Run Flats?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 353
Likes: 83
From: Bonita Springs, FL
2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
Thanks for all of your efforts, Chucky Miracle Worker! Now waiting to see what MB will make available for the 2015 S 20" multi spoke wheel.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
I think it would ride great, look great, and it essentially, any and all S Class drivers want that perfect balance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
I just sent a text to the assistant sales manager and told him that I saw a new approved list of non RFT's from MBUSA for the new S550. I also indicated that MB has backed off from their stance that there is no approved non RFT for the 20 inch wheels and now have one. Here is my complete text:
"Brian, yesterday I saw a list of approved non run flat tires for the new S550 on a Mercedes Forum. I continue to hear about problems with RFT’s. On this list, MBUSA has backed off from their stance that there is no approved non RFT for the 20 inch wheels and now do have a Dunlop tire approved non RFT. I am seriously considering going with a change to an All Season non RFT for my 18 inch standard wheels along with a Tirefit kit when my car arrives at your dealership.
I welcome your comments about this."
It will be interesting to see his reply.
"Brian, yesterday I saw a list of approved non run flat tires for the new S550 on a Mercedes Forum. I continue to hear about problems with RFT’s. On this list, MBUSA has backed off from their stance that there is no approved non RFT for the 20 inch wheels and now do have a Dunlop tire approved non RFT. I am seriously considering going with a change to an All Season non RFT for my 18 inch standard wheels along with a Tirefit kit when my car arrives at your dealership.
I welcome your comments about this."
It will be interesting to see his reply.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 12
2014 S550, 2011 E350 Cabriolet, Asgard Mothership
Kratos:
Is it fair to say that no matter how the tires compare, they will seem better than what you had? I say that as that newness reported in your initial review (the honeymoon period if you will) masked some deeper concerns you found later. I think simple confirmation bias will say that after you spent some cash on the new tires, they will be the best things since sliced bread. I am sure you will be objective in your review but I am sure the desire to be objective will always need to be in your mind.
I did verify on mine that when I pick it up in Stuttgart on Tuesday, it will have run-flats. So, I get to experience the run flats for myself for two weeks. After than I can see how I like the ride and follow up with MBUSA to see if I want to switch to the recommended Dunlops. One note is that it looks like the Dunlops in the MBUSA email are summer tires. That is not an issue for me here in Florida but it might be for others. Dunlop's site said you should not even drive on the tires when it is freezing.
Tom
7 Days to Stuttgart
Is it fair to say that no matter how the tires compare, they will seem better than what you had? I say that as that newness reported in your initial review (the honeymoon period if you will) masked some deeper concerns you found later. I think simple confirmation bias will say that after you spent some cash on the new tires, they will be the best things since sliced bread. I am sure you will be objective in your review but I am sure the desire to be objective will always need to be in your mind.
I did verify on mine that when I pick it up in Stuttgart on Tuesday, it will have run-flats. So, I get to experience the run flats for myself for two weeks. After than I can see how I like the ride and follow up with MBUSA to see if I want to switch to the recommended Dunlops. One note is that it looks like the Dunlops in the MBUSA email are summer tires. That is not an issue for me here in Florida but it might be for others. Dunlop's site said you should not even drive on the tires when it is freezing.
Tom
7 Days to Stuttgart
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
Actually Mercedes doesn't recommend driving on summer tires below 45 degrees unless you don't mind losing traction and greater braking distance.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Kratos:
Is it fair to say that no matter how the tires compare, they will seem better than what you had? I say that as that newness reported in your initial review (the honeymoon period if you will) masked some deeper concerns you found later. I think simple confirmation bias will say that after you spent some cash on the new tires, they will be the best things since sliced bread. I am sure you will be objective in your review but I am sure the desire to be objective will always need to be in your mind.
I did verify on mine that when I pick it up in Stuttgart on Tuesday, it will have run-flats. So, I get to experience the run flats for myself for two weeks. After than I can see how I like the ride and follow up with MBUSA to see if I want to switch to the recommended Dunlops. One note is that it looks like the Dunlops in the MBUSA email are summer tires. That is not an issue for me here in Florida but it might be for others. Dunlop's site said you should not even drive on the tires when it is freezing.
Tom
7 Days to Stuttgart
Is it fair to say that no matter how the tires compare, they will seem better than what you had? I say that as that newness reported in your initial review (the honeymoon period if you will) masked some deeper concerns you found later. I think simple confirmation bias will say that after you spent some cash on the new tires, they will be the best things since sliced bread. I am sure you will be objective in your review but I am sure the desire to be objective will always need to be in your mind.
