Sal Collaziano

Okay, so my S550 has the 20" AMG wheels and runflats. Which will make a bigger difference? Switching to 19" wheels or non-runflats?

Also, I'd love opinions on which is the softest riding and most quiet tire...

aypues

Both. Or 18’s and non RFs.
pics of the new ride??

seamus2154

There are 2-3 other posts on this. Pretty crazy we are all annoyed with the ride on an S class?/!! Your not alone and it is a hard ride for an S. It's mainly the tires as all mention. I have not made the switch yet and am contemplating 19" as extra insurance for guaranteed comfort. At 1 MPH going into my garage it bangs as the tire is like a rock. Many mentioned big improvement just going to a non runflat. Going to 18-19" can only be better with a bigger sidewall absorbing more impact not going into the rim and suspension. Just remember no matter the rim diameter make sure the outside diameter of the tire is the same as stock so no computer issues with revolutions per mile.

Sal Collaziano

Yeah, the S550 with Airmatic just isn't as soft as I was expecting it to be. I'm looking into 18" wheels with appropriately sized, soft, quiet tires...

I have the Sport Package. When looking on TireRack, I can't go lower than 19"... Is there an issue with going down to 18" wheels with the Sport Package?

I'll get pictures posted soon. I haven't taken any yet as I haven't got my tint done... I'll be looking into which 18" wheels to go with, what they look like on the S500 and better tires...

Donnymac

This^^^^.

I have both a 2012 and 2016 S550. The 16 is on 20"RF and the 12 is on 19" no RF.

The 12 ride beats the 16 ride in all categories. Slam dunk.

Sal Collaziano

Very noticeable difference? Trying to figure out if I should go with 18" or 19" wheels...

Donnymac

Very. I notice it most in town at slower speeds. Every road seam is felt harshly 16 to 12. What I don't know is how much, if any, is attributable to suspension differences.

What Imwould like to,do,is try a 16 that is not on RFs.

Sal Collaziano

I see the non-sport model comes with 245/50R18s all around - so they're not staggered. With the Sport Package model, they're 19" 245/45R19 front and 275/40R19 on the back - or what I have, 245/40R20 at the front and 275/35R20 at the back... I guess the first thing I need to know is, are there any problems associated with going from a staggered setup to a non-staggered setup...?

superpop

I have a 2015 S550 4Matic with sport package and 19" AMG wheels with Michelin RFT and the ride is not great. I had the same car in a 2012 MY with the same size wheels with non RFT Michelins and the ride was much quieter. Staggered set up has no effect on 4Matic, but if you have 4Matic the wheels have to be within 2% of the same rolling diameter. When the RFT tires do wear out, I will probably go with non RFT Michelins and just carry a can of fix a flat and a tire repair kit.

Donnymac

Seamus2154 has made some good observations on this issue. Check his recent posts.

Not being a MB tech, it's reasonable to assume the car needs to know the rolling diameter(rev/mile) of its tires - factory preset? That data is available from several tire www sites so you can do your homework.

I like the thought of 18s but have done no research. I will probably go with OEM 19s.

Good luck.

Sal Collaziano

I don't have 4Matic so I imagine I could go with a non-staggered 18" setup without having to worry about any sort of negative affects. I just found it odd that TireRack wouldn't show me 18" options because of my Sport Package... What I'd LIKE to do is get 18" wheels with tires equalling the same diameter as the 2)' setup, if possible...

Thank you, I will check Seamus2154's posts... I see he lives in the same county as I do...

Streamliner

I find it absolutely astonishing that so many owners of these magnificent, huge, luxury saloons, have to deal with ride quality issues. Have you all given EVERYONE associated with MB an earful on this subject? I hope so, because it shouldn’t be this way, ESPECIALLY, when the cure is a simple matter and should be addressed at the factory, not at tire shops.

My 2013 W221 S550 came with ABC, 18” wheels, a jack & spare under the trunk floor and non-RFT. It rode like a dream. When I got my 2015 S550, I ordered it with 18” wheels and MBC, but was shocked at the harsh & noisy ride of the RFT. So, I put on Bridgestone Serenity Plus non-RFT and the ride was even better than in my 2013.

I ordered my 2018 S560 with 18” wheels & MBC and had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for Serenity Plus Tires upon delivery. This car now rides best of all, thanks to upgrades of the MBC. As in the 2015, I carry a W221 compact spare that sits, idiotically, ON TOP of the trunk floor, but gives me great peace of mind on out of town journeys.

