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What tires new GLEs (2020+) had/have in the US? Do they come with run-flats? And does it matter tires-wise if it's an existing inventory or a custom build? Is there any option to choose specific tires when doing a custom build?
You don't have much (if any) control over what kind of tire the car will be delivered with outside of changing the wheels, which may lock you into a specific type (eg, 22" may only be available with high-performance/summer tires). If you choose a non-AMG GLE, you're probably going to get all-season tires but Mercedes uses several different brands. The same goes for run-flat (it may or may not have them) and it doesn't matter if it's a custom build or already on the lot. In rare instances you might get a "High Performance Tire" option but again, you don't get to select the brand or type of tire.
If you just want to get an idea of what kind of tires to expect, check out Tire Rack or Discount Tire, search for the particular car, and select "Original Equipment" in the filter list. Just be aware that it won't list every single combination ever offered.
What tires new GLEs (2020+) had/have in the US? Do they come with run-flats? And does it matter tires-wise if it's an existing inventory or a custom build? Is there any option to choose specific tires when doing a custom build?
I have a 2021 GLE 350 4matic. I took my car out of existing inventory from dealer, this was March of 2021. This was a Northeast dealer, if perhaps location may be a determining factor for which type of tires are sent where, I don’t know. Car had arrived 5 days prior to my purchase. It came with Cooper run flats. I did not want Cooper tires, therefore I checked entire inventory of vehicles to see what else was available. First of all every GLE on the lot had run flats, secondly, there were other tire brands on other GLEs, Michelin, and perhaps Continental. Even though I am a fairly good customer at this dealership, they said that they cannot switch tires between new vehicles . I got over it and bought the GLE with the Coopers. BTW these are the 20 inch tires, that too may determine which tires you get. If I had my choice I would have preferred the 20 inch Michelin non run flats. In conclusion, the Coopers have been fine, if possible don’t go with run flats, a regular tire with a spare, which is standard on the GLE, would overall best suit most peoples needs.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
if possible don’t go with run flats, a regular tire with a spare, which is standard on the GLE, would overall best suit most peoples needs
Meaning, don't go for the third row package. This has been the big problem for me preventing me to buy out of inventory, they are all ordered with that package. My family drives on remote roads without cell service or civilization regularly to one of my properties and I won't send them or myself out there without a spare.
Yes - 3rd row option eliminates the spare and you get run flats with the 19 inch and 20 inch wheels. With the 21 inch wheels and the 3rd row you get non runflats with the tirefit repair kit.
Am I the only person that doesn't oppose run flats? I know their issues but on the positive side I had a front tire lose ALL AIR in about 10 seconds on I 95. I calmly pulled off the exit and drove to the nearest MB dealer for replacement. Also if you drive in some bad areas you don't have to worry about a flat sidelining you in a bad neighborhood.
Am I the only person that doesn't oppose run flats? I know their issues but on the positive side I had a front tire lose ALL AIR in about 10 seconds on I 95. I calmly pulled off the exit and drove to the nearest MB dealer for replacement. Also if you drive in some bad areas you don't have to worry about a flat sidelining you in a bad neighborhood.
I'm sure you're not the only one. Runflats have benefits for sure, but there are significant disadvantages that aren't talked about at the dealer level. The more educated consumers become (oftentimes through bad experience), the more runflats lose their appeal.
Am I the only person that doesn't oppose run flats? I know their issues but on the positive side I had a front tire lose ALL AIR in about 10 seconds on I 95. I calmly pulled off the exit and drove to the nearest MB dealer for replacement. Also if you drive in some bad areas you don't have to worry about a flat sidelining you in a bad neighborhood.
As HotRod says, run flats have their advantages. However, they almost always degrade ride quality due to the stiff sidewalls, are more expensive and often not repairable for punctures. I would not have them. If I needed the third row I would switch them out and just throw a compact spare on the load floor for trips.
As HotRod says, run flats have their advantages. However, they almost always degrade ride quality due to the stiff sidewalls, are more expensive and often not repairable for punctures. I would not have them. If I needed the third row I would switch them out and just throw a compact spare on the load floor for trips.
That's exactly what we did with a W164.
To others, don't forget the shorter lug bolts - alloy bolts are too long and interfere with the brakes.
Newer Run flats have improved, and may not be as objectionable as before. I was actually OK with the Wife's GLC run flats. YMMV.
My GLE came with Bridgestone Alenza sport RFT tires. Honestly they were not that bad. My only true complaint was they only lasted 30,000 miles. I did get a nail in the tread of one of the rear tires, and was able to have it patched. I recently took a round-trip to Disney World and on the return trip home the tire with the patch developed a slow leak.
I just replaced them with Michelin Primacy AS tires. My SUV has three rows, so I’ll just carry a can of fix a flat, if needed in an emergency. If you travel any distance on a run flat tire without air, it has to be replaced anyway. The Michelin’s tires ride a little quieter and are a little less harsh on bumps, but it’s not a huge difference.
I keep them at about 35 psi. As mentioned before the main drawback with the runflat tires was the price (~$400 a tire) combined with the fact they only last about 30,000 miles. I’m hopeful these Michelin will last about 50,000 miles, and they were closer to $300 a tire. They have a 55,000 mile warranty so we’ll see.
As you did, we had to have a run-flat plugged and patched.
I didn't know they could be repaired, but apparently as long as the puncture is within the tread, it can be plugged/patched and the conventional way.
OTOH, Availability of a replacement run-flat, on the road, is sketchy. The bigger the wheel, the more sketchy.
Pluses and minuses. That's a big improvement from 10 years ago. 🙂
Am I the only person that doesn't oppose run flats? I know their issues but on the positive side I had a front tire lose ALL AIR in about 10 seconds on I 95. I calmly pulled off the exit and drove to the nearest MB dealer for replacement. Also if you drive in some bad areas you don't have to worry about a flat sidelining you in a bad neighborhood.
My 2921 came with horrible cooper tires which I replaced with michline defender ltx in the 285-size. I just picked up a 2023 gle 350 and that one came with ichline primacy tires I guess MB got the message
My 2921 came with horrible cooper tires which I replaced with michline defender ltx in the 285-size. I just picked up a 2023 gle 350 and that one came with ichline primacy tires I guess MB got the message
I doubt Mercedes got any "message." AFAIK they still use Coopers, along with Michelin and Pirelli; need to guard against shortages or interruptions from one manufacturer.
I had an X5 that came with run flats. I was able to patch one that had a nail in it, but did eventually have 2 separate blowouts. In both cases I was able to drive 20-30 miles to dealership, which was great. I also purchased tire insurance, so cost me nothing to replace, other than what I spent on insurance. I did get three new tires out of it. Therefore, I am all for them.
Last edited by TonyF61; Dec 13, 2022 at 11:34 AM.
Reason: Added Photo
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