buddy
My run flats were so bad I couldn't wait till they wore down to replace them.
So happy I changed them what a difference!!!

Thanks for the suggestion

 

The Dutch Vredesteins are not that widely seen in the US, but they certainly get great reviews on The Tire Rack, and the price is excellent, as well.

 

I have had extended mobility tires on many cars over the years. I agree the ride is better with non runflats. But there is another consideration in play. that being the trade offs of safety and going the distance if you have a flat.

In one of my BMWs, I have had 10 tires replaced (Goodyear issues) during my 3 year lease and 5 wheels straightened. That is what happens when you drive in NJ and Manhattan. I would not want my wife stuck on the side of a highway or any other road with a flat. To me, it is more important that she gets home and complains that there is a message warning about tire pressure. Also, as I am getting up in years, and approaching the big 70, I too would like to drive it home without trying to change a flat. If you ask me how many times I have driven with zero pressure,.....too many But you can drive on a flat tire. I have gone 50 miles or more at a safe speed of less than 50 mph.