I know, the bigger wheels look great, but these are not sports cars, so why some folks insist on losing the truly amazing ride comfort these cars are capable of, just to have a better wheel look, is way beyond me. 18” wheels, Serenity Plus Tires & MBC will give you what I feel is “THE” best riding sedan on the planet. AND, make sure to tell EVERY MB employee how unhappy you are with RFT and the lack of a jack & spare. It’s the only way things might change.

As it turns out, I like the way my “Plain Jane” sedan looks on her “Old Lady” wheels.

Oh, and I almost forgot: Bridgestone claims these Serenity Plus Tires can be good for up to 80,000 miles AND, they are comparatively CHEAP! Go figure.

wows500

I have S550 2015 and 19 inch RFT’s the ride is not what’s expected from the S class. My next buy will be definitely 18 inch for peace of mind. Don’t care about the outside looks of the tire as long I am comfortable inside the S.

Sal Collaziano

I'm leaning toward Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack 245/50R18s and BBS-SR wheels. Thoughts? I don't want to cheapen the look of the car with aftermarket wheels - but I don't know where I'm going to buy 18" Mercedes wheels...

bkdc

I believe the smallest OEM wheels on the S class are 19" although someone mentioned his were 18". This trend to larger and larger wheels at the expense of ride quality is crazy. I have the 19" 5 spoke AMG wheels, and the ride quality improved drastically when I went from the Pirelli run-flats to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires which many had recommended.

chuck007

Not correct.......the original tires on a 2015 S (even with 4matic) was 18" (I have them) . However, it is almost impossible to find aftermarket 18" rims. Some expensive or AMG rims are out there. The large brake calipers on the S are problematic....they tend to rub at the outer edges on the smaller tires. But the ride is great even with the standard air suspension.

Donnymac

Ive run both Turanza and Pilot Sports. Last I checked, different tread compounds were available. I'm all hwy miles, so compound matters if there is a choice and winter/snow tires are not needed.

1bad540

I may be wrong but I believe the sport package may have come with larger brakes as when ordering brakes it will ask sport or non sport. If the brakes are bigger the 18" wheels will not fit. I had the 19" amgs on runcraps and swapped them within a few weeks to 20" on conti dws non rft. much better.

Streamliner

Right here: alloywheelsdirect.net

They have pretty much every MB & AMG OEM wheel that is currently available, and great prices. Check it out.

seamus2154

18" do come stock on this car but not with the sport package, so tirerack is showing whats for your car. If you start your search over and put a base car it will show you 18" choices. Take note that all the stock sizes in all three rim sizes have the same outside diameter or very close to it. They make 19" in staggered sizes but I don't know about 18". So if you go to 18" and want the wider rear tire make sure the profile gets you to the stock outside diameter of your present tire. This could mess up the computer relating to ABS, and active body control. It allows for some ratio but once you go over the lights will appear. Go to specs on the tirerack sight after you pick a tire. It shows outside diameter and revs per mile for that tire. I agree with Donny that 19" with a NON runflat should get close to a W221 ride. Many are happy with non RF on 20" as very good improvement. Yes, I am up the TP at Jupiter exit.

wilfie

Been there made that mistake.
Fortunately Costco took the 18 in rims back for a full refund.
They showed me how they just don't fit over the front calipers.
I Went to 19 in Serenitys Non RF Great tire.
If you have the sport option they won't fit.

aypues

I suggest Pirelli P7 A/S Plus for your new 18’s. Very smooth and quiet ride. Great warranty too.

aypues

Is that really a good deal? I priced some 18’s and it was almost $1700 with shipping. Can’t you get them for less on eBay or some other place in the US?

DABRONX

I have to ask those that feel the ride is harsh what car did you have that you felt the ride was was good? Just trying to see a reference point to validate all this rough riding cars. Before you make a change you have to know what goal your shooting for or you might never be happy.

I am using the wifes 15 S550 that has the Sport package and 20" Pirelli? run flats. I have had a lot of cars but the last was a 16 BMW 750I with M package. It also had the 20's. The MB rides likes it is on a cloud to me compared to the BMW. We just came back from P Springs from SD and it handles well in the twists and in comfort I was the only one awake in the car after an hour. Then again I used to also drive a 15 G550 so that might account for why I feel it is soft.

To those that say why give up the ride I also say why give up the handling the they are capable of. These big cars can handle fairly well with the Sport package. Remember tires effect braking distances and handling.

From what I understand a lot of the RF issues are stiff sidewalls and weight. There can be huge differences in a wheels weight and to a lesser degree tire weight variances.

Mitch Alsup

A 1992 Q45