Run Flats?
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'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
Are any of you guys having a problem with the run flat tires on the 2014 S550? I currently have a 2012 BMW 750, and at least 10 my rims cracked. I had to get them all replaced.. This is all during an 8 month period. Yesterday, I went to a Mercedes Dealer to get the 2015 S550, and to my shock found out that Mercedes is also using the run flats...
And the biggest reason to get rid of the BMW, is because of these rims and tires. But because Mercedes is now doing the same thing, I hesitated and did not make the purchase..
I've had the last two models of the S class, prior to the BMW, and never had this issue.. Until now..
Can anyone give me some feed back? Thanks guys!
Mike
And the biggest reason to get rid of the BMW, is because of these rims and tires. But because Mercedes is now doing the same thing, I hesitated and did not make the purchase..
I've had the last two models of the S class, prior to the BMW, and never had this issue.. Until now..
Can anyone give me some feed back? Thanks guys!
Mike
On this forum it is well documented that on the '14 and '15 S550 Sport Package with the 20 inch wheels many people are having issues with the runflats.
I on the other hand have a '14 S550 4matic Sport Package with the 19inch AMG wheels and have not had any problems with the horrible PA roads.
I do not believe our roads in PA are like Manhattan in NY since I was there a month ago and I thought my cab was going to be swallowed by the rotten Manhattan roads. With that said a number of years ago I crushed a wheel on a MB E class 4matic on the PA turnpike.
Other people appear to have decent luck with the 19inch AMG wheels and the standard 18inch wheels on the '14 and '15 S550s.
Hope this helps some!
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
Taking delivery of a 2015 S550 w/ the 20" wheels next week. I'm not sure what to do. I'm in SoCal and the car is for my parents.
Part of me wants them to have a better ride w/o runflats although they are happy with the ride quality because the roads here are not bad.
Part of me is worried about bubbles, etc. but if they do have a flat, it is nice to know they don't have to pull over and replace a tire.
Part of me wants them to have a better ride w/o runflats although they are happy with the ride quality because the roads here are not bad.
Part of me is worried about bubbles, etc. but if they do have a flat, it is nice to know they don't have to pull over and replace a tire.
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S 550
Taking delivery of a 2015 S550 w/ the 20" wheels next week. I'm not sure what to do. I'm in SoCal and the car is for my parents.
Part of me wants them to have a better ride w/o runflats although they are happy with the ride quality because the roads here are not bad.
Part of me is worried about bubbles, etc. but if they do have a flat, it is nice to know they don't have to pull over and replace a tire.
Part of me wants them to have a better ride w/o runflats although they are happy with the ride quality because the roads here are not bad.
Part of me is worried about bubbles, etc. but if they do have a flat, it is nice to know they don't have to pull over and replace a tire.
Last edited by DaveVY; Jun 19, 2014 at 05:46 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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2012 BMW 750 LIx
MTrauman,
Thanks for the reply! :-) You're driving a 2014 S 550 4Matic, have you have any issues? How long have you had your car? What wheels do you have? I also want the S 550 4Matic, I was just going to get the standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wheels that come with the car, to avoid any problems. But when I found out about the run flats, I chose to wait and do a little more research. I would definitely want a nicer set of rims, but I know they'll be a problem.
But I guess it's too early to tell, since there aren't many S550s on the road yet..
Not all the roads here are great, some have huge pot holes. I'm on Long Island, But drive in to the city for work all the time.. The FDR, Downtown Manhattan, etc..
I'm trying to decide if I do move forward, what is less risky for cracked rims? A 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or the 18 inch?
Thanks for the reply! :-) You're driving a 2014 S 550 4Matic, have you have any issues? How long have you had your car? What wheels do you have? I also want the S 550 4Matic, I was just going to get the standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wheels that come with the car, to avoid any problems. But when I found out about the run flats, I chose to wait and do a little more research. I would definitely want a nicer set of rims, but I know they'll be a problem.
But I guess it's too early to tell, since there aren't many S550s on the road yet..
Not all the roads here are great, some have huge pot holes. I'm on Long Island, But drive in to the city for work all the time.. The FDR, Downtown Manhattan, etc..
I'm trying to decide if I do move forward, what is less risky for cracked rims? A 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or the 18 inch?
Last edited by michaelslx; Jun 19, 2014 at 08:23 AM. Reason: Added new information and asked questions
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'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
MTrauman,
Thanks for the reply! :-) You're driving a 2014 S 550 4Matic, have you have any issues? How long have you had your car? What wheels do you have? I also want the S 550 4Matic, I was just going to get the standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wheels that come with the car, to avoid any problems. But when I found out about the run flats, I chose to wait and do a little more research. I would definitely want a nicer set of rims, but I know they'll be a problem.
