Would you ever be in the position to consider sizing down to 19s?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

Since you chose ultra-high performance rubber, it will be hard and bumpy when cold.

 

Should I have gone with the Continental's?

 

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)

 

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.

 

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.

 

Its more than not being told. If you go on MBUSA.com - it specifically and clearly states that the 19" comes with runflats while the 20s come with performance tires.

I'm sure it was not malicious on their part, but false advertising is false advertising.

 

Correct. May I ask what you replaced them with?

 

Dunlop summer Super Max GT i believe. Scroll up and read the thread.

 

Thank you, I did go back and try to find what you put on. I must have missed it. Sorry for the bother.

 

No bother at all. I put all the info there.
Here's the tire

 

Ahhh I did see the tire information but didn't realize that was the one you had chosen. Thank you for reporting that.

 

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

 

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.

 

Robin from MB USA
Her number and extension - 8003676372 x6209

 

Thank you

 

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'd call Roadside, get towed to local dealer and they'd switch a tire. I'm covered under warranty. If no tire in stock, i'll take a loaner till they do. Only hassle is waiting for tow truck.

 

Just buy this kit and you are good to go:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...um=CCKV2&ID=38

 

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.