I did verify on mine that when I pick it up in Stuttgart on Tuesday, it will have run-flats. So, I get to experience the run flats for myself for two weeks. After than I can see how I like the ride and follow up with MBUSA to see if I want to switch to the recommended Dunlops. One note is that it looks like the Dunlops in the MBUSA email are summer tires. That is not an issue for me here in Florida but it might be for others. Dunlop's site said you should not even drive on the tires when it is freezing.
Tom
7 Days to Stuttgart
Don't let what's been said on this thread make it seem I still don't think this car is better than slice bread. I still do!!! This car makes me smile everytime I go into the garage and look at her, and she is BY FAR the Best Car In The World! And I am still "honeymooning" with the same enthusiasm as I did the first day. :-) :-) :-) ....Us griping about the run-flats is about the run-flats, NOT the car..... and I think a lot of people are getting this confused as they read this thread and read through Chucky and I's talk on the tires....
Last edited by Kratos-TM; Mar 11, 2014 at 06:24 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Actually if you go back to my review in the suspension section, I voiced the same concern that I've voiced here on this thread. In fact, here is a copy and paste from my initial review with no editing..... "But my only gripe is that I feel the ride to be a little rougher than I was anticipating (on comfort setting), still smoothe, but just not exactly where I wanted it. This is mostly felt on what I call the “gritty” roads….those roads with a rough surface. You can feel the surface too much and there’s some road noise from the tires being made too. But I don’t blame this on the Airmatic. I actually think this is a result of the 20” run flats." .........When I wrote my review, the compliments to the car were based off facts, and not from a hyped/excited emotional perspective.
Don't let what's been said on this thread make it seem I still don't think this car is better than slice bread. I still do!!! This car makes me smile everytime I go into the garage and look at her, and she is BY FAR the Best Car In The World! And I am still "honeymooning" with the same enthusiasm as I did the first day. :-) :-) :-) ....Us griping about the run-flats is about the run-flats, NOT the car..... and I think a lot of people are getting this confused as they read this thread and read through Chucky and I's talk on the tires....
Don't let what's been said on this thread make it seem I still don't think this car is better than slice bread. I still do!!! This car makes me smile everytime I go into the garage and look at her, and she is BY FAR the Best Car In The World! And I am still "honeymooning" with the same enthusiasm as I did the first day. :-) :-) :-) ....Us griping about the run-flats is about the run-flats, NOT the car..... and I think a lot of people are getting this confused as they read this thread and read through Chucky and I's talk on the tires....
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 283
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, ON
2012 C300 Sport 4MATIC (current) 2006 C280 Elegance 4MATIC (sold)
Wow, very happy for you guys. K-A will probably just as excited about the news considering him and I feel the same way about the ride quality of newer sport package Benzes and now adding insult to injury with the RFTs. Good on you guys for sticking to your guns because it was enough for MB USA to sing to a different tune. If more people chime in with the same determination as Chucky and Kratos did then hopefully these stupid run flats will be replaced with non run flats as an OEM part from the factory.
The cons far outweigh the pros when it comes to run flat tires so why would manufacturers go ahead with such a thing especially when comfort and refinement is a goal MB strives for.
To celebrate this victory if anybody has a W222 S550 in the Toronto area then come take me for a spin in your car as off lease C Classes will be all I can ever afford when it comes to MB
The cons far outweigh the pros when it comes to run flat tires so why would manufacturers go ahead with such a thing especially when comfort and refinement is a goal MB strives for.
To celebrate this victory if anybody has a W222 S550 in the Toronto area then come take me for a spin in your car as off lease C Classes will be all I can ever afford when it comes to MB
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Wow, very happy for you guys. K-A will probably just as excited about the news considering him and I feel the same way about the ride quality of newer sport package Benzes and now adding insult to injury with the RFTs. Good on you guys for sticking to your guns because it was enough for MB USA to sing to a different tune. If more people chime in with the same determination as Chucky and Kratos did then hopefully these stupid run flats will be replaced with non run flats as an OEM part from the factory.
The cons far outweigh the pros when it comes to run flat tires so why would manufacturers go ahead with such a thing especially when comfort and refinement is a goal MB strives for.
To celebrate this victory if anybody has a W222 S550 in the Toronto area then come take me for a spin in your car as off lease C Classes will be all I can ever afford when it comes to MB
The cons far outweigh the pros when it comes to run flat tires so why would manufacturers go ahead with such a thing especially when comfort and refinement is a goal MB strives for.
To celebrate this victory if anybody has a W222 S550 in the Toronto area then come take me for a spin in your car as off lease C Classes will be all I can ever afford when it comes to MB
That isn't what we are saying. It is 100% about the tire. I have NO OTHER PROBLEMS with this car.
Just wanted to make that clear.
As for what excites K-A...
