K-A

On the S, absolutely. Chuckie already said that he experienced a W222 with smaller wheels and it was "like a cloud", however if you read my thread on the W212's horrible suspension properties, it sounds identical you guys' issues. Of course, that car didn't have the excuse of RFT's and slightly larger wheels.

I'm not trying to troll or rile anyone up here, honestly, but this is an issue that hits close to home with me as it's one of the reasons I grew bitter towards my recent M-B cars. And because I actually have P-Zero RFT's on my current car and they ride like a dream. My biggest complaint towards them is when pushed harder through corners, they don't grip as well as a traditional tire.

K-A

BTW, before anyone derails this into a tit-for-tat, note that this isn't my "argument", it's my observation. Simply take it as such and we'll all know more when people start swapping their RFT's as to whether it relates here or not. I'm not trying to illicit a thread argument as I think this is a very informative thread with potential to become especially more informative, both to owners of the cars and to me based on my history on this topic.

I.e, carry on as you were.

Kratos-TM

Duly noted K-A.

On another note, MBUSA has just emailed me stating that they would investigate this issue. Don't know how far that will go, but I appreciate them for contacting and acknowledging me though which is the same courtesy Chucky got. I'll post back "if" they respond to me again...

DaveVY

Sent a communication to MB-USA from the website regarding this.

Will let you know what I hear back.

Chucky300

Also waiting to hear back.

AppleFan1

I'm anxious to hear what MBUSA says.

Kratos-TM

Just received an email from MBUSA. Here it is copy and pasted....

Dear Mr. Harrell,

Thank you for your email to Mercedes-Benz USA and congratulations on your purchase!

Mercedes-Benz is able to provide recommendations for 18" and 19" wheels only. There aren't recommended 20" tires that meets our quality requirements for the below-listed vehicle.

We appreciate the opportunity to respond.

Sincerely,

Nadia M.
Mercedes-Benz USA
(800) 367-6372


For Beantrader, I'm gonna ask what their recommendations would be for the 18's and 19's. Though they can't help me, at least we can help out another forum member if we can.



...

DaveVY

That sure isn't a very descriptive response from MB-USA! Has the feel of "I am trying to crank out my quota of email and don't have time for a helpful answer"

Kratos-TM

Yep.

DaveVY

I received a response
___________________________

Thank you for your email to Mercedes-Benz USA.

20" wheels provide a sport ride, which gives the driver a "feel the road" experience. The best advice we could provide to you is to be sure the tire pressure is set to the fuel filler flap values.

Best wishes for future safe and pleasant driving.

Sincerely,

Eileen F.
Mercedes-Benz USA
(800) 367-6372

Kratos-TM

They're standing by their decision. We're on our own fellas....

Chucky300

Just called Robin at MBUSA again.
Left a message.

Asked her for the FINAL response from MB. I wasn't rude or anything but let her know that I'd really appreciate a final answer on whats doing. I told her we were all getting very conflicting reports and I wanted to hear it directly from them.

IDEAL OPTION:

They pay for 4 (or 5?) new tires. Put them on the car at their expense. Apply the warranty from the original RFT to the new tires.

BACKUP OPTION:

We Split the cost 50/50 for the new tires but still put the warranty to the new tires.

UNACCEPTABLE OPTION:

WE pay for the 4 tires in total.

Warranty not extended.


Are we in agreement?

TwinCam

Same exact response, word for word, that I got from Nadia M. Only my name is at the top. Wonder who decided on this being MBUSA's official response?

Kratos-TM

Hmm.....they sound prepared for this. This is good. They know that we aren't happy. Now the 2015 or 2016 owners are gonna benefit highly....they'll get conventional tires.

The old saying holds true......1st year owners are the BETA testers.

Chucky300

Was just going to say this. They coordinated the response. That only happens when they are bombarded with requests for an official response.

Germancar1

I suspect the 2015 models which are rolling off the assembly lines now are full of little fixes along with the HUD and touchpad. Tires, oil leaks you name it, I bet they have addressed it. Never seen them switch a model year so quickly on a brand new model. It appears there is no 9G transmission yet though.

M

Kratos-TM

Yep, I agree. They listen.

AppleFan1

Hey Kratos. For whatever reason I did not see your comment in red yesterday on your post above. I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness. I sure hope that MBUSA comes to their senses and listens all the complaints about the RFT's and comes up with a reasonable solution. Thanks again my friend.

Kratos-TM

No problem bro. We're all in this together.

Kratos-TM

The Bridgestones have been ordered.....will arrive at my house Monday. I'll let you guys know how the ride improves....

SB_NYC

Did you order bridgestone non-runflat?

Super curious to see how they perform.

Back in 2011 when we ordered a new 750lxi, it had goodyear runflat tires. In the course of about a year, we spent nearly $5k on new tires. Then we switched to continental non-runflats. Loved them. However, getting stuck on the side of the road at 2am made us go back to run flats, expect this time with the pzero's.

It took over a year for me to realize that calling in the manufacturer was the best solution to get brand new tires fitted. Every time I called they just opened a case and had the tire replaced at no cost, just $20 fee for mount and balance.

Needless to say, its scary to drive the S550 in NYC now. I replaced one tire the first week of ownership and now it already has two little bubbles. Also, Magic Body Control sucks with the 20's, it actually makes the ride harsher. When the car comes down from a speed bump, for example, it thuds pretty hard.

I wish I had gotten the 4matic instead. My 2014 750 with x-drive is pure fun to drive. The moment you press the S550 all it does is skid till it catches any traction.

Chucky300

I believe Magic Body Control will work better with the non runflats because you won't be coming down to a thump, as the rubber would be softer on the non runflats.

We shall see. I am pursuing what Kratos is pursuing.

Chucky300

In case anyone missed it on the other thread!

WOW..........

Mercedes just called me back and have APPROVED ME for a 20" NON RUNFLAT TIRE! I don't know what happened, but I had my old service adviser and my current call MBUSA and tell them they were really making a bad decision with fighting me on this. Here's the tire!!! I couldn't be happier. They are also giving me a free tire repair kit!

KRATOS - you should call Robin (Number above) and tell them to compensate you for your purchase! If they are doing it for me - they need to do this for everyone!

hyperion667

hopefully this thread will revert back to pictures of nice S Classes posted by happy new owners that want to share the pictures with the other deprived members that are still waiting for their cars too arrive

Chucky300

LOL.... oops.

I'll just cave and start a new thread and accept the new title of Troll even if I hijacked my own thread.

Is that a first? Hijacking ones own thread?