But I guess it's too early to tell, since there aren't many S550s on the road yet..
Not all the roads here are great, some have huge pot holes. I'm on Long Island, But drive in to the city for work all the time.. The FDR, Downtown Manhattan, etc..
I'm trying to decide if I do move forward, what is less risky for cracked rims? A 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or the 18 inch?
Thanks for the reply! :-) You're driving a 2014 S 550 4Matic, have you have any issues? How long have you had your car? What wheels do you have? I also want the S 550 4Matic, I was just going to get the standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wheels that come with the car, to avoid any problems. But when I found out about the run flats, I chose to wait and do a little more research. I would definitely want a nicer set of rims, but I know they'll be a problem.
But I guess it's too early to tell, since there aren't many S550s on the road yet..
Not all the roads here are great, some have huge pot holes. I'm on Long Island, But drive in to the city for work all the time.. The FDR, Downtown Manhattan, etc..
I'm trying to decide if I do move forward, what is less risky for cracked rims? A 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or the 18 inch?
I have a '14 S550 4matic with 4,000 mile on it. I picked it up in early February. No issues to date. The car has the Sport Package with the 19 inch AMG wheels. I have hit some pretty big pot holes with no problem. Unfortunately for me, I too live where potholes are all over the place. I do not think you would have a problem with the runflats on the 19 inch AMG wheels if you get the Sport Package with them. If you get the Sport Package with the 20 inch wheels that appears to be where all the problems exist.
Personally I do not like the 18 inch standard wheels but many people do. So my best advice is pick either the 18 inch standard wheel or the Sport Package with the 19 inch AMG wheels and avoid the Sport Package with the 20 inch AMG wheels. I have not heard a lot of discussion about the 5 spoke 20" wheels--sorry.
Last edited by MTrauman; Jun 19, 2014 at 08:53 AM.
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2025 EQS580
MTrauman,
Thanks for the reply! :-) You're driving a 2014 S 550 4Matic, have you have any issues? How long have you had your car? What wheels do you have? I also want the S 550 4Matic, I was just going to get the standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wheels that come with the car, to avoid any problems. But when I found out about the run flats, I chose to wait and do a little more research. I would definitely want a nicer set of rims, but I know they'll be a problem.
But I guess it's too early to tell, since there aren't many S550s on the road yet..
Not all the roads here are great, some have huge pot holes. I'm on Long Island, But drive in to the city for work all the time.. The FDR, Downtown Manhattan, etc..
I'm trying to decide if I do move forward, what is less risky for cracked rims? A 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or the 18 inch?
Thanks for the reply! :-) You're driving a 2014 S 550 4Matic, have you have any issues? How long have you had your car? What wheels do you have? I also want the S 550 4Matic, I was just going to get the standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wheels that come with the car, to avoid any problems. But when I found out about the run flats, I chose to wait and do a little more research. I would definitely want a nicer set of rims, but I know they'll be a problem.
But I guess it's too early to tell, since there aren't many S550s on the road yet..
Not all the roads here are great, some have huge pot holes. I'm on Long Island, But drive in to the city for work all the time.. The FDR, Downtown Manhattan, etc..
I'm trying to decide if I do move forward, what is less risky for cracked rims? A 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or the 18 inch?
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 188
Likes: 70
From: NYC
W223 S580, Range Rover LWB, BMW 740i, Porsche 911 Carrera S (997), Maserati QP GTS, W124 250D
Update-
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
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From: NYC
2014 S550
Update-
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
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Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 187
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From: Traverse City, Michigan
2023 AMG SL55,2015 S550 4MATIC, 2023 BMW X5
Update-
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
My car is supposed to be produced next week - very exciting... I can't wait to meet her...
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2014 S Class
Update-
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
mbusa said they will not swap my tires to non runflats. However, they are offering me a credit of $800 towards the dunlop non runflats and I may keep the runflats on the car now.
Should I keep pushing for a full no cost swap or take the 800 and use it as a back up set?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
BMW 750li
I considered a new S550 until I heard MB was using runflats. I have a 2011 BMW 750Li with 20" runflats, and the tires are a nightmare. A big, heavy car + runflats with thick, inflexible sidewalls + low profile, 20" rims + Houston potholes = 9 replaced tires (and two wheels) during 36 months/14,000 miles.
