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I have written previously about the lack of various options for MOE Run Flat Tires
235/50/R19 , I am on my second set of tires ,currently I have Pirelli Pzero
tires , which I am happy with as a Three Season SUMMER TIRE which replaced the Dunlap's All season tires(experience not so great in snow/or ice traction) that came with US MB GLK250BT.In relative terms ,5 non-run flat tires are relatively inexpensive, just need the a proper rim for the extra tire. I need a more aggressive tread for Year Round Adventure .
I probably will choose to mount a non-run flat tires and carry a Spare on a roof rack.There are many options available including the purchase of 235/60/R17
tires with a wide variety of various tread patterns that will get me through Winter with safety.
A few days ago ,I contacted the VREDESTEIN WEB -site to investigate their tires and the "SPACE MASTER TIRE" sourced to Canadian Customers of the 2014 MB GLK250, the Vehicle came with SPACEMASTER, An inflator & the special Sealant that come the Canadian Model.( My car has the empty spaces that the air inflator and sealant in my US GLK.
The response I received from VREDESTEIN was unexpected ,they stated that if I wished to purchase such a tire,I must order the "Space Master Tire" from an Authorized Mercedes -Benz because they do not sell directly to the Consumer.I found it to be strange response .
For folks who actually have the "inflatable space saver" tire, I know it does not fit into the empty space under the floor of the trunk, but in "what way" does it not fit.
i.e it fits in the empty space but the trunk floor will not lie flat?
Could a custom floor be made (eg raised where the tire protrudes), kind of like a computer monitor stand shape?
The main goal in terms of tires in the ownership of 2014 MB GLK250BT is a set of tires that last and have a tread that will be good in four seasons.
I have done the research ,using tire TIRE RACK in pricing ..that customer could
purchase tires & rims at a reasonable price and be done.
Since the time of purchase of my GLK,the driving has had situations where even light snow becomes a safety factor with my current tires.
In a pinch , I put strap chains to provide a sense of safety to get out of a bad situation.
The idea of having a spare tire( extra tire contained in a roof carrier does not bother me) the added expense of all purpose carrier does not bother me.
A trip to go skiing, travel in an area with snow is limited at this time, because of limited availability of tires in Run Flat's..replacing a set has been expensive .
The limited storage space does not allow any extra tire storage inside, "Space Master" or full size....
I would say that the expensive replacement of tires has been the only model flaw , my fuel mileage has been great MPG & the driving experience has been enjoyable.
I will deal once more with the replacement challenge at a later date....save the funds to replace worn tires.
The spare fits when deflated, that's why they give you a pump. I did research , the Michelin Premier are one of the best all season tires you can find. I put them on and noticed a big difference in all areas, run flats also give a harsher ride.
Have you tried continental DWS or Bridgestone dueler H/L alenzas- all great all season tires.
The suggested tires were high on the list as recommended alternatives.
in size 235/50/R19
The Bridgestone Dueler is first on the list for a Non-Run Flat Tire
Bridgestone at this time does not manufacture a Highly Advertised Run Flat tire in the 235/50/R19 DRIVE GUARD
I will look into the Continental DWS in the appropriate application..at reasonable price point ,I hope that the next set will have good traction & last.
With 5 tires of the same size,one being a spare , I believe my problem will be solved.
Tire Rack is a dedicated MB WORLD partner & when I investigate tires , the tire dealers say they can beat the TIRE RACK price.Tires or Tire& Rim Combo.
Out the door pricing, tire,tax, labor,mount and tire recycle fee ?
Since a Tire can be purchased through Tire Rack & shipped to a INSTALLER locally that may be a good alternative.
I will need to Investigate that price point before $$$ investments will be made.
I appreciate the advice given by this senior member.
From what I see the Michelins are probably the best all around, I put them on and really notice a difference, here is a basic rating comparison
I have experience with the dueler alenzas in my ESCALADE hybrid and oem in my new ESCALADE that it lasts up to the advertised 70k miles and the thread depth of 11/32 reflects that compared to the 8/32 of the Michelin. I have doubts about that review though since it wasn't tested. Just reviewed by owners.
Tire rack and other sites publish ratings when they believe they have enough correct data. They have tires listed with no ratings yet. I took off the Continentals , which came as standard equipment, I had 60% tread left. I really notice a difference! First off was ride quality. Another rating not usually found is how tires hold air, I got the free Costco nitrogen and have not lost one pound since filling them in late Oct 2015. Yea 7 months not a lb lost. My 2013 750 LXI used to loose a pound a month, nobody wants to be filling tires at-20 in January. I've read a test , a few years ago done by consumer reports tha Michelin hold air better than others, I believe it. The Bridgestone look like a top tire as well
A few days ago ,I contacted the VREDESTEIN WEB -site to investigate their tires and the "SPACE MASTER TIRE" sourced to Canadian Customers of the 2014 MB GLK250, the Vehicle came with SPACEMASTER, An inflator & the special Sealant that come the Canadian Model.( My car has the empty spaces that the air inflator and sealant in my US GLK.
Clarification - The Canadian GLK250 did NOT come with a spare of any kind. It came with 4 all season Conti tires plus the electric inflator and a can of sealant.
The GLK350 came with the Spacemaster spare and it was mounted where the GLK has the DEF tank. As a result, there is always a supply of unused Spacemasters presumably scavenged from wrecked GLK350s and other MB models that used the same spare.
We have a Spacemaster. Around town it is in our garage (Rely on roadside service) On long trips, I put it behind the driver's seat - fits there even with back seats folded down and I tuck in the special lug bolts and an electric pump (With loaded car, the provided one is hard to get at)
The Spacemaster is quite heavy and large. I somehow doubt a FULLsize spare would fit in a rooftop box. We have a Thule rooftop box. Haven't checked if Spacemaster would fit, but no way I am lugging it up there anyway, never mind a full size wheel!
Last edited by 107123210; Jun 13, 2016 at 08:18 PM.
I bought a collapsible spare from the auto wreckers , never used for $200
Possibly that is a option to look into if I venture to Canada & can locate the special sealant for this tire ,if it is the compact spare is a Vredestein Space Master tire.
I appreciate the info and check out this or the purchase of five Non-run flats
235/50/R19
or downsize to 235/60 R17 in package deal from Tire Rack or other dealer.
I currently have three season SUMMER tires Pirelli Pzero' in the size 235/50/R19.
I figure at best I have 12,000 on the tread & have rotated them on a regular.
basis.
Since the MB GLK are discontinued the limited size production Run flat will be even more unavailable.
The recent advice on the MBWorld is to forget run flats, purchase non run flats
purchase an additional rim & carry the extra tire on the roof carrier.
The last two past Winters have limited my driving ,a decision will be necessary in the time to come...The car is great but replacing tires has been expensive.
Having to replace a set of tires at 12,000 miles Dunlop GrandTreks was a Mercedes Run flat rip-off
The purchase of Five Non -run Flats, extra spare with pressure sensor is below $1,000 .
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