MBWorld.org Forums

MBWorld.org Forums (https://mbworld.org/forums/)
-   S-Class (W222) (https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w222-178/)
-   -   Not happy with 20" Pirelli Performance tires (https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w222/716456-not-happy-20-pirelli-performance-tires.html)

Jimwesco 07-28-2018 10:45 AM

Not happy with 20" Pirelli Performance tires
 
Just bought S560 (2018) with 20" wheels Pirelli performance tires. Drove 100 miles or so. I am not happy at all with the ride & noise. My dealer was willing to swap with 19" wheel with non performance tires as I was struggling to make a decision. it is my 6th S class and i know it is the worst ride experience due to the 20" performance tires. Conti DWS6 is the best solution keeping the same 20" Rims? or Switch to 19" wheels with Michelin run flat tires at dealer? My 2014 S550 had 18" run flat Bridgestone tires, and they were awesome. HELP!

MikeAtLincoln 07-28-2018 11:20 AM

The more sidewall you have on the tire, the better the ride. The 18" is best. Of course regular tires will perform better than the RFTs.

Streamliner 07-28-2018 11:51 AM

Going from 18” wheels to 20’s must be a comfort shock. Why did you do that? I know that several guys here will claim that their cars with 20” wheels and run flat tires ride “great,” but compared to what? A 1980’s Corvette with the performance suspension? And all this crap about “performance” tires. On an S Class Sedan??? Why anyone living in the U.S. would have a need or a desire for high performance tires, beyond the basic, most quiet and comfortable all season tires that are available today, is just beyond me. What are thes guys doing, taking residential corners at 60mph? Taking their cars to the track—yeah, right. It’s all about the fact that MB and most other makers have found one more way to squeeze more money out of their customers, by convincing so many that bigger wheels—at horrible option prices, with ridiculous, shallow sidewall tires—that cost a fortune and can be damn near impossible to find if you need one in a hurry, will somehow make their’s bigger than mine. What a load of BS—and don’t even get me started on the “AMG Line” option! No sir! An S450 or S560 with 18” wheels and all season, non-run flat tires rides like a dream. Add MBC and it’s the best riding car on the planet. Sorry you are having problems. Maybe the dealer will swap out those 20’s?

Nice Ride 07-28-2018 12:03 PM


Originally Posted by Streamliner (Post 7514473)
Going from 18” wheels to 20’s must be a comfort shock. Why did you do that? I know that several guys here will claim that their cars with 20” wheels and run flat tires ride “great,” but compared to what? A 1980’s Corvette with the performance suspension? And all this crap about “performance” tires. On an S Class Sedan??? Why anyone living in the U.S. would have a need or a desire for high performance tires, beyond the basic, most quiet and comfortable all season tires that are available today, is just beyond me. What are thes guys doing, taking residential corners at 60mph? Taking their cars to the track—yeah, right. It’s all about the fact that MB and most other makers have found one more way to squeeze more money out of their customers, by convincing so many that bigger wheels—at horrible option prices, with ridiculous, shallow sidewall tires—that cost a fortune and can be damn near impossible to find if you need one in a hurry, will somehow make their’s bigger than mine. What a load of BS—and don’t even get me started on the “AMG Line” option! No sir! An S450 or S560 with 18” wheels and all season, non-run flat tires rides like a dream. Add MBC and it’s the best riding car on the planet. Sorry you are having problems. Maybe the dealer will swap out those 20’s?

So when the Apocalypse comes, we can get "outa town quick"

Streamliner 07-28-2018 12:45 PM


Originally Posted by Nice Ride (Post 7514479)
So when the Apocalypse comes, we can get "outa town quick"

Nah, MB has also convinced many that they need a G65 with 20” load rated tires for that.:D

AppleFan1 07-28-2018 02:40 PM


Originally Posted by Streamliner (Post 7514473)
Going from 18” wheels to 20’s must be a comfort shock. Why did you do that? I know that several guys here will claim that their cars with 20” wheels and run flat tires ride “great,” but compared to what? A 1980’s Corvette with the performance suspension? And all this crap about “performance” tires. On an S Class Sedan??? Why anyone living in the U.S. would have a need or a desire for high performance tires, beyond the basic, most quiet and comfortable all season tires that are available today, is just beyond me. What are thes guys doing, taking residential corners at 60mph? Taking their cars to the track—yeah, right. It’s all about the fact that MB and most other makers have found one more way to squeeze more money out of their customers, by convincing so many that bigger wheels—at horrible option prices, with ridiculous, shallow sidewall tires—that cost a fortune and can be damn near impossible to find if you need one in a hurry, will somehow make their’s bigger than mine. What a load of BS—and don’t even get me started on the “AMG Line” option! No sir! An S450 or S560 with 18” wheels and all season, non-run flat tires rides like a dream. Add MBC and it’s the best riding car on the planet. Sorry you are having problems. Maybe the dealer will swap out those 20’s?


