Chucky300

Thanks for the review. I don't pick up on an excited feeling here. Did you experience any time where you completely felt a difference that u could feel if you were blindfolded and knew which tire was in your car ?

If you had a chance to reorder your car....would u go with 19" and non runflat?

On straightaway with no bumps.....is it much smoother and isolated ?

Kratos-TM

If I had to reorder the car, I'd do it the same way with the 20's. I know it sounds bad saying this.....but I'd sacrifice ride for looks. And the 20's BY FAR look the best. If I wanted to chase ride comfort, I'd go 18's non-RFT's.

On straightway and no bumps, it's smoother. But I will say this, although the run flats don't do bumps well, they do feel "planted" on the road when there are no bumps.

Chucky300

I agree the run flats feel planted on straight smooth roads. It's when the bumps come it's a problem

Doesn't help that nyc is riddled with pot holes but I'm hoping for 30% improvement too.

Kratos-TM

I hope you get what you're looking for. Visualizing what you've told us about NYC roads, 30% may not be enough for you to be satisfied. But then again, you have different tires from me. Maybe the Dunlops may give you more....???

Chucky300

Don't know but u feel like our opinions are the same. Anything is better than status quo.

Can Drive 55

If I may ask, how do you guys feel about not having a spare and jack? I am not impressed with the fix a flat in a can thingy. It is my understanding that when you use one, it coats everything, including the tire pressure sensors, with goo. I like my inflatable spare, pump, and jack that came with the car. They work well, at least in the driveway. In nine years and almost 100K miles, I have not yet had a flat. Maybe it's no big deal. but I would rather have a good back up plan. Good luck with whatever happens. BTW, beautiful cars. The new S is on my short list.

Wolfman

Even if new Mercedes' are shipped from the factory with non-RFT doesn't mean you actually get a spare and a jack anymore.
For example, new SL63's just come with the tire fit kits. That's it.
Don't know about the new S but chances are that is the same. Perhaps somebody international can chime in here.

That said, the Continental kit material can simply be washed off at the tire shop. No impact on the TPMS. That may be different with other, cheaper brands.

Chucky300

NO S comes with a spare.

Chucky300

As I am typing this, I am looking at the 19" AMG wheels which Mercedes offered to me. For whatever reason, everytime I see them, I am thinking they don't look half bad. I don't know if it's wishful thinking to offer a solution to the problem of bumpy ride. These don't look half bad. What do you all think? If the tires they put on my car this coming Thursday don't solve the harshness, after the summer, I might be inclined to take their backup option. Thoughts?

aypues

the 19's are totally fine appearance-wise. and with non-RFTs they probably ride beautifully.

Chucky300

I just saw a white one in my neighborhood. Looked REALLY sleek.

I can't tell if this is my brain turning on me and replacing my desires with logic or if I really like the car.

Kratos-TM

Chucky, you are making your brain like those 19's.....LOL. But I can't blame you though. You're chasing comfort, and you gotta do what you gotta do. Even if it means tricking your brain......LOL.

Chucky300

Kratos,

Do you like the pic of that black S550 with the 19s in that picture?

Kratos-TM

No.

Chucky300

I tried to use my Jedi Mind trick on you.

Failed, I have.

Wolfman

The car looks ridiculous on 18", decent on 19", great on 20" (& 21").

TomS

Is that black or anthracite blue?

Kratos-TM

LOL....for some reason I knew that.

Chucky300

LOL yep.

And here I thought I'd get crucified for going all star wars nerd on the forum

MBZFAN55

[QUOTE=Chucky300;5975012]As I am typing this, I am looking at the 19" AMG wheels which Mercedes offered to me. [/QUOTE

"Form follows function" except when it doesn't. As a designer you know the rules sometimes need to be changed. The 19" setup is a much better choice for NYC and really is a great looking wheel.

Chucky300

[QUOTE=MBZFAN55;5975270]I know, I know.

And you got me there lol.

Will play out the steps and see how the non runflats are. I'll make my decision this summer. When the warmer weather comes the rubber will soften anyway - if its still bump and lumpy - i'll consider the switch.

aypues

I took the pic at SD Auto Show. It is Magnetite Black (dark gray).

lsdreem

Wait, so what about the bridgestones that you said were approved by your dealer. Whats going on with that situation?

Chucky300

They approved dunlops. They are being installed on the wheels this thursday morning. I'll hopefully pick it up thursday night and drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn over some really Fabulous roads (and by fabulous I mean effed the eff up)

Will give a complete review.

DaveVY

Chucky,

I think the 19" look ok, not as nice as the 20" but they are ok.
My wife actually likes the 19" better than the 20" and she would love a swap to the 19" wheels.

Now that we know Kratos' opinion on the change to non run flats I am waiting to hear what Chucky's opinion is after his change to the non run flats. Then will make our decision on what to pursue as our best option.