Jason B

Manufacturers claim that run-flats save both space and weight. Bull. I checked the specs of the Pirelli run-flats I had on another car. Weight was 33 pounds. The non run-flat Michelin with the same specs is 26 pounds. That means a temporary spare weighing around 28 pounds would have been a zero-weight added solution compared to the run-flats. Also, a car this size with its massive trunk area can afford a small temporary spare, or even a full size spare.

I don't think Mercedes designed the suspension to specifically work with run flat tires, since the suspension on the w222 is somewhat identical to the w221 from what I've read and heard. I think this was a last minutre decision by Mercedes to try and save some money and someone didn't think about the repercussions. There is no way you'd want to sacrifice ride quality on one of the best riding sedans made.

Kratos-TM

Ok here's an update with the last 2 emails I had with MBUSA. Sounds like there is some hope here.....


Dear Andrew,
This is a copy of the email that I received from MBUSA back in March when I and other owners were having complaints with the runflats on our 2014 models. This email shows that MBUSA has approved these conventional tire swaps on the S550. Each dealer has been allowed $2500 from MB for customer satisfaction. I would like MBUSA to have the dealer to use some of that allowance to give me the tires that I want on my car when it arrives at the dealership. This will make me "completely satisfied" with the 2015 car since it was my only gripe about my 2014.
Dr. Harrell


From them.....


Dr. Harrell:

Thank you for the additional information!

Once your vehicle has completed production and is at the dealer awaiting delivery, I would be happy to review with the dealer to determine what, if any, assistance MBUSA can provide with respect to your request. Please have the Sales Manager reach out to me at the phone number below, once the vehicle is at the dealer.

Sincerely,

Andrew Hays
Regional Case Manager
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
(800) 367-6372 ext. 7836

Streamliner

And, let's not forget that we are able to order the Burmeister Sound System that will "SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE TRUNK SPACE," according to the MBUSA web site, so why can't we "reduce" that space with a jack & spare instead? The bottom line here is that ALL of this crap should be OPTIONAL on a car of this caliber. If I want run flats, check the box. If I don't want them, don't check the box. The same goes for things like the Panorama Roof, etc. If we, the customers don't want it on our car, MB shouldn't shove it down our throats. More and more, MB is treating their customers not as individuals, but like SHEEP.

Terminator2029

FYI - I learned recently that the $2,500 "goodwill allowance" campaign (also known as "MB Select" program) was only available on the MY2014 S-Class at initial launch, and this program has completely changed and does not offer these funds to S-Class customers anymore. Its allowance is $750 for S-Class beginning 07/01/14 and it can expire anytime.

I do hope that your dealership and MBUSA can still find a satisfactory solution.

Kratos-TM

Thanks for the heads up. I'm surprised I got this far...lol.

Jason B

Correct. I will bet any money that by 2016 they will be gone.

LovinMercedes

I will take this bet but I hope I lose.

We are all enthusiasts who really care about this stuff. Most buyers couldn't care less and don't see a single issue with the quality of the ride. Half of the people on this forum don't even agree.

I am part of the "I don't like run flats" camp but we are in the vast minority and I would guess these tires are driven by meeting some kind of regulation standard, although I really don't know.

Streamliner

Does anyone know if RFT are standard on the S Class Sedan worldwide, or are they possibly optional in other markets such as Germany, Japan, Australia, etc? If conventional tires are available or standard in other markets, might not the parts be available to modify a US model to accept a spare & jack? I really want a new S, but driving without a spare is a real sticking point with me and I am searching for a fix.

LovinMercedes

I believe the rest of the market has the same tires. On the other hand, I also think there might be a spare tire kit floating around which I have been trying to track down with no success yet.

emilner

I don't believe you will be able to retrofit a hidden spare. They used the well space for electronics if I'm not mistaken, it's not just empty under there. I too am pissed at the current RFT trend. After experiencing the nightmare first hand at BMW, I can't believe MB said "I want in!"

LovinMercedes

The bulliten that I saw showed a series of straps which attach to the underside of the panels and hold a spare on top of the flat panel, not hidden.

It showed all the part numbers except the spare so that is what I am hunting down.

Kratos-TM

I hit B7 status today. Woot woot!

Terminator2029

What a progress! From your previous experience, how long does it take to complete a ship assignment (essentially to transition from B7 to B8)? Mine W222 is sitting in B7 for the last 6 days....

Kratos-TM

On my previous 222, I went from B7 to B8 within a day or two. That would be strange to sit more than that now when production has slowed down. But then again, that would make sense if ship requirements have also decreased from that.

LovinMercedes

Very exciting... Very, very close!

DATURK

FROM THE LOOK OF IT, I BELIEVE THE SPARE WILL FIT IN THE OPENING...

Kratos-TM

My build date was Sept 29th. So I'm at least 2 weeks ahead of schedule.

Trip

I hate my 19' run flats. So much so that I purchased 18's and planned on putting on non run flats for the most comfortable ride. Wish I had seen this before my purchase, as I would have simply put non run flats on my 19's.

Streamliner

You are amazing! Where do you find all this?
Sorry, but I need to ask: Are you sure that the thing on the retrofit of the spare is for the current S Class sedan?

konigstiger

Sheet documents “model 222”
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-s-cla...ml#post6068164

Kratos-TM

This proves that we shouldn't be paying for the swap, but how can we get our dealers to budge???

maksima

I just had my dealer swap out my 20" RFTs for 19" winter set with Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2s from my old W221. All I can say is what a difference in ride quality. I feel like I was driving on solid rocks before. The whole RFT evolution across all markets is depressing. I don't have a spare now and worst case scenario, I'll just have it towed to the dealer. Now the problem is my old TPM sensors are either dead or not compatible with W222. Will have to get this looked at.

Streamliner

My 2015 S550 was supposedly built two days ago. With any luck, it will be here around Christmas. I ordered 18" wheels and one of my first projects will be to swap out the run flats for some Bridgestone Serenity Plus tires. I'm going to get the air pump/sealant contraption, just in case I get a flat. RFT are the kiss of death to ride quality. I am truly beginning to think that too many older engineers at MB have retired and that a bunch of youngsters are making too many important decisions and getting them wrong. RFT on an S Class is like wearing a tank top, cut offs and flip flops to opening night at The Met--you just don't do it!

LovinMercedes

I am not a big fan of run flats either, but if you read through this thread and others, reports are that there is no decernable difference with the 18 inch wheels.

Streamliner

There are two reasons for this: First, virtually NOBODY on this board will admit that there could be ANYTHING other than "simply wonderful" with the way they have outfitted their car. Secondly, almost nobody here has done a back to back comparison of 18" wheels with RFT vs. 18" wheels without RFT. When I actually experience the two, I will post my honest conclusions.