I am in total agreement. I have no idea why some folks are enthralled with the huge wheels and pay SO MUCH more. I think it's nuts. I have Bridgestone RFT's on 18" wheels on my 2014 S550 and am very pleased even though I realize that the non RFT's would be even better. But I want the trunk space. My new 2019 S450 is now held up in Baltimore since July 11 but will be at the dealer as soon as MBUSA releases the 2019's. It looks like it will be early to mid August. In any case, I also have the standard 18 inch wheels on it as well. "Give me comfort and quiet ride or give my no car"!

Jason B 07-28-2018 03:38 PM


Originally Posted by Jimwesco (Post 7514406)
Just bought S560 (2018) with 20" wheels Pirelli performance tires. Drove 100 miles or so. I am not happy at all with the ride & noise. My dealer was willing to swap with 19" wheel with non performance tires as I was struggling to make a decision. it is my 6th S class and i know it is the worst ride experience due to the 20" performance tires. Conti DWS6 is the best solution keeping the same 20" Rims? or Switch to 19" wheels with Michelin run flat tires at dealer? My 2014 S550 had 18" run flat Bridgestone tires, and they were awesome. HELP!

Just swap for ALL SEASON. I have Mich A/S 3+ and they are super quiet.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4a056a7fb.jpeg

I airmatic between w222 and w221 is almost the same and these tires ride great.

Also, I had 19's first, and going to 20 and a better tire kept the ride quality just as good. Also, check your tire pressure, maybe it's over inflated.

Larry1979 07-28-2018 06:37 PM

I have the Conti DWS6 tires on my car and they ride great and are very quiet even in the 20" size. Is the ride better than 18" tires, probably not, but not that much of a difference. I had an S550 with 18" Michelins that rode smooth as silk on Airmatic but the 20" wheels with ABC rides just as good. Could be ABC smoothing the ride out. My experience is with the W221 chasis.

MBS63AMG 07-28-2018 10:18 PM

Does anyone know if 19" or 18" wheels will clear the calipers on an AMG car?

MBS63AMG 07-28-2018 10:19 PM


Originally Posted by Jason B (Post 7514601)
Just swap for ALL SEASON. I have Mich A/S 3+ and they are super quiet.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4a056a7fb.jpeg

I airmatic between w222 and w221 is almost the same and these tires ride great.

Also, I had 19's first, and going to 20 and a better tire kept the ride quality just as good. Also, check your tire pressure, maybe it's over inflated.

That wheel design will never get old to me.

Wolfman 07-29-2018 12:33 PM

I swapped from 20" Pirelli P Zero RFT factory tires to Conti DWS6 and the ride was quiet and smooth. I blew out a Run flat tire within the first couple of weeks and after the switch zero issues with potholes. Stay with the 20" IMO. Comfort is great and the tires are cheap and last long. Or the Michelin A/S 3's as Jason stated. Both solid choices!

Wolfman 07-29-2018 12:34 PM


Originally Posted by MBS63AMG (Post 7514821)
Does anyone know if 19" or 18" wheels will clear the calipers on an AMG car?

18" no. 19" depends on the wheel design and barrel diameter. Most won't, some do...

Wolfman 07-29-2018 01:01 PM


Originally Posted by BeanTrader (Post 7514569)
I am in total agreement. I have no idea why some folks are enthralled with the huge wheels and pay SO MUCH more. I think it's nuts. I have Bridgestone RFT's on 18" wheels on my 2014 S550 and am very pleased even though I realize that the non RFT's would be even better. But I want the trunk space. My new 2019 S450 is now held up in Baltimore since July 11 but will be at the dealer as soon as MBUSA releases the 2019's. It looks like it will be early to mid August. In any case, I also have the standard 18 inch wheels on it as well. "Give me comfort and quiet ride or give my no car"!

I beg to differ. While wheels can't be large enough for some, in general people are not enthralled with larger wheels. It is simply how cars are designed these days.

The reason why is because the shape of cars has changed for pedestrian safety, fuel efficiency and other design criteria. Material science and technology has changed so much that an 19" tire today can provide better comfort than a 16" tire 25 years ago. Some of the reasons why naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions are more or less extinct so dwelling in the past provides no reference to today. Apples and oranges.

The design of the S-Class is also with larger wheels in mind so 20" don't look large as they would on a W220. 18" wheels barely clear the brakes and 18" aftermarket wheels may not even fit. 19" really is the minimum wheel size on a sport package S-Class.

That said, Mercedes has always been conservative with wheel sizes. Upgrading an Audi A8 will quickly take you to 21"...

AppleFan1 07-29-2018 03:38 PM


Originally Posted by Wolfman (Post 7515160)
I beg to differ. While wheels can't be large enough for some, in general people are not enthralled with larger wheels. It is simply how cars are designed these days.

The reason why is because the shape of cars has changed for pedestrian safety, fuel efficiency and other design criteria. Material science and technology has changed so much that an 19" tire today can provide better comfort than a 16" tire 25 years ago. Some of the reasons why naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions are more or less extinct so dwelling in the past provides no reference to today. Apples and oranges.

The design of the S-Class is also with larger wheels in mind so 20" don't look large as they would on a W220. 18" wheels barely clear the brakes and 18" aftermarket wheels may not even fit. 19" really is the minimum wheel size on a sport package S-Class.

