schuk

If you read this thread from page 1 - then yes, big difference!

DaveVY

I would defer to Kratos on this since he is the only other one (besides Chucky) who switched to non-run flats as I recall, and he does NOT have MBC. Chucky, has MBC.

sagers2

I Did read the thread from page one. I was asking those people who switched who do not have MBC as Chucky does and Kratos put Bridgestones on his car. I am wondering about the approved Dunlops from Mercedes that my service manager is not to impressed with. Thank you for your helpful comment.

schuk

As far as I understand from reading this forum MBC doesn`t do much except smoothing out speed bumps. Doesn`t work on pot holes, in the night/snow/rain etc.

Chucky300

I couldn't be happier with the switch. Seriously.

sagers2

Thanks!! Tires ordered!! Chucky did they let you keep your run flats?

Vik888

Anyone in the SoCal area switch tires or feel the need to switch tires?

Also, I have a 2015 S550 due for delivery in June w/ the 20" AMG wheels. Should I request for non-run flat's now before they even build?

Chucky300

No. They had to discard the - they all had bubbles in them.

Everyone - 2 weeks with the new tires I think? I believe I am accurate.

NO bubbles. Smoother ride.

FINALLY

Chucky300

How are the roads out there? If they are mostly smooth - you should seriously consider it.

LovinMercedes

Are you guys saying you can order the 20" AMG wheel with regular tires and not run flats from the factory?

Chucky300

Don't know about that - but I do know if you are not happy with the runflats - MB will install new tires at the dealer.

jprescott

This is the one thing I can't figure out from this thread. Specifically, is there a factory ordered set up which comes with non-runflats? All AMG or just 20"?

I asked my MB sales guy and he looked at me like I had two heads. Because I'm not ready to pull the trigger yet I did not pursue the issue with him

LovinMercedes

I doubt you can change any of the tires from the factory. In fact, you never know what brand of tire you will get. It has been this way forever.

I guess what people are referring to in this thread is that MB has funds to make customers of the S class happy and if you complain you don't like the run flats I assume they use these funds to replace your tires.

Wolfman

I don't think the $2500 dealer slush fund is used for this, rather MBUSA has authorized the no-cost replacement of run flats if the customer makes a lot of noise.
There will be a formal procedure in time for this but it will take many months to happen.

For now, the info provided on this thread will be the best tool for customer to make the switch.

sagers2

According to my service manager this is correct and these are the funds he used to get the tires for my car. He never saw an Official Bulletin as stated in this thread and when he called Mercedes they knew of no switch authorization. So I am assuming that dealers are using the 2500.00 make the customer happy fund built into every car to take care of this issue. For me I cannot wait for the switch as I cannot stand the run flat road noise and harsh ride.

sagers2

Had the Dunlops put on my car today and wow.... Really really does make a difference in the ride and cabin noise. Anybody still on the fence about making the switch I highly recommend it!! The dealer kept my run flats

Chucky300

Awesome. Couldn't be happier.

Night and Day difference isn't it? Can't believe how we dealt with it. Harsh ride and bubbles galore.

jrpisha

I received the following reply from my Sales Person as I'm working through eliminating the runflats from my 2015 S550 (build date in June):

"I just got word from the MB dealer support from Germany and the 2015 S550 and S550 4-matic will only be available with the 2nd generation run flat tires.

We can offer you a credit of $175.00 per tire if you want to order a regular set of tires from our service department and have them added to the vehicle once it arrives. Please note that then you will not have a spare tire for the vehicle unless you order one."

A couple follow up questions:

Those of you who've been successful in having your runflats swapped out for traditional tires at your dealer, have you had any out-of-pocket expenses for that swap?

Has anyone ordered a traditional spare tire for their S550 ? If so, what's the cost?

Thanks !

John

sagers2

I have incurred no out of pocket expenses to get my tires switched. My service manager used the $2500 per vehicle keep the customer happy fund built into each car to make the switch for me. I ordered the tirekit for the car but did not order a spare. Figured I can't carry it on the car with me so it wouldn't do me much good sitting in my garage if I ever had a flat.

Chucky300

No out of pocket expense. My runflat tires were coming off anyway because of bubbles and under my tire warranty were due for free replacement. They installed the non runflats instead.

No spare is fine with me. Awaiting the tire repair kit which was on back-order. If I get a flat, I'll just call Roadside.

jrpisha

Thanks Sagers & Chucky for the confirmation. I've asked my Salesperson to get pre-authorization to cover 100% of the tire switchout through the MB Select Program for the S Class.

More to follow...

jprescott

I have this $25 kit in my 740

LovinMercedes

Anybody know what "2nd generation" run flat tires means?

Have they changed them for 2015?

jrpisha

I just clipped this off the Bridgestone Corporate site.

When Bridgestone started mass production of run-flat tires in 1987, the tires tended to give a hard ride comparable to conventional tires because the sidewalls were thick and somewhat inflexible. In 2005, Bridgestone introduced its second generation run-flat tire that featured improved riding comfort through an improved sidewall-reinforced rubber.

Bridgestone's third-generation run-flat tires have adopted new technologies that further improve riding comfort. By application of these new technologies, the third-generation run-flat tires can reduce vertical stiffness deflection index* more than the second-generation run-flat tires and achieve riding comfort comparable to conventional tires. Moreover, they enable the development of run-flat tires in a wide range of sizes, including sizes that were previously difficult to develop.

Comparison of the riding comfort of run-flat tires by generation
The indices for each generation take the tire vertical stiffness deflection index of conventional tires as 100. Riding comfort improves as the value of the indices decreases. (Tire size: 245/40R18 93W.) Third-generation run-flat tires in this comparison incorporate new sidewall-reinforced rubber and new ply.



Wonder why Mercedes isn't using the third generation ???

konigstiger

MB tire recommendations and spare tire retrofit that MBUSA should agree to - 20" Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT confirmation as an alternative to run flats.