Last edited by Chucky300; Mar 11, 2014 at 07:54 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Just to clarify, I, nor Kratos, have ever commented on anything BUT the tires. You and K-A continue to add in "the ride quality of newer sport package benzes". That isn't what we are saying. It is 100% about the tire. I have NO OTHER PROBLEMS with this car. Just wanted to make that clear. As for what excites K-A...
When I see K-A's silly posts about how somehow BMW's ride is better with RFT's than MB without I chuckle. There are thousands of posts on the BMW forums *****ing about the RFT's. BMW owners making the switch to non-RFT's sing praises about their improved ride quality, including me.
It is just the tires. Nothing else.
Congrats on getting the dumb tires replaced!
Btw, when I looked at your rims it seemed that are several nicks on the edge from tools used to replace the tires. Without those bubbles that wouldn't have been the case. Maybe ask them to get you a new set of wheels if that's the case.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 12
2014 S550, 2011 E350 Cabriolet, Asgard Mothership
Actually if you go back to my review in the suspension section, I voiced the same concern that I've voiced here on this thread. In fact, here is a copy and paste from my initial review with no editing..... "But my only gripe is that I feel the ride to be a little rougher than I was anticipating (on comfort setting), still smoothe, but just not exactly where I wanted it. This is mostly felt on what I call the “gritty” roads….those roads with a rough surface. You can feel the surface too much and there’s some road noise from the tires being made too. But I don’t blame this on the Airmatic. I actually think this is a result of the 20” run flats." .........When I wrote my review, the compliments to the car were based off facts, and not from a hyped/excited emotional perspective. Don't let what's been said on this thread make it seem I still don't think this car is better than slice bread. I still do!!! This car makes me smile everytime I go into the garage and look at her, and she is BY FAR the Best Car In The World! And I am still "honeymooning" with the same enthusiasm as I did the first day. :-) :-) :-) ....Us griping about the run-flats is about the run-flats, NOT the car..... and I think a lot of people are getting this confused as they read this thread and read through Chucky and I's talk on the tires....
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Glad you point that out...
When I see K-A's silly posts about how somehow BMW's ride is better with RFT's than MB without I chuckle. There are thousands of posts on the BMW forums *****ing about the RFT's. BMW owners making the switch to non-RFT's sing praises about their improved ride quality, including me.
It is just the tires. Nothing else.
Congrats on getting the dumb tires replaced!
Btw, when I looked at your rims it seemed that are several nicks on the edge from tools used to replace the tires. Without those bubbles that wouldn't have been the case. Maybe ask them to get you a new set of wheels if that's the case.
When I see K-A's silly posts about how somehow BMW's ride is better with RFT's than MB without I chuckle. There are thousands of posts on the BMW forums *****ing about the RFT's. BMW owners making the switch to non-RFT's sing praises about their improved ride quality, including me.
It is just the tires. Nothing else.
Congrats on getting the dumb tires replaced!
Btw, when I looked at your rims it seemed that are several nicks on the edge from tools used to replace the tires. Without those bubbles that wouldn't have been the case. Maybe ask them to get you a new set of wheels if that's the case.
In any event, I'm covered by a warranty so if it ever cracks, I can put the claim through.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
He does this to spark conversation, and make himself the center of attention.
A lot of people call this self consciousness.
I just call it a *****.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
I want to add something from a different perspective before the tire swapping happens..... This morning I was feeling on the new tires and checking them out. Although they are not RFT's, they are not a lot of tire either. And because of this coupled with the task of supporting a heavy car, these suckers are stiff, heavy, and tough. I couldn't even manipulate the sidewalls.
This made me open up my mind to the possibility that us 20" guys have a chance that we will see minimum gains. Now I'm optimistic about the switch (and it could be great as we expect), but my expectations are realistic as well. If the ride doesn't improve much, I will be HONEST. The grand I chunked out for these will NOT cause me to be biased.
This made me open up my mind to the possibility that us 20" guys have a chance that we will see minimum gains. Now I'm optimistic about the switch (and it could be great as we expect), but my expectations are realistic as well. If the ride doesn't improve much, I will be HONEST. The grand I chunked out for these will NOT cause me to be biased.
Last edited by Kratos-TM; Mar 12, 2014 at 09:43 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
Kratos, you are a great guy. So is Chucky. On the other hand, you can call me "chicken little". I have not heard back from the assistant sales manager after I sent him a text message about my concern with the RFT's yesterday. I have a feeling that he has nothing to add since we talked about this over a week ago. He told me at that time that Mercedes would not install a bad RFT for the S550 and that I should try them out. I do not want to press the issue much at this point. I may just bite the bullet and try out the RFT's on the 18 inch wheels before I determine if they are unacceptable. Time will tell.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
I want to add something from a different perspective before the tire swapping happens..... This morning I was feeling on the new tires and checking them out. Although they are not RFT's, they are not a lot of tire either. And because of this coupled with the task of supporting a heavy car, these suckers are stiff, heavy, and tough. I couldn't even manipulate the sidewalls.