I sometimes drive the car to deep east Texas, where there are no BMW dealerships to be found. What if I blew a tire? The 50 miles you can safely drive the runflats would not get me back to Houston, and there's obviously no spare.
I will never, ever buy another car with runflat tires. My BMW lease is about to end, so I suppose it will be an Audi A8 or Lexus LS for me.
I sometimes drive the car to deep east Texas, where there are no BMW dealerships to be found. What if I blew a tire? The 50 miles you can safely drive the runflats would not get me back to Houston, and there's obviously no spare.
I will never, ever buy another car with runflat tires. My BMW lease is about to end, so I suppose it will be an Audi A8 or Lexus LS for me.
Last edited by steve4922; Jun 20, 2014 at 04:22 PM.
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From: Traverse City, Michigan
2023 AMG SL55,2015 S550 4MATIC, 2023 BMW X5
Last edited by jrpisha; Jun 20, 2014 at 04:51 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4
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2012 BMW 750 LIx
I considered a new S550 until I heard MB was using runflats. I have a 2011 BMW 750Li with 20" runflats, and the tires are a nightmare. A big, heavy car + runflats with thick, inflexible sidewalls + low profile, 20" rims + Houston potholes = 9 replaced tires (and two wheels) during 36 months/14,000 miles.
I sometimes drive the car to deep east Texas, where there are no BMW dealerships to be found. What if I blew a tire? The 50 miles you can safely drive the runflats would not get me back to Houston, and there's obviously no spare.
I will never, ever buy another car with runflat tires. My BMW lease is about to end, so I suppose it will be an Audi A8 or Lexus LS for me.
I sometimes drive the car to deep east Texas, where there are no BMW dealerships to be found. What if I blew a tire? The 50 miles you can safely drive the runflats would not get me back to Houston, and there's obviously no spare.
I will never, ever buy another car with runflat tires. My BMW lease is about to end, so I suppose it will be an Audi A8 or Lexus LS for me.
I have always had the S class, so I wanted to go back to it. Until this week when I went to buy a new 2015 S class, they told me the car comes in the run flats.
So I was very disappointed and put a hold on my purchase. The whole point to get rid of my BMW, is to not have the run flats.. so I just couldn't go and buy a new S class, with run flats.. and I'm in New York.. so the roads here are horrible.
However, from my initial research, I found out that Mercedes does not have too bad of a problem with their run flats.. I wanted the standard "ugly" wheels that come with the car, to avoid run flats, but all S class vehicles are now coming out with run flats.
So, I am doing a lot of research, and joined this forum to see if anyone has had any problems with the standard 18 inch wheels.. But some of the guys here are in California, and over there, they don't have the bad roads like we do here...
You said you were going for a Lexus or an Audi? I'm not sure, but a friend of mine told me all luxury vehicles are starting to be released with run flats..
But getting this car, and these wheels, was the worse thing I did!! :-)
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
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BMW 750li
Hi Steve, I have the same problem as you. I drive a 2012 750, and replaced about 14 rims, and 1 tire. I've had enough of it too.
I have always had the S class, so I wanted to go back to it. Until this week when I went to buy a new 2015 S class, they told me the car comes in the run flats.
So I was very disappointed and put a hold on my purchase. The whole point to get rid of my BMW, is to not have the run flats.. so I just couldn't go and buy a new S class, with run flats.. and I'm in New York.. so the roads here are horrible.
However, from my initial research, I found out that Mercedes does not have too bad of a problem with their run flats.. I wanted the standard "ugly" wheels that come with the car, to avoid run flats, but all S class vehicles are now coming out with run flats.
So, I am doing a lot of research, and joined this forum to see if anyone has had any problems with the standard 18 inch wheels.. But some of the guys here are in California, and over there, they don't have the bad roads like we do here...
You said you were going for a Lexus or an Audi? I'm not sure, but a friend of mine told me all luxury vehicles are starting to be released with run flats..
But getting this car, and these wheels, was the worse thing I did!! :-)
I have always had the S class, so I wanted to go back to it. Until this week when I went to buy a new 2015 S class, they told me the car comes in the run flats.
So I was very disappointed and put a hold on my purchase. The whole point to get rid of my BMW, is to not have the run flats.. so I just couldn't go and buy a new S class, with run flats.. and I'm in New York.. so the roads here are horrible.
However, from my initial research, I found out that Mercedes does not have too bad of a problem with their run flats.. I wanted the standard "ugly" wheels that come with the car, to avoid run flats, but all S class vehicles are now coming out with run flats.