That said, Mercedes has always been conservative with wheel sizes. Upgrading an Audi A8 will quickly take you to 21"...

Wolfman, I definitely respect your opinion, but I don't think anyone can convince me that the 20" wheels is as comfortable as the 18". And, I think the 18" wheels on the S Class look just fine. Anyway, to each his own.

Wolfman 07-29-2018 04:55 PM


Originally Posted by BeanTrader (Post 7515239)
Wolfman, I definitely respect your opinion, but I don't think anyone can convince me that the 20" wheels is as comfortable as the 18". And, I think the 18" wheels on the S Class look just fine. Anyway, to each his own.

Personal preference matters most of course and you have a beautiful car! I prefer the sport package with 20” wheels but that is my personal taste. My point is that there isn’t necessarily a sacrifice in comfort by going with larger rims and neither is it an obsession to go big. Sign of the times that cars are designed different than they used to be.

To your point my thoughts are this:
18” vs. 20” both with either conventional or RFT’s, the 18” will be more comfortable. No contest.
18” RFT vs. 20” conventional my bet will be on the 20” in terms of comfort.
The reason is that, apart from the design, it is the side wall strength that makes the RFT a run flat.
In that respect a low profile tire is actually easier to give it side wall strength than a same size tire diameter with a smaller rim. More side wall equals more high strength side wall to prevent collapse in case of a flat.

My issue is most conversations on this forum is that there are too many false assumptions.
Larger rims = pothole damage
Smaller rims = more comfort, quietness
What is disregarded are the tire types, tire pressure, tire brand and the rims themselves. Last but not least the type of suspension.

AppleFan1 07-29-2018 08:24 PM


Originally Posted by Wolfman (Post 7515302)


Personal preference matters most of course and you have a beautiful car! I prefer the sport package with 20” wheels but that is my personal taste. My point is that there isn’t necessarily a sacrifice in comfort by going with larger rims and neither is it an obsession to go big. Sign of the times that cars are designed different than they used to be.

To your point my thoughts are this:
18” vs. 20” both with either conventional or RFT’s, the 18” will be more comfortable. No contest.
18” RFT vs. 20” conventional my bet will be on the 20” in terms of comfort.
The reason is that, apart from the design, it is the side wall strength that makes the RFT a run flat.
In that respect a low profile tire is actually easier to give it side wall strength than a same size tire diameter with a smaller rim. More side wall equals more high strength side wall to prevent collapse in case of a flat.

My issue is most conversations on this forum is that there are too many false assumptions.
Larger rims = pothole damage
Smaller rims = more comfort, quietness
What is disregarded are the tire types, tire pressure, tire brand and the rims themselves. Last but not least the type of suspension.

Thanks my friend. I understand.

Ronny G 07-30-2018 03:06 PM

There is usually a break in period of 500-700 miles.

Run them a bit longer, I've got the same tire and they run good.

Jason B 07-30-2018 03:20 PM


Originally Posted by MBS63AMG (Post 7514822)
That wheel design will never get old to me.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Randy1911 07-31-2018 12:03 AM

What size tires are u running with the 20s. I have a 2015 s550 4M and I thinking a out 20s but I'm hearing sizes all over the place.

Jimwesco 08-04-2018 07:43 AM

I just changed my 20" Pirelli Performance Tire (245 35 20 front, 275 30 20 rear) of 2018 S560...some people posted why in the world i chose this in the first place. I really like other options of this amazing S560, and that particular s560 had 20" wheel option only. Asked them to change at first, but they are not compensating for $1275.00 package when i downgrade, so i asked around, by popular votes, i tried for 100 miles plus, don't never listen to non Mercedes drivers..lol. My dealer changed to 19" multispoke wheel, run flat Michelin (245 45 19 front 275 40 19), a night and day difference, not as smooth as 18" wheel, however I like 19" wheel even better than 18" since I do have comfort and sports wheel. YES do not get any larger than 19" if you want the comfort, it defeat the purpose of silky traditional S class ride if you know what i mean.

chuck007 08-04-2018 12:04 PM

Agree with most of the above but how about this 18" wheel on E-Bay that is supposed to be mfg. by Stuttgart ??
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18-Inch-Rim....c100011.m1850

hyperion667 08-04-2018 12:28 PM

Currently selling two sets of HRE's in 18 inch: in perfect shape too :)

Jimwesco 08-04-2018 02:56 PM

Hey Chuck, that 18" wheel is looking great! I've never bought wheels before for S class, this Gorgeous wheel with 18" Bridgestone run flat tire sets (non performance) would work perfect, Tire cost $315 or so per piece, MB dealership has them and they got the best price.

Detailingdoc 08-08-2018 03:31 PM

Just to confirm the Michelin pilot sport A/S 3+ do not come in 245 correct?

I am looking for a decent all season non run flat and i was leaning towards those over the DWS but wanted to stay with stock sizing b/c of the wheel and tire warranty and didnt want them to try and void it due to different size tire ie 255.

my s550 is rwd with 20 in amg wheels.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:01 PM.


© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands