Run Flats?
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
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From: NYC
2014 S550
After doing some extensive driving yesterday, I'm convinced that the MBC Chucky has is the reason he's getting much better results than me from the switch. For me with my standard suspension, the ride is only slightly better, not a lot.
For the 20" standard suspension guys, don't regret keeping the RFT's if you do. There's no guarantee you'll feel much difference by the switch. If you have MBC like Chucky, the system may love the softer tires better.
For the 20" standard suspension guys, don't regret keeping the RFT's if you do. There's no guarantee you'll feel much difference by the switch. If you have MBC like Chucky, the system may love the softer tires better.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
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S 550
After doing some extensive driving yesterday, I'm convinced that the MBC Chucky has is the reason he's getting much better results than me from the switch. For me with my standard suspension, the ride is only slightly better, not a lot.
For the 20" standard suspension guys, don't regret keeping the RFT's if you do. There's no guarantee you'll feel much difference by the switch. If you have MBC like Chucky, the system may love the softer tires better.
For the 20" standard suspension guys, don't regret keeping the RFT's if you do. There's no guarantee you'll feel much difference by the switch. If you have MBC like Chucky, the system may love the softer tires better.
My past experience with run-flats were that they were fairly noisy compared to comparable non-run flats in the same size.
Just spent 1900+ miles driving the S this weekend across many states with roads of varying surface quality. Based on my past experience I was thinking that the non run-flat wouldn't change ride quality a whole lot on some on the roads but on others would be more noticeable. The northern pot hole filled rough roads can be not only rough but also noisy. Sun baked asphalt southern roads, though not pot hole filled, can be rough and noisy.
Since the roads in our home area are comparatively in great condition I am thinking that I will just keep my run-flats and switch to normal tires when it comes time to change them in a year or two, but primarily for road noise reasons. But would like your opinion on the road noise change.
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S 550
I forgot to mention that in this driving 1900+ miles over this weekend, not only was the drive across widely varying road surface quality but also some different temp changes too. Temps ranging from mid 70s down to 30 degrees.
We have the run flats on the 20" wheels with airmatic suspension. The ride was noticeably "harder" when the temps were below 45-50 degrees. The ride was smoother once temps were above 60 and the tires were warmed up.
This is the same behavior I saw in run flats we had on a sports car in the past.
We have the run flats on the 20" wheels with airmatic suspension. The ride was noticeably "harder" when the temps were below 45-50 degrees. The ride was smoother once temps were above 60 and the tires were warmed up.
This is the same behavior I saw in run flats we had on a sports car in the past.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
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S 550
Still wish they had a 19" version of the 20" multi-spoke. The dual 5 spoke just isn't as classy looking as the multi-spoke, IMO.
Chucky, have you noticed a road noise change since the switch? Just wondering if road noise is lessened. The road noise is more of an issue for us on our roads than the ride quality, but would always appreciate the better ride!
Chucky, have you noticed a road noise change since the switch? Just wondering if road noise is lessened. The road noise is more of an issue for us on our roads than the ride quality, but would always appreciate the better ride!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
No I would never do that. And the ride is not bad. It's smooth enough to satisfy me. I don't think lower of the car at all. My 221 may absorb bumps better than my 222, but I still think the 222 rides descent enough. This was just my first car with 20's, and I just needed some time to get over the change in comfort, and to stop worrying about comparing it to the 221 on 19's.
So to all those who endured this thread, lol, know that I am happy with everything and just needed time to adjust to the differences.
So to all those who endured this thread, lol, know that I am happy with everything and just needed time to adjust to the differences.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Outside of the ride change, what difference, if any, have you experienced in road noise?
My past experience with run-flats were that they were fairly noisy compared to comparable non-run flats in the same size.
Just spent 1900+ miles driving the S this weekend across many states with roads of varying surface quality. Based on my past experience I was thinking that the non run-flat wouldn't change ride quality a whole lot on some on the roads but on others would be more noticeable. The northern pot hole filled rough roads can be not only rough but also noisy. Sun baked asphalt southern roads, though not pot hole filled, can be rough and noisy.
Since the roads in our home area are comparatively in great condition I am thinking that I will just keep my run-flats and switch to normal tires when it comes time to change them in a year or two, but primarily for road noise reasons. But would like your opinion on the road noise change.
My past experience with run-flats were that they were fairly noisy compared to comparable non-run flats in the same size.
Just spent 1900+ miles driving the S this weekend across many states with roads of varying surface quality. Based on my past experience I was thinking that the non run-flat wouldn't change ride quality a whole lot on some on the roads but on others would be more noticeable. The northern pot hole filled rough roads can be not only rough but also noisy. Sun baked asphalt southern roads, though not pot hole filled, can be rough and noisy.
Since the roads in our home area are comparatively in great condition I am thinking that I will just keep my run-flats and switch to normal tires when it comes time to change them in a year or two, but primarily for road noise reasons. But would like your opinion on the road noise change.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Road noise is definitely better. I'd say about 40% better. That's probably the best noticeable change from the switch over anything. I didn't evaluate that much in my write up like I should have because I was too focused on the "bump" feel. But the road noise aspect is definitely grounds enough alone to switch.
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Bridgestone is a terrific tire. I had a few sets on my S Classes over the years. I once had a pair of Continentals and didn't like them, personally. Everyone is different though.
What you can always do is try something new each time you have to replace the set (lets hope not for 15k miles)
What you can always do is try something new each time you have to replace the set (lets hope not for 15k miles)
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
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Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
As Chucky stated, Bridgestone Potenza's are great tires, but this has nothing to do with the brand. Higher performance tires simply need to use a different rubber that is harder when cold. I like the Contis on the BMW. Those tires are soft and easy going and long lasting (50k tires) and good for that car. But not high performance to be sure. Most 7 series guys I know switched to these for comfort.
I think you are well served with your set. If your outside temps are above 60 degrees and you drive for awhile to warm them up, they will be as soft as they can be. If they are still too stiff, get another set when they are worn out.
I think you are well served with your set. If your outside temps are above 60 degrees and you drive for awhile to warm them up, they will be as soft as they can be. If they are still too stiff, get another set when they are worn out.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
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From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
Road noise is definitely better. I'd say about 40% better. That's probably the best noticeable change from the switch over anything. I didn't evaluate that much in my write up like I should have because I was too focused on the "bump" feel. But the road noise aspect is definitely grounds enough alone to switch.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
What tires did you replace the run flats with if I may ask? Any other ammo I need to go to my service manager with as I am going to open this can of worms with them on Monday. Hate the run flats, hate the fact even more that I wasn't told they were on the 20" wheels when I upgraded the wheels.
I'm sure it was not malicious on their part, but false advertising is false advertising.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
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From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
Correct. May I ask what you replaced them with?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
Can anyone recommend a good all season tire off of the posted list in this thread that Kratos -tm got or do most of you change from summer to winter tires and vice versa. I'm taking off the run flats.
Thank you
Thank you
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
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From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
If I may ask can I ask for Robins contact at Mercedes. I saw my Mercedes service manager yesterday and he knew nothing of this and claimed to never have received a bulletin about this from Mercedes. Figured this would be a fight but furious over these tires.
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
For those of you that are replacing the run flats with non-run flats, how do you handle a flat tire?
I'm in SoCal and take delivery in June of a 2015 S550 w/ 20's. The roads here are fairly good, but based on the last few posts, it looks like I could force MB to change to non-run flats.
I'm in SoCal and take delivery in June of a 2015 S550 w/ 20's. The roads here are fairly good, but based on the last few posts, it looks like I could force MB to change to non-run flats.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
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From: NYC
2014 S550
For those of you that are replacing the run flats with non-run flats, how do you handle a flat tire?
I'm in SoCal and take delivery in June of a 2015 S550 w/ 20's. The roads here are fairly good, but based on the last few posts, it looks like I could force MB to change to non-run flats.
I'm in SoCal and take delivery in June of a 2015 S550 w/ 20's. The roads here are fairly good, but based on the last few posts, it looks like I could force MB to change to non-run flats.
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Joined: May 2002
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Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
For those of you that are replacing the run flats with non-run flats, how do you handle a flat tire? I'm in SoCal and take delivery in June of a 2015 S550 w/ 20's. The roads here are fairly good, but based on the last few posts, it looks like I could force MB to change to non-run flats.
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...um=CCKV2&ID=38
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
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From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
I just spoke with my service manager who is great and is willing to switch my Pirelli run flats to the Dunlops however he really feels I won't feel or hear much difference. He looked at all the speed tests, sidewall thickness, etc and feels the ride won't change much. So whoever has switched was it worth it?? I do not have MBC on my car.