So, I am doing a lot of research, and joined this forum to see if anyone has had any problems with the standard 18 inch wheels.. But some of the guys here are in California, and over there, they don't have the bad roads like we do here...
You said you were going for a Lexus or an Audi? I'm not sure, but a friend of mine told me all luxury vehicles are starting to be released with run flats..
But getting this car, and these wheels, was the worse thing I did!! :-)
I've no doubt that the S550 is a better car than the Lexus, but after my experience with my BMW 750Li, runflat tires are pretty much a deal killer for me--with the poor condition of the roads in Houston, I do not want to take the risk of going through that again.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I just took a test drive in a 2014 Lexus LS460 L, and that car has regular tires with a full size spare. The specs for the Audi A8 indicate that it also has the same setup. I've no doubt that the S550 is a better car than the Lexus, but after my experience with my BMW 750Li, runflat tires are pretty much a deal killer for me--with the poor condition of the roads in Houston, I do not want to take the risk of going through that again.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 105
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From: Port St. Lucie Florida
2009 SL600, 2015 Lexus RX450h, 2014 S550
I have the 20" five spoke run flats on my S550 which now have about 400 miles on them. Prior to purchasing this car last week, I test rode back to back to back a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, my now S550 and a 2014 Lexus LS460. The S550 with the 20" run flats were smoother riding than the other 2 vehicles mentioned. I don't know what type of tires were on the other two vehicles.
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2014 S550, 2011 E350 Cabriolet, Asgard Mothership
As you learned, you certainly should not take the dissent about the run flats expressed on this forum as universal. I have the exact same tires as you--53R 5-spoke 20" run flats--and I love the ride. Nor do I notice excessive noise. Granted, I too am in Florida (Tampa area) so the roads are considerably better here than in the Northeast (as my recent trip up the seaboard in the S550 can attest). I am very satisfied with the run-flat tires on my car and would not have any reason to change.
I had a trip report I posted in another thread where I said people in the Northeast should be demanding their money back if they pay gas taxes for road improvements. I cannot believe what passes for roads up there. They were awful! And I didn't even get the worst of it. I drove an extra 90 minutes to go around NY when I went from Hartford to Washington, D.C. via Scranton.
Enjoy the ride.
I had a trip report I posted in another thread where I said people in the Northeast should be demanding their money back if they pay gas taxes for road improvements. I cannot believe what passes for roads up there. They were awful! And I didn't even get the worst of it. I drove an extra 90 minutes to go around NY when I went from Hartford to Washington, D.C. via Scranton.
Enjoy the ride.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 105
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From: Port St. Lucie Florida
2009 SL600, 2015 Lexus RX450h, 2014 S550
As you learned, you certainly should not take the dissent about the run flats expressed on this forum as universal. I have the exact same tires as you--53R 5-spoke 20" run flats--and I love the ride. Nor do I notice excessive noise. Granted, I too am in Florida (Tampa area) so the roads are considerably better here than in the Northeast (as my recent trip up the seaboard in the S550 can attest). I am very satisfied with the run-flat tires on my car and would not have any reason to change.
I had a trip report I posted in another thread where I said people in the Northeast should be demanding their money back if they pay gas taxes for road improvements. I cannot believe what passes for roads up there. They were awful! And I didn't even get the worst of it. I drove an extra 90 minutes to go around NY when I went from Hartford to Washington, D.C. via Scranton.
Enjoy the ride.
I had a trip report I posted in another thread where I said people in the Northeast should be demanding their money back if they pay gas taxes for road improvements. I cannot believe what passes for roads up there. They were awful! And I didn't even get the worst of it. I drove an extra 90 minutes to go around NY when I went from Hartford to Washington, D.C. via Scranton.
Enjoy the ride.
I figured I would just give my limited experience/input on these run flats. I'm reading all I can from everyone here on their advice & experience on their S550s.
BTW My roots are from the NYC area.
Besides, It's one way to get me off Face Book.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
I have the 20" five spoke run flats on my S550 which now have about 400 miles on them. Prior to purchasing this car last week, I test rode back to back to back a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, my now S550 and a 2014 Lexus LS460. The S550 with the 20" run flats were smoother riding than the other 2 vehicles mentioned. I don't know what type of tires were on the other two vehicles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 2,604
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Member
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From: Port St. Lucie Florida
2009 SL600, 2015 Lexus RX450h, 2014 S550
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2014 S550, 2011 E350 Cabriolet, Asgard Mothership