This made me open up my mind to the possibility that us 20" guys have a chance that we will see minimum gains. Now I'm optimistic about the switch (and it could be great as we expect), but my expectations are realistic as well. If the ride doesn't improve much, I will be HONEST. The grand I chunked out for these will NOT cause me to be biased.
This made me open up my mind to the possibility that us 20" guys have a chance that we will see minimum gains. Now I'm optimistic about the switch (and it could be great as we expect), but my expectations are realistic as well. If the ride doesn't improve much, I will be HONEST. The grand I chunked out for these will NOT cause me to be biased.
This morning, I drove the Audi A8L with 19" an regular all season tires.
They are with thick rubber - nothing low profile about them.
I must say, I felt more of a smoothness, but the craters and road hazards STILL translated into the car.
It is very possible we may see only a marginal improvement when we make the switch.
I am confidant though that an improvement, as little or as great, will still be better than what we have now. The softness of the NON runflat tires alone will initiate a better drive.
20" will always have a sporty ride, but what we have now, is quite a bit TOO sporty.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
The fronts have come in. Now I'm debating to let the local tire shop (ma and pa) put them on so I can drive on them today, or wait till I can get to Jackson to MB for the switch (mostly likely Friday). Do I trust my 120K brand new baby to be lifted off the ground at the local shop.......oh the thought makes me cringe a little.....lol.
And another thought is the tire pressure monitors. I've seen idiots not knowing what they're doing mess those up...
And another thought is the tire pressure monitors. I've seen idiots not knowing what they're doing mess those up...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
S 550
The fronts have come in. Now I'm debating to let the local tire shop (ma and pa) put them on so I can drive on them today, or wait till I can get to Jackson to MB for the switch (mostly likely Friday). Do I trust my 120K brand new baby to be lifted off the ground at the local shop.......oh the thought makes me cringe a little.....lol.
And another thought is the tire pressure monitors. I've seen idiots not knowing what they're doing mess those up...
And another thought is the tire pressure monitors. I've seen idiots not knowing what they're doing mess those up...
I am rather particular about who touches our cars, as I am particular about keeping the car looking its best and don't like scuffs, scratches or swirls.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
The fronts have come in. Now I'm debating to let the local tire shop (ma and pa) put them on so I can drive on them today, or wait till I can get to Jackson to MB for the switch (mostly likely Friday). Do I trust my 120K brand new baby to be lifted off the ground at the local shop.......oh the thought makes me cringe a little.....lol.
And another thought is the tire pressure monitors. I've seen idiots not knowing what they're doing mess those up...
And another thought is the tire pressure monitors. I've seen idiots not knowing what they're doing mess those up...
FYI I trust my mom and pop shop to change my wheels off the car for winter, and / or change my tires if there is a flat.
They never had a problem with the tire pressure monitor system. Just ask if they are alright with that element and you shouldn't have a problem.
If they don't know how to put the TPMS on properly - they aren't going to try to score the job - it isn't anything thats very profitable for them anyway enough to lie.
If I were you - I'd go to Ma and Pa. And I say this because I do it all the time (i don't suggest what I do not do)
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
If you trust the shop you should do it today.
FYI I trust my mom and pop shop to change my wheels off the car for winter, and / or change my tires if there is a flat.
They never had a problem with the tire pressure monitor system. Just ask if they are alright with that element and you shouldn't have a problem.
If they don't know how to put the TPMS on properly - they aren't going to try to score the job - it isn't anything thats very profitable for them anyway enough to lie.
If I were you - I'd go to Ma and Pa. And I say this because I do it all the time (i don't suggest what I do not do)
FYI I trust my mom and pop shop to change my wheels off the car for winter, and / or change my tires if there is a flat.
They never had a problem with the tire pressure monitor system. Just ask if they are alright with that element and you shouldn't have a problem.
If they don't know how to put the TPMS on properly - they aren't going to try to score the job - it isn't anything thats very profitable for them anyway enough to lie.
If I were you - I'd go to Ma and Pa. And I say this because I do it all the time (i don't suggest what I do not do)
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
I physically saw a tech in MB Manhattan when the were at the 41st street location back an SL600 into a Maybach by mistake. NO ONE wanted to call either owner. It happened in the service bay. Some kid was moving the car, and turned the radio up loud, because you know, its cool to do that, and didn't hear everyone shout STOP STOP STOP.
So my point is - don't get an SL600 or a Maybach and these problems won't happen.
Hah -check if they are ok with the TPMS - if they are, i'd stick with them and enjoy the drive tonight.
